ANDAMAN Edition PHUKET’S LEADING NEWSPAPER... SINCE 1993 Now NATIONWIDE WANTED: ‘Mr Machin’ Police search bars in hopes of spotting Brit thief known only by alias ‘Charlie Machin’ INSIDE TODAY March 21 - 27, 2015 PhuketGazette.Net InIn parpartnershiptnership withwith TheThe NationNation 20 Baht ‘SHIP FLED AUSTRALIAN, NEW ZEALAND NAVIES’ Diver dies at Similans while volunteering OFFICIALS have yet to learn what the catalyst was in the death of an experienced diver who fell uncon- scious during a mass-diving volunteer project at the Similan Is- lands on March 14. The man, who reportedly had NETTED more than 700 dives recorded, died Illegal toothfish from the effects of decompression sickness after a dive to the depth of vessel caught selling 47 meters. Full story on Page 3 cargo at Phuket port Lifeguards yet By Chutharat Plerin to bid on next A JOINT task force this week seized one of six known illegal, unreported, unregulated beach contract (IUU) vessels caught fishing for toothfish in THE island’s beaches again may be the Southern Ocean, after it falsely reported without lifeguards starting next and offloaded its cargo. week, as the government contract The ship, which recently had its name for the Phuket Lifeguard Club (PLC) changed from Kunlun to Taishan, had already to provide its essential life-saving fled from the navies of New Zealand and Aus- services expires on March 26. tralia, as well as global conservation The bidding has been opened up organization Sea Shepherd, before passing twice, in accordance with law, but through Indonesian waters and mooring near no bids have been made. Phuket. Since 2008, the boat has changed its name Full story on Page 7 at least 10 times, according to a Sea Shep- herd Conservation Society report. Chinese tourist In January, Interpol issued a Purple Notice against Taishan for illegally fishing for fined for public toothfish inside an area regulated by the Con- vention for the Conservation of Antarctic A crew member of Sam Simon closes in on Taishan. Photo: Jeff Wirth / Sea Shepherd Australia Ltd Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). permit, using banned gill-nets in a controlled to make an example of Kunlun and rid the footwashing “The only successful outcome of this fishery zone, changing flags and names to country’s ports of IUU fishing fleets.” A CHINESE woman was fined for arrest would be the seizure of the vessel,” Capt deliberately avoid detection and operating Over the past decade, Southeast Asia has washing her feet in a public sink on Siddharth Chakravarty of the Sea Shepherd under shell companies as fly-by-night opera- been a hotbed for IUU operators with them Phi Phi Don, following a recent ship Sam Simon told the Gazette. tors to exploit international loopholes,” launching and ending their Antarctic fishing change in policy. The Sam Simon is taking part in the Sea explained Capt Chakravarty. seasons from the ports in these countries, The woman was caught within an Shepherd 2014 Operation Icefish, a campaign “She is sure to have human-rights violations Capt Chakravarty explained. Indonesia has re- hour of officers posting a “no foot to stop the illegal fishing of Patagonian and as well on the contracts of the Southeast Asian cently sent a very strong message to the washing” warning sign in the public Antarctic toothfish in Antarctic waters. crew she employs, and I urge the investigators poachers… restroom. “There is evidence against the Kunlun of to look into the human and the environmental multiple crimes, including fishing without a crimes of Kunlun. Thailand has the opportunity Story Continued on Page 6 Full story on Page 4 2 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET NEWS March 21 - 27, 2015 German expat robbed

Business New columnist Simon over iPhone sex swap Wetherell shares social By Kritsada Mueanhawong media tips. Page 11 TWO women have been charged for robbing a German expat after Property he allegedly reneged on a deal to buy one of them an iPhone and Pricing your property in clothes in exchange for sex. the face of rising land Rattriya Sirijumpa, 25, and prices. Page 25 Nongluck Homhuan, 26, were ar- rested at Tina Salon in Thalang on March 14, after police spotted the Well-being German’s stolen car in front of Ms Craig busts widely Rattriya’s salon. The arrests followed Wolfgang believed myths about Gerhard Helmut Dehl-Buntha, 62, cholesterol. Page 29 filing two complaints of theft. “On January 23, he reported Boating that several items had been stolen from his house in Soi Patak in Mr Dehl-Buntha gives a thumbs up after his car was returned. The Singapore Yacht Karon,” Lt Col Ason Jiraksa of the along with many of his valuables. The women were taken to Show is gearing up to Karon Police said. Police checked footage from Karon Police Station to be ques- “On February 2, he woke to find CCTV cameras in the area and tioned. The pair told police that Ms impress. Page 31 his car was gone. He then reported saw that Ms Rattriya’s Toyota Altis Nongluck knew Mr Dehl-Buntha that stolen, too.” was nearby on both days that Mr from chatting online through the Explore Mr Dehl-Buntha told police that Del-Buntha was robbed. social-media application Badoo. on January 23 he went to the air- “Officers tracked down where “Mr Dehl-Buntha promised to Diving into the sea’s port, where he met Ms Nongluck. the two suspects lived and buy Ms Nongluck an iPhone and depths with a UV torch “They went to his house in worked,” Col Ason said. “At about clothes if she agreed to be his girl- in hand. Page 33 Karon. Ms Rattriya joined them, 6pm on [March 14], officers spot- friend. The morning after they had but followed them in her own car,” ted a black Toyota Camry with a slept together, she asked him to explained Col Ason. red licence plate parked in front keep his promise,” said Col Ason. Sport All three drank beer at the house Ms Rattriya’s salon. “Apparently, he ignored her af- Phuket Cycling Fest for about an hour, before Ms “Ms Rattriya claimed that the ter some grumbling. So, she called Rattriya left. Ms Nongluck stayed car was hers, but police checked Ms Rattriya and decided to teach returns for second year overnight. the engine number, which matched Mr Dehl-Buntha a lesson.” of fun. Page 34 Mr Dehl-Buntha woke up and the number of Mr Del-Buntha’s Ms Rattriya and Ms Nongluck realized Ms Nongluck was gone, stolen car.” were both charged with theft. Phuket sailors warned of Masseuse suicide sparks manhunt POLICE are looking for a man continued to beat her. Then he left falling space-launch debris wanted for beating his masseuse with her cash, mobile phone and girlfriend who was found dead by credit cards.” THE Royal Thai Navy has issued apparent suicide in Phuket Town After Ms Taweepat filed the a warning for ships to steer clear on March 15. complaint, her friends urged her of an Indian Polar Satellite Launch Friends discovered the body of to stay elsewhere as they were Vehicle (PSLV) debris-fall zone in Taweepat Boontawee, 33, at her afraid Mr Bung would return. the Andaman Sea between March apartment at a four-story complex “She declined their offers and 9 and April 8. on Phun Pol Road Soi 7. She was asked to stay alone at her place,” The area marked in the warn- found hanged by a bathrobe sash Capt Jariyawat told the Gazette. ing, about 400km northwest of tied to a light fitting. Police have identified Mr Bung Phuket, is within the following “She left several messages of through CCTV footage from cam- Ms Taweepat. Photo: Facebook coordinates: Photo: Fightingfalcon2005 distress written with lipstick on her eras in the area, he added. 9°15’00”N 94°45’00”E the Satish Dhawan Space Centre make-up mirror,” said Capt Capt Jariyawat confirmed. “She “We are not ready to reveal the 10°05’00”N 95°05’00”E in India. It will carry the Indian Jariyawat Taencheun of the said that her ex-boyfriend [named man’s name, but we hope to arrest 9°45’00”N 96°00’00”E Regional Navigational Satellite Phuket City Police. by police only as “Mr Bung”] him soon,” Capt Jariyawat said. 8°55’00”N 95°40’00”E System (IRNSS) -1D, which is Ms Taweepat, who worked at came to see her on [March 12]. Ms Taweepat’s body was taken “All ships, please be careful and the fourth of seven satellites slated the nearby Angel Massage, was last “Ms Taweepat said they had to Vachira Phuket Hospital for avoid this area,” the statement to be launched to provide naviga- seen before dawn on March 13. argued and that he began hitting confirmation of the cause of death read. tional services to the region. “She filed a complaint with her. Then he dragged her from her and to await collection by rela- The PSLV will be launched from – Kongleaphy Keam Phuket City Police at about 3am,” room to the parking lot, where he tives. – Kritsada Mueanhawong March 21 - 27, 2015 PHUKET NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 3 Experienced diver’s death baffles park officials OFFICIALS have yet to learn what circum- body, which caused him to go into shock.” stances led to the death of an experienced diver However, Mr Nut has yet to learn why Mr who fell unconscious during a mass-diving Suthat stayed too long at that depth, and why volunteer project at the Similan Islands. his dive buddy Suwat Jutapruet did not suf- Suthat Suktuk, a 45-year-old businessman fer the same fate. from Songkhla province, went into shock The park chief added that he hoped to learn while diving beyond recreational depths to 47 what caused the tragedy. meters at a site south of Koh Miang, also “According to Mr Suwat, Mr Suthat had The blockade took place last year in called Koh See (Island Four), on March 14. logged more than 700 dives,” Mr Nut said. Patong. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong “We have been informed that Mr Suthat died “Also, Mr Suthat’s tank was more than half from the effects brought on by decompres- full, so we are investigating further in the hope sion sickness,” Nut Kongkasorn, chief of Mu of learning what caused his death.” Tuk-tuk drivers Ko Similan National Park, said on Monday. Mr Suthat’s body was transported from “It was a very deep dive and he stayed too Phuket to Haad Yai on March 15. Suthat Suktuk (left) died while on a dive near charged over long. There was too much nitrogen in his – Kritsada Mueanhawong Koh Miang. Photo: Facebook huge blockade THIRTEEN tuk-tuk drivers who were charged for their involve- ment in a massive blockade of Hunt on for foreign thief Patong in March last year were fined and sentenced to one year’s By Voratuss Intasee Police searched the home and probation on March 12. found several stolen items. The drivers were part of a group POLICE are trying to track down “We found a lot of stuff hidden of 68 drivers who were arrested a foreign thief, believed to be a in the room which we believe Mr and charged for blockading major British expat, who is wanted for Machin had stolen from many roads in the party town in protest robbing a Swedish man’s home of people,” Lt Chamaiporn said. of the arrests of four tuk-tuk driv- about 200,000 baht in valuables. “We found Mr Djerf’s portable ers for preventing green-plate taxi Known so far only by his alias charger, but we believe the rest drivers from using public parking “Charlie Machin”, the suspect is of the items stolen from him had spots the day before. known to frequent bars in Bang been sold.” “The drivers were handed the Tao and Rawai. Officers did not take Mr sentence [on March 12]. They “At this stage, all we know of Machin’s girlfriend into custody. were fined 3,000 baht each and his identity is that he goes by the “She co-operated with us dur- put on probation for one year,” name Charlie Machin. He’s about ing questioning, and we believe Chief Judge Sakun Suanpharn of 35 years old, and we believe that that she had nothing to do with the Phuket Provincial Court told he is of British nationality,” said the robbery,” Lt Chamaiporn said. the Gazette. Lt Chamaiporn Supakom of the The landlord for the room ex- According to the court’s pub- Karon Police. plained that Mr Machin said that lic documents, the 13 drivers were Police were alerted to Mr he was from England and that he first sentenced to one year in Machin’s antics when Swedish had been to Thalang Hospital for prison and a fine of 6,000 baht national Alexander Djerf, 26, filed an x-ray and a prescription. each. However, since they con- Police are hunting mysterious Mr Machin. Photo: Karon Police a complaint that his house had “We learned his name from hos- fessed to their crimes and been robbed on March 4. stolen were a Longines watch, Police traced Mr Machin’s get- pital records, but staff there accepted the charges following Mr Djerf, who has been living gold ring, laptop computer, cam- away vehicle to a motorcycle confirmed that they did not ask for their arrests, their sentences were and working in Phuket since 2010, era, diving bag, keys and a rental shop, where the staff gave his passport,” said Lt Chamaiporn. halved to six months in prison and told police that he left his house in portable phone charger. Mr Machin’s address as a rented “We checked with immigration, a fine of 3,000 baht. Because the Kata at about 11:30am that day. Video footage from CCTV at the room in Mai Khao. but they also have no record of a drivers had no previous criminal “He returned at about 3pm to house captured images of Mr Officers soon arrived at the Charlie Machin in Phuket.” records and were not considered find the steel security bars over a Machin breaking in, and exiting abode, only to find a woman who The search continues. a flight risk, the six month sen- window damaged and that his about 20 minutes later, while haul- admitted to being Mr Machin’s “We are now searching bars in tence was suspended to one year house had been robbed,” said Lt ing a black backpack bulging with girlfriend, but denied any knowl- Bang Tao and Rawai to track him of probation, in addition to the Chamaiporn. booty. He fled the scene on a mo- edge of the robbery or her down, and hopefully to learn his 3,000-baht fine. Among the items reported as torcycle parked outside. boyfriend’s whereabouts. real name,” Lt Chamaiporn said. – Chutharat Plerin 4 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET NEWS March 21 - 27, 2015 Water-meter thief nabbed Foot-washing tourist fined POLICE ar- By Kritsada Mueanhawong rested a man on March 10 A CHINESE woman was fined for after finding washing her feet in a public sink him in posses- on Phi Phi Don on March 13, fol- sion of 18 lowing a recent change in policy water meters on the tourist-popular island. stolen from Within half an hour of officers homes in posting a “no foot washing” warn- Cherng Talay. Mr Yongyut. ing sign at the public restroom, the Youngyut Matchawet, 25, was tourist, who police declined to arrested at his house in Cherng name, started washing her feet in Talay after police tracked him the sink. down through CCTV footage. “She didn’t pay any attention “We began receiving complaints to the sign directly in front of her,” from local residents on [March 7] said Koh Phi Phi-Nopparat Thara about their water meters disap- National Park Chief Chaithat pearing,” said Lt Col Saad Boonphupantanti. “Our officers Wongwiangjan of the Cherng took photos of her breaking the Talay Police. law before informing her that she “After reviewing CCTV footage was committing a crime.” of the thief, we were able to pin- The woman was given a 1,000- point the area where he lived.” baht fine and her tour guide was Police raided Mr Youngyut’s informed of the incident. house, where they found the Mr Chaithat explained that an meters, some of which had al- area for tourists to wash their feet ready been taken apart so that the used to be in front of the toilets, The signs had been printed and posted on the wall only 30 minutes before the tourist was fined. brass parts inside could be resold. but it had been moved behind the “Mr Youngyut confessed to building in January because it was ited. We will be looking to include are just trying to establish rules differences to be overcome, but stealing the water meters because making the bathroom slippery and Chinese-language warnings as that will keep the place clean and that it is essential for tour guides he had no job and no money,” said dirty. well,” Mr Chaithat said. “We were beautiful.” to inform their guests of the rules Col Saad. “The sign is in English with not rude or aggressive when we Mr Chaithat explained that he and encourage them to help keep – Kritsada Mueanhawong clear pictures of what is prohib- were dealing with the tourist. We understands that there are cultural Thailand beautiful. Kratom delivery to Phuket intercepted A SHIPMENT of 45 kilograms of kratom leaves from Nonthaburi to Phuket was intercepted by Phuket Tourist Police on March 13. “We were tipped off that a truck with the Bangkok licence plate 61- 6211 would be delivering the leaves today,” said Tourist Police Divi- sion 5 Superintendent Chusawat Janrojanakit. When police spotted the truck, they pulled it over and checked the Police seized the cargo. documents of the driver, Akkapon to deliver the bags of kratom to Konluk, 46, and the passenger, Phuket. I accepted the job be- Supharerk Kaewnam, 38. While cause I wanted the money,” Mr searching the truck’s contents, Akkapon said after his arrest. police found 10 bags of kratom Both men were charged with hidden among furniture items be- possession of a Category 5 drug ing delivered to Phuket. with intent to sell. Mr Supharerk “Yesterday afternoon, an un- denied knowledge of the illegal known man called me, asking me cargo. – Kritsada Mueanhawong Illegal wedding photographer arrested on Bang Tao Beach A WEDDING photographer was arrested for working illegally on Bang Tao Beach on March 11. Chinese national Ma Chuan, 26, was arrested while taking a series of wedding photos, explained Lt Col Tienchai Chompoo of the Phuket Immigration Office. “Illegal Chinese photographers are not a new thing. We regularly Mr Ma (center) was arrested. receive reports of Chinese tourists entering Phuket to take pre-wed- them, but they are still finding ding photos at many of the island’s ways to illegally conduct their attractions, such as the beaches, businesses.” temples and buildings in Phuket Old Mr Ma was charged for work- Town,” Col Tienchai said. ing illegally in Thailand. “We are gradually arresting – Kritsada Mueanhawong March 21 - 27, 2015 PHUKET NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 5 Suspect land investigated By Chutharat Plerin under-construction building along the road near Surin Beach. THE Deputy Permanent Secretary “The building is being built in of Justice inspected four of 20 Zone 1, 20 meters from the sea,” land plots on March 13 believed Col Dussadde said. “Nothing is to have been obtained through supposed to be built in Zone 1. illegal land-title deeds or illegally Despite this, Cherng Talay developed. Tambon Administration Organiza- The plots examined are on Koh tion (OrBorTor) officers issued a Raet, along Surin Beach and in building permit.” Kamala, said Dussadee Arayawuth, The final location visited by the Deputy Permanent Secretary of investigation committee was the Justice for the Ministry of Justice. Kamala Beach Hotel and Resort, Col Dussadee was the head in- which allegedly sits on public land. vestigator for the Public-sector “We are sure that the Chanote Anti-Corruption Commission for the land was illegally issued, (PACC) probe into alleged illegal as it is within a public park,” Col lands in Phuket and was trans- Dussadee said. ferred to the Ministry of Justice No property owners or repre- on October 1, 2012. sentatives were asked to present “We are conducting the inves- evidence to the investigation team tigation following complaints from Col Dussadee (right) led an inspection of four plots of land last week allegedly obtained or developed illegally. and no charges were filed, Col locals and NGOs made directly to issued a Chanote title by using a Officers circled the island in a Colline estate, which was allegedly Dussadee confirmed. the Ministry of Justice,” Col NorSor 3 Kor as a reference. That speedboat, noting the dense jungle. being constructed without having “The officials involved in the Dussadee said. “The complaints document reported that the land “We can see trees in the area passed its Environmental Impact false reporting of information allege that Phuket officials illegally was being used as a plantation, that are more than 50 years old. Assessment (EIA). Additionally, it and the unlawful issuance of issued business owners Chanote allowing it to be released and Given this, a Chanote title cannot was being built in an area about Chanote titles will be charged titles and signed off on unlawful owned with a Chanote,” Col be legally issued,” Col Dussadee 120 meters above sea level – no for abusing their power. The building permits.” Dussadee explained. “However, said. “We are sure that the infor- buildings are allowed to be con- owners of the properties will The first plot of land was on our inspection of the 161-rai mation provided by local officials structed more than 80m above sea face charges for accepting and Koh Raet, off of Ao Por Pier. island made it clear that there are was falsified.” level in Phuket, Col Dussadee said. using unlawful Chanote titles and “The owner of the land was no plantations.” The team later visited the La The third area examined was an building permits,” he said. Vendors crash land inspection

The vendors were waiting when Col Dussadee arrived in Kamala. A GROUP of about 30 beach ven- especially the elderly.” dors interjected themselves into an Mr Manas also expressed his inspection of Kamala Beach on confusion over the decisions made March 13 to submit a complaint by Governor Nisit Jansomwong letter to the Deputy Permanent about the beach policy. Secretary of Justice, who was “First, the governor ordered the visiting Phuket for a property de- rented sunloungers off the beach. velopment investigation. Now, tourists cannot even bring Deputy Permanent Secretary of their own chairs. I cannot under- Justice Dussadee Arayawuth stand this,” he said. came to the island to inspect four “This is a huge mistake. It of 20 land plots believed to have makes Phuket look like it does not been obtained through illegal land- welcome tourists anymore.” title deeds or illegally developed. Col Dussadee accepted the let- However, the vendors were ter and told the vendors that he waiting for him when he arrived would speak with the governor with his team at Kamala Beach. himself. “We all want sunloungers back, “The governor has his reasons for the sake of the vendors and for these rules. This is not about the tourists. The governor hasn’t the locals, tourists or the gover- been listening to the vendors and nor, this is about law, policy and doesn’t understand the tourists order,” Col Dussadee said. like we do,” said Manas Yenjit, a “I will take everything into con- vendor from Karon, who spoke sideration and speak with the on behalf of the group. governor.” “Tourists need sunloungers, – Chutharat Plerin 6 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET NEWS March 21 - 27, 2015 Vessel netted at Interpol’s request Continued from Page 1 of operating fleets of illegal fish- ing vessels. …by blowing up multiple illegal The Taishan is one of three IUU Vietnamese vessels and Malaysia vessels intercepted by Sea Shep- has arrested and fined vessels in herd in January. the past. The Sam Simon intercepted the “The captain of the Kunlun defi- Taishan, then named the Kunlun, nitely miscalculated the extent of along with the Yongding inside the the refuge he would be granted in exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of Phuket,” Capt Chakravarty said. Australia and well within the con- The vessel was seized follow- trolled waters of the CCAMLR in ing a jointly-coordinated operation January. Firefighters took about two hours to douse the flames. between Phuket authorities, “The vessels were not engaged Interpol and law-enforcement in fishing when spotted, but were authorities in Australia and New in transit to the fishing grounds Zealand. after a spell of bad weather,” Capt Fire blazes “Australian authorities con- Chakravarty said. tacted the Customs Department “However, the photos and the asking that the contents from the visual sightings confirmed the overloaded Taishan be examined due to alle- vessel’s identity, the presence of gations of illegal fishing,” a banned gill-nets on board and the high-ranking officer from the immediate attempt of the vessel to landfill site Royal Thai Navy Third Area Com- flee from the fishing grounds with- TWO rai of the overflowing 120- mand, who asked not to be out responding to any radio calls rai Sapan Hin landfill were named, told the Gazette. by me.” destroyed in a fire on Tuesday “The Taishan was delivering Sea Shepherd ship Bob Barker evening. seafood products. It arrived at the has been in pursuit of another Five firetrucks immediately Phuket Deep Sea Port at the The leaders of Operation Icefish, Captain Sid Chakravarty and Captain poaching vessel, Thunder, since responded to the fire and were beginning of March. The vessel Peter Hammarstedt. Photo: Jeff Wirth / Sea Shepherd Australia Ltd December 13, making the pursuit able to contain and douse passed through customs with no sures in the Southern Ocean. It is beyond our authority to in- the longest sea chase of a poacher the flames within two hours, said issues, as they presented all the “While the market for this fish vestigate those maters,” the officer in history. the Phuket City Municipality legally required documents.” is high-end restaurants in Europe said. “It is under International “By shining the spotlight on Environmental Division chief However, after the notification, and the United States, the gate- Law, so we expect international these operators and by intercept- Prachum Suriya. authorities recalled the shipment ways to those markets lie in support in dealing with this case. ing their operations, an “We are unsure of the cause of from Songkhla and discovered that Southeast Asia. Consumed as a “Representatives from Interpol international web of enforcement the fire. It might have been caused the ship had falsely reported which delicacy in these markets, the have yet to arrive, so at the moment is quickly being cast on these ves- by the hot and dry weather,” said kinds of fish product were being operators earn millions of dollars we are simply detaining the vessel sels. To now see one of the vessels Mr Prachum. delivered. from the catch of one vessel alone, and investigating the false reporting being apprehended is the reward “There was no property dam- “Toothfish are the sharks of the and those sums of money, along in regards to the fish product.” we have been waiting for,” Capt age, as we were well prepared and deep. If the world knew more with the blind eye that has been All 36 people on board the vessel Chakravarty said. had firetrucks already on standby about a fleet of six vessels poach- turned toward them, means they – the Peruvian captain, four Span- “This is the first instance where for such emergencies.” ing vulnerable shark populations have continued to exist for the iards and 31 Indonesians – have yet governments, non-governmental An official fire warning was in a managed fishery zone, there past decade.” to face any charges, but remain organizations and Interpol, along passed down from Bangkok to the would have been public outrage The vessel owner, Stanley Man- under watch onboard the ship. with local authorities, are acting Department of Disaster Prevention and the vessels would have been agement Inc, was contacted, as One Spaniard was removed in concert to end IUU operations and Mitigation (DDPM) Phuket apprehended instantly,” Capt was the local handler South Ser- from the ship before it was seized on the high-seas. office last month. Chakravarty said. vices Co Ltd, to determine their due to self-inflicted wounds over “This heralds in a new dawn for Officers met after the incident, “But typical of humankind’s ap- role, if any, in the deceit at cus- alleged family issues. According the enforcement and the prosecu- with the Phuket Environmental proach to the oceans, ‘What cannot toms, said the investigating officer to a Sea Shepherd report, the tion of fishing crimes and a Office confirming that locals be seen, cannot be a problem’, at the Phuket Customs Office, Taishan is believed to have links successful seizure of the Kunlun should not be worried about health these vessels have been allowed to who declined to be named. to the Spanish organization Vidal would help Thailand set a bench- risks following the fire. operate for a decade in complete “The alleged illegal fishing took Armadores, which has all but been mark in international investigations – Kritsada Mueanhawong violation of the conservation mea- place outside of Thailand’s waters. convicted for countless allegations into IUU fishing operations.” Bryde’s whale spotted alive, whale shark turns up dead A BRYDE’S whale and a whale shark have both been found near Phuket this month – one alive and well, and the other dead. The first was the Bryde’s whale, seen near Koh Haa off the coast of Krabi on March 9, which excited The young fish was found dead. and alarmed divers and officials. Both groups have cited an im- of the Koh Lanta Tourism Asso- proving marine environment as a ciation, was not as excited about possible reason for the sighting, the spotting, as the area where the but have also warned against any whale was seen is in the possible actions that could hamper the path through which coal will be Andaman Sea’s recovery. transferred to the coal-fired power “It is strange that they saw it in plant slated for Krabi province. the Andaman Sea, as these whales Then, on Wednesday, a 500- mainly live in the Gulf of Thailand. kilogram whale shark was found The whale could have simply lost dead near Koh Pu, off Krabi. its pod, but this could also mean On examining the fish’s body, that the Andaman marine environ- a veterinary team found cuts on ment is indeed improving,” said its head, as well as clots of blood. Tathpon Krajangdara, head of the “The cuts on the head were Natural Resource Observing and likely from a fishing net. We be- Analyzing Team in the Andaman lieve the shark died about 24 hours Sea Fisheries Research and De- before it was discovered,” said Dr velopment Center Phuket office. Rachawadee Jantra. Therapot Kasirawat, chairman – Kritsada Mueanhawong March 21 - 27, 2015 PHUKET NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 7 Illegal aliens Beach lifeguard contract caught during renewal hangs in balance karaoke raids By Chutharat Plerin baht was to held as a “deposit to enter the bid” and a further 1.1mn PHUKET’S beaches again may be baht was to be held as a deposit Six people were arrested during without lifeguards starting next to guarantee the contract terms the raids. Photo: Phuket City Police week, as the government contract are fulfilled. ANTI-human trafficking raids of for the Phuket Lifeguard Club “Both amounts are refunded to nightlife venues on March 12 net- (PLC) to provide its life-saving the bidder on successful comple- ted two employers for hiring illegal services expires on March 26. tion of the contract,” he said. workers from Myanmar. The Phuket Provincial Admin- However, the contract offered Saengthian Luepanya, 24, istrative Organization (PPAO) has this year provided no financial owner of Happy Sea Man karaoke, offered the annual 22-million-baht scope for the PLC to maintain or was arrested for employing concession for private operators to improve on the level of service Myanmar nationals Lwin Thuza provide lifeguard services through provided over the past year. Myint, 26, and Thi Dar, 42, said the coming year to public bidding This year’s offer of 22mn baht Phuket City Police Deputy Super- twice – as required by law. is the same amount offered last intendent Khunnadet Nanongkhai. No one placed any bids under year, which already took a hit with Later that night, police found the terms offered, confirmed the 20 per cent of lifeguards being laid two Myanmar nationals working at PPAO officer in charge of the con- off because of lack of funding. Thitaporn karaoke. The bar owner, tract, who asked not to be named. “There are 86 lifeguards based Kritsana Musija, was arrested along “After failing to receive any bids An unmanned lifeguard station at Karon Beach. Photo: Voratuss Intasee at 38 stations at Phuket beaches,” with the workers: Myint Than, 26, twice, we called it off,” he said. Chuayuan said on Tuesday that the Mr Prathaiyut assured that he Mr Prathaiyut confirmed. and Ohn Mar Win, 27. “We have now handed the file key issue was the 2.2mn baht re- would like the PLC to continue At the end of contract last year, “The four Myanmar nationals to Governor Nisit Jansomwong to quired to be held in deposits in providing lifeguards. there were 104. will be charged for working ille- review and approve the hiring life- order to bid for the contract. “But the conditions of the con- “It is hard work, but we do our gally,” Col Khunnadet said. “Ms guards through a special process, “We did not apply for the con- tract have to be taken into best to save people’s lives. We Saengthian and Ms Kritsana will which is standard practice under tract as we cannot commit millions consideration, too,” he said. work hard for little pay. I respect be charged for hiring employees these circumstances.” of baht just to be held in depos- The PPAO officer explained that all the lifeguards for doing their without a work permit.” PLC President Prathaiyut its,” he explained. under the contract offered, 1.1mn job,” Mr Prathaiyut added. – Kongleaphy Keam Krabi’s got crabs KRABI officials are moving to create a new eco-tourism destina- tion out of a tidal plane that millions of tiny orange-clawed crabs call home. Locals were amazed to see a horde of crabs suddenly appear and migrate across the sands of Ao Tang Len at low tide, prompt- ing them to notify district officials. “The stretch of sand at low tide is about a kilometer long and 30 The crabs on the move in Krabi. meters wide. We saw millions of conserve the area so that the crabs crabs in that stretch. They are tiny, and the natural environment can about one centimeter long, with remain unharmed. gray bodies and orange claws,” said “The beauty of Ao Tang Len is Ao Leuk District Chief Boonpas unmatched by other attractions in Raknuy, following his inspection of Krabi. After I saw the crabs in the site on March 12. “As we started action, I immediately wanted to to walk on the sand, the crabs sped develop the area as an eco-tour- away to hide in their holes. It was ism destination, but also to an amazing thing to see.” preserve it as part of ‘Unseen Mr Boonpas has requested that Thailand’,” Mr Boonpas said. the local people help to protect and – Kritsada Mueanhawong German, French tourists take jet-ski accident case to court A GERMAN tourist who was hit “On Monday, Mr Heim and Mr by a Frenchman riding a jet-ski in Attard came to Patong Police Sta- Phuket last month is now in court tion to negotiate the case. Mr with the Frenchman settling the Heim asked for about 700,000 matter. baht, but Mr Attard said that he Erich Heim, 55, was knocked could only pay 200,000,” Col unconscious by Chadd Attard, 20, Anukul said. while swimming at Paradise “They could not reach an agree- Beach on February 28. Mr Heim ment at the station, so the case was taken to hospital that day, and was transferred to Phuket Provin- discharged on March 5. cial Court.” The two tourists have since Col Anukul said the case is now been unable to negotiate a settle- in the hands of the court, and any ment, Lt Col Anukul Nuket of the decision made henceforth will be Patong Police told the Gazette on at the discretion of the judge. March 10. – Kongleaphy Keam 8 PHUKET GAZETTE NATIONAL NEWS March 21 - 27, 2015 Smog in North worsens THE amount of tiny dust particles Local government bodies were in the upper North rose beyond trying to combat the haze with safety levels again on Monday and various measures. Chiang Mai poor visibility reportedly prevented sent fire trucks to sprinkle water at least four flights from landing into the air, while Mae Hong Son at Chiang Mai Airport. requested an artificial rain-making An informed source told The operation to reduce the dust. Nation that from 11am to 1pm, In Phitsanulok’s Chat Trakan haze reduced visibility at Chiang district, a wild fire ravaged around Mai Airport to only 800 meters, 500 rai of forest. The blaze started which forced pilots to make a de- on Sunday evening, but wasn’t cision on whether or not it was brought under control until Mon- safe to land. At least four decided day. The smoke affected 100 Selfies are taking the world by not to: Thai Airways Flight 102 families living within a two-kilo- storm. Photo: Garry Knight from Bangkok had to u-turn to meter radius. Suvarnabhumi Airport; SL 8504 The haze problem has hit local Underboob selfie (Lion Air) flew back to Don people’s health and daily lives, Mueang; while PG 241 (Bangkok with thousands seeking medical Airways) from Samui and treatment for respiratory prob- ban brings threat FD3161 (Air Asia) from Phuket lems. Isara Sathapanaset, director landed at Mae Fah Luang Airport the Tourism Authority of Thailand of prison time in Chiang Rai, which reportedly Chiang Rai office, however, in- THE government issued a warn- had its lights turned on to improve sisted that tourism was not ing to women on Monday over visibility. affected, as it is the low season. Other flights at the Chiang Mai After a private joint committee posting “selfie” photos of the The smog over Northern provinces has worsened. Photo: The Nation lower half of their breasts – a so- Airport continued as usual. met on Monday to discuss the cial media trend that has gone viral Meanwhile, a 60-year-old Mae Mae Hong Son Provincial Police matter up to 10 microns in diam- impact the 10-day haze is having – saying their actions could vio- Hong Son man was the first per- Commander Jaruek Limsuwan. eter (PM10) were very high at on Chiang Mai’s tourism sector late the country’s computer crime son arrested this season for “Police are now taking viola- Mae Hong Son and Chiang Rai at and economy, Chiang Mai Cham- laws. violating the outdoor-burning ban, tions of the burning ban seriously, 311 micrograms per cubic meter. ber of Commerce chairperson Thailand’s 2007 Computer which is a key measure to allevi- so we ask people to avoid burning Readings at other towns in the Wipawan Woraputipong said that Crimes Act bans any material that ate the smog problem. anything during the province’s 60- North were: Phayao 271mcg, a survey showed that hotel book- causes “damage to the country’s Police used satellite data to de- day ban. Police can detect a fire Chiang Mai 279mcg, Lampang ings had not yet been affected. security or causes public panic” tect hot spots, which led to the from satellite surveillance,” Maj 189mcg, Lamphun 189mcg, However, visitors from other or “any obscene computer data arrest of Dang Maneejan as he Gen Jaruek warned. Phrae 152mcg, Nan 141mcg and regions of Thailand have either which is accessible to the public”. burned weeds on his property The ban is March 1 to April 29. Tak 130mcg. The maximum level dropped or postponed their visit The Culture Ministry said that during the ban period, explained Readings of small particulate that is considered safe is 120mcg. to the province, she said. “underboob selfie” offenders faced up to five years in jail, but did not say how they would identify the Arrest warrants to be issued for two court grenade suspects culprits, The Nation reported. ARREST warrants will be issued for two returned four suspects to military custody “When people take these fugitives for their alleged involvement in the after earlier handing them over to the police. ‘underboob selfies’ no one can see hand grenade attack at the Criminal Court on The suspects are Charnwit Jariyanukool, their faces,” ministry spokesman March 7, a police source told The Nation on Sansern Sri-unruen, Wichai Yoosuk and Anandha Chouchoti told Reuters. Monday. Norraphat Luephol. “So it’s like, we don’t know who The two men have been identified only as Speaking to the press before being brought these belong to, and it encourages “Wit” and “Wasu”. to the military court, Mr Charnwit denied the others to do the same.We can only It is alleged that they paid 50,000 baht for charges against him, but admitted to being warn people to not take it up. They two men to carry out the attack, in which no the MC at a meeting in Khon Kaen – although are inappropriate actions.” one was injured, plus another 50,000 baht he claimed the attack was not discussed. The ministry has long been after the attack. Mr Charnwit said that he had cooperated criticized for being overzealous in Of the 14 suspects, 10 are already in cus- with military interrogators. He said that he its censorship of films, music, tody. Another two – Manoon Chaichana, also did not know Mr Manoon or another suspect television and some Western cul- known by the alias “Anek San Francisco” and Suphaphorn Mit-arak. tural practices in an attempt to Wirasak Towangjorn, also known as “Yai Police said that they found Ms Suphaphorn’s preserve traditional values of Thai- Pattaya” – are on the run abroad, while offi- Line chats with Mahahin Khunthong, the mo- land, which is also world famous cials believe Wit and Wasu are still in Thailand. torcycle rider in the attack, in which they for its raunchy nightlife. The military court in Bangkok on Monday allegedly talked about the attack. Mr Charnwit denied the charges. Photo: The Nation Thai national, two others arrested in murder-for-hire case in United States

A THAI woman and two Americans Roland. “They’d had a lot of on- McKinney Police with the help are in police custody for the death going and off-going strife.” of East Texas police departments of a man found in his Texas home. Police said Ms Chansamorn and Texas Rangers arrested The woman, Chansamorn reported finding her husband alone Ronald Rosser on Tuesday. Pokai, and her friend Stephen in their home, located in the 8700 McKinney Police Department Brockway are charged with hir- block of La Quinta Lane, with and Texas Rangers then arrested ing Ronald Rosser to murder her multiple gunshot wounds. Mrs Chansamorn and Mr husband, 66-year-old Richard Detectives were later able to Brockway. Moore, two weeks ago. piece together that the woman and Mr Rosser is currently being The US media quoted police as Mr Brockway hired Mr Rosser to held at the Gregg County Sheriff’s saying that the couple had an un- kill Mr Moore and that the motive Office on unrelated federal fire- healthy relationship, and officers was money. arm charges in addition to the had been to their home as recently Police also believe that the mari- capital murder charge. as January to hear complaints that tal problems led to the murder. Ms Chansamorn and Mr each had been unfaithful, reported “Part of our ongoing investiga- Brockway are being held in the The Nation. tion to find out: was it a romantic Colin County Jail. “This was not a healthy rela- relationship, how involved were All three suspects are charged tionship,” explained Assistant they, when did that friendship with capital murder, and each is McKinney Police Chief Randy start,” said Chief Roland. held on a US$1 million bond. March 21 - 27, 2015 OPINION PHUKET GAZETTE 9 Need for more speed in court proceedings

Sakun Suanpharn, 53, originally from Uttaradit, took up the position of Chief Judge of Grab a towel and enjoy the feeling of sand beneath you. Photo: Voratuss Intasee IT IS very hard work to be a judge Phuket Provincial Court on April in Phuket. Our court is over- 1 last year. Judge Sakun earned loaded, with the number of cases to be heard having risen to more a Bachelor’s of Law, Barrister- than 13,000 over the past year. We at-law from Ramkhamhaeng Easy, people have only 21 judges to take care University. Before coming to of all of these cases. Phuket, Judge Sakun served as TAKE it easy, people. What our Our court is already booked up government is trying to do is bring with hearings through February of Chief Judge of Yala Juvenile back “The Land of Smiles”. The By Anchan Panna next year. Court, following more than 20 years’ experience after nation’s leaders are trying to fix About 80 per cent of all Phuket graduating from university. all of the problems that have Do you have an opinion to voice? court cases involve drug offend- Here, he explains why it is important to stay on top of plagued Thailand for decades. Email [email protected] ers, followed by incidents of theft I have heard some say that and other types of criminal cases. cases and close them in a timely manner, despite having Rome wasn’t built in a day… so, But – please don’t confuse the Civil cases in Phuket, however, only a small number of judges taking on thousands of give the government a chance to girly bars of Bangla with Thai are quite different from those in cases. work out these problems. culture. other provinces, as we have many What attracted tourists to Girls sliding up and down strip- cases involving land disputes. Phuket in the old days were the per poles, swinging and dancing Land in Phuket is much more as there were so many old cases not allow either party in a case to three “S’s”: sea, sun and sand. is not an example of Thailand. It valuable and expensive than land to be closed and new ones to be leave that task to our staff. There was a clean ocean, warm is not what the Tourism Authority in other provinces, and becoming taken on. My rule was that if any party weather and white sands. of Thailand or what Thais con- a landowner in Phuket is compli- The first thing I told all of the failed to bring a witness to court, Now, many places all the sider “Thainess”. cated. This is why land dispute judges and court staffers when I the witness testimony would be beaches, as well as the ocean it- Go immerse yourself in real cases take a very long time to first started was that I was here dismissed. Either they ensure the self, is full of garbage. culture and the real beauty of work out in court. to work. They can either love me witnesses come to court to be It is time for this cleanup. We Thailand. Help us reclaim the natu- Litigants in these cases are will- or hate me – I will accept it. Be- heard, or they lose the chance to need to make Phuket a beautiful ral beauty of Phuket. ing to take their ing loved is better, use the witness. This makes the place of quality again, so we can Let’s not force quality tourists cases to the Civil but love is only an court process much faster. Judges attract quality tourists and the who want more than girly bars to Court, the Appeals I told my judges that emotion, and it are allowed to dismiss witness tes- money that they are willing to pay neighboring provinces, where so Court and even the we are like boxing would be forgot- timony, but if they must extend a for the experience. much of what is beautiful about Supreme Court – ‘ ten after my time case, they have to inform me and We must change our habits to Thailand has yet to be ruined by it ends up being a referees. The match is here had passed. I will make the final decision. be more in tune with nature, not careless development. long and drawn- set for five rounds. After I made it my I told my judges that we are like distort nature to satisfy our every Though we are proud of our out process. five rounds, it is over. goal to not hold on boxing referees. The match is set whim. The beaches are naturally Thainess, Thailand still welcomes When I first to cases for un- for five rounds. After five rounds, so beautiful. Why do people insist people from all over the world. took up this posi- ’ necessary lengths it is over. We are the ones who set on “decorating” them with beach Those who say that we will ban tion a year ago, there were nearly of time. It is essential to close cases the rules for the litigants; they do chairs and umbrellas? Just sit on tourists or that the current bans 500 cases that had been in the as quickly as possible so that we not control us and tell us what to a mat or a towel and feel the soft- and new laws issued by the gov- court process for a while already. can handle the new ones. I have do. Each case must be closed as ness of the sand. ernment will push the tourists This backlog is a result of defen- pushed my judges hard over the efficiently and swiftly as possible. Yes, there is a ban on food and away are just being negative and dants and plaintiffs not presenting past year to do just that. As a result of this policy, we all types of alcohol, but that sarcastic. their witnesses to the court, and My policy was to push for de- have cleared out a huge amount doesn’t ruin the experience. Take These kinds of attitudes toward the ever-increasing number of new fendants and plaintiffs to be of ongoing cases. Only 10 per a break from baking on the beach Thailand – which has for many cases that need to be heard piling responsible for bringing their own cent of them are left. This is an when the sun is at its hottest and years and continues to play host up on top of the old ones. witnesses to testify in court. We impressive feat, as we have man- enjoy the coolness of a nearby to people from all over the world I came into this job well aware do not have enough staffers avail- aged to do this on top of handling cafe, or the shade of a restaurant – unfairly damage the country’s that it was going to be difficult, able to do this for them, and I did incoming cases. and bar. reputation as the Land of Smiles.

Safely navigating the Heroines The Heroines’ Monument round- of the Phuket Highways Office, Waiting on a work permit about is closed to through traffic replies: during rush hour, with cones set We have not installed any warn- How long should it take for a work their foreign employees are issued up further down the road so driv- ing signs because the cones are permit application to be pro- work permits in time to start work ers can safely make a u-turn. there temporarily. Police put them cessed? I am aware that the according to their employment There are no signs warning that out only during rush hours. required non-immigrant B visa is contract. the lane ahead is closed. Though there are no signs valid for 90 days, but will a work All applications take seven days I have seen a car driving over warning drivers that there is a permit application be processed to process, regardless of profes- the cones, and I have seen driv- closed lane ahead, there is already before the permit-to-stay expires? sion. When an application is filed, ers brake hard and swerve into the a sign warning motorists of the Do applications for some pro- we issue an appointment ticket left lane to avoid hitting them. u-turn, which drivers should al- fessions take longer than others? marked with a date to come to our In my opinion, these “safety ways approach with caution. And if I start work while wait- office and pick up the completed cones” create a far more danger- ing for my work permit to be Wait for your permit to be processed work permit. ous environment than just keeping issued, am I working illegally? before you begin working. Foreigners cannot work before the circle open during rush hour. What punitive measurements Phuket Employment Office, re- the work permit is issued. The Is it possible to have signs a might I be liable to if working plies: penalty for working without a per- few hundred meters before the while waiting for my work permit As long as we receive the cor- mit is up to five years in jail, a fine cones, saying: “Lane closed. Keep to be issued? rect documentation with the of between 2,000 and 100,000 left.” in Thai and English? Interested Party, application, the work permit will baht, or both. Zib, Phuket be issued within seven working After serving any punishment Rawai days. handed down, the foreigner found Employers can submit applica- guilty of working illegally will be Samak Luedwonghad, director Pitool Dumsakorn, chief of the tions ahead of time to make sure deported. 10 PHUKET GAZETTE OPINION March 21 - 27, 2015 Footiquette 101: Teach tourists THE fining of a Chinese tourist for washing her feet in a sink in a public restroom on Phi Phi Don hardly comes as earth-shatter- ing news. It does, however, raise several cultural issues in a country which is so dependent on mass tourism, but at the same time famously sensitive to issues regarding the lowest of the lower extremities. Why anyone would choose to contort themselves into a posi- tion to wash their feet in a raised sink clearly designed for hand use is anyone’s guess. It is certainly possible to conjure up emergency medical sce- narios that might justify such an action, but such alarming situations would no doubt be few and far between: hardly fre- quent enough to spur park officers to erect a sign not only banning the practice, but threatening a 1,000 ‘bath’ [sic] fine. If true, the fact that it only took said officers an hour to rake in their first 1,000 baht also tends to indicate that the practice, whatever might be driving it, is more common than one would expect. Lacking in-depth knowledge about Chinese customs, but aware that female “foot binding” was widespread in China for many centuries, the Gazette asked reliable sources in the Mainland Chinese expat community if we were missing some key piece of foot-related Chinese cultural information that needed to be un- derstood in this puzzling phenomenon. Change the subject and move on However, these sources assured the Gazette in strong terms that such behavior would be looked down upon as “very abnor- I am getting bored now of the on either side of the island to jet- mal” in their country and suggested that the unnamed woman constant bleating about loungers skiing and parasailing only – no at the center of the controversy may simply have been “an on Phuket beaches. swimming! eccentric”. I went to Nai Harn yesterday – This way there can be no acci- Mainland China is perhaps the “final frontier” for Thailand’s no jet-skis, no constant hassling Do you have an opinion to voice? dents, no violent thugs renting inbound market, one which will likely play a key role if there is from vendors, I could sit any- Email [email protected] them out. No robberies and it can any hope of filling all the hotel rooms that were built during the where I wanted and an umbrella be regulated. huge expansion of the tourism sector in recent decades. was available for hire for just 100 long overdue. Anyone wanting to go jet-ski- Given this information, it is time to gear up and prepare for baht. I don’t want to enter the dis- ing can go to the designated beach this huge potential market and ensure that they get the most What is the problem here? cussion about vendors, sleep as they do for all day trips. vital information before arrival: such as the need to stay out of A peaceful, uncluttered hassle- loungers and touts among other All the other tourists will then the surf when red flags are flying in the upcoming southwest free beach is just what 99 per cent things, as everything has already be safe. monsoon season. of visitors want and expect. been said. It’s not hard to work out. As for washing feet in public sinks on Phi Phi Don, the Gazette Please change the subject and The problem here is that this Simon will of course continue to monitor the situation to see if this move on. island is overcrowded with tour- Gazette forum disturbing phenomenon becomes more widespread, though we Andy Phillips ists and Thais who all want a piece fully expect that this will be the last we hear about it once news Phuket of the cake. of the stiff fines – and the existence of purpose-built foot wash- Claude Sewage is the problem ing facilities out back – becomes known to Chinese tourists and Gazette forum those who guide them through this Land of Smiles. Re: Gazette online, Opinion: Tour- Queue up to report ism – Once Thailand’s golden extortion complaints What’s the problem goose, March 12 with wedding photos? I agree with letting vendors Re: Gazette online, Phuket Immi- back on the beach, but in moderation. gration extortion allegations Re: Gazette online, Illegal wed- denied, March 10 I believe that the sewage prob- ding photographer arrested on lem all around the island should In reference to Col Sunchai’s Bang Tao Beach, March 13 request to report to him person- be a major concern to all who visit Wedding photos are some of and live here as it is still accumu- ally about extortion at Phuket the best tourism promotions Town immigration office and his lating, and the sewage needs to go possible. somewhere besides the ocean, unbelievable denial of the truth of People keep these photos for such allegations: If people were where you want the tourists to life, tell their friends about Phuket, swim. not frightened of the power of im- and normally treasure this migration officers to make life Those tourists don’t want that memory. untreated human waste on their even more difficult, Col Sunchai Unfortunately, this couple would have to issue queue tickets bodies. walks away with a poor memory No one likes to swim in a cess- to myself and many others who of Phuket and they will tell hun- have been extorted money for free pool, and that’s what Patong dreds of people to avoid Phuket. Beach has become. services. Officials need to encourage Expat Benjamn photos and find a way to make Gazette forum Chalong them legal. Vegasd8 Gazette forum Too many people on Remember the enemy this island already Set aside jet-ski areas Re: Gazette online, Thinking Green: Striking a beach balance, Re: Gazette online, Phuket beach for safer beaches March 17 vendors crash land inspection, They forget so quickly. March 14 Re: Gazette online, German, The issue was never the beach We have here an idealist gover- French tourists go to court over chairs or umbrellas; it was the big nor who has decided for the jet-ski accident case, March 13 money attached to it, and the cor- Volume 22 Issue 12 moment, and at the cost of being The jet-skis must be banned ruption. unpopular, to clean up the beach, from all public beaches. Jome which in my humble opinion was They can dedicate one beach Gazette forum March 21 - 27, 2015 BUSINESS PHUKET GAZETTE 11 Social media revenue boost Your business either uses social media, or it’s likely to suffer a premature death ‘ ’

NO MATTER where we go, we are surrounded by social media and its influences. Tweet this, like that, share and like this; terms we were not familiar with all that long ago are now in common, daily use. So is this a passing fad or is this social media craze here to stay, and even more importantly, is this something we need to embrace and master? If we own a business, is social media even more impor- tant to know and understand? Looking at some statistics gives us the best clues to answering those questions. Facebook had 100 million users in 2008 and now has over 1.6 billion users. Twitter has over 240mn users. Instagram has over 200mn. Thailand is the sec- ond largest user of Line with about 40mn registered accounts. YouTube has more than 1bn unique monthly users! All this sprung up quickly, but with the momentum and stamina to suggest that it is the way of the future. Though some apps are more popular than others, and APPLE OF MY EYE: The Gazette’s newest columnist is here to teach business owners the tricks of the trade for social media. Photo: Reuters new ones will pop up, while some older ones manage to survive and petitor is on social media, they are mation on what is working; ex- realize. Simon Wetherell is a social media some die, the simple reality is that a step ahead. plain how social media should be I will leave you with this expert, best selling author and social media is definitely here to In Phuket, where there are so used to maximize results; and de- thought – where else could you international speaker. He now stay. many businesses competing in the tail what pitfalls to look out for. find more than a billion potential resides in Phuket where he trains Now, from a business perspec- same niches, such as real estate, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, customers that you can target businesses and individuals on how tive, what does this mean? accommodation and tourist activi- YouTube, Google+, Pinterest, for as little as a couple baht per to profit from the use of social media. Put simply, you either use ties, having a successful social Instagram, Line and so on all can person, and know enough about For more information, go to http:// social media or you are likely to media profile can make a differ- have business applications that them already to know if they fit PhuketOnlineMarketing.com or call suffer a premature death. ence in how big your share of the can benefit your existing busi- into your target market. Next him on 095-085 3355. Follow him on I was trying to think of a busi- pie is, and possibly even whether ness, or even create a new income time, we will explore how to turn Social Media - Twitter @SimonWetherell ness that could survive without, you will succeed or fail. stream for you. The greatest as- them into happy and satisfied or @PhuketMarketing or at least did not need to benefit This column is going to explore pect of adding these to your customers! Facebook: SAWetherell or from social media, and the list was the most common social media business development is that it is Want to know more? Attend a PhuketOnlineMarketing LinkedIn very small. As long as your com- platforms, provide the latest infor- a lot easier to do than most people live workshop. th.linkedin.com/in/simonwetherell/en

Advertising spending Looking for a place to stay? rises 21.4% in Jan-Feb See more classified ads at ADVERTISING expenditures in NBT slid 7.9 per cent to 8.79bn www.phuketgazette.net the first two months of this year baht from 9.54bn baht in the same showed signs of a recovery, surg- period last year. ing 21.4 per cent to 19.94 billion Ad outlays through 56 leading baht from 16.42bn baht a year ear- cable and satellite television chan- lier, according to Nielsen (Thailand). nels plunged 60 per cent to 615mn Digital terrestrial television was baht from 1.54bn baht in the same still on the rise. Just 10 months period last year. after its launch, ad spending on Radio, newspapers, magazines, the new medium reached 5.36bn cinema, outdoor media and in-store baht – 26.9 per cent of the total media continued going downhill. for the industry. Advertising on radio fell by 2.9 Nielsen (Thailand) categorized per cent to 712mn baht, on news- 21 of the 24 digital terrestrial tele- papers by 3 per cent to 1.75bn baht, vision channels as “digital on magazines by 18.1 per cent to television” and excluded Channel 574mn baht, on cinemas by 1.1 per 3HD, Channel 7HD and MCOT cent to 567mn baht, on outdoor HD (Modernine television) as they media by 4.4 per cent to 653mn are simulcasts of analog terrestrial baht and on in-store media by 12.1 television channels. per cent to 181mn baht. Analog, cable and satellite tele- However, last month saw a turn- vision operators appeared to be the around in advertising on radio, losers. In the first two months, newspapers and outdoor media, ad spending on analog Channels besides transit media and the 3, 5 and 7, Modernine TV and internet. – The Nation 12 PHUKET GAZETTE BUSINESS March 21 - 27, 2015 Invest in your children

wreak havoc on balance. Kids are being pushed harder and faster than ever, and those lazy summer days of no responsibility that I re- member from my youth seem I READ an article in the BBC nonexistent to most children these recently that I thought was worth days. sharing with my readers. Those boring times are pre- It is about an investment that cisely when kids’ imaginations actually costs no money, but could flourish, and nobody seems to yield very large returns to your realize this is the cheapest invest- children in the future. ment in your child’s future that The investment is in their you can make. imagination, and the study I read Piano classes, soccer teams, about had some counter-intuitive extra English lessons and all of advice. It actually concluded that that is fine, but I think it is im- the best thing you can do for your portant to never forget that kids, kids’ future, in short, is actually after all, are just kids. They will nothing. never get an- Before you say other chance to hogwash, let me go back, and if explain in more pushing them detail what the into adulthood is study found. shown to have Imagination is of- the likely effect ten cited as one of of making them the most impor- less prepared for tant traits for success in the success in life, real world when yet the modern they grow up world is robbing because of a young people of decreased imagi- something that nation, why not throughout his- schedule some tory happened Photo: Greg Westfall time without the quite naturally. high-tech toys Boredom, it turns and outside out, is the most Boredom, it turns out, stimulation? important re- is the most important Schedule in quirement for ‘requirement for young some weekly young people to “imagination develop their people to develop their building” hours. imagination. imagination. Don’t just When children take away the are stimulated constantly, they gadgets,’ but make them go out- never have a need to creatively side and play. think about how to entertain Let them complain that there is themselves. nothing to do outside, and let them Every second that is spoon fed be bored. They will figure out a to them, whether by television, way to deal with it, and in the teachers and tutors, or tablets and process they will build their imagi- mobile phones, is a loss of a nations. Make your kids go outside, and leave all gadgets behind. Photo: Hillebrand Steve, US Fish and Wildlife Service chance for the child to exercise When I go up to Isarn every his or her imagination muscles. Of high season (in fact I am writing their classmates. Making them overcome bore- David Mayes MBA resides in Phuket course, there needs to be balance; this from there now), my kids In the end there is no perfect dom also costs nothing. and provides wealth management nobody is recommending locking spend countless hours getting formula for raising children, and Balance is the key and forcing services to expatriates around the kids in a closet for their entire filthy, playing with sticks and a common response to this is to your children to develop their globe, focusing mainly on UK childhood or taking away their rocks and dirt. throw as much money as possible imaginations could very well pension transfers. He can be education. Many of my friends ask me if I into their education and extracur- someday be the thing that leads to reached at [email protected] The problem with the ultra- am worried about them missing ricular activities. real problem-solving ability and or by calling 085-335 8573. competitive modern world is that lessons during this time, but when In my opinion, spending time sets them apart in what is bound Faramond UK is regulated by the fear of falling behind has led the they get back to classes they al- with them is far more important to become an increasingly com- FCA and provides advice on “more is better” philosophy to ways catch right back up with all and it costs nothing. petitive world. pensions and taxation. Banks rush for slice of trade finance pie THE country’s banks are facing a trade grew 1%, but KBank’s trade still rely on trading activities. Con- degree of pressure in terms of finance grew by 6%. nectivity in Asean will bring more their margins from international The bank’s export trade finance trade flows and when the logis- trade finance, with a slowdown grew 19%, while import trade tics system in the region is in the nation’s exports and imports finance dropped by 5%, higher improved, the transportation of causing them to focus on sectors than the 3% fall in the country’s goods will be more easy, resulting offering better growth prospects. overall imports, said Chongrak in exports and imports increasing According to Kasikornbank, Rattanapian, executive vice presi- in the future,” he added. market leader in the segment, com- dent of KBank. Moreover, Thailand can import petition in trade finance among Thai Mr Chongrak said the slow- goods from neighboring countries banks has intensified as the num- down was caused by two main where there are lower production ber of new potential exporters and factors: trading partners having costs, therefore trade activity is importers seeking such financing lower demand as their economies unlikely to decline, while improved has fallen, often causing several have yet to recover significantly, connectivity will help boost trade, banks to go after the same targets. and the appreciation of the baht. and consequently, trade finance too, Last year, Thailand’s overall “If we look ahead, Thailand will said Mr Chongrak. – The Nation March 21 - 27, 2015 PHUKET GAZETTE 13

Contact Phuket Online Mar- keting at PhuketOnlineMarketing @gmail.com or 095-0853 355.

April 6. Chakri Memorial Day Chakri Day commemorates the origins of the ruling Chakri March 23-27. 8am to 5pm. BISP dynasty, founded by King Rama IB Art Exhibition. I, who established Bangkok as British International School, the nation’s capital. HM King Phuket (BISP) welcomes every- Bhumibol Adulyadej is the ninth one in Phuket to its 2015 IB Art monarch of the Chakri dynasty. Exhibition, where the works of three of the school’s most talented April 9. 6:30pm to 10pm. artists – Mimi, Jaratchai and Facebook’s Fast Cash Secret – Boram – will be on display. Learn How FB Can Instantly The exhibition is open to the Make More Money For You Or general public, with the grand Your Business opening at 2:45pm on March 23. Unleash the earning potential of For more information, contact Facebook. art teacher Kathy Coulson: This training will show you how [email protected] you can use the social media gi- ant to instantly increase the profit March 28-29. 9:30am to 6pm your business is making. Social Media Mastery – 2-Day Imagine being the No. 1 business Weekend Workshop in your niche and having an unlim- In today’s competitive business ited flow of customers with cash in world, social media marketing is hand lining up to give you money. the standout method to build brand Don’t have a business but want awareness, grow your customer an extra income? Don’t worry; database and increase sales. we have that covered too! This two-day workshop cov- This course can be attended live ers, in detail, how to use social or you can watch on line from media to maximize results for your your computer. But don’t miss business and dominate your out, spaces are limited and the live market. event will include a special bonus... We cover Facebook, Twitter, Contact Phuket Online Mar- email marketing, blogging, build- keting at PhuketOnlineMarketing ing sales funnels, SEO, branding @gmail.com or 095-0853 355. and a whole lot more. Don’t have a business? No April 13 - 15. Songkran Festival problem. We will show you how Songkran is the Thai New Year you can leverage Google, Amazon Festival, also known as the Water and other global brands to create April 4 - 11. 9:30am to 12:30pm. crease your profitability! zon and other big names to create Festival. new income streams. Social Media Mastery – A Free Attend our free two-hour semi- an extra income stream working Held during the driest month in After this workshop, you will Two-Hour Seminar nar and learn how to use social online. Thailand, Songkran is celebrated be far more successful in your Attention Thailand business media to boost your online suc- Everything you need to know by Thais throughout the country business – guaranteed. owners – there are little known cess. Don’t have a business? We to get started with immediate re- by pouring – traditionally only a Contact Phuket Online Mar- facts that will help you double or have you covered. We will also sults, just from attending this little, but these days a lot – of keting at PhuketOnlineMarketing triple your customers, increase show you how you can team up course. Limited spaces on multiple water on other people to wish @gmail.com or 095-0853 355. their spending and massively in- with partners like Google, Ama- dates, so register now. them good luck for the New Year. 14 PHUKET GAZETTE March 21 - 27, 2015 The young DON’T HIDEAWAY and talented

The grand opening of ‘The Young Talented Artists’ art exhibition at the Nitjasilp Gallery in the Boat Lagoon was a great success in showcasing children’s art. It was attended by Phuket City Mayor Somjai Suwansupapana (center front); Boon Yongsakul, deputy managing director of Boat Development Co (2nd Panuphong Kritjanarat (left), chief executive officer of Boat Development row, left); Naththanit Nithiwiroon, owner of Nitjasilp Gallery (2nd row, 4th from left); Gritchanaphat Kaewchaiyo, Co, and Boon Yongsakul, deputy managing director of Boat Development managing director of 89.75 Radio Trip (2nd row, right); and Nattawit Intasan, owner of Krusing Sornsilpa Co, celebrate the grand opening of their project Hideaway@Bypass last (back row, right). weekend at the Underwood Art Factory. Photo: Pacharawat Wasikarn Green with jealousy: Saint Patrick’s Day Manathai opens doors Ball charity event with Sharon Shannon Mövenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket hosted a Saint Patrick’s Day charity ball on to Khao Lak visitors March 14. The annual ball was a major fundraising event for the Life Home Project, a local foundation that provides shelter for women and children affected by HIV, as well as childcare, vocational training, health education and hospice assistance.

At the grand opening was (left to right) Suchad Chiaranussati, chairman of SC Capital Among the Phuket society members to join were (left to right) Nampetch Tipaxsorn, director Partners Pte Ltd; Phang Nga Governor Prayoon Rattanasenee; Meena Rattanasenee; of communications at Mövenpick Resort & Spa; Irish Ambassador to Thailand Brendan Rogers; Sirivibha Dusiyamee Berger; and Christoph Berger, chief operating officer of Hotel Phuket Vice Governor Pakpoom Intarasuwan; Helene Fallon-Wood, Irish Honorary Consul to Operations for SC Capital Partners Pte Ltd. Phuket; Panatda Chidchiew; and Kata-Karon Subdistrict chief Winai Chidchiew. Phuket Reporters Awards at Royal Phuket City Hotel

In attendance were Virapol Cholvibul, director of sports events of Thanyapura; Boonrat The ‘Best Crime Photo’ award went to Chaichana Apiwanthanakorn, president of the Phuket Reporters Club; Suparat Thannuy, The ‘Best Sport Photo’ award went to Apinan Keowkaow from Thairath. Photo: Phuket Andaman marketing and communications executive of Thanyapura; and Pickkawarang Rodpasa, Saithong from Paktai Today. Photo: Phuket Andaman News presenter for IdeaTV8. Photo by: Phuket Andaman News News

16 PHUKET GAZETTE March 21 - 27, 2015

Properties For Sale

RAWAI BEACH CONDO APARTMENT 2-BDRM HOUSE Pay in 10 years. Sell for 1.1MB SALE / RENT CHERNG TALAY TOWNHOUSE - BEAUTIFUL LAND CHALONG in 40 trimestrial payments of Studio apartment, freehold. NEAR LAGUNA SUPALAI CITY HILL WITH HOUSE 27,500 baht. Full Chanote title. Close to Laguna Phuket. 720 SQM Ownership forever. Brand new. Email: [email protected] Fully furnished. A/C. Kitchen. Tel: 098-331 6449 FREEHOLD CONDO FOR SALE BEAUTIFUL LAND Patong Tower building. One 720SQM bedroom with 270-degree view Reduced to 2.5m. Aircon. th See:www.flickr.com/photos/ Townhouse for sale (2.8mn Newly painted. Land / of Patong Beach and town, 10 thaistylevilla/6504712195/ . baht) or rent (12,000Bath/ Rawai. In this exclusive pri- house 152/64 sqm. Tel: floor, 54.35sqm. 11 million baht Near Laguna from German mo) in Supalai City Hill es- vate project with private 061-156 9781. Email: ONO. Contact Songpan. Genu- seller. 9.8m THB. Tel: 089- tate, Phuket Town. 3BR, blooming road, we sell a [email protected] ine buyers only. No brokers 868 6842. 2Bath. Quiet, convenient lo- building plot. Bali wall. 16m please. Tel: 081-737 8662. cation. Furnished, full well. Land is filled up. Electric, kitchen, decor, garden, car sewer, cable, phone. In- RAWAI HOTEL SUPER MODERN park, 2 ACs. Good for family. cludes building permit, This super modern Phuket house SALE 12 MB Rawai. In this exclusive pri- LAND IN KAMALA Avail. from 5/2015. Tel: 089- chanote title, all incl. 8.8M. vate project with private just came for sale in Rawai. The Tel: 080-890 5187 (English, Siam BB Resort: 680sqm 800 sqm of scenic, ready- 874 0061, 086-291 4115. blooming road, we sell a house is insulated in European German),081-817 4805 land. 9 bed. 1 shop. 1 restau- to-build land for sale in Ka- Email: ste phenfein@gmail building plot. Bali wall. 16m style. For more info contact (Thai). www.phuketlivin rant. Agoda booking. 60m to mala. Underground electric .com well. Land is filled up. Elec- [email protected]. Price 13 gart.com Rawai Pier. Tel: 098-331 6449. and water supply. For sale tric, sewer, cable, phone. million baht. Tel: 080-530 6880 Email: [email protected] by owner. Agents are wel- Include building permit, (English). Email: soi.saliga@ come. Price: 3.5 million 2-BDRM HOUSE Chanote title, all incl. 7.6M. gmail.com baht.Tel: 087-277 7794 CHALONG LAND FOR SALE SALE NEW CONDO Tel: 080-890 5187 (English, (English & Thai) Land 152sqm., AC, secure, IN KARON 1.8 Million THB. Size 29.70 German), 081-817 4805. 2-BDRM HOUSE recently painted, TV, furnished, Chanote title. 1,200sqm. Sea sqm. Freehold, Fully Fur- Email: www.phuketlivin CHALONG 3MTB. Tel: 061-156 9781 (En- view, close to Kanita resort. 15 nished. Swiming Pool, Big gart.com Buddha Area. Tel: 085-889 Reduced to 2.5m. Aircon. glish), 098-498 6352 (Thai). million baht. Negotiable. Tel: 7758 Newly painted. Land / house 50 SQM 1-BED Email: [email protected] 083-109 0620 (English & Thai). 152/64 sqm. Tel: 6 061-156 CONDO FOR SALE 9781. Email: nikpotter@ web.de Surin Beach. Low price for fast sale. 1 km to the beach on the main road. REAL SEAVIEW LAND Top floor. Beautiful view Seaview land, Yamu hills, 0.967 and quiet. 2.6 million baht. rai 5.5 million baht, freehold, Tel: 087-418 2474 (En- Chanote. Tel: 084-625 5090. glish). Email: tim@ttwci. Email: yamu.hills.sunrise@ com gmail.com

3-BED LRG NAKA ISLAND GARDEN Chuan Cheun Lagoon, near BIS & Boat Lagoon Marina (gym, pool). Chanote land title. 584sqm. Secure. Pri- vate. Cul-de-sac location. Open plan, large kitchen. 6.45 mil baht. Tel: 081-979 6707 (English & Thai) . Unique 4-bedroom beach front house, panoramic views to the south, 10 minutes to Ao Por pier. 240sqm on 2 floors, 750sqm plot, separate Classified Advertisements house for staff. Tel: 084-846 1270 (English). Email: Please use this form to write your classified advertisement. [email protected] Then hand it to any of our agents.

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|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 140 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. All advertising must be paid for in advance. Deadline for Property Gazette page: Friday 3 pm. Deadline for all other ads: Saturday 12 noon. March 21 - 27, 2015 PHUKET GAZETTE 17

Properties For Sale

KAMALA NEW HOUSE ANDAMAN Living room. Bedroom. Bath- BEACH SUITE room. Terrace. Cable TV. Internet. Spectacular sea-view condo lo- Quick Sale 2,500,000 baht. Se- cated on the 12th floor in Patong. cure place. Tel: 098-045 5421 This 127sqm apartment, with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 bal- conies and a spacious living/din- 3.5 RAI LAND AT ing room, has everything you LAGUNA PHUKET need for comfortable living. Close Wonderful land for sale. Yellow to shops, the beach (2 minute zone. Chanote title. 3.5 rai. Only walk), access to swimming pool 5.75 MB / Rai. Email: soipasak8 and other facilities. Tel: 081-691 @gmail.com 1580 (English & Thai). Email: Es [email protected] WAREHOUSE LUXURY VILLA SALE 22 RAI @ 400,000 BT FOR SALE FREEHOLD CONDO 5 bedrooms. 10x5 pool. Big PER RAI FOR SALE living room. Nice kitchen. Fully Beautiful plot of land with nice furnished. About 300sqm. mountain views. Has paved road Patong Tower building. Quick sale only 8.5 mb.Tel: access and electricity. Located One bedroom with 270- 093-713 2278 5km from Tablamu golf course degree view of Patong and 10km south of Khao Lak. Beach and town. 10th floor. 54.35sqm. 11 million baht QUICK SALE HOUSE Price: 8.8 million baht. Tel: 087- ONO. Contact Songpan. 2 bedrooms. Near Laguna. 277 7794(English & Thai). Thalang area, near Phuket Genuine buyers only. No Fully furnished. Only 2.2 Email: patchanee.samranjai airport. Land area: 4 rai brokers please. Tel: 081- mb.Tel: 093-713 2278. @gmail.com (6,400 sqm). Space avail- 737 8662. HUGE FIVE-BED BIG able: 900 sqm. Staff house: STUDIO FOR SALE 320sqm. Contact: 081-536 POOL VILLA This huge five bedroom villa with In Phuket Town. 5 min to Central, 9252. Price: 38 million baht. Big C. 2nd floor, 33sqm. Kitchen. Email:[email protected] OCEAN FRONT massive feature pool in Rawai is VILLA greatly reduced for urgent sale at Furnished. Price 680,000 baht. 12.5 MB. Tel: 080-124 1245. Tel: 081-719 7015. Email: jassa Email: kay@phuketandaman [email protected] TOWNHOUSE realestate.com SALE / RENT KARON BEACH CONDO KATA HOUSE SALE 3-BED HOUSE - This 1-bedroom Karon apartment OCEAN LARGE GARDEN VIEWS, KATA is for sale. Ground floor with direct 4 bedrooms. Reduced Chuan Cheun Lagoon, close to New 1-bed condo, 44sqm. pool access. Tel: 087-892 3876 price, must sell. Was British International School and Brand new, fully fur- Great views, in-house (English). Email: info@phuket 3.5 million baht and now the Boat Lagoon Marina. nished, 3-4 bedrooms, 5 management & rental pro- condo.net, www. phuketcondo. 2.99 million baht. Tel: Chanote land title, 146sqm. (584 bathrooms, 10-meter in- gram available, investment. net 082-4659 939. sqm), private cul-de-sac location finity swimming pool, Ready move in. 3.98 million in secure, clean village. Cool, beautiful view. For quick baht ONO. Email: Ians bright, open plan with large sale only 19.5 mn. Tel: condo@yahoo. com AMAZING VILLA 081-343 0777. Western kitchen and good LAND HOUSE water supply. Large car park, Modern villa, swimming FOR SALE patios. 6.85 million baht, nego- pool in Rawai, 3 beds, 3 400sqm, seaview, Karon: tiable. For sale by owner. Con- baths, seaview, fully fur- STUDIO FOR SALE nished, 3 floors, close to Townhouse for sale (2.8mn POOL VILLAS 3.9 million baht. Also, tact for more photos and info. beach & shops. Not for baht) or rent (12,000 baht/ RAWAI house and land (120sqm, In Phuket Town. 5 min to Tel: 086-040 6866 (English), 081- nd long, price only 9 million mo) in Supalai City Hill es- 400sqm): 7 million baht. Central, Big C. 2 floor, 979 6707(Thai). Email: adrian. baht, no brokers. Tel: 098- tate, Phuket Town. 3bed- Tel: 091-040 2471. Email: 33sqm. Kitchen, furnished. [email protected] 464 9220. rooms, 2 Bath. Quiet, con- [email protected] Price 680,000 baht. Tel: venient location. Furnished, 081-719 7015. Email: jassa full kitchen, decor, garden, [email protected] 3 BED FOR car park, 2 aircons Good SALE / RENT RAWAI for family. Avail. from 5/ BEACHFRONT 2-BEDROOM 2015. Tel: 089-874 0061, New top design pool villas, 2 NICE HOUSE CHALONG CONDO 086-291 4115. Email: step BEACHFRONT New fully furnished with ameni- & 3 bedrooms and bath- CONDO RAWAI 400sqm. Furnished, 3 bedrooms, henfein @gmail.com rooms. Large 5x8 pool, nice ties, 2-bed 2-bath. Great loca- 2 bdr / 2bath. huge balcony 2 bathrooms, European kitchen, green area, Rawai, close to 4 aircons, swimming pool. Sale tion. Must see. Only 7.2 million MACRO. Start 9mn THB. with direct walk out to pool, baht. Tel: 081-892 6710 (En- beach, restaurant. In 5-star 4.9 million baht. Tel: 081-787 Tel: 096-284 2463 (English & 4831. glish), 081-895 7908 (English & BEAUTIFUL LAND Thai) , 084-898 8258 (En- resort with access to gym, Thai). Email: peterh@asian spa. Ideal for family. Sepa- PLOT FOR SALE glish & Thai). Email: p.bum Furnished house in wind.biz rung515 @gmail.com rate storage, furniture incl. LAND IN NAI HARN Fast owner sale, leaving FOR SALE Chalong. Sale 3.95 million Asia, 13.9 million baht. Nai Harn. Chanote title. 1 rai. baht. Ren t 20,000 baht Neg. Tel: 096-532849 (En- 300m to the beach. 13 million per month. Tel: 089-922 ENTERTAINMENT URGENT PATONG glish). Email: baht. Tel: 086-943 0871 (En- 2800. Email: simonchin ne PALACE VILLA 4 BED laura@tilaholdings. com glish). Email: Vodorod12@ [email protected] mail.ru

1-BED APT Very conveniently located PANORAMIC THE DECK CONDO SALE / RENT in a secure estate with un- SEA VIEW LAND derground electricity, less FOR SALE than 10 mins from Phuket 2 units condo for sale at the International Academy, center of Patong. The Deck airport, Tesco, Nai Yang Project Studio unit beach, Ao Po Grand ma- Fire sale price - sudden depar- no.0103309 Floor 3, Build- Magnificent penthouse in rina, in a peaceful foreign ture - direct from owner - now ing A, 31 sqm. Price 3.5 Karon with panoramic sea community. Chanote title, 19.9 million baht, estimated million baht. And 1 Bedroom view . Reduced by 10 million 1,100sqm. Flat land with 29 million baht - Luxury 4- Unit no.010310, area 41.5 baht for quick sale, includes fences around, mountain bedroom villa, mountainside, Sqm.Price 4.5 Million THB. Fully furnished apt in an additional two-bedroom For sale 5.5 rai, Ao view, ready to build, good panoramic seaview of Patong Fully-furnished, ready to Chalong. Sale 1.95 million apartment. Now 46 million Makham, Chanote title, 12 investment. For quick Bay, 4 bathrooms, private move in May 2015. Tel: 081- baht. Rent 12,000 baht per baht. Freehold. Please call million baht / rai call 089- sale direct from owner only pool, tennis, fully funished 085 7550 (English & Thai). month. Tel: 089-922 2800. 080-124 1245. Email: 649 9939. Email: siri_ phu 3.5 million baht. Tel: 081- modern style, 270sqm. Tel: Fax: 076-344789. Email: Email: simonchinner@ kay@phuketandaman [email protected] 343 0777. 081-832 8154 (English). [email protected] yahoo.com realestate.com 18 PHUKET GAZETTE March 21 - 27, 2015

Properties For Rent

1-BED BUNGALOW TONSAI HOUSE 1 BR POOL VILLA, LUXURY RENT RAWAI FOR RENT NAI HARN KAMALA Full kitchen. AC. WiFi. Quiet. European standard. Fully-fur- Luxury villas and apartment 9,000 BHT. Tel: 081-271 7092 nished. 3 bedrooms, private pool, for rent, modern style, big 3 bathrooms, living room, dining garden, jacuzzi , swimming CHALONG room, European kitchen, two-car pool, WiFi, 400 m. from the DUPLEX HOUSE parking. Garden. WiFi and True beach with 2 or 3 bedrooms Furnished. 3 bdrm. Internet. vision. Tel: 081-606 2827 (English Special price start from Cable TV. 13,000/mth.Tel: & Thai). Email: nij017 @hotmail. 3,000 baht per day. Email: 095-046 4039 com www. rentphuketpool Daily, weekly, monthly and francescobonta@gmail. house.com com. For more info call long term. Max 2 persons, HOUSE 4 RENT no children, no pets. Ask for Francesco 085-790 7816. www.villacheloni.com NEAR BIS March/April promotions. Fully furnished house, new BEACH FRONT For Futther details, please kitchen, A/C. 19,000 baht per HOUSE FOR RENT see our website at www. month, including weekly Step on to Kamala Beach. GUEST HOUSE cleaning.Tel: (61) 048 800 Available on April 1,2015. coconutgrovephuket.com/ FOR RENT rates-and-reservation/Tel: 5408. Email: offshorebizz@ Minimum 12-month lease. 1 bed, 1 bath, living room, kitchen. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. 084-081 6067(English) yahoo.com Safe & quiet area in Rawai. Pool. Master bedroom has its WiFi. UBC. 12, 000 baht. own sala and private deck Tel: 086-279 7301. RAWAI 6-BED looking out over Kamala POOL VILLA 1,2,3-BED &POOL Bay. Fully furnished. PENTHOUSES Rawai. 6-bed pool villa. Rent/ Aircons and ceiling fans. Sale. Long-term rent. 45,000B/ Spacious. 2 beaches & FULLY FURNISHED European open-plan month. Fully furnished. Sell 5 town 3 minute walk. Large HOUSE kitchen, living areas. Fur- MB. 400sqm plot. 300 m to free-form pools. Gym. nished home office. Fiber 3 bedrooms. 400sqm. Rawai Pier. Tel: 098-331 6449. LocationKata + Kata Noi optic internet available. Free WiFi and cable TV. Email: [email protected] 48,000 baht/month. UBC, Beach. Email: reso 25,000 baht per month. [email protected] Internet and electric are HOUSE FOR RENT KATHU GOLF & For more information, extra. Call Sean at 081- please call 081-892 4311. RENT APARTMENT LAKE VIEW VILLA PATONG 086 7003. Email: ayearli www.palaigreen.weeb [email protected] For rent. 2 bed, 2 bath on ly.com Condo, pool, security, 46sqm fully private hill overlooking Loch HOUSE BOAT furnished. Tel: 089-728 4005. LAGOON Palm golf course. Big pool. Email: tha mad17 @yahoo. com 4km to BIS and Headstart For long-term rent. Fully HOUSE FOR RENT International School. Quiet. furnished. Ms Fon. Tel: TOWNHOUSE - HOUSE BOAT LAGOON 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1 aircon, Furnished. Maid. WiFi. Se- 084-629 3244. Email: fon- SUPALAI CITY HILL For long-term rent. Fully fur- furnished house, near Phuket curity. Long-term 35,000 daki@hot mail.com nished. Ms Fon. Tel: 084-629 Central Festival. Tel: 081-537 baht per month. Call Noi 9878 (English & Thai). 3-bedrooms, 2-bath- 3244. Email: fon-daki@hot rooms, 4 aircons. Fully 087-269 8492. mail.com Email: lek265 @hot mail.co.th PATONG HOUSE RENT furnished with small gar- den, quiet area. Rent Two-bedroom home available 3 BED, 3 BATH HOUSE 15,000 baht / month. Tel: CHALONG PRIVATE 7 March for short or long term RESORT Yearly rate: 250,000 baht. rentals. Central location. Price 086-690 0626.Email: POOL VILLA For sale or rent. 2.5 rai Monthly rate: 30,000 baht. Tel: 27,000 Baht. Tel: 087-900 8445 [email protected] 3 Beds & Baths. 4 A/C. Fur- Chanote for sale, or 2 rai with 081-878 2199, 081-396 0880. (English & Thai). Email: nished. Large pool. Tel: 089-729 16 years' lease left. 9 bunga- Fax: 076-034709. Email: realli [email protected] Townhouse for sale (2.8mn [email protected] 1968 (English & Thai). Email: baht) or rent (12,000Bt/mo) in lows, 22 double rooms, [email protected], www. some with kitchen. Restau- FULLY FURNISHED villaprana.com Supalai City Hill estate, HOUSE Phuket Town. 3BR, 2Bath. rant. Bar. Pool. Office. Big TOWNHOUSE BOUTIQUE ROOM well. Parking. Sale 27mn FOR RENT 3 bedrooms, 400sqm, FOR RENT Quiet, convenient location. LOCKABLE SINGLE Furnished, full kitchen, decor, baht. 16-year lease. 16mn Near klong Bangwat. 3 bed 3 bath. free WiFi and cable TV. Fully Furnished, Good & GARAGE garden, car park, 2 ACs. baht. Tel: 076-381934 , 086- 3 aircon. Newly furnished. Kitch- 25,000 baht per month. Safe Location. Tel: 089-668 Bang Tao Surin, CCTV, safe Good for family. Avail. from 5/ 940 1860 (English). Fax: enette. Roof. Terrace. Monthly For more information, 3639 (English & Thai) . long-term parking. 2,900 baht 2015. Tel: 089-874 0061, 086- 076-381934. Email: biga B25,000 or 6-12 months B 20,000. please call 081-892 4311. Email: www. BaanPhi tak per month (1-year contract). 291 4115. Email: stephe [email protected] www. Tel: 083-181 6037 (English & http://palaigreen. weeb Taweep.com Tel: 084-734 2711. Email: [email protected] biga-sailing.com Thai). Email: thaile gobricks @ ly.com hotmail.com seidl_ [email protected]

Holiday Household Property Services Accommodation Homes & Items Available Villa Rentals ANTIQUE FURNITURE FOR SALE POOL VILLAS, NAITHON BEACH 1 OR 2 BED ROOM Antique Chinese day bed FLATS FOR RENT PALACE POOL VILLA complete with cushion and Furnished, pool, cable TV, cover. 20,000 baht o.n.o. Tel: WiFi. 14,000B / Mo. Tel: 089- 082-954 3901(English) 475 1200. www. welcomeinn- phuket.com BAR CONTENTS FOR SALE Pool tables, TVs, fridges, point 2-BEDROOMS of sale tables and chairs, etc, In 2-bedroom pool villa + studio New boutique apartment. BEACHFRONT Patong. Tel: 085-562 6711. CONDO RAWAI and 2-bed apartments. 3,800/month. Tel: 081-000 2 bedrooms / 2 bath ens, Rates from 9,500 baht, inclu- 9917. Email: merienhotel sive of maid service. WiFi, @gmail.com huge balcony with direct LEAVING PHUKET walk out to pool, beach, res- furniture, kitchen. Tel: 086-282 taurant, in 5 star resort with Luxbed skin sofa / chair. 6221 (English). Email: info access to gym, spa, ideal Various other furniture @chalongapartment.com for families, separate stor- items. All for sale, leaving APARTMENT Thailand. 10am-12 noon. PLUMBER BUILDING SERVICES FOR RENT age, furniture incl, fast We repair what your hus- owner sale, leaving Located in Kata. Call 089- Professional contractor, villa / One bedroom, living room, fully 591 7249. Ask for Morten. band fixed. Solar pool pool contractor, villa / pool con- HOLIDAYS AVAILABLE equipped kitchen with 2 great Asia,13.9million baht neg. pumps save up to 3,000 Tel: 096-532849(English). Tel: 089-591 7249(En- struction, refurbishment, exten- 2-bed pool villa Feb 18. 3-bed pool balconies.Tel: 076-344922, 083- glish). Email: morten. baht electric every month. sions. Free consultation, quote. villa Feb 2. 4-bed pool villa Jan 27. 280 9433 (English & Thai). Email: laura@tilahold Tel: 089-6454 848, (En- ings.com [email protected] Tel: 091-654 7383(English & Tel: 085-787 3046. Email: pa Email: [email protected] glish), 089-9492 828(Thai). Thai). [email protected] www. bluewaterphuket.com March 21 - 27, 2015 PHUKET GAZETTE 19

CHINESE SALES COORDINATOR Our company is looking for a very motivated Chinese sales coordinator. Minimum 1 years' experience in real estate. Ap- ply now. Tel: 095-429 6653. Email: [email protected]

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Mainly assist PA and general assistance to VPs. Candi- date must have good commu- nication in English. Computer skills and flexibility to work in town would be beneficial to the candidate. Tel: 076-318230. Email: thitirat.karnchana- [email protected]

THAI RECEPTIONIST Small hotel in Patong. Two days off per week. Must speak En- glish well. Tel: 081-8921 621

REAL ESTATE EXECUTIVE 70K+ LivePhuket is a leading agency looking for a talented, motivated and hungry person to join our sales team. The role will involve managing and maintaining leads and inquir- ies for the sales team.Email: [email protected]

REAL ESTATE SALES EXECUTIVE Interested, qualified candi- dates, please submit your CV. Tel: 076-325288, 097-139 0621. Fax 076-325388.

THAILAND MANAGER REQUIRED We are a global company and we are now seeking an experi- enced Thai Manager for our Phuket Office. We are looking for a dynamic, well-presented in- dividual from Thailand, ideally degree qualified but this is not essential, to take over the ad- ministrative running of the Phuket office. Tel: 087-022 6697(English).

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Siam Real Estate require 2 Thai persons for our north and south offices with excellent English, both spoken and written, and who are computer literate and experi- enced in office administration. Must be intelligent, highly orga- nized, friendly and good with for- eign clients and prepared to work hard. Good salary provided. Tel: 076-288908. To contact, send CV by email to jobs@siamreal es tate.com, www.siamrealestate. com

DIGITAL CONTENT / MEDIA ASST. Knowledge in Graphic Design / VDO Editing (Adobe Suite pre- ferred). Fluent in written and spoken English (native-Level Preferr Thai national).Ability to take pictures and VDO is an ad- vantage. Email: aey@princess yacht ssea.com

Gazette Online Classifieds – 10,000 readers every day! 20 PHUKET GAZETTE March 21 - 27, 2015

Business Opportunities Business Products & Services Lost & Found

WANT TO SELL WANTED: RESTAURANT / BAR UNDER TIGER YOUR CONDO? MISSING PERSON GUESTHOUSE BANGLA RD DISCO We are looking for condos and FOR RENT Restaurant on Bangla Rd. apartments for sale in Phuket. Villa-bungalow style only, Four floors. Laundry on 2nd Please contact us if you have a 20-40 rooms, max 20 mins floor and rooms/apartment condominium or apartment that drive from Patong, min 50% on 3rd and 4th floors. Rent you want to sell, so we can list sea view rooms. Wanted for is 100,000 baht per month. it on our website and offer it to long -term rent. Tel: 084-690 Four year contract that can our clients. Tel: 087-892 3876 1139. Email: ppvisseur@ be renewed. Furniture, (English & Thai). www.phuketc hogest.com aircons, laundry machines Good situation (middle, line ondo.net and a fully fitted kitchen 4). Fully equipped, 1 full Have you seen this included! Price: 900,000 year contract (expires end baht. Tel: 081-5821 756 man? His last known February 2016). 1.4 million WORLDWIDE whereabouts is Phuket. He Bulletins (English). Email: matte_zz baht [value: 1.8 million AIR TICKETS @hotmail.com is 56 years old and 183 cm baht]. Tel: 093-575 1969(E Our service is for domes- tall. On behalf of his wife nglish). Email: thai-pas tic and international flight and two daughters please [email protected] RAWAI RESTAURANT tickets. Open daily. De- contact Jesper Elming. Tel: URGENT SALE livery service. Tel: 081- +45-30101113. Email: Area 3,800sqm. Reduced from TOUR DESK FOR RENT 537 2655. orjesper@dokuko m.dk 1.5mn to 980,000 baht. Tel: 089- Very good place, frequented cor- Any information will be 646 7176. ner. Tel: 087-554 6872. highly appreciated. Club Memberships Available Education BLUE CANYON INDIVIDUAL GOLF Individual membership avail- MEMBERSHIP SALE able. 2015 dues fully paid. Life membership at Phuket TAO SEX 850,000 baht, inclusive of Country Club Kathu. Tel: EDUCATION transfer fee. Tel: 65-967 9 088-382 7166. Therapy counselling, gents, 600(English). Email: art.mille ladies, couples, for prem [email protected] ejac, sex addiction, impo- GOLF !!!.....GOLF !!! tent, stress and much more Lifetime family membership at Dr. Dave Phone 094-652 GOLF Phuket Country Club, Kathu. 2029. MEMBERSHIP 540,000 baht, including transfer 480,000 fee. Tel: 086 282 0700 (Werner). LEARN ENGLISH Country club lifetime fam- 20% off all courses this month ily membership. 480,000. only. Promotion code - Happy Includes transfer fee. LOCH PALM GC Individual Membership: Birthday. Includes free student Email: williamsanig@y pack. Courses include: Conver- ahoo.co.uk 430,000 baht, including trans- fer fee. Tel: 093-772 6498. sation, Business. Tel: 076- 350110.

Saloon Cars Pick-ups Motorbikes

TOYOTA YARIS 2008 HONDA CITY FOR SALE 2012 BLACK ISUZU SLX 3.0 LITRE Toyota Yaris 2008. White. Top HONDA CITY Automatic. 2007. Regularly HONDA BRIO 2003, Dual Cab, manual, HARLEY specifications and leather. One FOR SALE serviced. 1 Owner. 93,000km. Great condition, 1 farang Carryboy, second owner, DAVIDSON FATBOY lady owner on the school run. This Automatic 2006. Aircon. 1st class Insurance. 280,000 owner. 30,000 kilometers. 111,000 kms. 230,000 baht. Anniversary 2008. Copper - black. 19,500km. Many ex- car has never left Phuket. Ser- CD player. Price for sale baht. Tel: 089-874 2942. 355,000 o.n.o. (500,000+ when Tel: (61) 0488-005408 viced by Toyota and now with new 235,000 baht. Tel: 081- Email: chantal.fernandes@ new). Many extras, skirt, inte- tras. No accident. Best con- tyres. 90,000 kms. No marks or 607 8567. gmail.com rior, etc. Great deal.Tel: 095- MITSUBISHI dition. Farang owner. Price: blemishes. 315,000 baht. Tel: 412 4777(English & Thai). Em 4WD, 3,2 D.CAB Only 675,000 baht. Tel: 076 - 340043, 083 - 644 9229. 081-892 3111(English). Email: MERCEDES BENZ MAZDA 2 ail: [email protected] Year 2010, only 57,500 km. Au- pjddyer@yaho o.com 250 CDI ELEGANCE 10/2012 tomatic, leather, new tires, first Silver, 2012,sale 2,100,000 388,000 baht, 17,000 kms, im- TOYOTA VIOS SALE class insurance for 1 year. maculate condition, LPG, Good condition. 2013. Care- Perfect condition. 550,000 HONDA CIVIC AUTO THB. If interested, please con- KAWASAKI Z800 tact 085-994 0364 (English). leather interior, recent serv- fully maintained. Tel:093-713 baht or best offer. Tel: 076- FOR SALE New tyres,aircon,shock ice.Tel:085-261 0500. 2278 313211, 089-729 1113(Englis- absorbers,battery,etc.Leather WTS Kawasaki Z800 interior. 250,000 baht.Tel: 087- h),089-763 9654 (English & 2014, ODO 3795, Acra 282 7407(English).Email: Thai). Email: richard_mele povik muffler. Tel: 089-401 [email protected] [email protected] 8506 (English). Other TOYOTA AVANZA A KAWASAKI NINJA 650 TRAILER FOR SALE One owner, 2011, only Ex-American, with blue book. 13,000 kms, A bargain at 90,000 baht. Tel: 087-265 179,000 baht. Tel: 089- 0118. Email: ant_p_clark@ 475 0636. yahoo.co.uk

Model 1.5E. Automatic. Rentals SUPERMOTARD One expat owner from KeeWay 200cc excellent condition, used very little. new. Serviced by Toyota. CARS FOR RENT Champagne color. Only 3,000km on the meter. Short- or long-term rent with Very low price for a very good 84,000km. 329,000 baht, first-class insurance. Delivery offers considered. Tel: motorcycle. 49,000 baht. service. Tel: 086-690 0626. Tel: 089-289 0214 (Thai) . 087-9760 066. Email: bcarren [email protected] March 21 - 27, 2015 PHUKET GAZETTE 21

21' SPEEDBOAT

2014 boat 140hp 4-stroke Suzuki , GPS /depth finder, livewell, 700,000 ono. Tel: 087-418 2474 (English). Email: [email protected]

NEW YACHTSMAN TENDERS Aluminiun hull RIBs and “Air Floor” inflatables. Welded PVC and Hypalon options. KETTERING JE29 Good quality at very competi- TRIMARAN (2007) tive prices. Now in stock at Carbon fiber, deck-stepped, our Boat Lagoon Showroom. rotating mast. Genoa & For details contact Alan Genaker both on furlers. Giles. Andaman Boat Sales. Yamaha 8 Hp Hi Thrust Out- Tel: 084-842 6146. Email: bo board. Reduced to only at@andamanboatsales. US$49,950 OBO. Contact Alan com Giles at Boatshedphuket.com on 084-842 6146 or alangiles @boatshedphuket.com FOR SALE PHUKET DEFEVER WOODEN TEAK BLASTING SERVICE STOCK CLEARANCE : TRAWLER 44 (1981) JUNK BOAT CAPELLI RIB FOR All kinds of surface preparations Yachtsman Hypalon Tenders Generally in very good shape 45ft HK teak junk, excellent SALE • Marine: Anti fouling or full hull HYS, 280, 79,000 Bt , inc VAT but needs new engines. A bar- family day boat. Extensive re- Capelli RIB, 8m. 250hp paint removal and parts! • Vehicle (4 pcs ) HYS, 310 , 85,000 Bt gain for someone who wants to fit, single engine Caterpiller, Yamaha 4-stroke outboard parts or total paint stripping of inc VAT (4 pcs ) HYS 350 spend a little time and money. full galley and bathroom. USD motor with 361 hours. Garmin cars and trucks! • Cleaning of 96,000 Bt inc VAT (1 pc ), Light Only US$80,000. Contact Alan 105,000. Tel: Hong Kong GPS with Blue chart for swimming pools, sand wash weight aluminiun hull RIB’s. Giles at Boatshedphuket.com 852-9238 9114. Email: Southeast Asia. 860,000 and walls (including removal of Good quality at very competitive Gaff Rigged Schooner, on 084-842 6146 or alangiles [email protected] baht. Tel: 076-348134, 084- graffiti)! Tel: 076-243089, 081- prices. For details contact Alan Launched 1981. LOA 28- @boatshedphuket.com 626 4969 (English). Fax : 968 3118 (English), 081-271 Giles. Andaman Boat Sales. 42ft. Beam: 10 ft. Draft: 4 076-348134. Email: neef@ 3228 (English & Thai). Fax: Tel: 084-842 6146. Email: ft. Displacement 3 ton DEAN 440 33F W/A 2007 GULF wanadoo.fr CRAFT 076-238947. Email: info@ boats@andamanboatsales. nes. Engine: Yammar 15 CATAMARAN (2002) greenmt.asia Call or e-mail for com Four double cabins. Twin Vetus For sale by owner. Suzuki 225 HP. Builder: Robin Harris. more info, www. greenm.asia 42 Hp Diesels Reduced to HP outboards, only 300 engine Designer: William Garden. US$160,000. Contact Alan hours, air-con, custom dinghy DEAN 440 Good condition. Price NAUTICAT 42 PILOT BAYLINER175 Giles at Boatshedphuket.com with outboard, Raymarine GPS, CATAMARAN (2002) 1.15 million baht. Email: HOUSE (1999) BOAT (USA) on 084-842 6146 or alangiles many other extras - asking 3.85 Four double cabins Twin Vetus [email protected] A top quality well-built yacht. @boatshedphuket.com million baht. Tel: 089-873 3713 42 Hp Diesels. Reduced to Excellent condition and lightly (English). Email: erwin.a.hardy US$160,000. Contact Alan used. Well-priced at US$ @gmail.com Giles at Boatshedphuket.com 280,000. Contact Alan Giles at SOLUTION TO on 084-842 6146 or alangiles Boatshedphuket.com on 084- @boatshedphuket.com 842 6146 or alangiles@boat THIS WEEK’S A STEAL FOR shedphuket.com A QUICK SALE Cryptic crossword BOTNIA TARGA NAJAD 360 SLOOP (1989) Including GPS-Sona Sailed 32 (2013) 3 times (total 20 hours) Quality Scandinavian-built Abbreviations: UPPER CASE (if used as part of anagram, in brackets). As new and with nearly all the 650,000 baht. Tel: 083-636 Normal spelling: lower case. yacht. New Nanni 38 Hp Die- options. A quality Scandina- 0125, 091-758 8829. Anagrams: italic (indicated in clue by words ‘out’, ‘possibly’, vian-built, go anywhere, fast sel. Well-equipped and realis- ‘strangely’, ‘wild’, or similar). cruiser at a substantial sav- tically priced. Asking only Letters left out: underlined. Across: ings on the new price. 98,000 Euro. Contact Alan Giles at Boatshedphuket.com BENETEAU 9. DISCOUNT: take no heed 10. RAT: tar[rev] 11. NOTARY: not-a- US$340,000. Tel: 084 842 EVASION 34 Ry. 12. BLENCH: b-L-ench 13. LEGATEE: delegate 14. OWNS: 6146. Email: alangiles on 084-842 6146 or alangiles won-S 15. INTERVENED: idtennever 17. OBLIGATE: ibetgoal 18. 2007 Italian demo yacht. @boatshedphuket.com Cranchi 47ft. Hard top. @boatshedphuket.com COMPARE: compere 19. BLOC: B-L-O/C 21. PAPACY: cappay 24. Boatshedphuket.com ONEHUNDREDPERCENT: tenunderdoneperch 27. BIASED: B- Fully loaded with tropical aside 29. CREW: Cr.-E-W 30. STRAINS: strains 33. DEMOCRAT: aircon, genset, electrical POWER docartme 35. CONGESTION: costingone 36. TRAT: tart 37. winches, garage, roof. CATAMARAN TROOPER: porter(0) 38. LENTIL: lent-1-L 40. CANNON: can-N- Ray Marine premium 10% DISCOUNT Austhai 6200. Cabcat. Full on 41. AIR: A1-R 42. DOGMATIC: actgodim Down: navy, BBQ, ice maker, 3 On Hypalon Yachtsman Ten- specs. Electric toilet, fridges, Bose sound, 1. VIOLINSOLO: arrangement 2. SCAN: S-can 3. PUSHOVER: P-U- ders. Light weight. Aluminiun winch, etc. Galvanized shover 4.STYLING: St.-lying 5. STETHOSCOPE: stophecost-E 6. neon light. Twin 570hp with hull RIB’s. Good quality at very trailer, boat cover. 2 Honda 1981 50 HP Perkings Motor INTERLOPER: itnorrepel 7. STRONG: s-T-R-ong 8. FRENETIC: reliable shaft drive, under competitive prices. Now in stock 90s with only 118 hours! ifcenter 10. RAGED: grade 16. EXPRESS: non-stop 20. LIEGE: liege 300hrs. Brand-new condi- Sailer, many extras, best 22. PRECAST: spacer(T) 23. EDUCATIONAL: noiledacut 25. at our Boat Lagoon Showroom. Great boat. 900,000 baht. state. 1,290,000 baht. tion. Price: 335,000 euros. For details contact Alan Giles. Tel: 081-894 0339 (En- UNDERSTAND: subject to-remain in force 26. TENDONITIS: Nihat Gunduz. Tel: 086-274 idnotestin 28. ICECREAM: micerace 31. THEOLOGY: gotholy(E) Tel: 089-971 0278. Email: Andaman Boat Sales. Tel 084- glish). Email: hilltribe@pop [email protected] 6272. Email: nihat_ gunduz 32. INTRUDE: nit-rude 34. OUTING: unitgo 35. CAPER: top-E-R 842 6146. boat@andamanboat piessamui.com @hotmail.com 39. NUAI: N-U-A.1. sales.com Looking for a boat? See more classified ads at www.phuketgazette.net 22 PHUKET GAZETTE March 21 - 27, 2015

Private Aircraft and Flight Services in Phuket

HAVE A PASSION AIRPLAY ALTIS 1999 ROBIN 2160i FOR AVIATION? MICROLIGHT I would like to sell my Robin If you have an aircraft for Superb trike with Konig ra- aircraft or trade it for a 4-seat sale or an interest in avia- dial engine. Great economi- Cessna or Piper (based in tion and wish to learn cal fun. Little used. Please Hua Hin). The Robin: TTAF how to fly or buy an air- contact for more informa- 300hrs. SMOH 60hrs. This craft or arrange a private tion. Tel: 089-111 6457 (En- is a well-equipped, two-seat flight, etc. Website: glish & Thai), 081-397 7598 aerobatic aircraft. Has the www.aeropromgr.com/ (English & Thai). Email: Christen inverted oil system. newsletter [email protected] Excellent inside and outside. King KMA24 audio panel, KX155 nav/com, KI203 vor, TECNAM P-92 KY197A comm, KN64A - Price: 1.5 million baht YOUR HELICOPTER dme, KR87 adf, KT76A tran- - Registration: U-B08 Flying and owning your own sponder, CSPA400 i-com, - Year of Manufacture: 2002 helicopter has just become FP5 fuel computer, CHT, possible. Free complete flight OAT, Pitot heat. Price: 4 - Equipment: Full standard instruction course with your million baht. Please contact equipment purchase. Email: pat@ Thom. Email: thos_w@ - Engine: Rotax 912-80HP aeropromgr.com hotmail.com 350hrs. Tel: 081-840 8418.

General Aviation • Aircraft for Sale • Aircraft Sharing • Aircraft Wanted • Aircraft Charter

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Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 140 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. March 21 - 27, 2015 PHUKET GAZETTE 23 Cape Panwa Hotel More than a Throwing balls for Coke Senior wins coveted simple shoe shine Petanque Competition HolidayCheck Momoko Bag & Shoes Spa opens at Central Festival Phuket. Award 2015

Theerawat Hungsapruch, vice president for planning and development for Prince of Songkhla University, chaired the opening ceremony of the Coke Haadthip Senior Petanque Competition at the Prince of Songkhla University Sport & Health Center.

SHINY SHOES: (from left to right) Papawin Pachantabutr, Siripattra Kusuwan Na-ranong and Sarinnakorn Pinit. Toyota gives away gold at Vigo Fair Mobile Event

HolidayCheck’s Director of Content Georg Ziegler (left) presented the coveted HolidayCheck’s Most Popular Hotels Worldwide 2015 award to Poomiphat Navanukroh (center), Cape & Kantary Hotels Travel Industry group director, and Maja Geldner, Cape & Kantary Hotels German sales manager, in honor of Cape Panwa Hotel, Phuket, the recipient of the award. The presentation took place at the ITB Berlin BRILLIANT BAGS: (left to right) Bundit Kerdvongbundit, – the world’s largest tourism trade fair – in Berlin, Maetapong Upatising, Pongsapak Upatising, Sarinnakorn Pinit, Akihiro Fujii (right), president of Toyota Next, presents Chamrat Germany. The award is based on guest reviews Papawin Pachantabutr, Siripattra Kusuwan Na-ranong, Kanittha Ngenthong (center) with a voucher for solid gold, after he won through the HolidayCheck travel portal. Prasopsirikul, Sittipong Siritantrakool and Phon-Ek Mayakarn. a drawing at Vigo Fair Mobile Event on March 10. 24 PHUKET GAZETTE March 21 - 27, 2015

Words from the wise

“Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can’t ride you unless your back is bent.” – Martin Luther King, Jr Cryptic Crossword Across Medium 9. Take no heed of rebate (8) 10. Deserter sailor returns (3) 11. Not a railway lawyer to cer- tify contracts (6) 12. Flinch at bench which in- cludes learner! (6) 13. Maybe delegate no daughter as inheritor (7) 14. Admits possibly won, son (4) 15. Maybe never intend to have stepped in (10) 17. I bet goal moved to legally bind (8) 18. Point out resemblance in noise of compere (7) 19. Note, left Officer Command- ing coalition (4) 21. Maybe cap pay in highest 41. First class run for tune (3) (5) Catholic office (6) 42. Act God, I’m possibly opin- 22. About time, spacer as- Hard 24. Cooked ten underdone perch ionated (8) sembled and formed beforehand whole (3,7,7) (7) 27. Prejudiced. Bravo, moved Down 23. No, I led a cut, slashing any- aside! (6) 1. Arrangement for one who thing to do with learning (11) 29. Credit two points to the fiddles without backing (6,4) 25. Follow subject to remain in ship’s company (4) 2. Son is able to carefully look (4) force (10) 30. Overtaxes the musical 3. Page University pusher, an easy 26. I’d no test in fixing trouble sounds (7) task (8) with sinews (10) 33. Do cart me off to an advo- 4. Good man maybe lying about 28. Mice race out for cold treat cate of rule by the people (8) creating fashion (7) (3,5) 35. Overcrowding could be 5. Stop, he cost new note for 31. Got holy movement out East costing one (10) medical device (11) for study of religion (8) 36. Tart cooked in Easternmost 6. Disturb it, nor repel intruder 32. Nit could be rude to force Thai province (4) (10) way in (7) 37. Porter possibly got nothing 7. Song about tango runs very 34. Move unit, go for excursion as private soldier (7) well (6) (6) 38. Loaned one large edible seed! 8. Hectic if center disturbed (8) 35. Top note, right, dance about (6) 10. Fumed about grade (5) (5) 40. Repetitive piece of music 16. Definitely state non-stop (7) 39. November, turn first class about new mounted gun (6) 20. Feudal sovereign in Belgian city sleep in Thailand (4) SUDOKU: Each row, column and 3x3 sub-grid must contain the number 1-9 once only. © Kevin Stone (brainbashers.com)

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 20): tain individuals, a patient ap- SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 22): ing so may make you may feel tem- Though the op- proach may work wonders early As Venus sashays porarily on edge, which could lead tions before you this week. However, other pres- into Taurus it will to a determination to make those might leave you sures can take their toll causing empower your necessary changes. It’s possible feeling some- you to rethink key plans. In the love life and other that a connection with someone what insecure, end though, it might be the ad- relationships too. you think highly of can be rejuve- it can help to see vice of close ones that motivates By Patrick Arundell The week ahead brings a soothing nated. them as stepping stones to greater you to take firm action. quality to interactions enabling you things. Friday’s Solar Eclipse to smooth over trouble spots and AQUARIUS (Jan 21-Feb 19): may also encourage you to get to CANCER (June 22-July 23): VIRGO (Aug 24-Sept 23): make the most of golden opportu- The focus is on grips with a long-held dream. If conflict threat- Do your best to nities for romance – or even busi- expanding your Over the weekend, the Sun newly ens to spill over in steer clear of un- ness. However, a new liaison could horizons, while arrived in Aries, will, however, a relationship, it necessary prob- begin on a something of a turbu- integrating old give you the vitality and courage may be down to lems, but don’t lent note. activities with to take on board an exciting, the Uranus–Pluto worry if you new routines. However, when fresh challenge. link and its potential for disrup- can’t avoid them completely. The SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23-Dec 21): dealing with finances, this tion. Even so, it’s time to edge out astrological picture this week This week it week’s Mercury-Neptune link TAURUS (Apr 21-May 21): of your comfort zone and break could encourage you to be open seems you’ll be could be a cause for confusion. The arrival of Ve- through limitations that might have to ideas that can involve a leap of keen to embrace With a little care you can avoid nus in your sign held you back for some time. In faith. Also, Friday’s highly intense new ideas. The any pitfalls. Friday’s Solar brings a reassuring fact, the idea of expanding your Solar Eclipse might also prompt chance to move Eclipse could see far-reaching touch to a week horizons could hold greater appeal you to review the ground rules re- ahead concern- monetary changes in the next six that could seem a than you imagine. garding someone you are close to. ing a special opportunity should months. tad edgy. A change of approach be grasped immediately if you to a key relationship might be at LEO (July 24-Aug 23): LIBRA (Sept 24-Oct 23): want to make the most of it. PISCES (Feb 20-Mar 20): the crux of things, but if you err Although exciting The week ahead However, when it comes to fam- The Solar Eclipse on the side of more freedom opportunities can can encourage ily matters, it may be worth try- in your sign rather than less, you may have continue to show you to revamp a ing out ideas that can encourage dominates not more options. It’s also possible up, you might be key relationship. greater happiness for the long- just the week you’ll benefit from expanding your tempted to ig- Though you may term. ahead but the next social network this week. nore them due to pressures felt have attempted to change this half year, with the in other areas of life. This week previously, perhaps before you CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 20): chance of exciting new opportu- GEMINI (May 22-June 21): though, the realization may dawn have stopped just short. Over the If faced with a nities or the option to put an on- If you find your- that by doing so you’re cutting coming days any desire to push need for action, do going problem to rest. Venus’s self at the mercy off the chance for progress. This the boundaries can get stronger, what you have to move into Taurus adds a note of of too much red can extend to your finances too, even if disruption ensues. In ad- do to calm mat- stability to the proceedings, and tape or find it where grasping new opportuni- dition, the Eclipse could put ters, then wait a may coincide with the sound ad- hard to commu- ties could serve you exception- lifestyle issues on a more impor- few days for things to settle be- vice or supportive activity from nicate with cer- ally well, Leo. tant footing. fore making further moves. Do- friends keen to help out. March 21 - 27, 2015 PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 25 Pricing your Phuket plot

By Kevin Hodges and Yacht Haven; the Phuket In- and the plans for The Mall Group ternational Academy and school, (Siam Paragon) to open its new 20- IF ONE single fact has become which boasts some of the highest billion-baht BluPearl Mall in Kathu. evident in Siam Real Estate’s Resi- education standards and best Adding to the mix is the surge in dential Market Report 2014, it is sports facilities in Thailand; not to condominium developments in the that since the tragic tsunami on mention Phuket International Air- area, also adding pressure to the Boxing Day 2004, land prices in port and Phuket Airpark; plus three increase in land prices. Phuket have tripled in value. golf courses, Blue Canyon (two The surge in prices has been 18-hole courses) and Mission SOUTH led by land prices on the west Hills. coast, most notably in the tradi- Tesco Lotus now has a new Land prices in the south of the is- tional and well-established tourist superstore in Thalang, and land, in general, match those of destinations of Patong, Kata, Bang Homepro and Makro have central Phuket, as the south has Tao, Laguna and Surin. However, recently opened their latest stores seen a steady increase in residential land prices in southern and cen- neighboring Tesco. property development due to prices tral Phuket have also bloomed, and Phuket’s northern area provides being much cheaper compared with now average more than 10 million easy access to some of the island’s those along the west coast. baht per rai. best beaches: Nai Yang, Mai Khao, The south has a thriving expat What is clearly noticeable is that Nai Thon and Layan, which offer community; Chalong marina for land prices in the north of Phuket long stretches of white sand along boating and diving enthusiasts; have lagged compared with these the Andaman Sea and are almost access to Nai Harn beach, which in all other locations on the island. deserted in comparison to the is attractive to tourists; and has To many Phuket residents this may beaches of Patong, Kata and Karon. the necessary infrastructure to seem obvious, as for years the north This year will see the comple- support the growing demand. of Phuket lacked the necessary in- tion of the 5.8-billion-baht Yet, while all these price move- frastructure and tourist appeal for expansion of Phuket International ments have been in play elsewhere land-price increases to match the Airport, to which the northern ar- on the island, it is the north where rest of the island. eas of Phuket provide fast and the movements are gaining This is all about to change. hassle-free access. This is ideal momentum. The increases in After the global financial cri- for the increasing number of Phuket’s land prices have woken sis of 2007-08, residential Phuket residents who use the investors to the potential of the property development concen- island as a base and commute for north, which has excellent pros- Phuket’s west coast still tops the charts. Image: Siam Real Estate trated on the traditionally popular business throughout the region. pects to outperform relative to locations along Phuket’s west Despite these improvements in and individual buyers looking to within one kilometer of Bang Tao current land prices. coast, the increasingly popular the local infrastructure, land prices take advantage of the lower land Beach has been driven up by large southern locations of Nai Harn in the north still remain reasonable. prices in an area. resort developments, in particular Siam Real Estate’s (SRE) Phuket and Rawai and Phuket’s central We are now seeing a growing the Laguna resort area, which con- Residential Market Report provides hub, Kathu. trend of individual buyers looking WEST COAST tinues to expand. detailed information and analysis on In comparison, the north saw to build large residential homes Phuket’s residential property little in the way of new develop- taking advantage of these lower Other trends in land prices to note CENTRAL market. For more information about ments in recent years and today land prices. are a growing trend on Phuket’s this article or to receive a larger remains the least-developed loca- Longer-term land investors west coast of new residential For property developers to keep version of SRE’s land price map tion on the island. have also been attracted to property developments moving their prices in line with market contact Mr Hodges, the North Branch However, we are seeing a cheaper land prices in the north, more inland to locations such demand, residential developers and Investments Manager for Siam growing trend of improving infra- plus the great opportunities to buy Cherng Talay and Layan and fur- have had to move to new loca- Real Estate in Phuket and author of structure in the north of Phuket, reasonably priced land with ther north to Nai Thon, Mai Khao tions where land prices are SRE’s Phuket Residential Market which will lead to a growing potential to increase in value. and Nai Yang. lower. Research Report. He has more than demand for more residential prop- Yet, the clock is ticking. We This growing trend is due to the Land prices in central Phuket six years’ experience in Phuket’s real erty development in the area. expect to see increasing land lower land prices in these more have been driven upwards in re- estate market. Tel: 076-324042 The north is already home to prices in the north as demand in- inland and less-developed loca- cent years due to the expansion Email: [email protected]; two deep-water marinas, at Ao Por creases from property developers tions. Specifically, the price of land plans by Central Shopping Mall www.siamrealestate.com. Property firms set on 10 - 20% pre-sale, revenue growth in 2015 LISTED property firms target pre- sale and revenue growth of 10-20 per cent compared with last year thanks to demand in the market recovering and high backlogs built up since 2011 being booked as revenue this year. According to the business plans and financial targets for this year announced by the 17 listed devel- opers, they target total pre-sales of 291.95 billion baht and total revenue of 264.03bn baht, up by an average of 15 per cent from 2014. Sansiri targets pre-sales of 30bn That revenue target accounts baht to 32bn baht. for 44 per cent of the nationwide sales between 30bn baht and 32bn property market, worth 600bn baht and revenue of 35bn baht, up baht. 255 per cent and 18 per cent Pruksa Real Estate takes the lead respectively from pre-sales of 9bn by targeting pre-sales of 47bn baht and revenue 29.5bn baht in baht and a similar amount in rev- 2014. enue this year, up 20 per cent and Land & Houses ranks third in 10 per cent respectively from the terms of targeted revenue at 28bn 39.09bn baht and 42.7bn baht baht, but second in forecast posted in 2014. pre-sales at 34bn. Sansiri is next, targeting pre- – The Nation 26 PHUKET GAZETTE PROPERTY March 21 - 27, 2015 Harvesting monsoon bounty How to take advantage of the abundance of free-falling freshwater sible to install a fine filter and use the recycled water in a washing machine, as well as in sinks and showers, though it is advisable to sterilize the rainwater using a chlo- THOSE of us who have lived in rine dosage pump. a tropical country nearly all our In Phuket, despite officials’ lives tend to take rain for granted. statements to the contrary, there We regularly forget that it’s the always seems to be a shortage of rain that keeps the plants a lush freshwater during the dry season. green, while also providing for Due to this, more and more home our everyday water-usage needs. owners on the island are starting My grand- to practice rain mother used to harvesting to collect rainwa- supplement ter in big ground water Chinese urns in sources. the garden. She In addition would use the to ground wa- water for the ter sources, plants in her gar- another com- dens. mon way Rainwater homeowners harvesting have been get- throughout Asia ting water is by dates back to buying it from the 9th or 10th water trucks, Photo: Pengo centuries. which is an ex- Nowadays, In Phuket, despite officials’ pensive there are more practice. sophisticated statements to the contrary, The going methods of rain ‘there always seems to be a rate for a truck water collection load of water available to use. shortage of freshwater containing For those during the dry season. Due about 12,000 li- homeowners to this, more and more ters is 800 who are more baht. During ecologically home owners on the island the high season, aware, it all are starting to practice rain the demand for starts with the trucked water catchment of harvesting to subsidize is very high, as Rainwater harvesting starts with the catchment of water from the rooftops. Photo: Edal Anton Lefterov rainwater from ground water sources. many hotels, be filtered before use. ter in the US focus on the fact that infringe on others’ legal rights to their rooftops, villas and devel- Rainwater harvesting can offer the rainwater falling from the sky the water. which gets piped down to a col- opments are ’running at nearly full substantial savings for onto private land does not make it Looks like those of us out here lection tank. Here, the water is occupancy, pushing water con- homeowners. However, someone the homeowner’s property. in Asia will not have the same filtered and recycled. sumption way up. pointed out to me that such prac- In several states, rainwater problems as the US, as we can Recycled water is then used to However, this water is being tices were illegal in some areas in harvesting requires a permit to en- freely harvest rainwater off our water plants in the gardens, flush sourced from lakes and ponds all the United States. sure that the harvesting equipment roofs anytime – assuming there is toilets and so on. It is also pos- over the island, and still needs to The regulations about rainwa- does not affect groundwater or rain falling. March 21 - 27, 2015 PHUKET GAZETTE 27 28 PHUKET GAZETTE March 21 - 27, 2015 Scoring big in Africa enriched uranium which he will claim came from an airplane full of the stuff that crashed in the Congo. The three conspirators fly off to Uganda in a Russian char- DENIS Johnson published his ter jet and put their radioactive first of three books of poetry at wares up for market. They find a the age of 19. His meticulous at- shifty pair of customers who turn tention to words is evident in his out to be rogue Mossad opera- 11 books of fiction, which tend tives. After a fight, the trio flee into to be slim and terse, but intensely the Congo in a stolen Land Cruiser. descriptive. They are now in a land of no law. I’ve read his second novel, Davidia is horrified when they run Fiskadoro, a post-nuclear apoca- over a market woman and just keep lypse set in Key West, and his going. She screams repeatedly for eighth, The Tree of Smoke, an epic them to turn back, “but we – if somewhat overwrought – wouldn’t go back, we couldn’t – novel about the Vietnam War, win- not in Africa, this hard, hard land ner of the 2007 National Book where nobody could help that poor Award. Now, at 65, he has pub- woman flopped probably dead in lished The Laughing Monsters the road and where running away (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, New from this is not a mistake. The York, 2014, 228pp) – an impres- mistake was looking back at her sionistic black comedy set in in the first place.” bleak, war-torn Africa. They find shelter in a village The narrator is Roland Nair, a where the people speak Adriko’s spy for the espionage agency of native language, but a renegade NATO, who is dispatched from Congolese army detachment ar- Amsterdam to Freetown, Sierra rives in pick-up trucks for an orgy Leone. His mission has been of massacre, looting and rape. prompted by the sighting of his The commander takes the trio old friend Michael Adriko, a US captive and turns them over to the Special Forces operative who has American 10th Special Forces gone AWOL. Their friendship Group at a base they maintain to dates back over a decade to Si- hunt down the Lord’s Resistance erra Leone’s civil war. They had Army. Adriko escapes en route, both made a bit of money on the leaving Nair to be interrogated by side and Nair is looking to repeat another spook for going rogue on the operation. Most crucially, how- his spy mission. This dialogue ever, he is bored. “I’ve come back between two world-weary schem- because I love the mess,” he ex- ers turns out to be the funniest plains. “Anarchy. Madness. section of the book, and Nair is Things falling apart.” released to search for Adriko Nair holds a Danish passport deeper into the heart of darkness. and the rank of captain in the Dan- The three conspirators fly off to Uganda to put their enriched uranium up for market. Photo: Andrew Regan Denis Johnson has been com- ish Army but can barely speak the pared to Joseph Conrad, Graham language. Adriko holds a Ghana- daughter of his commanding of- up to some vague skullduggery in limit, and plenty of it goes to Greene and Robert Stone, though ian passport but is from Uganda. ficer at the 10th Special Forces Afghanistan. Now they look to snitches and spies. In that field, he lacks their moral gravitas. He He is headed now for the eastern Group headquartered in Colorado profit from the poisoned African there’s no recession.” Or as is a fine prose stylist but his char- mountains of the Congo where his from which he is now “detached”. atmosphere of post-9/11. “The Adriko has it: “Oh my goodness, acters aspire to nothing more than clan had fled reprisals after the fall Nair explains to the naive Davidia World Powers are dumping their you just tickle them in their ter- the ill-gotten loot than will buy of Idi Amin. The occasion will be that she is now Adriko’s “fifth fi- coffers into an expanded version rorism bone, and they ejaculate all them a retirement of drunken plea- his wedding to Davidia St Clair, ancee”. of the old Great Game,” Nair tells kinds of money.” sure with African hookers. the beautiful African-American Adriko and Nair had also been Davidia. “The money’s without As bait, Adriko has a chunk of Nihilism at its finest. Thai designers shine at London Fashion Week ASPIRING Thai clothing designers The Thai duo had harmony between The clothes are already available for pur- Pongsak Kobrattanasuk and Thita the backing of Siam strangers.” chase on the third floor of Siam Center in Kamonnetsawat of the Rotsaniyom-White Center and the British Ms Thita points Bangkok. Label got a nice career boost recently when Council in Thailand, out how their experi- “For more than 40 years it has contrib- their Malai collection was featured in the and say they find in mentation with uted to the evolution of Thai fashion and “Next in Line” show at London Fashion white lace – a signa- different prints and has driven the industry to the international Week. ture material for them materials has pro- level, built an image, upgraded the standards Brewer Street Car Park in the British – a reflection of duced truly fresh and provided young designers with an op- capital’s Soho district was the humble “the true beauty of results. “In this mar- portunity to show their potential and express setting for what’s been called “the fashion Thainess”. riage of cultures, the their imagination,” Ms Chanisa says. show of the year”, a chance for young “The Malai collec- hint of foreign cul- With Rotsaniyom-White Label, she adds, designers to strut their stuff for the tion derives from our ture is harmoniously Siam Centre is “showing the world that Thai industry. interpretation of infused into Thai cul- designers are second to none”. This year there were hungry labels from Thainess,” says ture. We focus on Andrew Glass of the British Council calls 10 countries. Along with Rotsaniyom- Pongsak. “We com- two key factors – the its collaboration a big step to support the White Label, there was Lena Martorello bine Thailand’s raw materials and the Thai fashion industry and personnel to (Argentina), Sid Neigum (Canada), Zurita characteristic textiles technique. We also achieve the success and reach the destina- Design (Chile), Liucija Kvayte (Lithuania), with western lace to The up-and-coming designers often use use white on white to tion in global platform. Siham El Amri (Morocco), Anouk Van create the captivating white lace. Photo: The Nation create dimension.” “This collaboration not only incorporates Klaveren (the Netherlands), Hamza Bokhari look. There’s a hint of Siam Center’s the different culture of each country, but (Pakistan), Adrian Foster (Trinidad and the ‘Anna and the King’ story – the rela- Chanisa Kaewruen says the mall seeks to also is a good opportunity to expand the Tobago) and Christina Economou tionship between two unfamiliar cultures “gather the most complete range of fash- fashion network across the world,” he said. (Greece). that can still shake hands, that unique ion labels in Thailand”. – The Nation March 21 - 27, 2015 PHUKET GAZETTE 29 Cholesterol myths relationship between the intake of saturated fat and the incidence of heart disease or stroke. It pooled together data from 21 unique studies that included almost IN MY previous column, I ex- 350,000 people, about 11,000 of plained how a published dietician whom developed cardiovascular missed the mark when it comes disease (CVD), and were tracked to the potential benefits of con- for an average of 14 years. This suming coconut oil. one should have tipped the scales This week, I want to focus on for many, but experts are still the following comment made by divided. the same expert: If we go with the results of this “Speaking from a medical point study, perhaps saturated fats aren’t of view, coconut oil contains over the bad guy after all. Another ques- 90 per cent saturated fatty acids, tion to throw in the mix then would which are likely to raise blood cho- be: are there any studies showing lesterol levels and increase the risk health benefits of saturated fats like of contracting certain diseases.” butter and coconut oil? Last week, What I would like to put forth I listed some of the many studies is the possibility that this link that suggest coconut oil has many between saturated fat, high positive attributes. cholesterol levels and heart disease If we throw out the idea that has not been proven, but remains saturated fats are the main sus- a highly topical subject among pect for causing chronic heart scientists and researchers. disease – could there be some Currently, the jury is still out, other culprits? with many studies and research- I, for one, look to sugar, pro- ers challenging and contradicting Craig points to sugar and high-fructose corn syrup for causing heart disease. Photo: Marlith cessed junk food rich in high previous conclusions. Let’s start fructose corn syrup (such as soft with examining one of the bench- Why didn’t he use all of the nations. se, of all natural diets has no sig- drinks), and trans fat (such as mark studies. data? Well, the reasons are unclear It appears Dr Keys contradicted nificant effect on either the serum those used in frying and in many In 1953, Dr Ancel Keys pub- and the dead can’t talk – but one his own findings in many of his cholesterol level or the develop- packaged foods). Sadly, in Phuket lished a seminal paper that serves of the theories is that he cherry- other works. For instance, in “Hu- ment of atherosclerosis in man.” we don’t have a shortage of those as the basis for nearly all of the picked his information, as many man Atherosclerosis and The A lot of contradictions from just foods – you can find them on any initial scientific support for the of the countries he excluded were Diet”, he writes that “from these one man – welcome to the world corner. Cholesterol Theory. The study is those that did not support his animal experiments only, the most of nutritional science. In this world, known as the Seven Countries hypothesis. reasonable conclusion would be one day eggs are bad, the next day Craig Burton is a nutritional expert Study, and it linked the consump- What this later led to was the that the cholesterol content of they are good. Imagine being the with more than 15 years of tion of saturated fats to coronary construction of the “Dietary Goals human diets is unimportant in hu- poor old egg having to deal with experience at the forefront of the heart disease. However, the study for the United States”, which rec- man atherosclerosis.” these ever-changing tides. health and well-being field. He offers had issues. One of the most alarm- ommends that all Americans Additionally, in his paper titled So, what has the latest research a high-level of expertise in functional ing is that allegedly Dr Keys reduce their fat, saturated fat and “The Relationship of the Diet to found out about saturated fat and training and nutrition, focusing selectively analyzed information cholesterol consumption, and in- the Development of Atherosclero- heart disease? on detoxification, food intolerance from only seven countries to sup- crease their carbohydrate sis in Man”, Dr Keys says: “The A recent large-scale meta-analy- and nutrient deficiency. For port his correlation, rather than consumption to 55-60 per cent of evidence – both from experiments sis study published in the more information about Craig and comparing all the data available at daily calories. This stance was and from field surveys – indicates American Journal of Clinical Nu- his services, please visit the time – from 22 countries. also adopted by other western that the cholesterol content, per trition concluded that there is no thevitruvianmethod.com. When the heart beats out of tune A HEART that flutters temporarily the rhythm of the heart. Here, we because of love might well be a will focus on the treatment of su- wonderful thing, but a heart that praventricular tachycardia (SVT). consistently beats out of tune is a Oral medication can slow down cause for concern. The heart nor- the electrical currents, while ad- mally beats at a steady pace. enosine injections will bring the The tempo of the heartbeat can heartbeat back to normal by and does vary depending on both blocking the electrical current. the body’s condition and our health. However, neither of these options During strenuous activity the heart get rid of the underlying cause. beats faster to get more oxygen to Radiofrequency ablation brings the muscles. This is a natural re- Don’t let your heart skip too many the current back to normal and pre- sponse to the body’s needs. beats. Photo: The Nation vents short circuits on a permanent However, the heart can also does not complete a circuit and basis with a 95 per cent rate. sometimes change its tempo and tries to re-enter the beginning of Most cases are found in people rhythm without any reason. When the cycle, resulting in the heart who are stressed or have an un- a malfunction causes the heart to beating out of pace. healthy lifestyle, such as those with beat faster, it is called tachycar- The usual symptoms of tachy- anger issues, who consume too dia. There are different types of cardia are fatigue, chest pain and much caffeine or take stimulants. tachycardia and they each have heart palpitations, all of which are In most cases, the symptoms their own causes. often overlooked. of SVT come and go, but diagno- When the heart beats rapidly but Since many different factors sis is easier when symptoms are rhythmically, it is called supraven- can cause tachycardia, the first present. If you experience any of tricular tachycardia (SVT). step of any diagnosis is a thorough symptoms of SVT, you should Another type of tachycardia is re- examination. This involves a re- seek medical advice straight away. entry tachycardia. This is caused view of the patient’s medical In the meantime, try to lead a when there is a short circuit in the history and a physical examina- healthy life as this will minimize electrical signals controlling the tion. Diagnosis may also involve your risk of suffering from SVT. heartbeat. As a result, the current EKG or an echocardiograph to test – The Nation 30 PHUKET GAZETTE March 21 - 27, 2015 A flyby to success Airpark to bring more air show events to Phuket

THE successful Phuket Air Show & Fly’n event at the Phuket Air- park on March 28 is just the first in a number of similar activities planned at Phuket’s only private airfield, with another fun event scheduled to take place in mid- May. Pat James, head of the Phuket Aviation Club, told Up In The Air: “The airshow on March 28 was intended to be an introductory event for the local community. We are planning a minimum of three or perhaps four more such events annually, under the umbrella of A fixed-winged aircraft takes off at the Phuket Airpark during the Phuket Air Show & Fly’n event. Photos: www.oilinki.com the Phuket Aviation Club, joined by the Experimental Aircraft As- Although smaller than the two- offered by the ‘By The Air’ group Program, which is being spon- a foothold,” he said. sociation and the Siam Aviation day US Independence Day Event at 1,500 baht per passenger. sored by the Experimental Aircraft Youngsters showing interest in Association.” in 2013, which involved multiple The recorded attendance at the Association (EAE) based in the March event also represented Pat explained that all three are sponsorships and drew over a gate was about 700, with the first America, as well as the Siam Avia- a balanced mix of Thais and part of a global community of thousand people on both days, the arrivals coming at dawn and soon tion Association and Phuket expats, Pat noted. “general aviation” enthusiasts: rec- recent event showed that the filling up the large car park at the Aviation Club,” Pat explained. The minimum legal age to op- reational fliers using a truly wide Phuket Flying Club and Phuket Airpark. Youths interested in earning their erate an aircraft or take part in range of aircraft – everything from Airpark are now capable of host- “There was a lot of activity all wings will definitely want to attend, actual pilot training in Thailand is fixed wing planes to gyrocopters ing large events largely on their day long. As soon as a few cars as the top 12 to 15 young people 16, but there is a wide variety of and paramotors – to explore the own, he said. departed a few more pulled in to participating between the ages of other training options open to skies above. Among those taking part were take their places,” Pat said. 14 and 18 years old will have the ambitious would-be aviators un- He described the event earlier this former recreational flyers who The event also served as good chance to get a free online course der that age. Among the options month as “an unbelievable success wanted to get back into the sport, general operations training expe- and certificates valued from 15,000 available are ground school, safety at every level, ” with more than 70 as well as newcomers who hadn’t rience for staff at the Phuket to 25,000 baht. training, navigational training, passengers going up for rides in a been aware of the recreational avia- Airpark, he added. “That’s a tremendous oppor- learning about atmospheric con- variety of aircraft, and a number of tion options available in Phuket. “So now we are really looking tunity for young, qualified ditions, as well as just observing people, Thais and foreigners, sign- Among the most popular activi- forward to the May 16 event. It individuals who truly have an in- how a veteran pilot safely oper- ing up for flying lessons. ties were short gyrocopter rides will go under the Young Eagles terest in aviation. It can give them ates an aircraft. Rocket Man: check out the water-propelled jetpack ONE of the many highlights of the day was a “water jet” apparatus set up at the Airpark pond by one participant. It was set up on a rather im- promptu basis, but turned out to be a very good form of en- tertainment – especially on such a hot day. The system comprises a pair of water nozzles that the user hooks up to both feet. A jet-ski parked nearby pumps high pres- sure water through a hose and into the nozzles, propelling the user from the lake into the air. With a little practice, users Fly without wings. can learn to balance themselves served on the day came when atop the two columns of water, newcomers lost their balance perhaps feeling like a dolphin and belly-flopped face down using its tail fluke to balance into the pond with so many itself and “walk on water”. spectators looking on. Hope- Despite the considerable fully those behind the fun thrust involved, the water jet activity will be in town for the activity appears to be quite May 16 event, so even more safe. The greatest risk ob- people can give it a try. READY FOR TAKEOFF: Those who attended the event had the opportunity to try out the gyrocopter. March 21 - 27, 2015 PHUKET GAZETTE 31 Slinging for Singapore By Chris Husted show, and it provides exposure to the right clientele.” A HOST of Phuket’s leading bro- Looking to gain a foothold in kerages and charter companies are that realm is Multihull Solutions. preparing to hoist anchor to join Andrew de Bruin, Multihull Solu- the Singapore Yacht Show (SYS) tions’ Asia general manager, based at the ONEº 15 Marina Club at in Phuket, will be presenting the Sentosa from April 23-26. impressive Fountaine Pajot flag- Phuket-based companies alone ship motor yacht, Queensland 55, will have hundreds of millions of at the show. baht of boats on display at the “The yacht is a very late model show. The key attraction for join- in showroom condition and will ing the event is the reach the show be available for immediate sale,” offers to the prospective interna- Mr de Bruin told the Gazette. tional clientele throughout The Queensland 55 will be look- Southeast Asia, explained Bert van ing to bridge the gap from the Muylwijk, resident director and traditional preconception of a sales broker at the Northrop & luxury cruiser being a powered Johnson office at Phuket’s Boat monohull, to a fully-endowed Lagoon Marina. catamaran. “The SYS is by far the most “The 55 is a large, roomy important show in the region, at- power catamaran with great long- tracting large numbers of punters range cruising ability and is very that can indulge in viewing yachts economical to run. We believe this of all sizes and sorts,” he noted. boat is perfectly suited to the SYS “Like every year since the in- market,” he said. ception of SYS, Northrop & The new Princess 52 will be among the Phuket boats on display in Singapore. Photo: Northrop & Johnson As Phuket, for now, attracts a Johnson Asia participates both in the Sparkman & Stephens 28m Rico Stapel, marketing and match for our clientele, and we smaller percentage of international water and on land. This year’s sailing superyacht Letizia and the charter manager of Princess have had strong interest from visitors, Mr de Bruin noted, line-up of yachts under the N&J 20m first solar-assisted power Yachts South East Asia, also based people throughout the region for Singapore remains the place to be Asia banner is quite impressive.” catamaran Heliotrope. in Phuket, will be taking an esti- these developments,” Mr Stapel seen. He’s not kidding. The N&J Heliotrope and the 20m Monte mated 15 boats to the show, told the Gazette. “The Singapore show is far big- lineup includes the brand-new 52- Carlo power yacht Norma, also to including the stunning 88 MY, as “The SYS is largest show in the ger, so these clients prefer to travel meter power superyacht Jade 959, go on show in Singapore, were well as the new 52, 56 and 68 area and we always have very high to Singapore, where they are the 2009-launched 34m custom present at Phuket’s PIMEX expo models. exposure there… We always exposed to a larger choice of sailing superyacht Ocean Runner, earlier this year. “These yachts are a good receive good feedback from the yachts,” he said.

Papeete Harbor features stern-to mooring. Photo: AP Superyachts Tahiti Tahiti marinas ease superyacht stopover POPULAR island stopover Tahiti to mooring with anchor and lines is now home to three marinas that on bottom moorings at depths of can accommodate superyachts three to 15m. making the journey across the The marina is recognized for Pacific. receiving the respected eco-label Located 4,400km south of Ha- “Blue Flag” in 2012, created by waii, 7,900km from Chile and the French Office of the Founda- 5,700km from Australia, Tahiti has tion for Environmental Education become one of the most popular in Europe in 1985. stopovers for superyachts cross- Papeete’s downtown area will ing the “Big Pond”, explained very soon have a new marina, one Etienne Boutin, head of Asia Pa- that is currently under construc- cific Superyachts Tahiti. tion and due to completed at the While Papeete Harbor remains end of April. It will mostly cater the only suitable dock in Tahiti for to yachts 30 to 75 feet long; with yachts longer than 65 meters, just three berths for 35m yachts. One five miles to the west is Marina of the cruise ship’s finger quay Taina, which can tie up 550 boats. will be included inside the marina Two cement docks at the ma- precinct to offer a more “yacht rina are reserved for luxury yachts friendly” alternative downtown for and capable of handling up to 27 large visiting yachts. units at the same time, with stern- – Phuket Gazette 32 PHUKET GAZETTE March 21 - 27, 2015 March 21 - 27, 2015 PHUKET GAZETTE 33 All aglow down below Recreational divers exposed to UV wonderland during glow dives

MOST divers remember taking a crash course in the color spectrum and light waves from their ad- vanced diving course. Notably, that we see short wavelength colors, such as red, yellow and orange, quickly disappear as we descend on a dive. The lesson is Corals react differently. usually combined with a color- comparisons activity on our first deep dive to about 40 meters. There is, of course, an entire world of light beyond what we can see. Pounding across Kata Beach with a quarter moon overhead, we are about to shine the light of dis- covery and see what it does to the underwater world during a “Glow Dive” with Vince from Kiwidiver. Glow dives, also known as Glo A tube worm shows off in UV. dives and Flo dives, are new to the diving market, as the technol- ogy for ultraviolet (UV) and blue-light torches for divers have just recently become commer- cially available. There are two distinct types of glow dives: one with UV torches, which shine light at a wavelength that is invisible to the human eye (395 nanometers); and blue light, which shines a strong blue light of about 455nm, and still resides The corals glow in green and blue after reacting with the UV light from a diver’s torch. Photos: Kiwidiver.com The textures are pronounced. in the visible spectrum. reef, it’s possible to hear Vince ness like beacons in a science- In fact, only certain animals dive – only to turn it back on ev- As we swim out among the clicking his torch over to UV mode. fiction movie. Floating close to react at all – most notably corals ery so often to check what else is longtail boats anchored at the north We tuck our own torches away. a small colony of brain coral, the and soft-bodied critters. The rest willing to glow for us. end of the beach, Vince explains At first, it’s dark. There is a swerving maze-like lines be- remain hidden from sight. Though Though not so lucky as to find that we will be using a UV torch, little moonlight trickling down to comes mesmerizing as the tops corals provide the most spectacu- ourselves in a bloom of jellyfish, as a blue-light torch requires the sand and the top of the reef, glow, falling away into black lar of the UV-color shows, Vince was able to give us a taste of divers to wear yellow filters (and and a hard wave of the hand crevices. invertebrates such as jellyfish put the wonders that present them- fit their cameras with the same) causes a burst of bio-luminescent The corals are emitting light on an enamoring display as they selves to torches of the visible-light in order to see the magic. Of particles to light up like Tinker within the visible spectrum due to pulse through the ocean. spectrum: two ornate ghost pipe- course, Kata is loaded with bio- Bell’s dust. Then, the corals are a chemical compound contained However, without a jellyfish in fish, two frog fish and what logical wonders that aren’t UV hit with the light from the UV torch in their tissue, which reacts to the sight and the glow of the corals appeared to be a bumblebee squid magical, so we are all carrying and explode with color – strange UV light, causing them to fluo- giving way to our imaginations (Sepiola atlantica), not to mention good old-fashioned LED torches colors: neon greens, deep purples resce. Unfortunately, not everyone wandering about, curious as to an assortment of crustaceans and as well. and stunning oranges. is able to be the belle of this rave- what else is out there, Vince shuts other marine life that come out to As we approach the edge of the They are glowing in the dark- like UV ball. off the UV light to continue the play once the sun goes down. 34 PHUKET GAZETTE March 21 - 27, 2015

Cycling Fest peddles back Local players pucker up into town

THE Phuket Cycling Fest returns in first shot at annual cup for its second edition on March 28-29 with a weekend of cycling By Scott Murray youngest player on the team, Aku fun, includ- Korkonen, was the tournament ing a 46km PHUKET’s first foray into the an- MVP, as he scored 10 goals. tour of the nual Mekong Cup ball hockey This was the fifth champion- south of the tournament, held in Karon last ship for the Stix, but their first island. Saturday, ended with an ousting since 2004. Captain John Stevens Cyclists in the round-robin stage, but the and goalie Yves Gaboriault are will depart competition for Southeast Asia’s the only surviving members from Saphan Hin most coveted ball hockey trophy that team still on the Stix today, at 6:15am, has been hailed a success. though Phuket team-member head south to Though this was the fourth Scott Murray, as well as referee A cyclist nears Promthep straight year that the cup was and former tourney organizer John Saphan Hin. Photo: Cape, then staged at the Centara Karon Casella were also part of that dy- Phuket Cycling Fest ride back to Resort Phuket, it was the first time nasty, which won four titles over town via Chao Fa West Road. a team from Phuket entered the five years. Meanwhile, the outdoor bike competition. The Stix are now tied with the festival will be held at Saphan Hin The Phuket Pucks, organized Hong Kong Islanders for the most Park from 10am to 8pm on both by Surin expat Joe Burgess, even cups, with five each. days. On show will be a range of featured a former draft choice of Yves Gaboriault was praised activities with a huge variety of the San Jose Sharks, Dominik for an outstanding job in his first cycling products also up for Bielke, who was drafted in the The 21st Mekong Cup, held in Karon last weekend, drew teams from year as tourney organizer. Praise grabs. seventh round in 2009. Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong. was also given to referees Craig There also will be a Phuket City However, the Pucks (0-4-1) The other semi-final saw the Singapore scored a late goal to Noon and John Casella for a great Bike Seminar and a bike collec- made a hasty exit, finishing sixth second-seeded Singapore Chili close the gap, but when the final job of maintaining order. tion on display at the show. overall. Joining them were the Crabs (3-1-1) come back from two whistle sounded, the Thai Stix had A charity auction at the awards Lucky draws will be held for Chiang Mai Highlanders (0-3-2), goals down to beat the third-seeded triumphed and were back on the banquet raised 40,000 baht for the special prizes, including vouchers who secured fifth place. Hong Kong Islanders 3-2 (3-2). top of the Asian ball hockey world, Vivian Slot scholarship fund. At- for luxury packages from hotels, The first semi-final saw a battle That set up a final between the laying to rest the ghosts of recent tending the event and playing for resorts and spas, and more. of the two Bangkok teams, with Thai Stix and the Chili Crabs. past – especially last year’s heart- the Phuket team was Roman For more information, visit the top-seeded Thai Stix (5-0-0) Singapore jumped out to an early breaking last-minute championship Torok, senior vice-president of the PhuketCyclingFest.com beating the fourth-seeded Bullies 1-0 lead, but the Thai Stix stormed loss to the Hong Kong Islanders. International Street & Ball Hockey – Phuket Gazette Resurrected (1-2-2) 6-1. back with three unanswered goals. Thai Stix forward, and the Federation. March 21 - 27, 2015 PHUKET GAZETTE 35 Australian boxer killed Queensland medics call for boxing ban following fatal fight

By Patrick Johnston wanted to show that boxing was not as dangerous as people feared. SENIOR Queensland medical “He really wanted to change the officials have called for a ban on image of boxing,” James O’Shea boxing in Australia following a told AAP on Monday. local fighter’s death after losing a “A lot of times in this country title fight last weekend. the sport gets a bad rap. Braydon Smith, 23, had con- “A big goal of his in life was to gratulated Filipino John Moralde show people it’s not [a bad sport].” for claiming a unanimous points The death of Smith, also know decision win in their WBC Asian as “The Great White”, comes Boxing Council continental feath- four years after another Austra- erweight title bout in Toowoomba lian boxer, 18-year-old Alex Slade, on Saturday. collapsed in the fourth round of He collapsed after returning to a bout in Townsville. He never re- his dressing room. gained consciousness and died a The law student was put into week later. an induced coma, but never re- Boxing Queensland president gained consciousness and his life Ann Tindall defended the sport’s support was turned off at a reputation. Brisbane hospital on Monday. Is it time for Australian boxers to hang up their gloves and move on? Photo: US Air Force “It’s a tragic accident, a tragic Australian Medical Association “We believe that a so-called ABC on Monday. most important organ in the body.” accident as you can have in a car Queensland president Shaun Rudd sport where two people knock “You’re not allowed to hit the A representative of the Smith or any other sport, there are said that the fighter’s death each other in the head as often as organs beneath the belt whereas family said that the young boxer, many sports that have deaths in showed why boxing should be you possibly can to win a bout you’re allowed to hit the organ who was unbeaten in 12 fights them,” Tindall was quoted as banned nationally. seems rather barbaric,” he told above your shoulder, which is the prior to the Moralde bout, had saying by ABC. – Reuters World’s top golfers 1. Rory McIlroy (Britain) 2. Bubba Watson (US) 3. Henrik Stenson (Sweden) 4. Adam Scott (Australia) 5. Jason Day (Australia) 6. Jordan Spieth (US) Best ball busters. Photo: Cristina Carvalho 7. Jim Furyk (US) 9. Dustin Johnson (US) 8. Sergio Garcia (Spain) 10. Justin Rose (Britain) 36 PHUKET GAZETTE March 21 - 27, 2015 Did Mercedes kill F1?

By Julian Linden their hands and they did a great job, not just as a team but indi- NO SOONER had Mercedes vidually. cruised to the checkered flag at “They are the favorites, they Sunday’s season-opening Austra- had a huge advantage last year and lian Grand Prix, their rivals were I think they did a good job increas- all but conceding the 2015 For- ing that advantage this year.” mula One championship was as Vettel won four titles in a row good as over. for Red Bull before Mercedes Dominant in 2014, Mercedes overtook them last year, and that were again in a class of their own team’s principal Christian Horner with double-world champion said 2015 was looking like another Lewis Hamilton coasting to procession. victory over teammate Nico “On today’s evidence we’re set Rosberg. for a two-horse race at every Despite taking it easy through- Grand Prix this year,” he said. out the 58-lap race, concerned “Take nothing away from more about saving tyres and fuel Mercedes, they’ve done a super than checking their mirrors for job, they’ve got a great car, challengers, Mercedes finished they’ve got a fantastic engine and by, they may be even more domi- more than half a minute clear of they’ve got two very good nant this year. third-placed Sebastian Vettel’s drivers. “I feel a bit for the fans,” said Photo: Reuters Ferrari. “But the problem is the gap is Australia’s Daniel Ricciardo, who Only two other drivers finished just so big you end up with three- finished sixth for Red Bull. “It was that he would be bored as a fan, man said. on the same lap as the Silver Ar- tier racing and I don’t think that’s a boring race. It was frustrating.” while Rosberg said that he hoped “Half of me, or part of me, rows. healthy for Formula One.” Even the Mercedes drivers have the others could catch up. thinks about the show because I “You have to be realistic,” said Mercedes won 16 of 19 races said they fear their dominance “I hope they can give us a chal- want to give people a great time Vettel after his first race for last season and started 18 on pole. could drive fans away. In the lead- lenge, because it’s important for at home watching on TV or at the Ferrari. “This weekend it was in If last Sunday was anything to go up to the race, Hamilton admitted the sport and the fans,” the Ger- track.” – Reuters Red Bull F1 Team: Broken wings, broken dreams

Red Bull Formula One driver Daniil Kvyat of Russia drives onto the gravel during the Australian F1 Grand Prix. Photo: Reuters A RED Bull adviser has warned to the new season with Daniel that the team could pull out of Ricciardo getting lapped before Formula One unless changes were finishing sixth in his home race. made to the current regulations. His new Russian team mate Red Bull are among a number Daniil Kvyat didn’t even make it of teams frustrated by their inabil- to the grid, withdrawing before ity to keep up with Mercedes, who the start with gearbox failure. dominated Formula One last year “When we were winning, and and cruised to an easy victory in we were never winning with an last Sunday’s season-opening Aus- advantage that Mercedes has, tralian Grand Prix after a virtual double diffusers were banned, procession. exhausts were moved, flexible Rival drivers described the race bodywork was banned, engine as boring and Red Bull motorsport mapping was changed mid-season adviser Helmut Marko said that if – anything was done to pull us it went unchecked, it could drive back,” Horner told reporters. other teams away and reduce in- “The FIA, within the rules, terest in the sport. have an equalization mechanism; Marko even suggested that Red I think it’s something that perhaps Bull, who won four championships they need to look at.” in a row before being left in the Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff Mercedes slipstream, might pull had little sympathy for Red Bull, out if the team’s billionaire owner accusing their rivals of moaning Dietrich Mateschitz lost interest. because they were losing. Marko’s comments came after “If you try to beat each other Red Bull team principal Christian and perform at the highest level Horner told reporters that Formula and then you need equalization One officials should take action to after the first race – you cry out equalize the engine performances after the first race – that’s not how of every team to create a more we’ve done things in the past,” level-playing field. Wolff said. Red Bull made a disastrous start – Julian Linden / Reuters