Volume 13 Issue 8 News Desk - Tel: 076-236555 February 25 - March 3, 2006 Daily news at www.phuketgazette.net 25 Baht

The Gazette is published in association with Foreign guides plan IN THIS ISSUE

NEWS: Real Estate Club to stage property show; Thaksin opponent Sondhi ‘lights a comes under attack flame’ in Phuket. Pages 2 & 3 By Anongnat Sartpisut He added angrily, “Minister Pracha INSIDE STORY: Deposits and says that we don’t have enough guides, but withdrawals: Phuket’s blood PHUKET: Panomphol Thummachartniyom, we have conducted a nationwide survey and bank. Pages 4 & 5 President of the Phuket Professional Guide there are more than enough guides cover- Association (PPGA), has blasted a proposal ing all [the major tourist] languages.” AROUND THE REGION: The to legalize foreign tour guides. The 2,000 Thai registered guides work- good old days. Page 8 There are already enough qualified Thai ing in Phuket were already suffering, he said; AROUND THE ISLAND: Picture guides, he argued, while slamming the authori- about half of them are currently unemployed perfect. Page 11 ties for not cracking down on foreigners due to the drop in tourist numbers since the working illegally as guides. tsunami. PHUKET PEOPLE: Chilling at “Phuket already has problems with for- He also reminded the Governor that The Chedi with José. eigners working as tour guides, especially the PPGA and the Guide Association of Pages 12 & 13 Koreans and Russians. Thais who have al- Thailand had staged a protest rally against LIFESTYLE: Music: Stand up ready been trained are being used only as legalizing foreign guides in Bangkok on No- for Eminem’s Curtain Call; ‘sitting guides’. vember 1 last year. Eyes right for aficionados. “This makes the Thai guides feel dis- Gov Udomsak replied, “We may have Pages 14 & 15 couraged about their work and many choose enough guides, but we need to look at to stop working as guides,” he said. whether they are fluent, whether they have DINING OUT: Casual, but oh so classy. Page 19 Tour firms that use illegal foreign guides been trained to a level that ensures that tour- usually also employ “sitting” Thai guides ists of all nationalities feel as if they are talk- FIRST PERSON: Losing the re- whose job it is to act as window dressing ing to a guide from their home country.” lay race. Page 25 should a tour party encounter the police or The Governor did not comment about BUSINESS AND MONEY TALKS: other officials. illegal guides working in Phuket, but Phuket Fighting fit in Phuket. K. Panomphol’s comments came after Tourist Police Inspector Maj Bundit Pages 30 & 31 Governor Udomsak Uswarangkura floated Khaosutham told the Gazette, “If police dis- the idea of legalizing foreign guides at a Pro- cover illegal tour guides, they are obliged SPORT: Langkawi Regatta; vincial Hall meeting on February 15, saying to arrest them. Hallelujah rock Phuket; Spon- that Tourism and Sports Minister Pracha Guides leader Panomphol Thummachartniyom “However, we have only a few offic- sorship call for Les Bird. Maleenont had asked him to sound out opin- ers to go on patrol inspecting tour groups. Pages 32 & 33 wants police to crack down hard on illegal ions. guides and the companies employing them. The Tourist Police have to deal with many PROPERTY: Home of the The PPGA President continued, “For- problems involving tourists, such as jet-skis, Week: Surin; Decor: Lucky eign guides are still working in Thailand be- “Everyone – including the police – tuk-tuks and drunks fighting. ornaments; Gardening: The cause foreign tour companies still hire them. knows that there are illegal guides working in “We are now focusing on building tour- cream-fruit plant; Construc- They work illegally which makes it easy for Phuket, but still there are about 2,000 illegal ists’ confidence in visiting Phuket, so we tion: The Village. the companies to control them. guides here.” have even less time to inspect tour groups.” Pages 34-37 PLUS Gov orders study on new Patong-airport highway QUEER N EWS 6; AROUND THE NA- TION 7; HAPPENINGS 16; TRAVEL PHUKET: Phuket Governor Udomsak “The same happened in Lad Prao, in He added that he discussed the pro- 17; MOTORING 18; PHUKET DI- Uswarangkura on February 15 ordered the Bangkok. When many properties were de- posal with Deputy Prime Minister Somkid ARY 20; TAKE A BREAK 21 & Phuket Provincial Highways Office (PPHO) veloped there, the number of cars and people Jatusripitak the previous week. 22; BOOKS, HOROSCOPES 23; to conduct a study into the feasibility of build- in the area increased, causing the traffic con- “If we are allowed to do it, the PPHO EDITORIAL, LETTERS 24 & 25; ing a road between Phuket International Air- gestion [that exists] there now.” would build this road to be a ‘tourism route’ port and Patong. Gov Udomsak said he would like a more as it will pass old tin mines and forests, and TSOWNDINGS & PATTAYA 26; “Right now, a lot of properties are be- direct route from the airport to Patong, pass- across the lagoons we could build beautiful DOVEN, THE TIME M ACHINE 27; ing developed along the main road from the ing the Pearl Village Hotel at Nai Yang, Baan bridges that would give the feeling that you COMPUTERS 28; CLASSIFIEDS 38- airport [Route 402], and soon Phuket will have Sakoo, Baan Manik, the British Curriculum are driving in an exotic country,” Gov 47. traffic congestion problems,” he said. International School and Loch Palm Golf Club. Udomsak said. 2 PHUKET GAZETTE NEWS February 25 - March 3, 2006 Talbot murder trial set Real Estate to start next January Club to stage

PHUKET CITY: Phuket Provin- room at the Eric Guesthouse on The murder charge, in con- property show cial Court Judge Yupawan Piri- Nanai Rd on July 31, 2005. An trast, carries a mandatory sen- sinsith was briefed on February examination found that her neck tence of 15 years to capital pun- 20 on defense and prosecution was broken. ishment. By Sangkhae Leelanapaporn some 60 booths showcasing witness lists in the case of Briton Chetwynd-Talbot turned K. Somsak also presented homes and land in Phuket and on Paul Chetwynd-Talbot, accused himself in to Kathu Police three the court with an autopsy report PHUKET: The Phuket Real Es- Koh Samui, with prices in the of murdering his girlfriend, fellow days later and confessed to hit- from Vachira Hospital that tate Club (PREC) will stage an “medium” to “luxury” range. Briton Debra O’Hanlon. ting Ms O’Hanlon in the face. He showed the cause of death to exhibition showcasing property in K. Phummisak said that the The judge scheduled the claimed the force of the blow be a combination of brain hem- Phuket and on Koh Samui, at property industry is showing solid next hearing in the case for Janu- caused her to fall back against the orrhage and a complete neck Central Festival Phuket from growth. It is in better shape than ary 18 next year, to allow the bed head, breaking her neck. fracture. April 6 to 10. the tourism industry, he said, be- prosecution time to examine eight Bound in leg irons and hand- “I want this charge chang- PREC President Phummi- cause its customers include Thais witnesses. cuffs, Chetwynd Talbot appeared ed from murder to inflicting in- sak Hongsyok said that the exhi- as well as foreigners. Judge Yupawan, who will healthy but dejected during the jury resulting in accidental death,” bition is partly to support Gover- He noted, however, the link decide at that time what charges February 21 hearing, which lasted he said. “Paul never intended to nor Udomsak Uswarangkura’s between property and tourism. may be brought against the ac- just 10 minutes. kill Ms O’Hanlon.” aim of having more activities “We have had good feedback cused, instructed the prosecution Defense attorney Somsak After the hearing Chet- staged in Phuket, now that the from foreigner investors, both to focus on forensic evidence Chattay told the court that be- wynd-Talbot was returned to tsunami anniversary ceremonies those developing property and given by doctors who examined cause the autopsy report revealed Phuket Provincial Prison, where are over. those buying homes in Phuket and the body of Ms O’Hanlon. that no weapon was used against he will stay until the next hear- “This is the first event of this Samui. Kathu Police recommended Ms O’Hanlon, the charge should ing. No request for bail was kind that we have arranged, and “They believe that tourism that Chetwynd-Talbot be tried for be one of inflicting injury result- made. If he is found guilty, time we do not expect that many cus- will return to normal, which gives murder. ing in accidental death, punishable already served may be deducted tomers will actually put down them the courage to invest.” Ms O’Hanlon’s body was by three to 15 years imprison- from the sentence. deposits for homes. The main idea Supot Suwannachote, Chief discovered in the couple’s rented ment. – Sangkhae Leelanapaporn is to give people information to of the Phuket Provincial Land help them make decisions,” K. Office, said that he is consider- Phummisak said. “We understand ing taking a booth at the show to Low-cost carriers keen on Krabi that people have to think very give people information on the carefully before buying a house.” technical aspects of buying land KRABI: Low-cost carrier Thai increase its service to Krabi to that there are still no plans to take The show will comprise and property. AirAsia will launch daily direct two flights daily. over the route. flights from Bangkok to Krabi on In order to mark the launch “We know that some pas- March 1, while Singaporean low- of the new Krabi service, Thai sengers are waiting for this ser- Obituary: ‘Crazy Dave’ Polman, cost carrier Tiger Airways has AirAsia is offering a three-day, vice, but at the moment we are announced it will extend its two-night package from Bang- very busy and we have other pri- pioneer of Patong Singapore-Krabi service to run kok with accommodation at the orities that must come first,” she throughout the low season. SriLanta, Krabi Hotels & Re- said. AMERICAN David Polman, one locals, expats, tourists and trav- Thai AirAsia Public Rela- sorts, for 6,999 baht, Ms Merca- Addressing questions about of the first foreigners to set up a elers watching every genre of tions Executive Jaqueline Mer- der added. the status of Thai AirAsia follow- business on Patong Beach, died movie from action films to com- cader told the Gazette that the The no-frills carrier is also ing the sale of parent company in the US on February 5 at the edies. new service, designated FD 3165, planning to launch Bangkok-Surat ShinCorp to Singapore’s Temasek age of 70. At a time when no other will depart Bangkok daily at 5:05 Thani routes, though the start date Group, Ms Mercader said there In the 1970s, “Crazy Dave” bars were showing movies, Thai pm with return flight FD 3164 for this has yet to be fixed, she would be no disruption of domes- worked in Iran but fled as ten- Garden quickly became the departing Krabi at 6:50 pm. The said. tic routes as a result. sions rose in that country. He was hotspot on Patong Beach. aircraft used will be a 148-seat Asked about the Phuket- She explained that 51% of in transit at Bangkok’s Don He finally sold his share in Boeing 737. Haad Yai route, abandoned last Thai AirAsia shares have now Muang Airport when he met an Thai Garden. Where it stood is In April, the airline plans to October by Phuket Air, she said been acquired by Thai nationals. old friend who sang the now part of the area oc- As a Thai-owned company, it is praises of Phuket. cupied by the Paradise allowed to fly domestic routes. Dave immediately complex. In more good news for the changed plans and flew Dave, who is sur- Krabi tourism industry, Singa- to the island on the next vived by his wife Clara, pore’s low-cost carrier, Tiger Air- available flight. Finding daughter Catherine and ways, has announced on plans to it much to his liking, he son Zak, had a busy and extend its four-times-weekly di- settled in Patong in varied life, during which rect Singapore-Krabi service to 1979. he traveled to every fly throughout the year. He quickly made continent. “With Krabi now a year- friends with a Dutch At various times round destination, we expect visi- World War II under- he was a master ma- tor numbers to increase substan- ground hero, Jeff, and his wife chinist, a sailor, a gourmet chef, tially this year,” said airline CEO Dao. The three planned and built a motorcycle racer, a stock car Tony Davis in a press statement. the Thai Garden restaurant. racer and a Hell’s Angel. Above “There are many tourist at- Dave was the first to bring all he was a very funny guy. tractions and marine activities at in a video cassette recorder. He Crazy Dave’s big smile and this beach paradise for visitors hooked that and a TV set up to bellowing laugh will be remem- that [will] keep them coming back the generator at Thai Garden. The bered and missed by all who to Krabi. – Janyaporn Morel place was full every night, with knew him. – Gary Stamey February 25 - March 3, 2006 NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 3 Jet-ski races get Sondhi ‘lights a go-ahead

PATONG: Phuket Province has flame’ in Phuket given the green light for Patong PHUKET CITY: More than Sondhi Limthongkul makes a to host the first round of the 2006 20,000 people attended a rally at point at Saphan Hin. Jet Ski Thailand Championship, – Photo courtesy Manager, on March 4 and 5. Saphan Hin on the night of Feb- ruary 20, addressed by Prime Phuket Office The go-ahead for the event Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s was confirmed at a February 14 to campaign for Thailand to meeting between Vice-Governor nemesis, Sondhi Limthongkul. K. Sondhi and Sarocha be made whole again. Niran Kalayanamit and members Porn-udomsak, his co-host on the “And I want to curse of the Thai Jet Sports Boating those who have corrupted the Association (TJSBA), including weekly political talk show on the ASTV satellite channel, nation so that they and the its President, Dr Santad Sasiwa- Muang Thai Rai Sapda (Thailand Week- next 10 generations will go to nich. hell,” he added. After the meeting, V/Gov ly), were the main speakers at the rally, holding forth in front of a K. Sondhi concluded Niran explained that allowing the giant banner reading, “Thaksin his speech by urging the event to take place in Phuket did Get Out”. crowd to join the next anti- not indicate a policy shift. Both Thaksin mass rally, planned the Governor’s office and the MASS POLITICS for next Sunday at Bangkok’s Phuket Provincial Administration Sanam Luang. Organization (OrBorJor) consid- “It took me a long time to come “February 26 will be an ered the TJSBA proposal and to Phuket,” K. Sondhi told the important day because it will agreed that the event’s tourism gather together huge num- promotion benefits were too good assembly. “But I will come to Phuket again and again, even if bers of people from around to pass up, he said. PM Thaksin resigns. Thailand who want to save Action from the high-profile the nation. event will be broadcast on TV in “What I want to tell people is very important; we must light “I may have lit the Thailand and abroad by networks an intellectual flame. When it is to spread it. We did not light this [famed former Abbot of Wat flame, but I am not a hero. To- including UBC and ESPN, giv- flame for ourselves alone. We lit Chalong], to Tao Thepkrasattri day there are many people car- ing Phuket widespread interna- alight, all of us must look after it because it is a flame of democ- it for our children.” and Tao Sri Soonthorn [the rying the flame of intellect – I am tional exposure, he pointed out. racy. Placing his hands together Phuket Heroines] and ask them no different from any of them. When Phuket turned down in a wai, K. Sondhi said, “Pay to watch over the people who We must all get more people to the opportunity to host World “I have already lit the first flame. Now I want other people homage to Luang Por Chaem have come tonight to join this rally light and carry the flame.” King’s Cup jet-ski races in De- cember 2005, that event was in- stead held in Pattaya. OVERSTAY FINE TJSBA officials earlier told the Gazette that that event was Prem School study nearly complete TO RISE TO B500 not approved because it was not in line with provincial policy. But KATA: Architect and developer from a business standpoint as The feasibility study is look- BANGKOK: The fine for re- on February 14 V/Gov Niran said ML Tridhosyuth “Mom Tri” well, and consider the return on ing at the pros and cons of build- maining in Thailand past the ex- that it was bad timing, not policy, Devakul, says that a study into investment.” ing a school and residential project piry date of a permit to stay, cur- that had triggered the rejection of the feasibility of building a new It cost about 1 billion baht on 600 rai of land Mom Tri owns rently 200 baht a day, will rise to the 2005 event. private school in Phuket should to build the Prem Center in near Trisara. 500 baht a day with effect from “We will continue our pro- be complete in about two months. Chiang Mai, which was not de- “If the study determines the March 15. vincial policy to regulate jet-skis Mom Tri, owner of Mom veloped as part of a real estate project is viable, we will move However, the maximum and make sure they are not too Tri’s Boathouse hotel in Kata, and project, he added. That school, forward by talking to relevant fine payable will remain the same, noisy. As for a sporting event such developer of top-end projects established in 2001, now has a parties, including seeking bank at 20,000 baht, Pol Lt Gen Suwat as this, we can control them,” he such as the Trisara resort and the student body of 400. funding. We would certainly use Thamrongsrisakul, Commander said. Baan Kata development, is also “It’s similar to developing a the Prem name,” he said. of the Immigration Bureau, stated Patong Deputy Mayor Chai- the owner of the Prem Tinsu- golf club. Green fees alone may Initially, the Phuket school in a document posted in Thai on rat Sukkaban admitted there was lanonda International School not be enough to cover the entire would be for students from kin- the Bureau’s website. The docu- some resistance to holding the (Prem Center) in Chiang Mai. cost, so a real estate project is dergarten age through to 12 or 13 ment gave no reason for the in- event in Patong. He suggested While on a visit to Phuket established along with it.” years old, he added. crease. that those seeking a quiet day by on February 16 with Prem Cen- the sea on the first weekend in ter school administrators, he told March might consider going to the Gazette that if the decision is one of Phuket’s other beaches. made to go ahead with the pro- The jet-ski races will take posed school in Phuket, the place inside an area 500 meters project will be done in tandem long and 400 meters in width, just with a residential development. offshore from the Patong football Speaking at his Villa Royale field. Temporary spectator stands project in Kata, Mom Tri said, “In will be erected on the beach. terms of education it’s certainly Prize money totaling 60,000 worth it to establish an IB [Inter- baht will be up for grabs at the national Baccalaureate] school. event. “But we have to look at this 4 PHUKET GAZETTE INSIDE STORY February 25 - March 3, 2006

eter Davison, the International Services Manager of Phuket International Hospital (PIH) offers some stark statistics. “Around 0.3% of Thais have ‘Rhesus-negative’ blood, while Pamong non-Asian foreigners, it’s around 17%. Now, whereas those are straight percentages, get this: at any one time there can be as few as 10 units [a unit is 450 milliliters] or less of negative A BLOODY blood stored in Phuket. “Being ‘special’ brings its “It could take only a me- own problems; knowing that so dium-sized car or bus crash for It would be a bitter irony indeed were one to go to the few people in Thailand share my the island’s supplies of negative extreme measure of having one’s blood group blood group does cause me some blood to be exhausted,” he says. tattooed on one’s arm – only to lose the arm in an concern,” he says. “It might even be just one person “There are around 10 peo- requiring all available units, as accident. ple on the database here with my some trauma cases result in se- That scenario is unlikely for a number of reasons, a blood group. If I need a transfu- vere hemorrhaging.” major one being that surprisingly few people actually sion, then it means there is one The situation is, thankfully, less person who can be called being managed – and managed know what their blood group is. A straw poll in the upon to donate.” well – by the collaborative efforts Gazette offices produced a rash of blank looks and He describes what he feels of the Thai Red Cross Society shifty gazes rather than knowledgeable answers. is a “shared moral responsibility” and Phuket’s government and to donate. “I suppose I like to think private hospitals, with an emer- Yet blood is quite simply a matter of life and death, and that someone would donate their gency database of a few hundred knowing one’s blood group can be crucial to survival; blood as readily as I will. I will foreign donors who can expect following an accident, precious minutes can be lost not know who they are, and they to be called upon – sometimes at while the victim’s blood group is ascertained. won’t know for whom they are night and usually at very short donating blood – perhaps we notice – when a crisis arrives. There is also the issue of the availability of donated should form a real club: Phuket Rupert, a 30-something ex- blood, with – on occasion – scant supplies to hand. Clots or something and have each patriate living in Phuket, is now The Gazette’s Andy Johnstone and Nattamon others’ telephone numbers? But on first-name terms with the staff we are, surely, part of a commu- managing the blood bank at Ratcharak investigate, trying to separate fact from nity and with that comes a respon- Vachira Phuket Hospital. fiction; myth from misunderstanding. sibility to one another.” He should be: during the However, it seems that the island’s high season he receives “I am told that only around it, but of the non-European, non- idea of forming a club is unnec- a call to donate blood every four 2% of people of European de- African communities – such as essary. Mr Davison says that the weeks, on average. scent have my blood group, which in Asia – it’s as low as 0.1%.” island-wide database that in- Rupert belongs to one of means that here, I am considered He has known his blood cludes Rupert’s name and num- Phuket’s more exclusive clubs; even more special than back in group for about 20 years, since ber is operating well, though he members all have B Rhesus- Britain. Apparently, around 0.9% he first began to give blood in the does add, “We could always do negative blood. of people of African descent have UK. with more donors.” Explaining more about the system, he says that the “expat” side of it, managed by PIH in conjunction with the other hospi- ‘Donating tals, was set up around five years ago by Cindy Ratcliffe, now blood is a President of the Phuket Interna- tional Women’s Club (PIWC). superior “I arrived in Phuket around three years ago from another of months we send out that list to offering to province in Thailand and had the the island’s hospitals: Mission experience there of problems with Hospital, Vachira Phuket Hospi- the blood donation system. The tal, Bangkok Hospital Phuket and make. It can, database here had around 20 or [PIH], and the [Thai] Red Cross. so names on it, mostly PIWC “[This is] on the clear un- after all, save a members or their spouses, and I derstanding that the list is to be set about expanding it, with the used solely for emergencies: it is person’s life. PIWC’s aid, as well as that of the not to be used for soliciting, mar- Thai Red Cross. keting or for any other purpose. The donor will “We are running this project They, the hospitals, can then call in consultation with the Thai Red up the negative-blood donors as Cross Society because we, as a and when needed.” receive much private international hospital… The database is used fre- have more ‘marketing influence’ quently, and not just for people in merit for that.’ to go out there and get people on Phuket. “There was a recent the database,” Mr Davison ex- case of Bangkok having run out – Phra Samianarwudthammo, plains. of negative blood; the database Abbot of Wat Paaramradtana- “We act as central database in Phuket was activated so blood ram compiler and distributor. Anybody was donated here to be sent up can phone us and ask to go on there,” he explains. the database, and every couple As Mr Davison puts it, February 25 - March 3, 2006 INSIDE STORY PHUKET GAZETTE 5

Vice-President of the Thai Red Cross. At the provincial level, the Governor’s wife is usually charg- ed with overseeing operations. “People who donate blood more than 30 times receive a spe- GOOD SHOW cial award personally from HM the Queen, in recognition of their contribution,” Dr Kongkiat notes. He likens the system for blood collection and distribution in Thailand to that of a monetary bank. “The central blood bank is in the capital and there are re- gional and provincial branches. Our regional center is Nakhon Sri Thammarat, with Vachira Phuket Hospital as the provin- cial center. “One of the main functions of the regional center is not only to store copious supplies, but also to test them for contamination with, for example, HIV or Hepa- titis A, B or C. “Blood is also tested when it arrives at a hospital blood bank. And of course, all donors must answer a questionnaire about their general health and lifestyle before they give blood. Left, between 1,000 and 1,500 units of blood are donated each “Donation is safe, and so is month in Phuket. Above, giving blood is not dangerous. Indeed, it offers time to relax and catch up with friends. receiving transfused blood or blood products.” Dr Kongkiat explains that but one of your loved ones, who barred from accepting blood one unit of blood donated does not needs it. It is an ethical dilemma transfusions. equate to one life potentially individuals must solve for them- But Phra Samianarwud- saved. “In fact, one unit of blood selves.” thammo, Abbot of Wat Paaram- is separated into three compo- But isn’t giving blood risky? radtanaram, says that donating nents: red blood cells; plasma; and Mr Davison’s response is stri- blood is every bit as much an act platelets, which means that three dent. of tam boon (making merit) as lives can be saved from each unit. “Look, this is a myth, and giving alms to monks and is in “On average, between one that stems from the errone- keeping with the Lord Buddha’s 1,000 and 1,500 units are donated ous view still held by some that teachings on giving and not hold- in Phuket each month and we – Thailand is a Third-World coun- ing onto that which one has. the Thai Red Cross Society and try. It isn’t. The entire process is “In fact,” says Phra Sa- the government and private hos- done as per the regulations of the mianarwudthammo, “Donating pitals here – all agree that more [International Committee of the blood is a superior offering to people need to donate blood. Red Cross] and consequently, the make. It can, after all, save a “The process does not take Thais cannot supply the “market- While attempts are made to procedures for donating blood in person’s life. The donor will re- long and is safe for donors. It place” with negative blood, and call all the names on the list over Thailand are as stringent as they ceive much merit for that.” causes no ill effects as long as the system therefore has to rely a period of a few days, when it are in Sydney or London. Updates Dr Kongkiat Kespechara, you are well rested and have on foreigners. comes to the rarer negative-blood to procedures are implemented Acting Director of Bangkok Hos- eaten before you donate. From “That said, all blood is in donors, attempts continue for a here as quickly as they are else- pital Phuket, agrees. start to finish, it takes y30 min- demand. Stocks – in Phuket and number of weeks, he says. where, that is, immediately. Among Thais there is the utes, which is a small sacrifice all over Thailand – are not high. Should people feel obliged “Donating blood here is added incentive that the efforts compared with the good it can We need more donors.” to become donors? Mr Davison very, very safe,” he concludes. of the Thai Red Cross Society, do.” Expatriate society is by na- asks a simple question. “If a per- The decision whether to do- including its blood drives, have ture transient. “People come here, son needs blood, would they ex- nate or not, is of course, a per- been under Royal Patronage add their names to the database, pect someone to have donated sonal one. Rupert’s “shared mor- since its inception as the The Red For more information, visit stay for a couple of years and blood for them? If the answer is al responsibility” and Mr Davi- Unalom Society of Siam 113 www.redcross.or.th or contact then leave. So every 12 months ‘yes’, then they should consider son’s choice of the phrase “ethi- years ago. Peter Davison at Tel: 076- all the person in the database are putting themselves on the data- cal dilemma” underline this. HM Queen Sirikit is Presi- 249400 or the Phuket Blood called to determine if they still live base. People of certain religions, Jeho- dent and HRH Princess Maha Donors’ Club at tel: 076-369- here.” “It might not even be you, vah’s Witnesses for example, are Chakri Sirindhorn is Executive 188. 6 PHUKET GAZETTE NEWS February 25 - March 3, 2006 Q u eer News 204 couples Baleful baying brings exchange vows bureaucratic bungle on Valentine’s Day PHUKET: More than 200 couples on Phuket were married on the PHUKET CITY: The provincial sonnel responded, other agencies tion, there are rules regarding most romantic day of the year, Valentine’s Day. government is so far unable to were contacted but none seemed compensation and daily expenses Karnjana Hongboonyanurak, the Registration Officer at the deal with a middle-aged man – able to come up with a solution for those taking mentally ill per- Phuket Muang District Office, told the Gazette that her office was described as “eccentric” – to the problem. sons to hospital,” K. Panee ex- the busiest on the island, with 142 couples, including five cross-cul- whose antics have the radio jocks So another complaint was plained. tural couples, plighting their troths. and others living in Radio Thai- filed, this time with the Provin- “The task is normally un- “Some couples arrived at the office before it opened in attempts land’s staff housing all in a fret. cial Ombudsman’s Office, which dertaken by police and Interior to be the first couple to marry on Valentine’s Day,” she said. According to a vernacular reports directly to Phuket Gov- Ministry officers … A provincial Couples who registered their marriage at the Phuket City of- report, numerous complaints ernor Udomsak Uswarangkura. governor’s meeting in 1953 de- fice, K. Karnajana explained, received gifts such as a free voucher about the unidentified man have “The com- cided the governing for dinner at Thainaan restaurant or a one-night stay at a hotel. Other been filed buy neighbors with the plaint requested the authority is respon- gifts included treatment for two at one of the many spas on the is- police and the Provincial Office Governor order the sible for transporta- ‘Not only does he land. of Social Development and Hu- relevant agency to tion and attendant “No couples turned up to register a divorce,” K. Karnjana added. man Security – but all to no avail. provide help ur- howl, he throws expenses. The turnout of brides and grooms in Phuket City this year was “The man is middle-aged, gently.” As it hap- bricks and stones “Thus [to take down on the number last year, when 199 signed the big book, K. wears black trousers and no shirt; pens, the “relevant care of the ‘eccen- and pieces of Karnjana said. he sleeps in a flat at Radio Thai- agency” is the Of- tric’] the provincial Uthai Tabtong, Chief Registration Officer at Thalang District land’s staff housing,” the report fice of Social Devel- wood and government must Office, said, “We had 42 couples who registered marriages, and no- explained. opment and Human whatever else he request a budget body came to file for divorce.” There were no special gifts on offer, “At night he howls uncon- Security, whose from the Interior can find inside the she added. trollably, frightening the women chief, Panee Siti- Ministry to pay po- In Kathu, 20 couples exchanged vows. Suksan Siangaek, Chief and children, civil servants, and karn, responded by flat.’ lice and Ministry of- Administrative Office of Kathu District Office, said that his office students who live nearby.” saying that her of- ficials. gave away five pairs of tickets for couples to visit Phuket FantaSea. Radio Thailand’s broadcast fice really wants to help, but is “So,” she said, “I am re- “We had 20 couples, including one couple from England, who facility in Phuket, and its staff unable to act. questing the provincial office decided to register their marriage on Valentine’s Day,” he said. housing, lie adjacent to Phuket “When mentally deranged, cover transportation expenses Although it was possible for people to register divorces at the Rajabhat University, just north of mad or eccentric persons cause from the Interior Ministry’s 2006 Kathu office on Valentine’s Day, none took the opportunity, he added. Phuket City; the area is crowded problems no law punishes them, budget, now and for the future.” with rental flats for students. except in cases of assault or simi- It seems like a lot of bureau- “People can’t rest,” the re- lar trouble. cracy to deal with one rather odd port continued. “Moreover, no “Fellow citizens must deal person who, if he read the local one knows what he may do; be- with the problem by watching out news account, is probably now Riding a motorcycle? Please . . . cause not only does he howl, he for themselves and their families. howling more loudly than ever. Thai law requires that motorcycle drivers throws bricks and stones and We particularly urge children be Curiously, it appears no one Wear Me! and passengers wear safety helmets with the pieces of wood and whatever kept away from such people,” she has ever contacted the man. chin strap fastened at all times. else he can find inside the flat. said. Perhaps, though, he isn’t He’s wrecked it.” Then the issue of money crazy at all – but only in training PHUKET PROVINCIAL When neither the police nor reared its head. to become a deejay. TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT Social Development Office per- “As for the person in ques- Source: Siang Tai February 25 - March 3, 2006 AROUND THE NATION PHUKET GAZETTE 7 Chat lines pose sex threat to teenagers ollowing the case of a ber plantation. Her 30-year-old teenage girl who was husband, Pramote Thongkham, reported missing and was found dead in the back yard. Fthen found with a boy There was no sign of a rob- she met on a telephone chat line, bery, but cartridge cases and foot- police fear the users of the new, prints left by the gunman were low-cost chat lines such as Chat found at the scene. Sanook may be using the service The couple’s infant son had to lure young girls into wanton been holding on to his mother’s behavior. lifeless body and trying to suckle Mobile phone chat-lines milk. have become more accessible A trail of blood indicated the since the previous 1900 numbers, boy had been toddling between which cost nine baht a minute, his parents’ bodies before he fell were replaced with 02 numbers asleep on his mother’s body. charged at local call rates within K. Pramote died of shotgun Bangkok. wounds to his shoulder and head. Chat Sanook became an Police believe the assailant shot instant hit with students, who K. Kanchana in the back before call in and are asked to intro- fleeing, to make sure she would duce themselves briefly before not identify him. being invited to listen to the oth- ers’ introductions and choose a Politician = bad: A poll con- match. ducted by Assumption Business Those who are not paying Administration College found that members are allowed only five the term “politician” continues to minutes to chat, so participants carry a negative connotation. often exchange mobile phone About 32% of those surveyed numbers within that time in order said the post of Prime Minister to continue the conversation. should be reserved for a non-poli- In a trial conducted by The tician; only 24% disagreed with Nation, a number of participants this. About 44% held no opinion. used their introductions to invite Wooden performance: Three performers control a giant wooden puppet at a press conference for The poll also found that 56% th others to talk about sex. the 8 Wood Carving Road Fair held recently in Bangkok’s Bang Sue District. The event included of 4,210 people surveyed want a Police said that they could stalls selling quality wood products, vocational workshops and a folk-song contest. two-term limit enshrined in any not press charges in this case as Constitutional amendment. the girls had consented to sex. dent happened in Bangkok’s Phya rai in the Khao Soi Dao forest re- held positions in the Land Depart- A clear majority, 62%, said Pol Maj Gen Khamronwit Thai District. serve and wildlife sanctuary. ment, the National Park, Wildlife they supported amending the Thoopkrajang, commander of the Motorcycle taxi driver Som- The case was exposed af- and Plant Conservation Depart- Constitution while about 25% Division for Suppression of neuk Saengpanya, 30, said the ter the Revenue Department de- ment and the Royal Forestry De- opposed such a move; the rest Crimes Against Children, Juve- monk was walking across Rama manded tax payment for the land partment. had no opinion. niles and Women, said it was dif- VI Rd on a morning alms round sale from villagers in Pong Nam The case has been sent to About 30% of those polled ficult for the police to take action when the speeding bus took a left Ron District. When the villagers the National Counter Corruption said MPs should not be required against chat-line providers until it turn and hit him, leaving his be- insisted that they knew nothing Commission, he added. to belong to a party and 26% said can be proved that the lines have longings scattered on the road. about the deal, an investigation they should. The rest had no opin- been set up with a sexual objec- The bus driver quickly was launched and revealed “ir- Murder most foul: Police in ion. A majority, 61%, said the one- tive in mind. parked the bus and fled the scene. regularities”. Chumphon’s Sawi District found term limit for senators should re- The land in question was an infant clinging to his dead main: 31% said it should be re- Hit and run: The driver of a Land scam officials: Senior developed into the Soi Dao High- mother, who had been shot eight pealed. speeding public bus fled the scene Royal Forestry Department offi- land project. Started in 1992, the hours earlier by an unknown as- after running down and seriously cial Suntorn Watcharadilokkul project now features a golf sailant. Around the Nation news round- injuring 64-year-old monk Phra said his department has evidence course, four-star hotel and or- Police found the the body of up is sourced from the pages of Kru Mongkol Thammayuth of that three high-ranking officials chards. K. Suntorn did not iden- Kanchana Thongkham, 27, in the The Nation and Kom Chad Luek Phraya Yang Temple. The acci- conspired to sell more than 1,000 tify the suspects, but said they front yard of her home in a rub- newspapers. 8 PHUKET GAZETTE AROUND THE REGION February 25 - March 3, 2006

Below, Fifteen years 2005 that was held on Haad ago, Across The Bay Nopparat Thara Beach on De- columnist Gus cember 18. It included sports ac- Reynolds on a long tivities, shows, top entertainment tail boat—hard to acts from Bangkok and cel- find then – going to ebrated cooks making Thai food Poda Island. ‘We – all for the entrance price of were the only boat 2,000 baht per person. there,’ he says. ‘Now Ticket sales were poor right there are dozens from the start as marketing was lining that beach and weak and foreigners are not fa- you can’t even swim miliar with top-name Thai enter- there.’ tainers, nor particularly inter- Main picture, left, ested. ACROSS longtails line Ao Nang In addition, 2,000 baht per beach today. person is expensive for foreign- THE BAY ers and beyond budget for local By Gus Reynolds Thais. In comparison, one can see the show at Phuket FantaSea for Ah yes, the good old days. The 1,000 baht, so it made for a diffi- old-timers of Krabi love to remi- cult sell. A rainy night made for nisce about the days when Ao few walk-ins and the turnout was Nang was just a jungle with poor. thatched-roof huts on the beach. Though the event itself was While some wish that nothing had lackluster, what will be remem- changed since then, most of us bered is that as rumors spread of are happy that services and in- a multi-million-baht budget, and frastructure have improved. financial losses, local businesses For those residents who had were asked to “donate” money to travel here frequently before Nostalgia to make up for the deficit. the Krabi Airport was built, there Bars and small businesses was nothing worse than having and individuals were asked for to leave paradise three hours 2,000-5,000 baht each, while re- early to get to Phuket Airport. sorts and larger businesses were Days or weeks with no running just ain’t hit up for between 20,000 and water was not romantic, to say 60,000 baht. the least. These demands came at So the many improvements around the first anniversary of the have made our life easier, yet we tsunami, with many local busi- often think back to those old days what it used to be nesses still struggling to pay off with fondness. So we spoke with last year’s debts and watching some old timers about the things every satang to make it through they missed – some good – some read “Bangalows for Rent”, so • There was no cell phone So what will we be remi- this season. not so good. all the other locals changed their service; niscing about 10 years from So the new impost was A recent survey of local old- wooden handwritten signs from • Leela Valley was a rice now? quite a shock to many business timers’ memories turned up the “bungalows” to “bangalows”; paddy and was under a foot of • I remember when there owners, who had no participation following gems: • There was no milk or water every rainy season; were only 40 tailors in Ao Nang; in, or benefits from the event. I remember when… cheese available, and if you or- • Your water was delivered • I remember when you Owners were asking why • There were only four tai- dered a tuna sandwich, you got a to your home or business by could buy land for 2 million baht were they expected to pay the bill. lors in Ao Nang; fillet of fresh tuna and two pieces truck; a rai; In fact, in times of poor business • When all five bars would of bread; • The bars closed when they • Remember when we had conditions, especially in light of close on New Year’s Eve for the • There were only 12 long- wanted to; to go to Phuket for shopping/ the catastrophic events of the tsu- infamous Green’s Bar Party; tail boats; • The exchange rate was medical care/restaurants? nami, wouldn’t one expect the • You had to pick up your • 200,000 baht a rai was 25 baht/US$1; • Who could forget the tsu- government to sponsor such pro- own mail from Krabi Post Office considered expensive land; • The popular places were nami… grams to benefit and support lo- in town; • You could park on the the Austria Hut, Don’s Pizza, cal businesses? • The first electric light box beachfront; Green’s Bar, Gift’s Bungalows, Preposterous impost: One Why are the local busi- was put up to advertise bunga- • There was no McDon- Corner Bar, Black Cat Bar, Bei event that will be remembered is nesses, which are fighting to sur- lows for rent – except the sign ald’s or 7-Eleven; Freddy and the Kon Thai Bar; the the Glorious Krabi Fiesta vive and keeping local people employed, expected to foot the bill for government deficits? Maybe a re-read of Economics and Taxation 101 is in order.

On a brighter note: Just when we were ready to write off this season after a poor December and mediocre January, February has burst onto the scene with an huge influx of tourists – hotels are full, there are waiting lines at the popular restaurants and the bars are busy again. How long will it last? No- body knows, but the longer the better.

Don’t miss.... Issues & Answers

www.phuketgazette.net/ issuesanswers/index.asp February 25 - March 3, 2006 PHUKET GAZETTE 9 10 PHUKET GAZETTE February 25 - March 3, 2006 February 25 - March 3, 2006 AROUND THE ISLAND PHUKET GAZETTE 11

By Stephen Fein The Fein Family in fine form, thanks to Thai Studio. here are numerous ways to enjoy oneself in group and family pictures. Patong, but not that The prices at Thai studio are Tmany of them can be reasonable, given the quality of considered wholesome, family the work and the final results. activities. Happily, there is no double-pric- But one way to have a nice ing or commissions paid out to taxi day out with the family is getting drivers for bringing in business. professional family photo por- “People get discouraged traits done – in authentic tradi- when they know they are being tional Thai costumes. The only taken advantage of,” K. Thong place to do it in Phuket that I am said. aware of, the simply-named Thai There are three fixed “sets” Studio, is a refreshing change of photos to choose from. The from the hustle-rustle-and-tout most popular – and the one we tactics that seem to characterize chose – was Set B. At 3,950 baht, the Patong tourism industry these this includes costume selection, days. makeup, hair preparation and pho- For a start, the studio owner tos for one person, in 18 different and photographer, Aussapon poses. There is a 500-baht sur- “Thong” Kunagonrungsimon is a charge for each additional person consummate professional, whose in the picture, which basically resumé includes work with slinky covers the extra cost of makeup pop singer, actress and model and the costumes. Pornichita “Benz” na Songkhla, The prints were ready about TV personality Nok Booriphan – an hour after the shoot: 12 4" x 6" and many others. prints; two 8" x 12" prints and two He and his girlfriend, Anne, 12" x 16" prints. The negatives both from Bangkok, opened their are included, so customers can door for business on the less- later have as many prints made, than-auspicious morning of De- SNAPPED at whatever size they want. cember 26, 2004. The studio was Of the other two options, undamaged by the tsunami, but Set A comprises 12 poses at 2,450 needless to say business did not baht and Set C is 25 poses at get off to a flying start. Now, 5,550 baht. however, more and more people BACK IN TIME In the past, I was at a loss are starting to use the service. when visiting friends people asked Thai Studio has a wide costumes based on designs 700 look over, including gongs, elabo- me what there was to do in the range of colorful, handmade cos- years old from the Lanna King- rate alms bowls, a straw safari daytime in Patong – apart from tumes based on designs from dom in the North of Thailand. K. hat, old radio sets and many more going to the beach. many different eras of Thailand’s Anne, who knows a lot about the items the studio uses as props. Now I shall recommend a past, including Thai Dusit, Ratta- costumes and speaks English K. Thong said that he had trip to Thai Studio, which is a nakosin and 16th-century cos- well, told us these are among the run a similar studio in Rangsit, pleasant way to spend a few tumes familiar to anyone who has most popular selections. near Bangkok, before splitting hours and with the fun, attractive seen the movie Suriyothai. She spent 30 minutes put- with his partner there and setting portraits to remind you, a visit you Perhaps best of all is that ting makeup on my wife, Piya. up shop in Patong. won’t soon forget. they have costumes for just about This is the type of wait that would Looking through the studio’s everyone, from 105-kilogram dad normally have me climbing the guest book, I saw that most cus- Thai Studio is located at 91/18 all the way down to a makeshift walls and seeking Heineken (am tomers were couples. K. Thong Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd, Patong, outfit using jonekaben (calf I still allowed to say that?) – but explained that many were Thai next to the Patong Bayshore Re- length Thai wrap-around trou- the atmosphere at Thai Studio is women who lived abroad with sort and just north of the Sai sers) and a sabai (pleated fabric relaxing, almost surrealistically their foreign husbands and who Nam Yen intersection. Open 11 worn around the chest and mid- un-Patong. wanted a quintessentially Thai am-9 pm daily. Advance reser- section) for my five-month-old, Thai music from a bygone souvenir to take back with them Photographer Aussapon ‘Thong’ vations strongly recommended. Kunagonrungsimon five-kilo daughter, Sanda, on her era plays in the background, when they returned home after For more information call K. first family outing. lemon grass incense burns and their vacations. same-sex couples, people having Thong at Tel: 06-6008260 or For our “shoot”, we chose there are interesting antiques to Others guests included single portraits done and some 05-8885115. 12 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PEOPLE February 25 - March 3, 2006 Happily Ever After KING Recent weddings in Phuket A recent coup for The Chedi – one of Phuket’s most luxurious hotels – as well as a treat for the island’s legion of lotus eaters, was the set played at the hotel by José Padilla, 46, the DJ famed for years of creating sets of perfect musical accompaniment for the sunsets viewed from the legendary Café del Mar in Sant Antoni on the Spanish island of Ibiza. The Gazette’s Andy Johnstone caught up with José – recognized as one of the world’s finest DJs and lauded as “the spiritual father of chill-out music” – for a rare interview at The Chedi. It wasn’t the first time the two had met, however; The Gazette staffer once bought one of the earliest Café del Mar cassettes from him in Ibiza’s flea market in 1991 and heard his sets at the Café two years later.

osé Padilla grins as he talks say to the DJ, ‘Shall I play a about his teenage years record while you’re gone? I don’t Above, Maria Goretti Benedito Tearpoa and Benjamin growing up in a small town have anything to do right now, you Taotafa, from Switzerland, were married at the Kata near Barcelona, describing see…’ And it worked!” Beach Resort on January 24. J them as “…great days – and Lost for a moment in a rev- Right, Kritaya Pakdeewan and Luechai Luangnitikul were nights – catching the bus into erie, José returns to the conver- wed on the beach at Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort on Barcelona, running around club- sation, saying, “But a few min- the most romantic day – February 14. bing and chasing English girls utes playing tracks here and there around the Plaça Reial. wasn’t enough to satisfy what I “I enjoyed being there, be- felt was a deep need to play mu- ing part of the nightlife, so much sic and, well, to do what I wanted. that I ended up working as a “I grew up in what was ef- waiter in the historic Barri Gótic, fectively a ghetto, and really, there just off Las Ramblas. The money was little to do there apart from wasn’t much, but it gave me the sit around smoking all day. I sup- excuse, as if I needed it, to be pose that’s why the city center out late; I just wanted to be of Barcelona attracted me so there…” he reminisces. much. I wanted to get out of a José soon became entranc- ghetto existence.” ed by the smooth, simple and so- So too did his family, who phisticated bossa nova sounds thought the best way for him to played in the bars of Barca, and achieve that goal was to get a he began to wait on the tables “responsible” job, as an accoun- closer to the DJ’s booth. “I tried tant or an office worker. to synchronize taking the food to “But I didn’t want to do that; the diners just before the DJ was I suppose I was bit of a rebel; a due to take a break,” he says. rebel with dreams that didn’t in- “My plan was that I could volve wearing a suit,” he says. February 25 - March 3, 2006 PHUKET PEOPLE PHUKET GAZETTE 13 OF CHILLOUT Thinking, thinking, thinking of Thai, such as Miguel Kirjon, and tomorrow visiting ones such as the UK’s With the sunset in your eyes Lisa Loud, who played at Trisara I feel everything is sorrow last year, and American salsa So I have to say goodbye… supremo Henry Knowles who If there is new love, new ways, played recently at TaiLife. new faces in our lives Phuket also has as a num- Those times will last forever … ber of more upmarket clubs yet adios ayer. it still does not boast the clubbing “And you know, I miss … kudos of Bangkok or Hong Kong. elements of Café del Mar; I had Perhaps it is the seemingly all- very good years there, but it isn’t pervasive influence of jazz, rock the same as it was. It’s now a and blues that has kept the clubs tourist attraction, like the Eiffel and clubbing in abeyance. Tower, and the the vibe, too, has A form of snobbery along changed. But good memories.” the lines of, “Dance music is for He is on the road often, and young people. Young people have admits that although his enthusi- little money. People with little asm for music and playing is un- money are not welcome in Phu- dimmed, that his “batteries” oc- ket,” seems sadly prevalent. casionally wear down a little. The vibe at The Chedi “This business takes a lot out of shouts, in an ecstatically chilled- you, and if you don’t take a break out way, that the time is right for once in a while, then you won’t Phuket to progress a little. be able to keep going,” he says. Charlie and Christina, “But taking a break doesn’t “young” 28-year-old investment mean stopping completely; I just bankers both resplendent in play in different venues or for dif- baggy white linen trousers, down “My dreams made it essential that sical Flamenco guitarist like Pac people. Now, I was playing to the ferent reasons. Today I am at his from Bangkok for the weekend, I had to get out [of the environ- de Lucía’s 1973 hit Entre dos sun as it set. The sun was my wonderful hotel on this beach; couldn’t agree more. ment I grew up in]. So I did.” aguas with The Look of Love audience! next week I am playing at the “A crowd of us have met José took a boat south from by Dusty Springfield with Moby’s “And the entire set was Sukothai [hotel] in Bangkok; other up just to be here,” begins Chris- Barcelona’s harbor – under the Whispering Wind. based around that. People lying times, I just pack a box of records tina. “We could have gone to watchful eye of the statue of “It is change, change of on the beach listening to the mu- and go to see some good friends José’s show in Bangkok, but de- in Finland who own a club. It’s cided that the beach is the best Christopher Columbus – leaving tempo, style, meaning… It is pure sic actually clapped as the sun behind the city of other visionar- communication – spiritual and not good to do things simply again.” place to see him and hear his mix. finally set. Do they do that here?” Friends of ours – Amy, Ryan, ies such as Picasso, Dali, Miró relying on chemicals – between José and Café del Mar part- and Gaudi, and headed for Ibiza. me and the audience.” he intoxicating mix of Adam and Mel – even flew in ed company, and although reti- Phuket’s sunsets and sandy from Shanghai. He says, reservedly, that his His reputation grew as he cent to discuss precisely how the T leaving Barcelona was “…an honed his talents. This led to him beaches mirrors that of Ibiza, ar- “All it takes for Phuket to relationship ended, he explains guably the chill-out capital of the become an Asian clubbers’ para- escape; I think I was escaping playing at Es Paradis, Ku and that one of his most loved self- from many things, including my- Pacha, as well as finding time to world. Add to this the vast influx dise is getting the right artist and penned compositions – Adios self.” open his own bar, Museum. of visitors looking for sun, sand the right venue. Do that and it’s Ayer – (Goodbye Yesterday) is his The great escape he made “But my friend and business and … cerebral stimulation and sorted. Couldn’t be easier, in fact. saw him donning a waiter’s apron partner shot himself in the bar. I farewell to all that. the parallels become clearer still. “That’s THE José Padilla again before the gradual slide into lost a few years because of that,” “When I left Café del Mar Phuket has what can best mixing there, and we’re down on DJ-ing on the famous Balearic he admits, “but I was selling tapes … well, it didn’t end very well, be described as a “lively” but this fantastic beach after a magi- island, which at the time – the of my mixes, and they eventually but Café del Mar still means a lot rather down-market bar scene. cal sunset. Couldn’t be better,” mid-’70s – was a bohemian bliss- found their way to the people at to me, and the song is a tribute to The island also has a number of she smiles. Glass in hand, she infused arrival point for many run- Café del Mar, who took me on it,” he begins. talented DJs – both foreign and goes off to chill again. aways from civilization. as their resident DJ.” Somewhat coincidentally, Animated, José says, “And Columbus’ statue, atop a tower the big difference between play- at the end of Las Ramblas, points ing in the clubs on Ibiza and at east toward his supposed birth- Café del Mar was the audience. place, Genoa. Ibiza also lays claim Before, I was playing to the to him – and Carthaginian con- queror Hannibal – who, Ibizans claim, was born on their island. Hannibal’s family nickname, Barca, is also supposedly the ori- gin of the name Barcelona. The irony of this is not lost on José, who smiles and says, “Of course I knew the legends and history from school and I had seen Columbus’ statue for many years. But if someone had told me that I would end up in a place rich again with fables about these two travelers, I would not have believed them.” José began the rounds on Ibiza playing in bars, hotels and beaches, developing his famously idiosyncratic style of mixing vastly different types of music. “I see it as light and shade,” says José. “I read the feeling of the audience and want to keep them amused, interested, en- tranced. That’s why I mix a clas- 14 PHUKET GAZETTE LIFESTYLE February 25 - March 3, 2006

he so-called “whiny- assed white rapper” Eminem has released a T “greatest hits” album, Curtain Call – The Hits. INSIDE EMINEM Interestingly, the epithet “whiny-assed white rapper” (the Beastie Boys are given the same treatment and worse; they are not only white but also Jewish) tends Undoing the rapper to be applied by white people who would balk at describing Ghostface Killah as a “whiny- his pregnant girlfriend in the trunk. rap artist to have sold more al- assed black rapper”. The fourth verse is Eminem re- EAR CANDY with Andy Johnstone bums than Eminem. What is behind this inverse sponding too late to Stan, only This compilation also fea- racism? Is it that Marshall Bruce realizing at the last second that tures My Name Is, The Way I Mathers III (Eminem) has dared he has heard about Stan’s death Am – Eminem’s explanation of to intrude on a musical genre per- as he was writing to him. what success has done to him, the ceived as being outside his Perhaps unsurprisingly, blame he and other controversial ethnicity in the same way that Eminem has been and continues singers receive, and a plea for Elvis Presley, Eric Clapton and a to be the target of massive privacy – and When I’m Gone, host of others did with blues, or amounts of criticism, most com- one of the three new tracks. countless white jazz musicians monly accusations of misogyny He revisits the negative ef- have done, or The Clash, who and homophobia. Although this is fect of fame on his life and rela- were playing reggae to critical of course a subjective matter, it tionships, specifically those with acclaim years before it entered can be argued that Eminem is re- his wife, Kim – they divorced and the mainstream? porting what he may have expe- have remarried – and his daugh- Reverse the scenario – rienced. ter, Hailie (the couple have also non-whites involved in “white” It isn’t beyond the realms of adopted a child and Kim has a music, such as the late Phil Lynott possibility that he is reporting in a child from when they were di- or the divas Jessye Norman and first-person narrative style what vorced) on When I’m Gone. Dame Kiri Te Kanawa – and few the dark Slim Shady – a charac- I hear applause, all this would even consider suggesting ter/alter-ego he has created – time I couldn’t see/How could it that they are unable to achieve “sees”. be that the curtain is closing on as much as white people. Few would have credited me/I turn around, find a gun on that David Bowie, despite his the ground, cock it,/put it to my RESPECT multiple personae, really believed brain, scream “die Shady!” and that aliens were about to land pop it. Suffice it to say that Eminem has (Starman), that Bret Easton Ellis, The chorus is said to Hailie: respect among his peers; he was, author of American Psycho, is And when I’m gone, just after all discovered by the legend- himself sadistically violent, or that carry on don’t mourn/rejoice ev- ary Dr Dre and has collaborated Robert Louis Stevenson, author ery time you hear the sound of with the likes of Nate Dogg and of Treasure Island, was a pirate. more aware of it. Yes, just as his worry about one of your people my voice/Just know that I’m 50 Cent. The jury is still out on Jagger and black counterparts have been dyin’/But now it’s elevated cuz lookin’ down on you smilin’/ Curtain Call comprises 17 Richards over Sympathy for the doing for 25 years. once you put someone’s kids in And I didn’t feel a thing so baby tracks, including three previously Devil, however… While Eminem is respected it/The sh*t gets escalated, it ain’t don’t feel my pain/Just smile unreleased recordings: Fack, Arguments abound about by many fellow rappers, he has just words no more is it? back. Shake That and When I’m the estheticization of violence – also had feuds with a number of He ends the track with: The casual listener can find Gone. and desensitization to it – just as others. I’m just willin’ to be the much to complain about; obscene The album features, natu- they have done for many years. Curtain Call features bigger man/If ya’ll can quit lyrics and Eminem’s attitudes for rally, what is considered to be his The fundamental question is, Eminem’s Like Toy Soldiers – his poppin’ off at your jaws well example. But – and it’s no easy breakthrough single, Stan, featur- “Is the artist producing this work attempt to smooth over the rifts then I can/Cuz frankly I’m sick ride – listen a little deeper and ing a haunting sample from because: he/she wants notoriety/ – which have, in his case, tended of talkin’/I’m not gonna let read the lyrics, and his intelli- Thank You by Dido. A live ver- money; is making a sweeping to stay on disc rather than end up someone else’s coffin rest on my gence, concern and humanity sion of this track appears at the political or social statement; or in fisticuffs or someone being conscience cuz… become abundantly clear. end of the album, with Elton John because he/she is a screwed-up “popped”. Step by step, heart to substituting for the divine Dido. weirdo?” Sampling the disarmingly heart, left right left/We all fall Curtain Call – The Hits Eminem Hmm… Some now see Eminem’s haunting chorus from Toy Sol- down like toy soldiers/Bit by bit, Aftermath Records 988 789-3. Stan is the disturbing story lyrics as actually being capable diers – the 1989 hit by Martika – torn apart, we never win/But the For more information on this of a fan – Stan – who writes to of making the listener more sen- itself a song about drug abuse, battle wages on for toy soldiers. release, visit www.cdwarehouse Eminem, without receiving re- sitive to violence, homophobia, Eminem speaks of his amazement The video for the track fea- -asia.com. CD Warehouse will plies. Already unbalanced, Stan misogyny and other social ills, at inter-rapper warfare: tures, among others, murdered buy back old DVDs, CDs and (in the penultimate verse) deliv- arguing that bombarding his au- There used to be a time rappers Notorious BIG, Big L, VCDs. Call Tel: 02-6551140-5 ers his third and final verse as he dience with extreme verbal im- when you could just say a former D12 member Bugz and ext 120-122 for more informa- drives his car off a bridge with agery may make (some of) them rhyme/And wouldn’t have to 2Pac (Tupac Shakur), the only tion. February 25 - March 3, 2006 LIFESTYLE PHUKET GAZETTE 15

By Janyaporn Morel hen the hot season lies over Phuket, from March FANTASIES Wuntil May, temperatures can soar to 40º Celsius. To escape the heat, people seek refuge in air conditioned homes or shopping centers, they lie under ceiling fans, plunge into the nearest swimming pool or take cold showers. But what to do when none of these options are available or appropriate? The answer is in your hand… or more precisely, can be held in your hand. Hand fans have been part of cultures worldwide for millennia. No better example can be seen than the Chinese- style fans, which have inspired highly decorated large versions used as wall ornaments. Fans, called pat lom in Thai, can add a touch of elegance to a woman’s appear- ance – and for those who are Left: When it’s not hot, a fan is perfect for raising the temperature properly trained, they can come with a little flirting. Above: Peacock feathers for real glamor. Below: in handy as a martial arts Pretty as a picture with Chinese scenery. weapon for defense against a stealthy ninja attack in a dark Phuket City alley. In Phuket, hand-held fans are used to compliment the traditional Chinese costumes used in stage performances or worn by the bride at traditional Chinese weddings, but they can taken – and be used – any- where. Simple synthetic fans with a floral design can be had for as little as 85 baht, but prices rise according to how elaborate and how well made a fan is. At the top end of the price range are those with plumes. A goose-plume fan will set you back about 140 to 200 baht, while a peacock fan sells for about 230 baht. Many more styles of fans can be found around the island, but a good place to start – and where the fans pictured here are available – would be Soonthorn Sungkhaphan, at 104 Thalang Rd, in the heart of the Sino-Portuguese area of Phuket City. Tel. 076-211243. 16 PHUKET GAZETTE HAPPENINGS February 25 - March 3, 2006 T his week

John Magee and Janpen Arno Magee’s housewarming party on February 18 attracted guests from as near as Cherng Talay and as far as the Isle of Wight, all present to sample the catering by Watermark Bar & Restaurant and music organized by Andy Anderson, featuring the Soi Dog Blues Band and the Groove Doctors. Oh, and the brownies were provided by Pensri Lewis. February 25 - March 3, 2006 TRAVEL PHUKET GAZETTE 17 TALES OF A TRAVELER By Ed Peters

ong Kong’s advertising slogan could be, “Blink and you’ll miss it.” It’s Ha city where Time’s winged chariot doesn’t so much hurry near as overtake on the in- side lane, and this year it’s show- casing a raft of new attractions. Mickey Mouse and pals are strutting their stuff at the mini- (small pun intended) Disneyland, while, right next to the airport, those who like such things can cavort about a spanking new con- vention center. A cable car, swaying up to the dizzy heights of the Big Bud- dha at Ngong Ping on Lantau Is- land, should be open by the sum- mer, while, further north, nature lovers can make a bee line for the new Wetland Park at Mai Po. All of these are well and good, but as anyone with even a passing acquaintance with Hong Kong knows, the former Brit colony’s foremost attraction is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. For three action-packed days at the end of March, the fun Fueled by plenty of amber nectar, fans of the Wallabies – the Australian team – can be counted upon to make a colorful display. simply never ends, and what’s more, there’s a bit of rugby to watch thrown into the bargain. The tournament’s pulled in a couple of international sponsors, Seven reasons to visit HK but to aficionados it’s simply known as The Sevens. too, nowadays – on either side, energetic larrikins make an alco- robe malfunctions” are not un- England will be battling it out with For the past three decades, all trying to get the ball over their hol-fueled dash to the South known. top teams from Fiji and New fans from all over the world have opponents’ goal line, one way or Stand, well-padded types in cor- And at the end of the day Zealand. A total of 19 sides will flocked to Hong Kong’s premier another). porate boxes get entertained by the final whistle actually signals include participants from nations stadium every spring. The tour- Play is fast, spirited, egged bevies of go-go girls, and every- the start of play, as much of the less well known for their rugby nament has grown by leaps and on by roars from a myriad throats one gets up to dance to their fa- crowd goes off to celebrate in the prowess such as Sri Lanka and bounds, attracting some of the and there’s always something hap- vorite adverts on the mammoth bars of Wan Chai, Lan Kwai Madagascar. game’s greatest players and pening. screens that rise high above the Fong or in the marquee erected Soccer may be the beauti- worldwide media coverage. The entertainment is by no bleachers. immediately outside the stadium. ful game but rugby is the bounti- Why? Anyone going to the means confined to the pitch. Fans Streakers are not quite so The fans range from face- ful game, generously including Hong Kong Sevens does so for by the dozen pick a zany outfit to high-profile nowadays, with painted pre-teens to grizzled pen- everybody in its free-for-all party the sheer joy of it. You don’t even bolster support for their team. grim-faced security men throng- sioners, and could form their own atmosphere. And there’s no bet- have to know a great deal about Families cluster in the upper ing the perimeters, though, as the mini-United Nations. Thailand is ter example of this than the Hong the game (seven guys – and gals, reaches of the stadium, the more day wears on, one or two “ward- not playing this year, but favorites Kong Sevens. 18 PHUKET GAZETTE MOTORING February 25 - March 3, 2006

BEHIND THE WHEEL Toyota.com is silent By Jeff Heselwood on the origin of the name Yaris, but one he world’s No 2 auto news service quotes a maker, Japanese giant Toyota PR person as Toyota, is set to build its saying it's a cross award-winning compact, T between Charis, the the Yaris, here in Thailand. Until now the Yaris has been ancient Greek built only in Europe and Japan; goddess of grace; the Thai production line, the first in Southeast Asia, is expected to “Ja” (the German for double Toyota’s current output in “yes”, pronounced the Kingdom to almost 500,000 “ya”); and Paris, by 2008, when the expanded manufacturing facility in Cha- recognized center of choengsao becomes fully opera- excellence in style. tional. The first Yaris appeared in 1999 and was almost instantly awarded the accolade “European Car of the Year”; it also became Japan’s “Car of the Year”, mak- ing it the first model to achieve such wide recognition. It has also been named as one of the most WEIRD NAME, BUT reliable cars by an influential Ger- man survey. Although of modest dimen- sions, the Yaris has achieved a remarkable five-star rating in the TOYOTA’S influential EuroNCAP crash tests. Dual front airbags and side bags are standard, with side air curtains optional and the “supermini”, as the Yaris has NEW YARIS been dubbed by the EuroNCAP authorities (www.euroncap. com), was awarded a massive 35 points for adult protection in the tests, the highest ever achieved IS A WINNER by any Toyota. It also scored well in the (51 kW) and 93 Nm of torque, digital audio tuner reduces inter- child protection category and did and a 1.3-liter version delivering ference on AM/FM channels. relatively well in the pedestrian 85 bhp (64 kW) and 121 Nm. A A new rear suspension de- protection listing. 1.5-liter version is also planned. sign intrudes less into the trunk der to dissipate crash energy, proven fact that most drivers do The Yaris will be available All engines feature variable than the old one did, while the whether generated from the not brake hard enough when fac- in Thailand with a choice of three valve technology and constantly rear seats split 60:40 and will slide front, rear or side. Noise and vi- ing a possible crash. engines, all powered by gasoline variable transmission, which radi- and recline independently. They bration have been reduced by the Large disc brakes all round (or gasohol). There are currently cally improves fuel consumption can also be folded flat to increase adoption of double sealing on all are standard on the larger engined no plans to introduce the excel- and lowers emissions, will be luggage space which, says side doors. models, with rear drums fitted to lent 1.4-liter diesel, which is avail- available as an option. A five- Toyota, is the roomiest in the sub- Wind noise is far lower than the 1-liter version. able throughout Europe. speed manual transmission is compact class. normal for this class of car, thanks The Yaris may be small in The Thai-made Yaris will standard. Clever design of the front to a low drag coefficient of 0.30 overall dimensions, but it is su- feature a three-cylinder 1-liter The interior, surprisingly overhang and windshield position which, Toyota says, is the result perbly equipped and when the engine producing a modest 68 bhp roomy for a car this size, is very increased the Yaris’s interior of more than 1,000 hours of wind Thai versions come on stream, it well equipped. A CD player is space, making it close to that of tunnel research. should be available at a very rea- standard while the Yaris is also many larger vehicles. The Yaris has Brake Assist sonable price. the first compact to get Toyota’s In addition, Toyota has across the range, a system that new sound system which is MP3- carefully designed the passenger detects emergency braking and Jeff Heselwood may be con- and WMA-compatible. And if you compartment to incorporate de- increases line pressure in con- tacted by email at jhc@ still want to listen to the radio, the formable safety structures, in or- junction with the ABS; it is a netvigator.com February 25 - March 3, 2006 GOOD LIVING PHUKET GAZETTE 19

n the words of Robbie Anyway, between the aural Robertson, from his 1987 bites come some food bites in the song Somewhere Down the shape of deliciously crispy goong I Crazy River, “Take a pic- sarong – prawns wrapped in ture of this…” noodles and deep-fried. The picture in question is the Again at the recommenda- belvedere of a peach-and-mauve tion of the staff, we choose the sunset streaked through with the Captain’s Platter – a medley of puffed-up contrails of an airliner seafoods – for our shared main ploughing its way northwest. The course. “If it’s good enough for contrail draws its own needle-like the captain,” we say as one, “it’s shadow on a thin haze of cirrus good enough for us.” cloud as the Eye of Ra eases its asuallyasuallyasually The captain must way shut for another day. possess a healthy appe- The location of this quies- CCC tite, no doubt due to all cent view of the infinite is from CC those months at sea, for the tree-canopied beach between the platter requires the the Andaman Sea and the Casua- efforts of two strapping rina Beach Pub & Restaurant at lads to carry it to our Dusit Laguna, and at this mo- table. Well, almost; ment, I can think of few places some artistic license is I’d rather be. permitted. Barreling a 1957 Ford Large mussels, Fairlane convertible (a maquina) asuarinaasuarinaasuarina delectable oysters, fra- down the coast road out of Ha- rugrats with an ample area to grant crab, grilled rockfish, squid vana with a Julieta between my enjoy themselvesCCC – well, did you and oodles more besides is de- smirking lips is one place. want to sit still for half an hour molished in double-quick time, and Sprawling on an antique-red when you were three years old? let’s face it, seafood is the thing Chesterfield sofa in my club (the Faced with the difficult de- to eat on the beach, right? Drones Club in London), enjoy- cision of just what to have for my The dining delights are by ing the effect of a few glasses of appetizer, I defer to the amiable no means over, however. I have malt whisky and the latest edition service staff to aid me in my wisely reserved a smidge of of the Morning Star hidden be- choice. space for one of my favorite des- tween the pages of The Daily The goong sarong, is, I am serts: crème brulée. Telegraph – or vice versa – for told, delightful and who am I to This being Dusit Laguna, amusement is another. argue, even if I were an argu- however, it isn’t just the simple But right now I am on mentative sort of chap? I await classic dish but a visually-stunning Phuket’s sandy my starter with range of eight spoons with four shores and looking bated breath. different flavors – including forward to what On the Casuarina’s mango and coconut. promises to be a casual but classy “Simply wonderful,” I most delightful re- menu atmosphere cre- muse, before realizing that I have past. ates the climate for – all starry-eyed and non-plussed As the sun is equally casual chit- for a moment – spoken out loud. now over the yard- chat. Gem – also arm, it is incumbent known as Kanittha For more information, contact upon me to have a Thanthanasap – Dusit Laguna Resort at Tel: bit of a bracer. Dusit Laguna’s PR 076-324324 ext 7309, Email: What could be bet- Manager, and my [email protected] or visit ter than a reviving other companion, www.dusit.com Casuarina Pimm’s Cup? Well, Lin – who may or Beach Pub & Restaurant is according to both may not be a spy, open from midday to 10 pm of tonight’s two an award-winning daily. dining companions, WITH movie director or If it’s good enough for the captain … the Captain’s Platter. something non-al- Andy Johnstone the songwriter be- coholic appears to hind such chart hits sessions and, despite the profi- to the evening he creates is mes- be preferable. The Casuarina as, well, I really ciency of many of the island’s merizing and unique, like magic list of virgin (on the cannot say – are musicians, Chris is undoubtedly dust being sprinkled on our souls. ridiculous) cocktails, smoothies getting on like a house on fire. one of the best. The soundtrack One to watch out for. and the like is extensive, which is An added bonus to our appropriate for the family atmo- evening is the music. No piped sphere of Casuarina. muzak tonight, but rather the se- However, those of us with riously talented Chris Melchior. It cast-iron constitutions also have takes me moment to realize a splendid range of aperitifs, where he is, and slightly longer cocktails and wines from which for my brain to realize that this to choose. glorious chill-out sound is being Following its refurbishment, made by him, his laptop and a vio- Casuarina is gloriously light and lin. airy, even on a warm evening. It’s “Live remix” he accurately spacious, too, providing the calls it in a conversation between 20 PHUKET GAZETTE WHAT’ S ON February 25 - March 3, 2006

PHUKET DIARY of coming events

March 4-13: Tao Thepkrasat- All three courses will start tri & Tao Sri Soonthorn Cul- and finish at Thalang Chanasuk tural Fair. Held every year to Memorial Field. commemorate the role Phuket’s The entry fee for Catego- heroines played in the victory over ries A and B is 300 baht per per- a Burmese incursion in 1785, the son, while entry in Category C is fair this year will be bigger and free. better than ever. For more information con- Pattama Rujeewong, of the tact the Thepkrasattri Municipal- Phuket Provincial Cultural Office ity at Tel: 076-311381, or for the (PPCO), said that the celebra- bike races see www.thaimtb. tions this year would be the big- com/cgi-bin/viewkatoo.pl?id= gest yet, to mark HM King Bhu- 78475. mibol Adulyadej’s 60 years on the throne. Until February 28: “We Are Festival activities will take Not Alone” art exhibition. This place between 8 am and 10 pm exhibition features the work of 20 each day, at Thalang Chanasuk artists from the Andaman coastal Memorial Field, in Baan Kian, region. where the battle took place. The goal of the exhibition, The battlefield covers 96 rai, say the organizers, is to show one kilometer west of the main in- solidarity with those who are con- tersection in Thalang Town, on the cerned about the environment. road to Cherng Talay. The show, at Phuket Art The fair will start with a Gallery, 74 Thalang Rd, Phuket head-shaving ceremony at 1 pm City, is open to the public from on March 4 for men entering 10 am to 8 pm, seven days a monkhood, followed ordainment at week, until February 28. MUDDY BATTLEFIELD: Muay Thai Talay will be one of the fun attractions of the Tao Thepkrasattri & 8 am on March 5. Tao Sri Soonthorn Cultural Fair On March 11, 12 and 13, April 6: Chakri Day (Public starting at 7 pm, actors will reen- K. Pattama said that the Thalang Chanasuk Memo- in Baan Kian, where the heroines’ Holiday). Chakri Day commem- act the battle. PPCO will improve the follow- rial Field; the birthplace of the two mother is believed to be buried; orates the origins of the Chakri On March 13, remembered ing six sites with landscaping and heroines at Baan Kian; Baan Wat Muang Komaraphat, near dynasty, founded by Rama I, who as the day of the battle, a wreath- by installing plaques explaining Kian Mosque, where the Hero- Wat Phra Nang Sang, where Thai established Bangkok as the laying ceremony will be held at the each locale’s historical signifi- ines’ mother is believed to have warriors massed before the nation’s capital. Heroines’ Monument at 8 am. cance: prayed; Mae Ma Sia cemetery, battle; and Nop Nang Dug, where Thais dammed a klong to April 13-15: Songkran (Thai block the Burmese troops' water New Year – Public Holiday). supply. Also known as the Water Festi- The plaques will be in Thai val, and held during the driest and English, and are expected to months in Thailand, Songkran is be installed before the fair begins. celebrated by Thais throughout Sport competitions, includ- the country by pouring – tradition- ing takraw, Muay Thai, Muay ally only a little, but these days Thai talay (boxing while sitting more playfully a lot – of water on a horizontal pole over a pool on other people to wish them good of water or mud) and greasy pole luck for the Thai New Year. climbing, will be held as part of the festival. April 12-16: Phuket Bike The main sporting event, on Week. Phuket Bike Week 2006 March 12, will be a mountain bike will be held from April 12-16, race, with off-road sections, tak- 2006. ing in historical sites en-route. The Grand Dinner by Ride Riders in Category A of the Thailand and Phuket Riders Club race will cover the full 35-kilo- will be on April 14 at Thainaan meter course, with riders start- restaurant, opposite Central Fes- ing at 1:30 pm, while riders in tival Phuket. Category B will race over a 25km Tickets are for sale at 300 course, starting at 11:30 am. baht each and include dinner, a Category C, for children un- show and competitions. Seating der 13 years of age, will cover is limited and early bookings are 10km, starting at 10 am. recommended. The winners of the men's There will be an “OTOP and the women’s sections of cat- Market Party” on April 14-15. egories A and B will receive tro- Visit www.ridethailand.com phies donated by HRH Crown or www.phuketbikeweek.com Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn. for more information. February 25 - March 3, 2006 TAKE A BREAK PHUKET GAZETTE 21 PPUZZLESUZZLES The Cryptic Crossword

ACROSS

1. Dr Ike was confused and Hidden Words irritated. (5) 4. Put name to an omen. (4) Hidden in the grid below are names of at least 25 6. No male in this country. components or materials used in building a house. The (4) words may read vertically, horizontally or diagonally. 10. Composer A created the They may also read right-to-left or down-to-up. Score: States. (7) 10 or more, good; 15 or more, very good; 20 or more, 11. Very small units of time? excellent. Solution on next page. (7) 12. Bays within impediments. WE P O S XXU I RNUKT Z (6) 13. Buffed Edward from HEL S ZTRHNOWNQ I K Gdansk. (8) INAGWLSNSOE I EMT 16. Recognize type of power NLATNGZLULWVZBU wisdom. (11) GGAIHIDNLFATOEO 18. Chap used to shoot down QJBOLEHIAEKVPRK aircraft. (3) 20. Verily, that’s an affirma- GOZ S BDR S THSWDGA tive. (3) P JWNSBCB I LOSOZ F 22. Refreshed, Ann met tench ZEVC I D J OODLXOYN for a spell. (11) Compiled by Tortuus. © 2006 VFROALDUNAF TWMY 24. Shoot left or right of the hearth. (8) Down 8. Went ahead slightly and FEHYCRHIEIRLYSC snooped. (5) 25. “500 with two rounds 1. Kind of friend who’s not WAK E F LWH B ZKD LV E 9. We hear the independent after five with two around, yet is. (9) gentleman is broke. (8) LEWUCODEXTTJ PAA rounds” – it’s black 2. Lo, Hakka’s twisted in 14. Gary is getting on in HTSCSARTXBNTRSW magic. (6) Phang Nga. (4,3) years. (6) 28. Erases what assassin 3. Lived with note on shoe LKEFEGETERCNOCS 15. Calm 100 in tartan. (6) does. (4,3) part. (5) KDAELTVYECFAOLV 17. Galosh on top of brake 30. Conclude no blaze. (7) 4. Belt of southern fire NZCALSQPQXRRDZP part. (8) 31. However, I find beast. (4) remnant. (4) 19. It’s said city dwarf beats SKS JUPHNGVIKHOE 32. I make an attempt for the 5. Place where James time. (9) T SXBXDAYDT I L EFY exercises? same. (4) 21. Car and boat tumble 7. Is the same as lucifers. GUTTERPTMRHLHGG 33. Fib to General Electric? tumbler. (7) (7) QQKHQSQMS TAE ER T Lord! (5) 23. Support rear of Cockney XI ITUVFZYWI ICOP nag. (7) Scribble Space 24. Bryan’s boat. (5) FWIMTNEMECTKNUM 26. Not on, Al has guts. (5) FOORZPRHBEYZTTX 27. Brain object. (4) L J AAOBR I CKZNPRD 29. But container’s backed up. (3) Solution on next page. Solution, tips and computer program at www.sudoku.com Brain Buster! EZ TRIVIA QUIZ Nang Naam and her twins, Somboon and 1. Which volcano erupted 6. What is the name of the Somsri, want to cross in 1883, causing a huge dam being built in from the east side of tsunami that killed at China? the river to the west least 36,000 people? 7. Which company manu- side in a canoe. 2. Which is the world’s factures Barbie dolls? But the canoe can hold largest coral reef? no more than 200 8. King Kong came from pounds. Nang Naam 3. What disease results what island? weighs 160 pounds, when a child has 47 9. What’s the name of the while Somboon and chromosomes instead of condition of having one’s Somsri each weigh 100 the usual 46? clothing stuck between pounds. one’s buttocks, often 4. In police work, what after one’s underwear is does SWAT stand for? How can all three of pulled up as a prank? them reach the other Sudoku is very simple: each row, each column and each “box” of 5. In what Indian city did a 10. What was Aladdin’s side of the river using nine squares within the puzzle must contain all the numbers 1984 chemical leak monkey called? the canoe? from 1 to 9 with, naturally, no repetitions. Beware: there is only cause the deaths of at one solution to this puzzle, which is on the next page. least 15,000 people? Answers on next page. Answer on next page. 22 PHUKET GAZETTE TAKE A BREAK February 25 - March 3, 2006 Get your brain in gear with The Monster Quiz Kids! Ask Mum and Dad to help you find the answers to these questions. They’re not easy but, if you do some research, you should be able to find the answers to all of them.

1. Who, in 1710, coined the 8. Which director’s movies intentions of which phrase “The best of all include Yojimbo, The Looney Tunes character? possible worlds”? Hidden Fortress and Rashômon? 15. What is Sylvester the 2. Who followed this phrase Cat’s full name? in his 1975 film Love and 9. Who was the leading actor 16. What is the motto of Death with, “It’s certainly in all three movies? Western Australia? the most expensive”? 10. In which play does Lady 17. Tokaji wine is produced 3. Who, with 31 awards Anne Neville say, “No in which country? under his belt, holds the beast so fierce but knows 18. Spam musubi is a dish Quick Crossword record for Grammy some touch of pity”? thankfully peculiar to ACROSS DOWN Awards? which region’s cuisine? 11. From which British sitcom 1. Holland. 1. He discovered gravity. 4. Who won the 2006 are the French sitcom Le 19. The phrases “Ugandan 2. Pull sharply. Grammy Award for Best Bureau and the German 7. Salary. negotiations”, “Shome 3. For example. Dance Recording? sitcom Stromberg derived? mishtake, shurely?” and 8. Clothing fastener. 4. Ruffian. “continued page 94” are 5. Zilch. 5. Which name is shared by 12. In Polynesian mythology, routinely used in which 10. Lots and lots. an alleged terrorist and a where did Tiki, the first 6. Despatched. satirical publication? 12. Seamstress’s tool. chill-out music DJ? man, find Marikoriko, the 9. Good place to sleep. 15. Frozen water. first woman? 20. Britain’s King George V 11. Medics. 6. Who wrote the fable had one, so did Den- 16. Very small person. 13. Leg part. Jonathan Livingston 13. Who wrote the plays mark’s Frederick IX. 19. Citizen of Troy. 14. Capital of Greece. Seagull? Mirandolina and The Even Queen Victoria may 17. The sun, for example. Servant of Two Masters? have had one. What did 20. Bathroom wear. 18. Indonesian island. 7. BF Pinkerton, The Bonze they have? 22. Eating places. 21. Possess. and Sharpless are charac- 14. Penelope Kitty was the ters in which opera? target of the amorous Answers below, left.

Puzzle Solution to this week’s Cryptic Solutions Crossword Brain Buster Solution Hidden Words First the twins paddle to the west side of the river. SOLUTION Somboon stays on the west side, and Somsri comes W E + + S + + + I R + + + T + back. Nang Naam rows alone to the west side, leav- + E L S + + + + N O + + + I + Solution to this ing Somsri on the east side. Finally, Somboon comes + N A G + + + + S O + + E M + back for Somsri and together, they paddle to the west + L A T N + + + U L + V + B + week’s Quick side of the river. G + + I H I + + L F A + + E + Crossword + + + + L E H + A E + + + R + + + + + + + R S T + + W D + + + + + + S + + B I + O + O + + Monster Quiz Answers + + + C + + + + O D + + O + + + + R + + + + + N A F + W + + 1. Gottfried Leibnitz; 2. Woody Allen; 3. Sir Georg F E + + + + + I + I R L Y + + Solti; 4. The Chemical Brothers for Push the Button; 5. W A + + + + W + B + + D L + + José Padilla; 6. Richard Bach; 7. Madame Butterfly; + + W + + + + E + + + + P A + 8. Akira Kurasawa; 9. Toshirô Mifune; 10. The Life + + + C + + R + + + + + R + W and Death of King Richard III; 11. The Office; 12. In + + + + E G E T E R C N O C + a pond; 13. Carlo Goldoni; 14. Pepé Le Pew; 15. + + + E L T + + + + + + O + + Sylvester J. Pussycat Snr; 16. Cygnis Insignis; 17. Hun- + + + A L + + + + + + + D + + Solution to this gary; 18. Hawaii; 19. Private Eye; 20. A tattoo. + + S + + P + + G + + + + + + week’s Sudoku + S + + + + A Y D T I L E + + puzzle G U T T E R P T + R + + + G + EZ Trivia Answers + + + + + S + + S + A + + R + + + + + U + + + + + + I + O + 1. Krakatoa; 2. The Great Barrier Reef; 3. Down + + + M T N E M E C + + N U + Syndrome; 4. Special Weapons and Tactics; 5. F O O R + + + + + + + + + T + Bhopal; 6. Three Gorges Dam; 7. Mattel; 8. Skull + + + + + B R I C K + + + + + Island; 9. A wedgie; 10. Abu. February 25 - March 3, 2006 FEATURES PHUKET GAZETTE 23 Nothing wrong with In T he St ars by Isla St ar PISCES (February 20-March CANCER (June 22-July 23): Sup- gresses, but remember not to put 20): Important information is li- port comes from an unexpected all your eggs in one basket. a gimmick or ten able to be lost in translation mid- direction early next week. Just week. If you are anxious to get when you thought that nobody CANCER (October 24-Novem- ou gotta have a gim- friend. His name is Simon. Her the right message across, was interested in your wild ber 22): An enlightening conver- mick,” said that great dead son was named Luke. double-check the results. In the ideas, progress is indicated. The sation this weekend gives you American literary fig- Cat’s also got a wry, tough zone of romance, Sunday is the green light is also about to shine food for thought. If you’ve been Yure Gypsy Rose Lee. sense of humor and draws the most auspicious day to reveal on your romantic interest in Sag- toying with the idea of relocat- Novelist Michael Cunningham’s reader back into the story again. those cards hidden up your ittarius, who will appreciate a ing, this could become reality in gimmick is literary association She gets a call from a kid quoting sleeve in order to achieve maxi- low-key approach. Postpone the near future. A family drama with a famous writer. – surprise! – Walt Whitman and mum impact. If you are celebrat- signing important papers until af- occupies most of your attention His last novel, The Hours, warning of a suicide bombing by ing a birthday this week, expect ter Wednesday. Walk away from midweek. You should guard was a great commercial and criti- another kid. One day, she spies a to receive a meaningful gift from an uncomfortable social situation against letting this molehill turn cal success, made into a movie white bowl in an antique shop and starring Nicole Kidman, Meryl buys it on impulse. See the pat- a secret admirer. No 4 is prom- this weekend. Wear the color into a mountain. No 7 promises Streep and Julianne tern here? ising on Monday. marigold yellow to sharpen your to bring good luck on Tuesday. Moore. The plot had Bombs go off, instincts. three women at dif- Cat chases clues and ARIES (March 21-April 20): Be- SAGITTARIUS (November 23- ferent times and pla- we’ve got the mak- ing involved in a love triangle LEO (July 24-August 22): Your December 21): A sprinkling of ces involved with the ing of a damn good proves to be too stressful this stealth in the jungle is a great as- stardust will ensure that you have plot of the novel Mrs detective story with a week. You will discover that set this week. Where others are extra charisma this weekend. Dalloway, including sharp twist at the end. someone hasn’t kept a promise certain to leap into agreements Your social life is guaranteed to author Virginia Flash forward and you should walk away from without looking back, you are be at an all-time high and new Woolf herself (play- Off the two hundred years or this situation before too much bound to consider all options be- friends are likely to become close ed by Kidman in the so. The United States damage is done. Next month, fore committing. An Aquarian ones. The only slight downside film). SHELF has suffered some Cupid will send an arrow in your friend is set to seek advice on during the coming days could oc- The great liter- kind of nuclear catas- direction that is sure to lead to a Tuesday; be careful about the use cur on Tuesday when a work-re- ary figure of Michael By James Eckardt trophe and is now dis- more balanced, fulfilling relation- of ambiguous words on this oc- lated misunderstanding threatens Cunningham’s new novel is Walt membered. The one with the ship. No 8 is lucky next Thurs- casion, as they could backfire. a business relationship. Your tact Whitman. Specimen Days (Far- Whitman obsession now is a cy- day. Plan an escape this weekend to and diplomacy should ensure that rar, Strauss and Giroux, New borg named Simon. In Central avoid family members demand- this blows over without any last- York, 2005, 308pp) Park he chats up a TAURUS (April 21-May 21): A ing too much of your time. ing damage. links three recurring nanny named Cata- stampede of elephants will not be characters, all obses- reen. enough to prevent you going af- PISCES (August 23-September CAPRICORN (December 22- sed with Whitman’s Catareen is even ter what you want this week. 23): The cosmic atmosphere will January 20): If you think you Leaves of Grass. weirder: “She was by Others may have the opinion that support your efforts to get ahead have time on their side, remem- The novel opens Earth standards a you are pushing your luck, but the this week. During the last few ber that February is the shortest in 19th century New four-and-half-foot-tall York during the lifetime lizard with prominent stars are definitely supporting days of February you will finally month of the year. An important of Walt Whitman, who nostrils and eyes your endeavors. As March gets be able to concentrate on your project deadline is looming and makes a cameo ap- slightly smaller than under way, you will be glad to own needs. Someone from your you need to streamline your in- pearance on Broad- golf balls…Her skin start taking things easier after past is planning to make contact. terests in order to focus on this. way. Lucas is a 14- was emerald.” recent exertions. The heat is on This should happen before the Someone close to you is demand- year-old Irish slum kid Catareen is a where long-distance romance is middle of March. Memories will ing too much attention; take dis- in the Lower East Nadian, one of thou- concerned. Wear lotus pink to be stirred up as a result; Virgos tance now to avoid relationship Side, obsessed with Leaves of sands brought back after Earth’s soothe frazzled nerves. involved in a relationship could burnout. The color azure blue will Grass, a copy of which a kindly one and only foray to another in- find themselves getting caught in encourage cash to flow more teacher has given him. He is habited planet. The Nadians GEMINI (May 22-June 21): As the middle. steadily. given to spontaneous quotations wound up taking menial jobs. the temperature rises this week, of Whitman’s poetry rather than Simon and Catareen fall foul your frustration could reach boil- LIBRA (September 24-October AQUARIUS (January 21-Febru- ordinary conversation. of the law and escape to New ing point. If you are feeling hot 23): Love looks like turning out ary 19): An interesting week lies His brother Simon has just Jersey after a thrilling chase on a under the collar you should make for the best for Librans who have ahead. Taurus has a business-re- died in an industrial accident and subway and across the George every effort to cool down. Opti- recently been through a rocky pe- lated secret to share on Wednes- Lucas’s other obsession is the Washington bridge pursued by a mism has been at a low level riod. There are strong signs that day; this could lead to substantial sweatshop seamstress Catherine, laser-firing predator drone. lately, but is set to increase slowly a smoother path through the for- gain if you’re willing to take a Simon’s grieving fiancée. Frail Simon is programmed to as March begins. Where relation- est will be revealed on Sunday. A risk. The wind of change is set to and misshapen, Lucas takes over make an appointment in Denver ships are concerned, the chances faltering business deal can be re- blow better financial luck toward the foundry machine that killed his and the two set out on a picar- of a new romance blossoming paired this week, but don’t listen you in other ways too; there are brother. esque westward-bound journey, with Aries are looking better by to suggestions offered by Aqua- signs that an overdue debt is about The narrative tone is lugu- along the way picking up a young, the minute. No 4 is lucky next rius. Your finances are becoming to be repaid. The color purple en- brious, with shades of Charles misshapen, hustler named Luke. Wednesday. more secure as the year pro- courages passion in your life. Dickens, and you wonder where The white bowl talisman turns up the author is going with all this. in Denver along with the startling Add to this Cunningham’s cus- conclusion to the tale. tomary academic style – fussy, Okay, the novel is fraught fastidious, over-elaborate – and with gimmicks. But they’re good I was ready to chuck the book gimmicks and provide a rousing aside. read. We have Lucas buying a white bowl as a gift for Catherine with 75 cents of his $1.03 salary while his parents are starving at home, and later hearing voices from his foundry machine warn- ing him to rescue Catherine from her sweatshop just before, as it happens, a fire burns it down. But suddenly we’re in con- temporary New York, some years after 9/11, and in the narrative company of Cat, a 38-year-old black woman with a PhD and a job on the NYPD crisis call line. Cat lives in the same East Fifth Ave tenement that Catherine did. She’s attractive enough to have a handsome rich 32-year old futures manager as her boy- 24 PHUKET GAZETTE EDITORIAL & LETTERS February 25 - March 3, 2006

367/2 Yaowarat Rd, Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000 Tel: 076-236555 - Since 1994 - Fax: 076-213971 Email: [email protected] The case for a jet-ski race There will undoubtedly be people who will want to criticize the Phuket authorities for allowing – indeed, inviting – jet-ski racers to Patong next month to compete in the first round of the 2006 Jet Ski Thailand Championship. After all, they will argue, the Governor has already pledged to phase out all jet-skis by March 1, 2011. So why would he want to bring in dozens of them to race in small circles in the one bay that is most plagued by jet-ski operators and their noisy, dangerous machines? There is, however, a basic flaw in any argument that puts the two topics together: these are two very different groups of people. The jet-ski operators on the beach are a notoriously cantanker- ous group, resistant to all regulation and seemingly happy to allow complete novices to jump on their powerful machines and, in some cases, kill or maim themselves or others. The racers, on the other hand, are professionals or highly skilled amateurs who will be racing in a restricted area, clearly marked, for just two days – not all the way through the high season. Arguing that they should not be allowed to do this because of Letters Phuket’s perennial problems with jet-ski operators is similar to argu- ing that the Monaco Grand Prix should be canceled because Mo- The Gazette is pleased to receive mail from read- with your views for publication in our next issue. naco has problems with idiots driving dangerously through that city’s ers. Please write to us at 367/2 Yaowarat Rd, We reserve the right to edit all letters. Pseud- winding streets. Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000, fax to 076-213971 onyms are acceptable only if your full name and When the Gazette ran a front-page story in October 2004 about or send an email to [email protected] address are supplied. plans to bring a round of the Formula 1 Power Boat Grand Prix circuit to Phuket, one angry reader wrote to ask whether we would It’s wrong, dash it all you don’t like our country, get esting chat about the daily life advocate them driving their boats at full speed across coral reefs and out.” Well, I’m on my way – here on Phuket. through mangroves. I disagree with the answer to never to return to Thailand after My brother-in-law has been Of course we would not – just as we have never advocated Question 13 in the Monster Quiz coming here regularly for 20 an illegal tour guide for 14 years allowing tourists operate jet-skis in areas where people swim. of the February 18-24 issue of the years. and has greater knowledge about But we do support sporting events that have the potential to Gazette (Volume 13 Issue 7). Name and address withheld Thailand than most Thai guides. bring in extra visitors and generate much-needed revenue for island, The question was, “What He is fluent in English, French, especially as it continues in its post-tsunami recovery. does the signal SOS mean?” [The Well done, Gazette German, Dutch, Italian, and can As with the Monaco Grand Prix, the chances of an innocent answer given was “Si Opus Sit speak some Russian, some Ta- being hurt or killed in the course of the Jet Ski Thailand Champion- (Give relief where necessary)” – With regards to the recent visa galog and some Thai. Where is ships are small indeed. Ed] overstay story [Gazette lead the Thai guide who can do the There will undoubtedly be those who argue that spectators of The answer should be, “It story, issue of February 18, 2006], same? the jet-ski event may be inspired afterward to jump on jet-skis them- stands for nothing.” These letters I would just like to say I think the K. Panomphol, face reality selves and roar around the bay. But is that a good reason to bar an were picked because, when Phuket Gazette has done an ex- and help improve tourism here. event? If so, all grand prix events should likewise be barred, along heard in Morse code, they had an cellent job and reported the facts Walt with motorcycle racing – and pie-eating contests. – The Editor unmistakable sound: dit dit dit without bias or prejudice. Phuket dah dah dah dit dit dit. As a long-term expat, I’d I was a radio officer for 27 like to take the opportunity to say Wag the dog years, serving on British, Dutch thanks to all the Gazette staff for I know it’s been said time and and Italian merchant ships. producing such an informative again, and the Gazette has been Michael G Finn paper for all on the island. instrumental in focusing attention In association with The Nation Multimedia Group PCL Phuket Keep up the good work. on the issue, but interest in the John Kennedy plight of the dog pound seems to Thank you, Tourist Phuket have waned, to the extent that the Editor: Rungtip Hongjakpet place sometimes runs out of food. Managing Editor: Alasdair Forbes Police, and goodbye Last weekend when I was Deputy Editor: Chris Husted Phuket is always trying to find Guiding light there the dogs were fed only rice Chief Reporter: Sangkhae Leelanapaporn additional tourist attractions and It is time the president of the soup. Some dogs in the bigger Editorial Team: Stephen Fein, Andy Johnstone, Anongnat Sartpisut, and travel incentives. Now we Phuket Professional Guide Asso- holding areas were ripping other Sam Wilkinson, Ananya Hongsa-ngiam, Shiona Mackenzie have the élite Tourism Police and ciation [Panomphol Thumma- dogs apart. Highway Police, who bravely chartniyom – see news pages] On the positive side; they apprehended those 12 tourist woke up to see the reality in have added some kennels for Managing Director: Rungtip Hongjakpet criminals doing a visa run. Phuket – and the rest of the coun- “boarders” and I would like to General Managers: Oranee Pienprasertkul The 12 were then given free try. recommend this to dog owners Marketing Manager: Natthira Susangrat lodging in the finest rooms with Doesn’t he understand that who need to be away. The ani- Classifieds Manager: Phatsara Raktammakit concrete floors, and bars instead – now, more than ever – what is mals are well looked after, it seems, and this creates income Events & Public Relations Manager: Athipa Bunnak of windows. By golly, that was needed are accomplished foreign luxury they surely never ex- for the dog pound operators to Publisher: The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd guides to help the economy and pected. tourism. spend on the animals in the pound And, of course, those 12 Why are so many Thai tour itself. Contact us tourist criminals tried to buy their operators willing to risk fines or I think we need to keep this issue in the spotlight and to en- Advertising Sales: [email protected] way out of the predicament worse penalties to hire them? knowing full well they had vio- The answer is very simple: courage residents to help, and to Classified Advertising: [email protected] lated the law. Thankfully, these most of the so called “profes- shame the local authorities into Website Services: [email protected] fine upstanding officers of the sional” Thai guides are not up to action when it comes to provid- Gazette Guide inquiries: [email protected] law refused to accept bribes. the job. ing adequate funds. We also need Seriously, does Pol Maj Few are able to speak flu- to step up the sterilization of dogs Telephone: 076-236555 (10 lines) Fax: 076-213971 Songproad Sirikul [chief of the ent English, never mind other lan- roaming the streets and generally Ranong Tourist Police] still have guages, and deliver their tourist making a nuisance of themselves. The views expressed in the Phuket Gazette are those of the writers and contributors his job? spiel as a parrot would, not as if Arjan and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, the editor, the shareholders, or the There’s an old saying, “If they were engaged in an inter- Phuket directors of The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd. Letters conveying views and suggestions are published here. Those seeking comment from government Copyright © 1994-2006 The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd officials or business owners are published as Issues & Answers on the facing page. February 25 - March 3, 2006 PERSPECTIVES PHUKET GAZETTE 25 People must have the right to get the news left the employ of the Thepkrasattri Municipality a long time ago, but I still help FIRST I them with activities such as Children’s Day. PERSON I feel that it is important for everyone to continue providing services to our respective com- here are now probably very few people in munities. Phuket without access to a radio or a Some time ago, many T people asked the Thepkrasattri television for daily news reports. However, as mayor when they would receive has been documented in the Gazette by one a relayed broadcast service in columnist and a number of readers’ letters, as their community. We eventually found a suit- well as submitted Issues & Answers, some able place to erect speakers, and areas of the island have the added luxury of I had my own stereo equipment news delivered to their homes via community that could be used. loudspeakers. Then the Reactions received by the issue of who Gazette to these broadcasts would foot the electricity bill have been negative. was raised. For However, not everyone is me, the cost of against them. Somchai the electricity is Wichitbut is a vendor of khao not a problem; I have the larm (sticky rice roasted in money to pay bamboo tubes). He also for it. In fact, I broadcast news and local was happy to pay for it, be- affairs by loudspeaker (left) from cause it was his home in Thalang until for the benefit recently, when officials, after of the commu- nity. receiving complaints about the I am an noise, told him to switch early riser, so it it off. Here he explains why he was absolutely believes in his mission to relay no trouble for me to be up and news to the local masses, ready to begin whether they want it or not. Left, the contentious loudspeaker tower. Above, Somchai Wichibut at the controls. relaying the broadcast of [Min- istry of Communications] radio station FM.101.5 each day from However, the relayed Yes, I know that most the Municipality. But I also plan nation of knowledge. 7 to 8 am. broadcast had to stop a few people within earshot of the to approach the Municipality and However, I also understand I did this for three months weeks ago because of complaints broadcast have their own radio ask them to hold a public hearing that the Municipality must do its and felt it was beneficial to the received by the Municipality. or television. But they might not on the matter. duty. community on two counts: people Since then, many people have have been able to hear it while A public hearing may well I regret that it seems as could hear the news, and they asked me why it stopped and, to they were busy [working or pre- give all parties a better under- though considerable time, effort could tell what time it was be- be honest, I have no good answer paring for work]. Anyway, it was standing and provide some way and money have been wasted cause of the broadcasts, and to give them. The number of good for the entire community to forward with the complainants. because of one person or a few would know when to set off for people asking me that question is hear the same broadcast. I really don’t understand people who thought about them- work or to take the children to surely proof that the service was Now I just let those who why those who complained did so; selves rather than the wider com- school. regarded as valuable. want the service revived contact they have prevented the dissemi- munity.

Franky: Khao Lak’s to think that, as Khao Lak faces assistance. I will read the Gazette Grande Laguna and the staff the dilemmas that come with every week. Even though it now were outstanding. With two chil- Top Gun tourism development, there is Letters costs 25 baht, it is truly worth it. dren in tow, both under four years Please pass on my compliments somebody like Mr Gun taking Keep up the good work. old, we especially appreciated to Franky Gun, your columnist notice and making comment. line installed in my house, and Steven R Bell this. from Khao Lak. Reading his Please let Mr Gun know want Internet connection on the Phuket We met a gentleman called words today, it’s hard to believe that I enjoy reading his column in line. George who sings at the Sheraton this is the same man who used to the Gazette every time, and I look As I have no experience We’ll be back again with a band called “Back to draw the Man Farang cartoon forward to reading many more. concerning these matters in Thai- Black” and enjoyed many inter- strip in the Gazette and, before Steve Rosse land, I took the liberty of contact- After a week-long vacation on esting tales about his life as an that, owned a run-of-the-mill Iowa City, USA ing your columnist Woody Leon- Phuket (Jan 22-29) with my wife American living on Phuket. He heavy metal bar on Kata Beach. hard concerning the matter. He and two daughters, we returned has embraced this culture as op- His development as a per- Crumbs! Woody has just been fantastically help- home refreshed and impressed by posed to trying to change it . son over the past decade, as well ful and has given me a lot of good the warmth and friendliness of the On behalf of us all, thank as his development as a writer in takes the biscuit advice. This man knows about Thai culture and all there who you. We look forward to our next a language not his own, is truly I am a Norwegian citizen and these things! have adopted a refreshing ap- vacation there! amazing. moved to Phuket about two years I just want to let you know proach to life. Mark Reis It is also very encouraging ago. I have just got a telephone that I am truly grateful for his We stayed at the Sheraton Hong Kong 26 PHUKET GAZETTE FEATURES February 25 - March 3, 2006

he Book of Job is truly one of the great works of literature. In it, God allows the Devil to test the Tfaith of a righteous man named Job. The devil wipes out Job’s cattle, kills The Lord all his children, and afflicts him with sores from head to toe. Job wonders why God is doing this to him. Eventually God appears and tells him, in effect, “I’m bigger than you are. TSOWNDINGS How dare you question me?” Job accepts revises Job this, and God rewards him by giving him By S. TSOW twice as much as he had before. Joe: Well, come to think of it, I could Joe (still munching his steak): Yeah, amines the steak.) It IS mud. What…? Critics have given God a very bad use a steak. but there’s a problem. (The mansion and the swimming pool van- rap for his behavior in this book. Not only God: It shall be done as you desire, God: A problem, my beloved child? ish. Joe is sitting naked on a garbage heap does he allow a good man to suffer, but he my dear child. (Snaps his fingers. A large Merely tell me what it is, and it shall be in the middle of a slum. He looks at his then justifies it with an authoritarian ratio- filet mignon materializes on a gold platter.) solved. body.) Jesus! I’m covered with sores! nale that is often cited by bullies, tyrants, Joe (examining the steak): Actually, Joe: Well, having everything handed Christ, do they itch! and parents. I was thinking more of a sirloin. to you on a platter gets a little boring. God (mildly): Do not curse, my be- But suppose God had acted differ- God: Of course! No problem. (Snaps There’s no variety. I need a challenge. loved child. You wanted challenges, so I’m ently. Let’s update this ancient work and his fingers. Steak turns into a sirloin.) God: A challenge? giving you challenges. You wanted me to call it the Book of Joe. God has reformed Joe (cuts off a piece and tastes it): Joe: Yeah. I mean, you’ve spoiled build your character, so I’m going to build his behavior and decided always to be Mr This is medium rare. I like my steaks well me rotten. You haven’t done anything to your character. “But I swear to Me I’ll Nice God. He has blessed a righteous man done. build my character. I look at old Job, and I never understand you humans. I give you named Joe with an abundance of goodies, God: Whatever you wish, my be- envy him. What a man! He really had char- evil and you complain, I give you good and and now goes down to check on him. loved child. (Steak becomes well done.) acter. All the suffering he went through, you still complain. No matter what I do, Joe, a corpulent man in his 50s, is Joe (chewing his steak): You know, and he still had the guts to stand up to God. you’re never satisfied. Goodbye, my child. sunning himself by the swimming pool in Lord, I have to thank you. You’ve given God (eyes narrowing): So you envy Have fun meeting your challenges and front of his mansion while being massaged me everything any man could possibly Job, eh? And you want some challenges building your character. (Leaves.) by beautiful maidens. want. to build your character? Joe: Wait, that’s not what I meant! God: The pleasure is all mine, my Joe (taking another mouthful of Bring back my steak! And my mansion! God: Hello, Joe. How’s it going? dear Joe. You are a good man. I am your steak): Something like that, yeah. And my maidens! Aaaaagggghhhhh! (Cur- Joe (sitting up and taking off his sun- God. It is my duty to reward you. I’ve God: Well, never let it be said that I tain.) glasses): Everything’s hunky-dory, Lord. turned over a new leaf. No longer am I don’t give my children what they ask for. (The maidens retire.) going to permit evil to plague the earth. (Snaps fingers.) You can give S. Tsow a challenge and God: Is there anything I can do for I’m going to give good for good, and I’m Joe (chokes on his steak): What build his character by flaming him at you? Anything you’d like to eat or drink? going to do it consistently. the…? Jesus! This tastes like mud. (Ex- [email protected].

ince mid-2000, yours truly has been wearing an- other (ridiculous) hat Swriting Nightmarch, a regular night-life column, first for Bits and pieces the Pattaya Mail, briefly for the Pattaya Expat and, since No- suddenly shaken awake by loud was hoping to time crescendo to was already married to a hand- vember 2002, for Pattaya Today. music coming from next door. coincide with the climax of the some Thai fellow and, while her Apart from detailing the The music is of the German martial music pounding out of his sugardaddy is back in Pommy- FROM THE openings, closings, coming and martial style, all trumpets and stereo system. land, she is tucked up each night goings, prices and staffing of bars clashing cymbals; think Richard with hubby. STREETS O F across Fun Town, I have also been Wagner and Götterdämmerung A Special Freckle: My friend When the Englishman re- privy to a host of wonderful tales (The Twilight of the Gods) and Ray, a constant source of odd turns for a stint, the husband sim- PATTAYA usually involving foreign male you’ll get the idea. tales, swears this tale is true. ply makes himself scarce for a By Duncan Stearn visitors doing silly things, usually Thinking there is a wild It starts innocently and in- few weeks. with the aim of winning the heart party in progress next door, my nocuously enough: an Englishman One night, however, the Thai glishman is spending more and of a lady of easy virtue. friend, a tall man, leans over his meets a woman in a bar, falls in woman introduces the Pommy to more time “entertaining” the Thai I call these vignettes – all balcony and is able to peer into lust and determines to make her her husband, claiming he is a dis- man rather than his girlfriend. true, so my informants assure me his next door neighbour’s lounge. his own. She readily accedes to tant cousin, or whatever. The truth is out: the Pommy – “Tales from the Crib”. I’m sure There, instead of a baccha- his request and the besotted En- The Pom – for reasons that is now in love with the husband. the title needs no further expla- nalian booze-and-dance fest, he glishman, after returning to the will become clear – asks the Thai A decision had to be made. nation. Reproduced below are a sees a lone man sitting in a lounge Land of Drizzle, starts sending man if he fancies a spot of three- The 50,000 baht a month remu- couple of the best. chair while a Thai woman kneels her the equivalent of 50,000 baht cornered mattress dancing. The neration is in danger if the Thai before him clearly practising the per month. husband says, “Okay.” man does not agree to keep pre- Music for a pink flute: In the arcane art colloquially known as Of course, the lady in ques- The three excited parties senting the freckle. Though he is early hours of the morning, a a “blow job”. tion is in clover. Not surprisingly, have a wonderful time spelunk- not gay, the husband agrees to roll condo dweller in south Pattaya is One wonders if the man she has neglected to mention she ing in all sorts of cavities. They over and keep the Pom happy. all agree that playing sandwich is In a strange twist of fate, great fun and the Pom invites the the trio has been reduced again Thai man to return for a reprise. to a duo, but with the Thai woman This recurs on several more on the outside. occasions, by which time it has The money, however, keeps became quite plain that the En- rolling in. February 25 - March 3, 2006 FEATURES PHUKET GAZETTE 27 Beer mania in Phuket From the Phuket Gazette, issue of February, 1996

PHUKET TOWN: Phuket Ex- 30- and 50-liter kegs, 176,000 li- cise Officer Boonchuay Taen- ters; 330cc containers, 3.2 million jahn told the press that the deni- liters; and 630-cc bottles, 3.2 mil- zens of Phuket drank 6.8 million lion liters. liters of beer last year. As for liquor produced in He said the trend in alcohol Thailand, consumption was di- consumption among Thais has vided among the producers of been more and more toward beer, Hong Tong, Mekhong, Sang Thip, and predicted it would continue. Siang Choon, and lao khao. To- Beer consumption statistics tal consumption in Phuket was 3.4 in Phuket broke down as follows: million liters. Teenage bag-snatching gang members arrested From the Phuket Gazette, issue of February 15-28, 2001 PHUKET TOWN: Four mem- Town Police Station to report the bers of a teenage bag-snatching incident. Making the grade: Alan Cook on the cricket ground, bought with money that was ‘festering’ in his bank gang were arrested at the end of Acting on this information, account. January after a theft attempt near police officers went to a house Wat Chalong went wrong. behind Suan Luang park and ar- Nongyao Ausit, 25, reported rested three 16-year-old boys: to police that she went to the Wat “Ton”, “Nak” and “Big Sam- GOING A BIT BATTY Chalong fair with her husband on kong” – identified as the gang’s ’ve got some money fester- realising a long cherished equipment required, Simon had the night of January 27. leader. ing in the bank – it’s a prob- dream, by making it come true access to the labor force and the At around midnight, she re- After questioning by police, lem” said Island Furniture’s himself. sheikh had the land, so with the ported, they were driving their the three admitted that they be- Alan Cook one night in For the sake of American right combination we had our- motorcycle home along Soi Thep- longed to a four-member gang. I Anusorn. They told police that they the pub. “Uh huh,” said I to my- readers and people from other selves a cricket field,” he ex- self. “This is one Englishman who countries where cricket is not plained. Three teenage boys on a had committed at least 10 mo- mightn’t be impervious to heat – played, who might wonder what Cricket has been well es- motorcycle drove up from behind torcycle snatchings around I’d say he could’ve had a touch all the fuss is about, a cricket tablished in Thailand for many and pulled alongside Tambon Chalong of midday sun today.” field is approximately the size of years, both in normal competition the couple. One THE TIME and Tambon Wi- I enquired further about this two soccer fields and special tourna- grabbed K. Nong- chit since being unusual dilemma, but quite clearly side by side. ments such as the yao’s necklace from machine released about a and coherently he repeated that That’s a sizeable “cricket sixes” a her neck. month before While acceler- from the Juvenile he had some money “festering” chunk of land. LARGER six-a-side tourna- News from the past in the bank. Alan has al- ment, cricket’s ver- ating to get away, Observation and A number of solutions ways been involv- THAN sion of Rugby sev- the rider of the mo- Protection Cen- came to mind, but none of them ed with cricket, LIFE ens. (A full cricket torcycle lost control and bumped ter (JOPC), where they had seemed to create instant reac- both as a player By Graham Doven team has 11 play- into K. Nongyao’s bike, causing been in custody after being ar- tions of enthusiasm, so after and, later, in sev- ers.) both machines to fall over. rested for theft of cars and other some time my interest in helping eral organizational capacities, in- One of the best known tour- Two of the boys ran into items. to solve this particular problem cluding now as President of the naments in Asia is the Chiang Mai nearby woods while the driver Police later arrested an- disappeared. Phuket Cricket Union, an organ- Sixes, a week-long contest that picked up his bike and rode away. other gang member, “Eff”, 16, The problem was appar- isation primarily involved with draws teams from many countries. K. Nongyao and her hus- from his house on Surin Rd. ently solved for, a few weeks bringing cricket into Phuket I’m confident that a proper band memorized the license num- The four are now back in later, he announced to me that schools. cricket ground in Phuket will ber of the teenagers’ red Honda the JOPC, awaiting trial at the he had spent the “festering” But it’s not the first time that bring enjoyment for many, and Dream and rushed to the Phuket Juvenile Court. money on a piece of land which he has been involved in the cre- attract new visitors to Phuket. couldn’t really be lived on as it ation of a cricket facility in a dis- I am also convinced, as Noel was under the high-tension tinctly non-cricket country. With Coward sang, that the locals will power lines. the help of a powerful sheikh who talk long into the night, with shak- “Aha!” I though. “I know donated the land, and a colleague ing heads, about this strange pre- what you’re up to.” Knowing by the name of Simon Beard- occupation of Alan Cook. something of the background of shaw, he built the cricket club at At twelve noon the natives Alan’s long-time efforts to es- Sharjah in the UAE, now an im- swoon and no further tablish a proper cricket club in mensely popular and successful work is done Phuket, the purpose of the large facility for international and do- But mad dogs and Englishmen piece of unliveable land was in- mestic matches. go out in the midday stantly clear. He was finally “I had access to all the sun.”

If an event isn’t listed in the Gazette’s Events Calendar it probably isn’t one. List your event now.

phuketgazette.net/calendar 28 PHUKET GAZETTE COMPUTERS February 25 - March 3, 2006 The search for recognition his week I will review gine optimization. Over the years, time someone clicks on your site some of the ins and outs this has become nothing less than from within a search engine. of search engine regis- a technical art form. Take your time and read the Ttration. This is the tool The bottom line is that you Tips & Tricks section carefully. that the Internet uses when need to take a shotgun approach, It’s pretty simple but you’ll want someone enters a search word or applying many techniques to be sure about what you’re do- phrase into a search engine such throughout your website and ing here. as Yahoo or Google. online services. Two pointers: First, choose These search engines are Start with search Engines. your bid words carefully. “Thai- becoming more and more sophis- These use sophisticated methods land” may auction for 20 US ticated – as are the methods of to determine the relevance and cents, “Phuket” may go for 10 getting your website noticed by general usefulness of the infor- cents and “underwater sports” Internet surfers. Here is a recent mation on your site. One of these could go for as little as .03 cents. question I received from one of methods is the aptly named the Second, don’t bid for the top our clients. “spider”, a program that crawls two spots because everyone, in- around the web searching for cluding those who are just kick- We run two fairly large dive anything and everything – on ev- ing tires, clicks on the top two list- Searchenginewatch.com has thousnds of tricks and tips for boosting Q shops in Samui and Phu- ery site. your rating on search engines. ings. Shoot instead for the third, ket. A few years back, we spent Spiders deposit this infor- fourth or fifth placement. In those quite a lot of money on what I mation in massive databases and ure out if you are just blasting your Now go back to the web positions it is more likely that the believe is a pretty darn good then sort, categorize and assign keywords everywhere. page and right-click on any logo, visitor is really looking for some- website. “credit points” to data based on Here are just a few ways graphic or photo. Choose Prop- thing – and you will pay about Back then, it seemed that all a complex set of computer algo- to use your keywords effectively; erties and you’ll see the Alt Im- 80% less for the same keywords. we had to do was rithms. Herein lies any webmaster worth his salt will age Tag for that image. 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We just want to get more watching”. logos and photos on your site; giv- fee – or sometimes a not-so-nomi- places into each page that you online business. Guessing at these can be a ing short descriptive names to nal fee. If you are a do-it-your- want to track. The reports tell you daunting and frustrating task but these will have a very positive self kind of person, then you must how many clicks you have, what Like so many others, you there’s good news ahead... take effect. try www.searchenginewatch. country they came from, what Ahave entered into an online a look at www.digitalpoint.com com. Here you will find literally keyword was used to find your marketing can of worms or, de- (free) and www.rapidkeyword. Here’s a trick: act like you are a thousands of tips, tricks and re- site – even where the user was pending on how you handle it, a com (not free). These two very customer and do your own search sources for everything to do with before and after they left your can of opportunities. powerful tools will help you de- on Google, Yahoo or MSN look- getting noticed on the web. page, and how long they stayed. With a bit of homework on termine the best keywords and ing for great diving. If you have allocated funds Care to play “Big Brother” your part and a relatively small phrases. Note who comes up on the for your online marketing budget, anyone? online marketing budget, you can Next, you will need to make top and look at their overall de- another must-see is www. make tremendous improvements liberal use of these keywords sign and content. Then, in MS overture.com, one of the most John Seebach has 25 years’ to your online business. throughout your site. Be careful Internet Explorer, click on View | powerful websites for getting into consulting experience in infor- What your techie friend is not to overdo it though; spiders Source. You will be amazed at the Top 10 Search Engine listings mation systems and business referring to is called search en- are pretty smart and they will fig- what you find. … but, it’ll cost ya. process technology. His com- You don’t have to be a Basically, it’s an online auc- pany, Island Technology, of- webmaster to read and under- tion site, where you bid for top fers IT solutions and broad- stand the top section of these placement based on your chosen band services throughout pages. There, you’ll find the Page list of keywords. Be careful, this Southeast Asia. For more infor- Title, Meta Tags and Descrip- can get pretty expensive pretty mation, send an email to: tions. fast because you are paying each [email protected] February 25 - March 3, 2006 PHUKET GAZETTE 29 30 PHUKET GAZETTE B U S I N E S S & MONEY February 25 - March 3, 2006

ON THE MOVE

Permsak Yodmit, 43, Arun Keodsom, 38, from Atjana Iad-On, from Yala, from Songkhla, has been Surat Thani, is the new Chief has joined The Phuket Re- appointed General Man- of the Phuket Provincial Office sort Management Co Ltd, ager of the Thiwa Ratri for Disaster Prevention and part of The Richmond Resort & Spa Phuket. He Mitigation (ODPM). He holds Group, as Assistant to the has a degree in business an economics degree from General Manager. Her 12 administration from Ram- Maejo University in Chiang years’ experience in the khamhaeng University and Mai and a master’s in public ad- hospitality industry has seen a degree in political science ministration from Prince of her work in customer care from Sukhothai Thamma- Songkla University, Phuket and service, sales and mar- thirat Open University. His campus. He spent three years keting, and business man- experience includes five as a planning and policy analy- agement and training at the years as Group GM of the sis officer at the Office of the Kamala Bay Terrace Re- Viangtak Riverside Hotel in National Economic and Social sort, Sheraton Grande La- Tak province. Before join- Development Board. Before guna, Allamanda Laguna ing the Thiwa Ratri he was moving to Phuket, He was Phuket, Banyan Tree Phu- the GM of the Baan Ka- Chief of the Surat Thani ket and the new Arahmas ronburi Resort, in Karon. ODPM for three years. Resort & Spa Phuket. Phuket sees boom in fitness industry By Nattamon Ratcharak dumbells, as Easy Fitness does old actively exercising, and we There are hefty discounts Asia Fitness on the 3rd floor of & Stephen Fein not see bodybuilders as its target will also motivate ladyboys to join for Thai women. For them, a one- the Royal Phuket City Hotel, market and does not want to risk the club. This group is an impor- month Health Pass is 900 baht, a which opened in 1996. The cen- PHUKET: With the opening of members injuring themselves. tant market share that happens Leisure Pass 700 baht and a ter, run by Asian Wind, has more two large new fitness clubs, The club also offers a vari- to be body-aware,” Yvon said, Platinum Pass 1,200 baht. Nor- than 600 members, 30% of whom Phuket seems to be experienc- ety of dance, aerobics and mar- adding that the club’s goal for the mal prices for these are 3,000, are foreigners. ing a boom in the fitness indus- tial arts classes in two purpose- first year is 800 members, fol- 2,400 and 4,200 baht a month re- Manager Nongnuch Surin try. The two newest clubs are the built group training rooms, as well lowed by an increase in members spectively. said Asian Wind has a main work- 36-million-baht Easy Fitness Cen- as a health-food restaurant, by 200 a year thereafter. Mr Taylor said TaiLife’s out room of 269sqm, equipped ter and the TaiLife Health & Lei- Internet access and a children’s Easy Fitness’ competitive main target group is European with 19 cardio machines and a sure Spa, built at a cost of more play room. advantages are its central loca- men aged 31-50 and Thai women 140sqm workout studio. Mem- than 50 million baht. tion, individualized service and between 18 and 35. bership is 3,250 baht plus a 1,599- LADYBOYS Easy Fitness Center is a state-of-the art equipment, he says. TaiLife’s competitive ad- baht monthly fee. 1,100-square-meter club on the Members pay an 8,000-baht “en- In Patong, which has led the vantage, he says, lies in the 990- Asian Wind, owned by Aus- bypass road, just south of Thai- try fee”, currently reduced to island’s boom in fitness clubs, the sqm facility’s qualified fitness tralian Peter Heppell, also man- naan restaurant. Yvon Van 3,000 baht as a promotion, and a newest is TaiLife Health & Lei- trainers and state-of-the-art ma- ages the fully-equipped BodyWize Eyseren, CEO and majority in- minimum three months’ member- sure Spa, which opened in No- chines. These include 11 cardio Fitness at Le Meridien Phuket vestor, told the Gazette that since ship fee at 1,400 baht per month. vember 2005, and now has 280 machines by LifeFitness and 12 Beach Resort and the fitness opening two months ago, the club Monthly rates are reduced to members. Cybex strength training machines. room at the Leelavadee Spa. has signed up 120 members. 1,300 baht and 1,200 baht respec- Manging Director Brett There are also Olympic-standard PIONEERS CLOSE Yvon, a fitness expert who tively for members who pay for Taylor and two silent partners free weights. holds “top trainer” status in Eu- six months or a year up front. funded the 990-sqm TaiLife, Other facilities include a 25- Also in Phuket City is the Royal rope, said he expects it will take Various discounts are also which is centrally located on Soi meter swimming pool, sauna, Spa on Yaowarat Rd. The fitness about six years for the investment, available for government bureau- Sunset. steam room, sports and relaxation center there has 11 strengthen- part-financed by a loan from crats, students and other groups. Day passes start at 200 massage service with profession- ing and 12 cardio machines as KasikornBank, to pay off. The club also sees ladyboys as a baht. Memberships are offered ally qualified massage therapists, well as free weights and other Easy Fitness has a total of specific market, and has a spe- on a weekly, monthly, six-monthly and a health food restaurant. spa facilities. The spa, covering 41 machines by Cybex, Stex and cial changing room to cater to or annual basis. These include a Mr Taylor expects the busi- 4,500sqm, was opened in March Free Motion. About half of these them. Health Pass that allows access ness to recoup its original invest- 2000, the fitness center followed are for strengthening, the remain- “Within five years, we to the gym, a Leisure Pass for ment within 10 years. a year later. der for cardiovascular exercise. would like to see 5% of the popu- pool and spa facilities, or a Plati- Other top-end fitness cen- Marketing Manager Sura- Free weights are limited to lation between 14 and 70 years num Pass with access to both. ters on the island include Club chet Chiang-In told the Gazette that investment by partners Na- rongsak Juthamongkol, Suppa- korn Bunyapatson and Singapor- ean Aung Ko Lin was 35 million baht, excluding land – the spa was built on land leased for 30 years, he said. The Royal Spa fit- ness center currently has 250 members, 80% of whom are for- eigners. Membership is 2,000 baht to join plus 1,495 baht a month. Two of the pioneer fitness centers have closed down. One was the fitness center at the Holi- day Inn Resort, which closed about four years ago when the contractors running it moved to Europe. The other, Fitness R Us at the Boat Lagoon, ceased op- erations last month after three years. Former partner Pensri Lewis said the club could not at- tract enough members. However, in Patong three new fitness centers have opened in recent years. These are Phu- ket Gym, near Patong Hospital; the Patong Gym, on the dead-end road near the Nanai Rd and Prachanukhro Rd intersection, and Fit Club, on Rat U-Thit-200 Pi Rd, which was recently sold. February 25 - March 3, 2006 B U S I N E S S & MONEY PHUKET GAZETTE 31

ny investor who has being paying attention to world mar- kets must have noticed that commodity prices have boomed in recent years. This trend is likely to continue. AAsia is experiencing strong economic growth and com- Derivates fund has modity demand is very likely to be robust for decades to come. But if an investor believes that prices of oil, metals or agricul- tural products, for example, will rise, it is more than a little imprac- tical for him to buy, say, 100 tons MONEY high risk – but of sugar or coffee or whatever and store it while waiting for a price increase. TALKS There is another approach and that is to use the futures mar- high rewards too kets. But buying and selling fu- tures is not as simple as taking a picnic on the beach. Futures mar- kets are extremely volatile and complex; for the average inves- tor, it would probably be safer to go digging for gold in a minefield. By Richard Watson Individual investors nor- mally confine themselves to leav- than justified in wondering how ing money in bank accounts, buy- the total derivatives market could ing residential property or invest- reach such a stupefying size. The ing in the stock and bond mar- answer is simple: demand. kets. The one approach that 99% Thirty years ago, graduates of individual investors make is to with master’s degrees or a PhDs invest hoping – sometimes pray- in mathematics were most likely ing – that the investment will rise to spend their careers teaching in value. this subject. Today, if they shows However, the investment signs of brilliance, they are more world is not always an accom- likely to end up working in the fi- modating arena; history tells us nancial world, earning vastly that prices of assets may fall as higher remuneration. well as rise. It One group therefore makes involved in com- perfect sense to modity markets is invest in areas that Readers would be Amalgamated can profit from Metal Corpora- both rising and fall- more than tion PLC of Lon- Investing direct in stockmarkets is risky, and in derivatives it’s riskier. A derivatives fund is safer. ing markets. justified in don (AMC). Its – Photo by EPA/Everett Kennedy Brown It was this origins go back to this has been reduced to US$ their offices in the World Trade alone, it more than doubled in- philosophy that led wondering how the formation of 10,000. Center. After the attack, the ex- vestors’ holdings. Half of that to the start of the the total the London Metal This is not because AMT is change had to move to temporary gain came from Hurricane Katri- Hedge Fund indus- Exchange in the exactly desperate for new inves- offices in New Jersey, initially na – a clear case of clouds with try. The same rea- derivatives market 19th Century, of tors, but more because the whole trading for only two hours a day, silver linings. soning caused the could reach such which it was a industry has moved to include the such was the loss of life. AMT is authorized and creation of futures founding member. “retail investor”. However, normal trading re- regulated by Britain’s Financial markets. Today, a stupefying size. The AMC To return to our topic of sumed shortly thereafter and the Services Authority and is ac- the world trades The answer is Group now dis- commodities investment, AMT IQS Fund continues to rise. The cepted by all the leading offshore enormous amounts tributes, trades runs the IQS Fund, which invests fund managers have the ability to insurance companies. of futures, options simple: demand. and manufactures in the futures markets for coffee, invest in long or short positions – It is not for widows, orphans and a whole range metals, metal pro- cotton, sugar, wheat, soybeans in other words, to profit from ris- or those of a nervous disposition, of instruments ducts and chemi- and soybean oil; a variety of cur- ing or falling situations. but it should form a small percent- known as “deriva- cals. It has opera- rencies; crude oil and natural gas; Where a rising trend is be- age of any serious investor’s port- tives”. The size of this market in tions in 12 countries worldwide copper and gold; and interest lieved to be evident, the fund sim- folio. global terms is currently around and 26 subsidiaries in distribution rates on 30-year US Treasury ply stays invested and lives US$2 quadrillion. and processing, manufacturing Bonds. through day-to-day corrections Richard Watson runs Global When one considers that, in and trading. The fund is volatile but has and volatility. Portfolios Co Ltd, a Phuket- 2005, the Gross Domestic Prod- One 100%-owned subsid- been extremely profitable. Its The returns have justified based personal financial plan- uct (GDP) of the US was a bit iary, AMT Futures Ltd, trades in worst period was after 9/11, not the risk. Over the past 10 years ning service. He can be reached over US$13 trillion and the international financial futures and because of property destruction the fund has achieved growth of at Tel and Fax: 076-381997, world’s population was just over is a commodity broker and fund but because a huge number of more than 2,000% for investors, Mobile: 01-081-4611. Email: 6 billion, US$2 quadrillion is obvi- manager. It operates a number of American futures traders had a staggering return. In 2005 [email protected] ously huge on anybody’s scale. investment funds that are open to To express the number in full, it’s the public and to institutional in- US$2,000,000,000,000,000. vestors. That’s US$333,333 for every Until five years ago the fund man, woman and child on earth. accepted only subscriptions of Readers would be more US$1 million-plus, but since then 32 PHUKET GAZETTE SP O R T February 25 - March 3, 2006 Visiting Koreans in convincing victory

PHUKET CITY: South Korea’s Hallelujah Football Club main- tained its perfect record against Thai sides with a 7-2 drubbing of Phuket in a match played at Surakul Stadium on February 16. Hallelujah FC Head Coach Lee Young Moo told the Gazette that although the team has been coming to Thailand for about 16 years, it was the first time they have ever played Phuket. “I was impressed that they really came out hard in the first half and tried to win,” he said. He added, however, that a lack of strength on the part of Stunning to watch was Ericsson, the 60-foot Volvo ocean racer that came third in the Racing class. some Phuket players and an ab- – Photo courtesy www.shufen.net sence of teamwork overall ac- counted for the lopsided final tally. Poor turnout for Langkawi regatta “But I think the Phuket play- ers have good basic skills. If they LANGKAWI: Only 33 yachts, BMW Oracle Racing and to visit sailed well on Chameleon to fin- practice more with a professional down from an expected 50 boats, the team’s base. ished second with seven points, coach, they will be an excellent turned out for the Royal Lang- Captain Malik Sulaiman and while Larry Pollock’s Running team,” he added. kawi International Regatta 2006 his Royal Malaysian Navy crew Cloud finished third on eight. The Phuket side consisted of players who compete in the (RLIR), held off the Malaysian on Zurah finished second over- The Ocean Performance Surprised by Phuket’s efforts: island from February 11-17. all on 11 points, ahead of Thomas Multihull class was a much closer Southern Division of the new Thai Hallelujah FC coach Lee Young The poor turnout was pre- Blixt’s V60 Ericsson (13 points), affair with Moto Inzi winning the League. Moo. dicted in early February by Tony currently touring the Asian yacht- class with five points, Chameleon Hallelujah FC, founded in Knight of the Ao Chalong Yacht ing circuit, but better suited for finishing on six points, and Henry 1980 by a Christian missionary division, won matches against Club, who blamed the organizers stronger winds. Kaye on The Sting taking third and now competing in the K2 Satun and Krabi before their for moving the event forward, David Lindahl’s La Samu- place with seven points. League, South Korea’s second showdown with Phuket. leaving Thailand-based crews too dra won every race against Keith little time to prepare after the Garry’s Beaux Espirits to win Phang Nga Bay Regatta. the Premier class. In addition, the Rebak In the Sports Boats class, BCIS stun Island CC; Champagne Run, the annual KDP II, another Royal Malaysian overnight race from Phuket to Navy entry, took top honors with Langkawi, previously held on the a series tally of five points. Sail eve of the RLIR, had been can- in Asia team, led by Mathew Patong move to top spot celed, for the same reason. Rickard, finished second overall Conditions were marked by with seven points, while Motor light winds, giving Malaysian Net came third on nine points. KOH KAEW: Kamala Beer Gar- task, made light work of the run with an unbelievable spell of crews and RLIR regulars a lo- Phuket resident Mia Gillow den were five players short at the chase. Showing good technique, seam bowling. cal-knowledge advantage. on Minx scored straight wins to start of the match against Patong Wesley Turner made an impres- Wickets tumbled at an Troy Yaw and Ray Roberts the IRC 1 class with a perfect CC on February 18. sive 22 not out. Ian Henry made alarming rate and ICC were teamed up aboard Ulumulu to score of four points. Stewart Their stand-in captain, Ray 22 and Raju Seemant thrashed 37 skittled out for just 22 runs, Catts win the Racing class. As this Crowe on Cinders came second Muller, decided to bat after win- runs, including 4 fours and 3 sixes finishing with impressive figures year’s winner of the Prime with nine points, and Looi Sing ning the toss. They were soon in to take his side to victory inside of 7 for 9 in six overs. Minister’s Challenge Trophy – Hoe’s Gapurna Mas Ayu II fin- trouble against the swing bowl- 20 overs. He was well supported by the top prize in the regatta – Yaw, ished third on 11 points. ing of Nimit and the medium pace Muller bowled a tidy spell Millward’s 2 for 12 in five overs, Roberts and crew are off on an Roger Kingdon’s Moto Inzi of Turner and found themselves of 8 overs 1 for 18, but in the end along with some athletic BCIS all-expenses-paid trip to Valencia, blitzed the Multihull Racing class, at 16 for three after just five KBG just hadn’t scored enough fielding. Spain, where the 32nd America’s amassing a winning series tally of overs. runs. With just 22 runs between Cup will be contested in 2007, to just three points. Kazuo Koba- This brought Peter Davison them and victory, BCIS were in meet America’s Cup contenders yashi and his all-Japanese crew to the crease and he led a recov- DEMOLISHED confident mood. ery with support from Terry However, the ICC side be- Connell (17 runs) and Marcus The following day, the BCIS ver- came very excited when Diwan Berry. sus Island CC clash had all the and Tannu sent the two star BCIS Davison was the last man makings of an exciting match, batsmen, Roddy Meyer and Andy out, having made a fine 34 and with ICC at the top of the table Millward, back to the pavilion taken his side to a unlikely total and BCIS having shown impres- with ducks. of 90 runs. sive form in recent matches. There were mutterings of The bowling duties had been Unfortunately, the scorers “cricket’s a funny old game” spread around the Patong side, were hardly troubled. BCIS won around the pavilion, but Dennis with Nimit returning the best fig- the toss and chose to field. Nifty Bacon took control and steered ures of 3 for 10 in six overs. Catts then proceeded to demol- his side to an easy victory with Patong, not having a huge ish the strong ICC batting line up 16 not out including a huge six to win the game. Both matches were played at the British Curriculum Inter- national School.

Results: BCIS CC: 15 points, ICC: 1 point. Patong CC 16 points, KBG CC 2 points.

League Table: 1. Patong CC, played 4, won 3, 57 points; 2. Island CC, played 4, won 3, 50 points; 3. BCIS CC, played 4, won 2, 43 points; 4. KBG CC, played 4, won 0, 12 points. February 25 - March 3, 2006 SP O R T PHUKET GAZETTE 33 Iron Birdman calls for charity sponsorship PHUKET: Les Bird, Phuket’s resi- have been subjected to, or who are can track your donation and can in- dent ironman athlete, is competing in at risk of child labor, human traffick- form you later of the results.” this year’s Ironman Australia Tri- ing or commercial sexual exploitation. Mr Bird has a solid record of athlon at Port Macquarie in New It cares for all children in need, re- using sporting events as fund-raisers. South Wales on April 2, and has is- gardless of ethnicity, nationality or In 2004, running in the Gold Coast sued a plea for sponsors to back him religion. Marathon, also in Australia, he raised to raise money for charity. “Most of the children receiving 450,000 baht for Phuket’s Life Home All sponsor donations will go to care from Childlife have been dis- Foundation, which cares for children the Maesai Childlife Foundation in placed from their homes in northern and mothers affected by Aids, and last Chiang Rai, he explained. Thailand as a result of Thai-Burmese year he raised a significant amount Mr Bird hopes to complete the cross-border conflicts. They have for the Phuket Tsunami Recovery grueling race, comprising a 3.8-kilo- been subjected to, or are in danger Fund by taking part in the New meter swim, a 180-km cycle race and of, human rights abuses, forced la- Zealand Ironman Triathlon. a 42.2-km run, in less than 14 hours. bor, and other physical abuse as a re- “I hope to raise 500,000 baht, sult of the fighting,” he explained. To make a sponsor pledge, email Mr and I am working closely with Mr Bird said that he will be pay- Bird at: lesbird@loxinfo. co.th. For Childlife on how this would be allo- ing all costs associated with taking more information on the Maesai cated. Any money donated will go to part in the Ironman Australia compe- Childlife Foundation or to make a support Childlife,” said Mr Bird. tition. “When you make a contribu- direct donation, see www. “The Maesai Childlife Foun- tion, please indicate that you are do- childlifemaesai.org For more infor- dation is a Thai non-government or- ing so in support of ‘Ironman Tri- mation about the Ironman Australia ganization that helps children who athlon’,” he added. “That way we Triathlon, see www.ironmanoz.com Les Bird in action. He hopes to raise 500,000 baht. Shock and horror as Amigos lose beer leg PATONG: All Valentine’s Day 4 Amigos 5; Dog’s Bollocks* 4 matches in the Patong Darts Piccadilly 5; Valhalla 5 OffShore* 4; League, apart from Didi’s walk- Two Black Sheep* 5 The Boss Bar 4; over win against the now defunct Shakers 4 Coyote Bar* 5; Didi’s* 9 Winchester team, ended in 5-4 Winchester 0 (walk over). (*=Win- nailbiters. ner of the beer leg.) Amigos remain in first place after notching up a 5-4 win on the Standings: 1. Amigos (19 points.); 2. road, but league secretary Steen Didi’s (18); 3. Piccadilly (17); 4. checked out the beer leg to sal- Queen Mary (16); 5. Valhalla (15); 6. Dog’s Bollocks (14); 7.OffShore (13); vage a point for hosts Queen 8.= Shakers, Coyote (11); 10. Two Mary. It was Amigos’ first loss Black Sheep (6); 11. The Boss Bar in a beer leg this season. (3); 12. Winchester (1). In the romantic confines of the Dog’s Bollocks Bar, Aussie February 28 fixtures: Queen Mary Vince hit the winning x3 in the v Valhalla; Winchester v Coyote Bar; decider to give Piccadilly their Two Black Sheep v Didi’s; Piccadilly fifth straight win. v Amigos; The Boss Bar v Shakers; OffShore v Dog’s Bollocks. (Home February 14 results: Queen Mary* teams first.) SCREAMING FOR ATTENTION Among the world’s top jet-skiers to compete in the 2006 Jet Ski Thailand Championship races in Patong on March 4 and 5 will be Japanese rider Hajime Isahai, in the 1200cc Pro Seat Division. Expected to give him a run for his money is Thailand’s top rider Chaowalit Kuajaroon. There will be racing in 14 categories, including three professional divisions. 34 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PROPERTY February 25 - March 3, 2006

Home of the Week Surin Beach

his week’s Home of the Week is the former showhome at Baan Thai TSurin, with all construc- tion, fittings and finishings com- pleted to exceptional standard, VANTAGE POINT and outstanding views of Bang Tao Bay stretching out to the Andaman Sea from every aspect of the house. The impressive driveway leads to a two-car garage and a gated entrance, bordered by flowers and a lotus pond. Across the wooden bridge, with a lion fountain on each side, over the 20x5-meter infinity-edge swimming pool with sandwash Clockwise, from deck and in-pool bar, are the large top left, the poolside sala and the changing infinity-edge pool; rooms adjoining the main pavil- the main entrance; ion. spa bath and sala. To the left of the pool is the Below right, the dining pavilion, with a marble floor entertainment area. and a black, compressed bamboo table large enough to host a din- ner party for 14, with panoramic views of the Andaman Sea. The Western-style kitchen in the dining pavilion comes with high-standard fittings and appli- ances, including granite worktops, leads to the master bed- large fridge-freezer with built-in room in its separate pa- ice maker, dishwasher, African vilion, again with outstand- slate floor and built-in mahogany- ing views. stain cupboards. At the end of the The island cooking unit has bedroom’s en-suite bath- a Teka cooker with both electric room, with built-in ward- hot plates and gas rings, large con- robes and views across vection oven and extractor hood, the coconut palms in the and sea views can be enjoyed landscaped gardens be- through the kitchen windows. low, is a massage bench To the rear of the kitchen is and Jacuzzi surrounded a two-story office or study area by an orchid garden. with two lines for broadband On the level below, Internet access. Again, there are opposite the utility room exceptional views. and maid’s quarters, is the Alongside the dining pavil- first of three large guest ion is the entertainment pavilion, suites with an en-suite featuring a massive TV and the bathroom on its own ve- central control for independently randa, with sunken bath and sun- with two more large guest suites adjusting the volume of music set views across the palms – but beyond that could be combined being piped to different areas of here seen while sitting in the bath. for use as a large family room. the house. Beyond the first guest suite All suites have en-suite bath- A covered granite veranda is the main bedroom on this level, rooms, with showers, “his-and- her” areas each with its own sink, outdoor sunken baths and dress- ing rooms finished to five-star quality. Below is yet another level, tainment area on this lower level The villa, comprising 2,200 with large, independent living includes a bar and cooking facili- square meters of living space on quarters with separate access, ties, and a barbecue area that a 3,000-sqm plot, is available with bathroom with “his-and-her” ar- leads to gardens and a large sala. Chanote title at 92 million baht. eas and adjoining open-plan bath- room complete with shutter doors For more information, contact Gary Holmes & Associates. Tel: 0- and indoor garden. 4-0568420. Fax: 076-383897. Email: sales@ garysholmes- The large, covered enter- associates.com Website: www.garysholmes-associates.com February 25 - March 3, 2006 PHUKET PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 35

Construction by Anongnat Sartpisut

Above, the beach next to the site of The Village on Coconut Island. Right, the roofs of the homes are designed to echo the shape of a longtail boat.

Life by the bay

ndrew Howard, Com- There will be 62 Type A example, will be of maka – and, mercial Director of the units, each with an internal living Mr Howard added, emphasis has 2.5-billion-baht devel- area of 120 square meters, plus been placed on using traditional Aopment The Village on 85sqm of terraces and decking on materials for a traditional look, but Coconut Island said that the “self- plots ranging from 300 to 600 with modern facilities such as contained development” on Koh sqm. Each will have one or two European-style bathrooms and Maphrao will not have a typical bedrooms with en-suite bath- granite kitchen surfaces. housing estate atmosphere. rooms, a kitchen, living and din- The site will have its own “Basically, the project will ing areas as well as a pool. Prices well and Koh Kaew Tambon have the feeling of a holiday des- start at US$350,000 (about 14 Administration Organization is tination,” said Mr Howard, add- million baht). expected to bring mains power to ing, “It will have a lot of ameni- There will also be 62 Type Koh Maphrao soon, once a bud- ties in terms of sporting facilities B units. These properties will get for this has been finalized. including a tennis court, a fitness have an internal area of 210sqm Mr Howard said that he is center and a spa. and external space of 120sqm on looking for customers who wish “It will also offer water- plots of 600 to 1,200sqm. These to enjoy year-round or extended sports equipment and berths for homes will have the same ameni- holidays in a self-contained de- vessels and ‘dry-storage’ space ties as the Type A, but with two velopment, with an added invest- for as many as 60 powerboats of or three bedrooms. Prices start ment return from rental.” We ex- up to 10 meters in length.” at US$550,000 (22 million baht). pect high rental returns for pur- The development, which The internal area of the 24 chasers.” comprises 148 villas, as well as Type C units will be 310sqm plus Construction of the proper- shops, a restaurant, bar and a external living area of a further ties, being developed by Chrysa- children’s club, is being built on a 170sqm. These houses will each lis Estates Ltd, is due to begin in 72-rai site at the northern tip of sit on a plot of between 1,100 and April this year, with 50 homes the tranquil island. 1,600 sqm (1 rai). They will have being built each year. Part of the concept, ex- four or five bedrooms, and are plained Mr Howard, is that pur- priced at US$750,000 (30 million For more information, contact chasers of the properties – which baht) upward. Mr Howard at Tel: 076-239724 are split into three styles – will The design is described as or 07-8888082. Email: info@ find that the island “offers peace “contemporary Thai” with the thevillage-coconutisland.com, and exclusivity, as well as ready roof fashioned to resemble an [email protected], access to Phang Nga Bay, at upturned longtail boat. or andrew@thevillage- least for those with their own Interior design will feature coconutisland.com or visit www. boat.” wood prominently – floors, for thevillage-coconutisland.com 36 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PROPERTY February 25 - March 3, 2006

Decor by Sangkhae Leelanapaporn Luck in your living room

A laughing Buddha statue invites happiness in all aspects of Beckoning cat statues vary in color depending on their purpose. Happily ever after: China House also stocks life. This one is from China House. This purple cat, from RQ House, helps make wishes come true. special statues for wedding gifts. aving a little bit of luck ornaments dotted about the ornaments from Shanghai. “All pressive. K. Wanchai also has a RQ House, on the second certainly doesn’t hurt – abode, there is no reason why our products are ideal gifts for range of wall hangings bearing floor of Ocean Shopping Mall in just ask any billionaire. they shouldn’t be attractive as anyone opening a new office, inscriptions of good luck, with Phuket City, sells similar wares, HAccording to Chinese well as lucky. moving house, for a new year, a prices ranging from 150 baht to though with a much more mod- custom, it certainly doesn’t hurt to That is where Phuket na- birthday or a wedding,” said K. 10,000 baht. ern flair. have a few lucky charms around the tive Wanchai Saetiew, owner Wanchai. “For those who believe, Owner Salinee Pamornsup- house to invite good fortune. of China House, in Phuket City, The range of statues to 70% of business success is due pakul says that her best-sellers If you decide to have lucky can help. He imports “lucky” choose from at the store is im- to the owner’s acumen and 30% are statues of pigs, cats and dogs, is luck. This is not wishful think- ranging in prices from 250 to ing, it is faith,” K. Wanchai says. 1,000 baht. A Happy or Laughing Bud- “Dogs and pigs sold well this dha invites happiness in all aspects year because they look so cute of life, but accord- and most of our cus- ing to Chinese be- tomers are teenag- liefs, some good ers or tourists shop- luck omens need to ping in the area,” be of a specific she said. color to invite a K. Salinee specific type of explained that the luck. dogs invoke good A lucky cat luck, while the pig ornament, for ex- invites a life of ample, has to be A lucky pig from RQ House abundance. blue to invite good will invite a life of abun- And if the health, purple to dance good luck you were help wishes come looking for doesn’t true, pink to invite luck in love, present itself, don’t worry, at least yellow to bring prosperity, and or- your home will look better for it. ange to bring luck while travel- ing. • China House, 1st floor, Index Other icons of good luck in- Living Mall, on the bypass road, clude the classic Hok Lok Siew, Phuket City. Open daily 10 am- a triumvirate of Chinese Gods 9 pm. Call K. Wanchai at Tel: who invoke long life and help 01-0777069. wishes come true, and Phi Sia, a • RQ House, 2nd floor, Ocean lion with features of other animals Shopping Mall, on Tilok-Uthit which, in combination, guard 2 Rd, Phuket City. Open daily against ill luck and at the same 10 am-10 pm. Call K. Salinee at time boost prosperity. Tel: 07-2829733. February 25 - March 3, 2006 PHUKET PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 37

Gardening with Bloomin’ Bert

ermans. You’ve got to kombe, if you care) and he later love them. I know reported the substance as an ap- many Gazette readers parent cardiac stimulant. Ghappen to be from that This led to the investigation delightful country, so I have to be of many similar species, of which quite careful what I say here. Strophanthus gratus turned out But I do have a slight prob- to be the most valuable. Africans lem with Germans: their words who later heard that the English are too long. I did a quick search were using the poison from the online about this, and it would seeds in a pure state as a medi- appear that there isn’t a “longest cine concluded that the English word” in German, as there’s lit- were a completely mad race. erally no limit to how long they They may still be right to this day. can be. This can get a little con- As it belongs to the same fusing. family as the allamanda, the in- If Germans felt the urge to ternal sap of the plant is fairly do something amusing (they are poisonous. Just before I sat down of course renowned for their to write this, I picked a cream- sense of humor) they could invent fruit flower from my garden (the words that looked completely in- one in the picture), and it seemed sane on paper, and they’d still be quite keen to secrete as much sap grammatically correct. Appar- on my skin as it could. ently Oberammergaueralpen- The cream-fruit plant has lots of names and lots of uses, from curing ‘unmentionable’ medical conditions If you do handle this plant, kräuterdelikatessenfrühstücks- to slaying the neighbors. make sure that you wear gloves, käse has something to do with or at least avoid touching the sap. breakfast meats. Given the right conditions, The Danube steamship Strophanthus gratus grows like company, once the world’s larg- crazy. The one in my garden est riverboat operator, is now no started life as a tiny pot plant, but longer afloat. Perhaps this has once it became established in a something to do with the com- AFRICAN shady corner, it went mental, mak- pany’s tongue-twisting name: ing its way into the eaves of my Donaudampfschifffahrtsgesell- house and showing no signs of schaft. With a triple F. Seriously. slowing down. Even numbers aren’t im- This plant adores the sun, mune from this fascination with too. It will be content in the shade, ever-lengthening words in the but the more sunlight it gets, the German language: INTERLOPER more flowers it will produce. Neunhun- dertneunundneunzigtausend- friends of mine, who all think they are fragrant at night, with a smell West Africa have found a num- More flowers also appear when neunhundertneunundneunzig know a bit about gardening in similar to some roses. ber of uses for the cream-fruit it’s drier, so it shouldn’t be over- is a number just under a million, Thailand, and they struggle to pro- This smell kind of reminds plant. They make a rubbing com- watered. I’m told. At least, I hope that’s vide a definitive name for the me of the rather inexpensive per- pound from its leaves to reduce To propagate the cream- what this means, and that I’m plant in Thai. fume sported by early girlfriends, fevers; they mash the leaves to fruit plant, all you need is to snip not spouting German profani- So far, we’ve come up with way back in my teens. Not ex- treat various skin problems and off a woody cutting and stick it in ties. daeg peenang, yaem peenang actly Chanel No 5, but fragrant wounds and make medicines some moist compost. It will take Flower names can be just and nang yeng peenang – the enough. Back then it didn’t re- from the leaves to treat various root and grow fairly quickly. as confusing – they’re not al- only thing all three have in com- ally matter. “unmentionable” problems. The cream-fruit plant is an- ways as easy as they could be. A mon is a reference to the Malay- The flowers that follow the The seed of the Strophan- other smelly plant that looks good rose is always a rose, a daisy is a sian island somewhere in the dim deep purple buds that initially ap- thus yields a substance known as too. What’s it really called daisy, and an orchid is always an and distant history of the plant. pear are a particularly weird ouabain. The most common use though? Never mind. Just be sure orchid. Well actually, sometimes This is doing my head in. shape. Five petals surround a big for this in its native land was as a to be careful if you decide to use it’s not, and that’s the point. Why Are Germans as confused as I hole in the center about an inch source of arrow poison, both for it to treat “unmentionable” prob- do things as simple as flowers am? Originally, the cream-fruit deep, with a long pollen-covered hunting and for forays against lems. have to have names that are of- plant is from far afield. Its ances- stamen in the middle. neighboring villages. ten so complicated? tral home is tropical West Africa, The open central part is sur- It was this use that initially The cream-fruit plant, or and was brought to this part of rounded by a dozen or so vertical brought the plant to the attention Want to know more Indian rubber vine, even has two the world by early explorers. “spikes”, in contrast to the deli- of Western science. In 1861 the about a plant names in Latin: Strophanthus Its glossy, evergreen leaves cate petals around them. Even explorer David Livingstone ob- in your garden? gratus and Roupellia grata. For are thick and leathery, and it bears after they’re cut, these flowers served native people hunting with the purposes of this article, let’s terminal clusters of waxy, bell- last several days and are great a poison that had been made from Email Bloomin’ Bert at: settle on Stropanthus. shaped, purple-and-white flowers for floral displays. the seed of a closely related plant [email protected] I’ve asked several Thai that look a bit like begonias but The folk healers of tropical (a vine called Strophanthus 38 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS February 25 - March 3, 2006 Property Gazette

Properties NEW VILLA FOR SALE For Sale

240sqm living space, pool, 3 bedrooms. Absolute pri- vacy. Price 9.9 million baht. Please call for more details. Tel: 07-8896074.

CHALONG 5 RAI

LARGE HOME, BEACHFRONT LAND LAGUNA LAND BEACH LAND, 38 RAI land and pool. 4-5 bedrooms, 50 RAI 10 million baht per rai. Sakul 3 bathrooms, 4 aircons, 1.5 million baht per rai. Beach. Serious inquiries only! 30sqm kitchen, furniture, se- Sea view land for sale. 3.5 Amphur Thalang. Serious Call Tammy for English (09- curity, 4 shaded areas, 1.25 SPECIAL OFFER million baht per rai. Please inquiries only! Call Tammy 5211749) or Somporn for rai w/landscaping, good wa- 3.8 MILLION BAHT call for more details. Tel: 01- for English (09-5211749) or Thai (07-2849676). Email: ter, 5mx10m saltwater pool. 8916143. Somporn for Thai (07-284- [email protected] Priced to sell at 14.5 million 3-bedroom bungalow in 9676). Email: tammyb@ Anuphas Golf Ville, Kathu, baht. Please contact for info. nustyle.net Tel: 076-388525, 06-893- for sale on a 81 sq wah 63rai, 300m beachfront LAND FOR SALE NICE POOL VILLAS land in Chalong. Price 185 4235. Email: dlj1002000@ corner plot. Bungalow has 2 Flat land 1 rai in Pa Khlok, FOR SALE million baht. Please call for yahoo.com bathrooms, UBC, tele- NICE CHEAP LAND 1.5km to the sea. Price 1.2 phone. Located 5 minutes more information. Tel: 01- 8916143. in Mai Khao. 1,281sqm and million baht. Tel: 09-8731019. from Tesco-Lotus, 10 min- 853sqm for 1.5 million and 1 MAI KAO LAST PLOT utes from Phuket City, 15 million only. Chanote. Please LAND FOR SALE 15 rai with 200 meters of minutes to Patong and 30 contact for more details. Tel: 2.5 rai at Loch Palm, good lo- beach front. Asking 6 million minutes to the airport. Tel: NEW VILLA FOR SALE 077-231976, 04-7168042. cation and view. Tel: 06-279- baht per rai. Email: ek_ phuket 01-8912926. Fax: 076- Email: [email protected] 0837, 01-7196998. @hotmail.com 238940. Email: vikundaq@ loxinfo.co.th In Kata, Nai Harn. Prices start from 7 million baht. NEW NAI HARN Please contact for details. Apartments. 1- and 2-bed- Tel: 04-8374429. Email: room apartments, 60-85sqm, sales@chokechaiproperty. furnished, full aircon, cable TV, com More pictures of nice 4 bedrooms, office building, Jacuzzis in bathrooms, pool. villas can be seen at: www. total 350sqm living space. Prices from 2.7 million baht. chokechaiproperty.com Ready to move in. Price No agents. Please call Cyril at 15.9 million baht. Tel: 01- Tel: 07-2815795. RAWAI LUXURY VILLA 8916143. 144sqm house with 400sqm 2-STORY, RAWAI or 600sqm of land, 350m SEA VIEW HOUSE house. 130 & 200sqm house from the beach. Asking 3.4 in Rawai. 4 bedrooms, 4 bath- with Chanote title, 400m from million baht. Tel: 09-474- rooms, pool, sala, 7.9 million the beach. Asking 900,000 0227. Email: chotip_5@ baht. Tel: 01-8941660. Email: baht. Please contact for fur- hotmail.com [email protected] For ther information. Tel: 09- details, please see our website 4740227. Email: chotip_5@ HOUSE FOR SALE at: www.homesinphuket. hotmail.com in Phuket City. 2 stories, 91 sq com/saliga.htm wah, 5 bedrooms, fully fur- PATONG CONDO nished. For more details, call HOUSE & LAND Sky Inn. Located 400m from Tel: 01-8928740. for sale. House and land for the beach. Has a 90-year sale just 2 minutes from beau- leasehold. Asking 550,000 LAND FOR SALE tiful Nai Thon Beach. Price is a baht. Tel: 06-6865567. Email: Natai Beach. Last piece on the negotiable 3.2 million baht. [email protected] beach with Chanote title. Ur- Please call for more info. Tel: gent sale. Tel: 01-9561077. 07-2811995. RAWAI CONDOS with sea views. Area: 27, 54 and 81sqm. Prices start from 350,000 baht. Financing for 3 years available. Foreign free- hold. Tel: 09-4740227. Email: [email protected]

PATONG CONDOS Condos with nice sea views, 28sqm and 56sqm, for sale. Priced from 750,000 baht. Near bank and post office. Tel: 09-4740227. Email: [email protected]

KARON SEA VIEW 8 rai on hillside, with infra- structure works, underground cables, road. 9 million baht per rai. Email: ek_phuket@ hotmail.com February 25 - March 3, 2006 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 39 Property Gazette

NEW HOUSES NEW HOUSE RAWAI COURTHOUSE HOMES IN PATONG IN PATONG SHOP HOUSES

2 detached bungalows at 3 new connected deluxe Brand-new, deluxe house, 2 new, connected shop- Loch Palm, set in a safe, se- houses on Patong hillside, with a swimming pool, on a houses in Rawai, on Wiset cure complex with swim- Soi Thamdee, for sale. Patong hillside, on Soi Rd are for sale. Ground ming pool, terraces and gar- Ground floor: Garage and Maneesi. 2 floors, modern floor: sales office, staff dens. Prices 5.9 to 7.5 mil- separate one-room apart- Thai-style architecture, room, kitchen, dining room lion baht. Tel: 076-345081, ment with toilet. Second completely furnished, and toilet. Second floor: 01-9241447. Email: mail@ floor: 2 bedrooms and bath, ready to live in. Ground master bedroom with sepa- villa.co.th balcony. Third floor: living floor: big living room, West- rate bath and 2 separate room with balcony, built-in ern-style kitchen and dining bedrooms with connecting kitchen and dining room, toi- room; guest toilet. Second bath. Third floor: living room HOUSE IN PATONG let. Fourth floor: big roof gar- floor: big master bedroom and en-suite bedroom. Liv- den with Jaccuzi. Usable and bath with Jacuzzi, 2 ing area 200sqm, freehold area: 200sqm; freehold bedrooms and a separate land: 100sqm. Price 4.5 land: 100sqm. Price: 6.2 bathroom. Each room has million baht. (US$113.000). million baht. (US$155,000). an air conditioner and a bal- Please contact K. Peter at Please contact K. Peter. Tel: cony. Living area: 200sqm; Tel: 01-8928526 or visit: 01-8928526. For details freehold land 150sqm. www.phuket-besthomes. please see our website at: Price: 8.5 million baht. com www.phuket-besthomes. (US$210,000). Please A 1-bedroom, timber house com contact K. Peter at Tel: 01- on Nanai Rd, overlooking 8928526 or visit our LAND NEAR LAGUNA Patong. Quiet, private, good website at: www.phuket- 800sqm, good road, electric- garden and views. Good po- 1 RAI, MISSION HILLS besthomes.com ity, water, near main road and tential. Price: 3 million baht. 1 rai close to Mission Hills. 2 Laguna, hill view. Market price Tel: 07-0444387. Email: million baht. Tel: 076-239- is around 2,500 baht/sqm; [email protected]. 432, 01-0879237. Email: 37 RAI AT NAI THON asking price: 2 million baht. uk [email protected] Sea view, 4.6 million baht per Tel: 01-0780014. Email: rai. Please email for more info. andamanproject@myway. 12 RAI BEACHFRONT Email: ek_phuket@hotmail. com FREEHOLD FLAT at Khao Pilai. 5.5 million baht com per rai. Please email for for RAWAI-CHALONG further details and photos. 3-BEDROOM 9 rai for 1.6 million baht per Email: ek_phuket@hotmail. 4-bathroom home. Lovely rai, perfect for development. com house. Nicely landscaped and Tel: 07-2747470. walled in for privacy. Beautiful PATONG SEAVIEW pool. Marble floors, granite SEAVIEW LAND 1 RAI 2.5 rai. Ideal for residential or counters. Great location. 7.9 4.2 million baht per rai, road, Phuket Palace Condo- hotel project. Located on Sai million baht. Tel: 01-286- 3-phase electricity. Chanote minium, 300m from beach. Nam Yen Rd. 5 million baht 4825. Email: mecromagnon@ title. Tel: 06-2670898. Fully furnished, 1 or 2 bed- per rai. Can also sell upper plot yahoo.com BESIDE WATER 4 RAI OF LAND rooms, 1 or 2 bathrooms, of 1.5 rai, or lower plots al- CHALONG BAY CHALONG BAY NAI HARN – 1 RAI plus kitchen, living room. ready divided into 10 separate PRA THONG ISLAND Walking distance to the 120sqm. Asking 5.9 million 5.5 rai beside water. Asking Near yacht club. Asking 2.7 land titles. Tel: 05-8882022. Phang Nga Province. 48-rai beach. 6 million baht. Few baht. Tel: 09-8719739. 8.5 million per rai; good for million baht per rai. Has road, Email: [email protected] For plot with mangroves and plots left in Nai Harn. Please expensive homes or apart- electricity and water supply. further details, please see our beach frontage. 1 million baht contact for more details. Tel: ments. Please contact Please contact Andy. Tel: website at: www.slees.com per rai. Tel: 09-5944017. 01-5376866. PANORAMA SEA VIEW Andy.Tel: 07-2747470. 07-2747470. Email: nsupin 62 rai in Rawai for sale. All Email: [email protected] @yahoo.com plots have sea view. For sale at 370 million baht. Tel: 04- Classified Advertisements 8374429. Email: sales@ LAND IN RAWAI CHALONG chokechaiproperty.com 1, 2, 4, 9 rai. 4.5 million baht per Nice location. 1,200sqm. 2.3 Please use this form to write your classified advertisement. rai. Tel: 04-8374429. Email: million baht. Chanote title. Tel: Then hand it to any of our agents. LAND FOR SALE PHUKET sales@chokechaiproperty. 06-2670898. com Cherng Talay, 2km from La- 3 RAI, FULL SEA VIEW |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| (heading) guna, 292sq wah (approx LAND IN RAWAI Chalong, amazing spot, 3 mil- 1,170sqm). Excellent area for quick sale. 3 rai in good lo- lion baht per rai. Please call for with large new homes sur- cation for 3.3 million baht per more info. Tel: 06-2670898. |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| rounding. Freshwater bore rai. Tel: 04-8374429. Email: with excellent water. I am sales@chokechaiproperty. forced to sell this land, so of- com SALE OR RENT |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| fers considered. Market value 4 bungalows, 1 restaurant at currently is 2,500 baht per LAND IN RAWAI Bang Tao Beach. Please con- sqm (approx 2.9 million baht). 7.75 rai, good location,50% tact. Tel: 01-8946686. |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Please call for full details.Tel: sea view: 38 million baht. Tel: 09-6491753 (English), 01- 04-8374429. Email: sales@ 1 RAI – CHALONG 0820266 (Thai) Phuket. chokechaiproperty.com 500m from beach. 4.5 million baht. Nice for houses, Cha- |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| HALF RAI RAWAI STUNING SEA VIEW note title. Tel: 01-5376866. Near beach, perfect spot. 2.5 Rawai. 3 rai, 4.9 million baht million baht. Tel: 07-8938747. per rai. 3-phase electricity. KATA SEA VIEW |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Please call for more info. Tel: BEAUTIFUL PATONG 400sqm, good plot for house, 07-8938747. condo. Phuket Palace private top location. 2.5 million baht. Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 85 baht, condo: 10th floor, 50 sqm, Tel: 09-6525664. with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. HOUSE & LAND seaviews, fully upgraded, fan- for sale. House and land for tastic pool, comes ready with WATERFRONT VILLA All advertising must be paid for in advance. sale just 2 minutes from beau- company. No purchase taxes, Secluded location. Views of Deadline for Property Gazette page: Friday 3 pm. tiful Nai Thon Beach. Price is a perfect for investment or Phang Nga Bay. Luxury accom- negotiable 3.2 million baht. home. Only 2.5 miliion baht. modation. Offers over 1.2 mil- Deadline for all other ads: Saturday 12 noon. Please call for more details. Tel: 06-9453450. Email: lion euros. Tel: 04-0541360. Tel: 07-2811995. [email protected] Email: [email protected] 40 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS February 25 - March 3, 2006 Property Gazette

IMMACULATELY THE BEST, NO JOKE, RAWAI, PRESENTED THE BEST WITH SEA VIEW APARTMENT

The old song goes: “they 704sqm with building plot, with stunning decoration paved paradise and put up a all island furniture included. and design throughout. parking lot...” (Sound famil- Aircon, TV, 2 en-suite bed- Bright, airy atmosphere, set iar? This is what Phuket is be- rooms with Jacuzzi. Return- in tropical garden surround- coming.) We refuse to do ing to UK, so offers for ings, only one minute to La- this; our land is right beside quick sale. Please call for guna Beach. Located in safe, a national park with the best info. Tel: 076-388157, 01- secure private compound. sea view of Phang Nga Bay 9583513. Convenient road access. I have ever seen (consid- Price 16 million baht. Please ered by many to be one of call for more info. Tel: 076- the 7 wonders of the KAMALA HOUSE/ 354016 or 01- 8923633. world). We are going to POOL keep the park-like atmo- 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. sphere, so no street lights Living area: 152sqm. Land and minimal paved roads. If size: 360sqm. Swimming NAI HARN you like giant original- pool, 2-car garage. One year PRIVATE HOUSE growth trees behind you old. Great area in Kamala. and Phang Nga Bay in all its 5.1 million baht. Tel: 01-273- wonder in front of you, call 4212. Email: coasters@ KARON H O FRONT me. Chanote title, sea 2 earthlink.net VILLA FOR RENT Luxurious condo, 1 bedroom views. Starting at 3.8 mil- 50m. from beach, 270-degree lion baht per rai. Also, flat sea view. All brand-new land with some sea views Western appliances. Long- available for 2.4 million baht Properties term rental only. Email: 3 minutes’ drive to the per rai. Tel: 07-2747470. For Rent [email protected] beach, 3 bedrooms, 2 bath- Email: [email protected] rooms, aircon, fully fur- KAMALA BEACHFRONT nished, carport, shared CHALONG CIRCLE 275sqm living space, 3 Fully-furnished, 3-bedroom pool, tropical garden, beau- HOUSE IN KATA OFFICE SPACE bedrooms, 10m pool, 1,200 houses for rent. Long-term tiful view, quiet area, sqm of land. Fully furnished, lease available. Aircon 160sqm. Condition as new. Nai Harn. 70,000 baht per throughout. Swimming pool. For sale at 5.9 million baht. month. Please call for de- 70,000 baht per month. Call Tel: 07-2660228 (Helene), tails. Tel: 07-8896074. Keith. Tel: 01-6777185. 01-7192467 (Tuk). KATA LUXURY APT RAWAI HOUSE Fully-furnished, 2 bedrooms, HOUSE FOR SALE for lease. Has 5- to 10-year huge terrace and garden, The house is located about - A 4- x 4-meter unit (16sqm). lease. Asking 250,000 baht. IN VILLA 5 800 meters from Kata aircon, 2 bathrooms, parking, - Outdoor area landscaped. Tel: 06-6865567. Email: teak kitchen ensuite. Available Beach, in a quiet safe area, [email protected] with no traffic. 3 bedrooms, - Parking spaces for staff and March 1. Long-term pre- one with balcony. 2 bath- customers. ferred. Tel: 09-5926890. rooms and 4 air condition- - Air- conditioning included. RAWAI CONDO 4 LEASE ers, UBC and telephone line. -Front window and built-in Has 5- to 10-year lease. Ask- NEW STUDIO SUITES Asking 3.8 million baht. Tel: shelves. ing 150,000 baht. Tel: 06- Chalong. Furnished serviced 07-0297590 (English) 06- 6865567. Email: chotip_5@ apartments. Roof-top spa, Asking 7,000 baht a month hotmail.com Phuket Villa 5, 90sqm, 3 7612511 (Thai). Email: per unit. pool. Aircon, Wi-Fi, satellite bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a [email protected] Contact Bee at TV, kitchenette, hot water TROPICAL GARDEN shower, housekeeping. From large living area and kitchen, Tel: 01-0793012 3 air conditoners, built-in homes. 2 minutes from 9,500 baht/month long term. wardrobe, 5-piece rattan LAND & HOUSE (English) Chalong Pier. Houses with 2 Tel: 01-8938592, 06-282- lounge suite and a phone Urgent sale. Completely reno- bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 6221. Email: saneroad@ line. Only 5 minutes to Cen- vated house. Baan Muntana: phone, satellite TV and access yahoo.com tral Phuket Festival and only 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 5 HOUSE + BIG GARDEN to a big swimming pool. From air conditioners, fully equipped 14,000 baht plus 2 months’ 15 minutes to Rawai. For 2 bedrooms with air condi- BIG SHOPHOUSE sale by owner. Asking 4.5 kitchen, Thai-style decor. 7.5 deposit. Tel: 01-0808557. located in Soi Patong Resort, million baht or best offer. tioners, hot shower. Lo- Email: [email protected] million baht (negotiable). No cated in a quiet area at Palai off Soi Bangla, the commercial agents! Tel: 04-1868531, Please call for appointment. hub of Patong Beach. Nearly Tel: 076-225215. Email: eric Green, Chalong. Tel: 01- BUNGALOW FOR RENT 01-5988725. Email: 8924311. 170 square meters on two [email protected] @insurance-in-thailand.com 1 bedroom, quiet location, open floors. Not suitable, as it 7,000 baht a month for long- is, for residential use. Tel: 076- 1.5 MILLION BAHT NEW 2-BED HOUSE term rental. Tel: 06-2790837, 340290. Email: paciugo89@ SURIN LUXURY Fully furnished house in quiet Unfurnished house, big gar- 01-7196998. yahoo.com New Thai-Western-style villa soi in Kathu, aircon, very den, quiet area, Muang Tong for 18.9 million baht. 3 bed- clean. Chanote. Tel: 076- Soi 1, 3km to town, 2km to 9 RAI DETACHED HOUSE rooms, 2 bathrooms, spa, all 202446, 07-2786439. Email: beach. 5,000 baht per month. Plot with a nice view – good Fully furnished, 3 bedrooms, 2 appliances 32m pool set in [email protected] Tel: 05-8855415. for a resort, spa, etc – next to computers + ADSL Internet. tropical gardens. Quality con- Pae Ma Nam, for long-term 14,000 baht per month only. struction, beautiful setting. BRAND-NEW MAI KHAO LAND rent. Close to hospital, about Not negotiable 20,000 de- Private sale. Tel: 07-282- 3-bedroom, unfurnished home Cheap. Rent 2 rai at 7,000 1.5km from Big C, Tesco-Lo- posit. Mar-Nov ’06. Please 7576. Email: [email protected]. for sale by the owner. Lo- baht a month for 30 years. tus, and Central Festival. Tel: call Tel: 01-5693768. net cated in the Parichart project Tel: 06-9769560. Email: 01-8675084. at Land & Houses Park. Total webmaster@asia- STUNNING SEA VIEW BIG HOUSE FOR SALE area: 96 sq wah. Single story, tourservice.com PATONG APARTMENT New house overlooking Karon 5 bedrooms,5 bathrooms,5 spacious garden, 3 bedrooms, Sea view, kitchen, cable TV, Beach. Quiet location, fur- aircons area about 1 rai with 2 bathrooms, 3 large aircons, BEACHFRONT CONDO 10 mins to beach. 600 baht nished, UBC, Internet, pool, big garden, car park price 15 cable TV, phone. Please con- Kalim, Patong. Pool, kitchen, per day, 14,000 baht per aircon, garden. Long-term million baht. Please contact tact for further information. 2 bedrooms, many facilities, month. Please contact for full rent. Please call. Tel: 09- for info. Tel: 01-5698345. Tel: 01-8227571. Email: faa@ short- or long-term. High stan- details. Tel: 04-0514003. 5938690 (German, English, [email protected] loxinfo.co.th dard. Call Tel: 01-8920038. Email: [email protected] French), 07-8100150 (Thai). February 25 - March 3, 2006 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 41 Property Gazette

WANT TO RENT Property Wanted 3-bedroom house or bunga- Property low, fully furnished, with pool, Services from June16-August 30, in- clusive. Will pay up to 125,000 baht for the right property in Chalong, Rawai or Nai Harn areas. Tel: 151-648- 2258. Fax: 151-6050806.

HOUSE, BUNGALOW or villa. 2 families are looking for a place to stay from June 29-July 20. Close to Nai Harn Beach and with a swimming pool. 1 or 2 bungalows or 1 house/villa, min 3 bedrooms. Please email: a.compen@ chello.nl

Building HOME INSPECTIONS Household Products & Get an inspection before final payment. 25 years’ experi- Items Services BUNGALOW/HOUSE PATONG TOWER APT ence. 6,000 baht and up. Tel: 076-388309. wanted. in Karon. 2 or 3 bed- Looking to buy a 1- or 2-bed- MOVING SALE! rooms, 2 bathrooms, long- room apartment in Patong Quick sale required – moving term rent. If the house is nice Tower or other building close The Stone Doctor YOUR PROPERTY to Hong Kong. and the price is ok, I will rent it to Patong Beach. Please con- FULLY MANAGED 1. Sony 29" flat-screen TV. for many years. Email: tact for more info. Email: mui- Specialist European stone- Bought for 15,000 baht; will [email protected] [email protected] We supply property owners care products and services: with full management ser- accept around 10,000 (less • Restoration vices. We rent out, maintain than 1 year old). Accommodation Available • Sealing/Protection the property, the gardens, 2. Panasonic DVD home the- • Maintenance the swimming pool and sup- ater system. Paid 20,000 All your maintenance, ply maid services. We have baht; will accept around PATONG LUXURY protection & cleaning needs many years of experience 12,000. ROOMS TO LET apartments. Central Patong for natural and manufactured and provide excellent ser- 3. TV entertainment cabinet. stone. 1- and 2-bedroom apart- vices and very good value. Bought from Index for 5,000 ments. For information and • Marble • Sandwash Please call House & Villa baht; will accept around photos, Email: suites247@ • Granite • Terracotta • Slate • Terrazzo Sales. Khun Rudi. Please 3,500. Please make me an yahoo.com • Sandstone • Ceramics, etc contact for more informa- offer. I am willing to negotiate. tion. Tel: 076-345081, 01- Prevent: rust, stains, mildew, Call Matt. Tel: 01-7886639. PATONG APARTMENT algae, scratches 9241447. Email: mail@ Lake-view apartments in Sea view, kitchen, cable TV, Remove: builders’ residue, villa.co.th Kathu. Fully furnished with incorrect sealants, rust, stains, Household 10 mins to beach. 600 baht per SECURITY SYSTEMS aircon, fridge, cable TV, hot day, 14,000 baht per month. mildew, etc. Daily care & Services water and car park. Stan- cleaning products also available. ELECTRICAL SAFETY Guardian Alarms Phuket, the Tel: 04-0514003. Email: testing. UK electricians, Needed leading security system spe- dard room is 6,000 baht per [email protected] Tel: 07-2824930, 076-271217 month or 500 baht per day. Fax: 076-271218 safety advice and bill reduc- cialist for all your security Delux room is 8,500 baht Email: tion. Contact for more info. needs. Hard-wired and wire- ROOMS IN PATONG [email protected] per month or 700 baht per Tel: 01-6919907. Email: GARDENER less alarms, CCTV, fire sys- Close to beach. Ground floor ask@phuketaccommodation. and Handyman wanted. 5 tem and automatic doors and day. For more info. Tel: 076- rooms with your own hot 202585, 09-1968449. info days a week. Must be honest gates. Rental alarms avail- shower. 24hr security. Please and reliable. English not es- able. Whatever your quote, Email: ketmaneeclayton61 contact for more info. Tel: @hotmail.com sential, but need to be a self- we can do better. Call today 076-342280, 01-9781956. Gazette Online starter and know about gar- for a free quotation. Partner Email: [email protected] Classifieds - dens. Please contact for more company of Group4Securicor KATA BEACH 10,000 readers information. Tel: 076-384- ISO9000. Tel: 076-218327, Southern Fried Rice, a brand- every day! 012, 06-6826828. Email: 01-8954480. Email: Guardian new guesthouse, 3 minutes Accommodation stevens@ phuket.ksc.co.th @loxinfo.co.th walk from the beach, with Wanted seaview rooms, 2 balcony rooms facing the beach, wire- less Internet, a pool and an ex- APARTMENT 25% Discount on Classifieds for Shopper Card Holders cellent restaurant. All rooms I’m a single American male have air conditioning, a minibar, looking for a quiet place in cable TV, a safe and a king- Phuket for less than 8,000 IF YOU... sized bed. Tel: 01-8948446. baht per month. I will arrive at For futher details please see the end of February and stay Place your ad in these pages; www.southernfriedrice.com four months. Will consider any location but prefer something Present your Shopper Card; and PHUKET SEAVIEW within 15-minute motorbike Apartments. Luxury apart- ride to Big C. Please contact Pay for the ad at our offices, ments on a hillside in Patong, via email at Email: npxm@ rooms of 82-200sqm, large hotmail.com you’ll enjoy a 25% discount* AND have your ad appear free of terrace, kitchen, swimming charge in the Phuket Gazette Online. pool. Affordable long-term APARTMENT OR VILLA STOP BLEACHING rates. Tel: 076-296888. Fax: Looking for villa or apartment YOUR KIDS! With more than 10,000 visitors a day, the Island Trader Online is Swim in “Drinking Water” 076-297021. Email: contact in Patong, Karon, Kata or Thailand’s most active classified marketplace. @prince-edouard.com For fur- nearby. Should have 2 bed- CARIBBEAN CLEAR Water Treatment Systems ther details, please see our rooms, kitchen and, prefer- *Ads may be submitted in person or online (phuketgazette.net/classifieds), but website at: www.prince- ably, a living room. Needs to for pools and spas. must be paid for at the Gazette offices. The discount is not available when edouard.com have Internet connection with *No salt - No corrosion at least ADSL. Prefer a Wi-Fi payment is made at our agents. *Almost no chlorine needed PATONG CONDO network. That the connection Good room in Patong Condotel works properly is a HIGH pri- Call Andy at: 06-6822639. The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd with “everything”. 500 baht/ ority. The stay is for March Email: 367/2 Yaowarat Road, Phuket City [email protected] night. Please contact. Tel: 01- and April, and, if everything Tel: 076-236555 Fax: 076-213971 8948446. Email: sfrkata@ works well, May. Email: www.caribbeanclear.com hotmail.com [email protected] 42 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS January 28 - February 3, 2006 Boats & Marine

FISHING BOAT 84FT STEEL KETCH Fishing boat in good condi- tion. Jim Young’s “Vindex” design, built under license in cedarstrip/epoxy. LOA 36ft, 12ft beam, 4ft draft. with one 300hp Cummins diesel, ZF hydraulic gear. Hydraulic steering from Built in NZ, 1981. 8-cyl main cabin or flybridge. Gardner, 20KW generator, Sleeps two couples in for- good sail inventory, weather ward cabin or convertible fax, SSB, GPS, VHF, auto pi- dining area. WC/shower/ lot, radar. Needs deck. hand basin. Many extras. US$300,000. Please call This boat is registered in for more information. Tel: Thailand. Includes berth for 07-8905619. 9 months at Boat Lagoon. Contact for price or photos. Tel: 01-8166940. Email: 5HP OUTBOARD [email protected] YAMAHA 10,000 baht. Please call for more information. Tel: 01- BOAT BARGAIN 9704638. 7.5m x 2.5m, fiberglass, Solas approved, many ascessories made in stain- 19FT FISHING BOAT less steel, etc. Unfinished Stong fiberglass hull. Stain- project. Price: 40,000 baht. less-steel center console, Please contact for more steel trailer. Brand-new! Price: information. Tel: 076-279- only 250,000 baht. Please 543. contact for more information. Tel: 06-9724805.

Gazette Online Classifieds – 10,000 readers every day! February 25 - March 3, 2006 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 43 Boats & Marine Island Job Mart

CUSTOMER SERVICE Representative. A fast- growing Internet garment retailer needs a fluent En- glish-speaker who is highly SALSA CAPTAIN WANTED computer literate, a perfec- INSTRUCTOR for 60ft-plus motor cruiser, tionist, experienced, and a Salsa and hip-hop DJ wanted must speak English. Please fast typist. Salary 15k-35k. on Phuket. Please contact contact. Tel: 04-1885828. Email: [email protected] for more information.Tel: Email: [email protected] 076-341116. INTERNET STAFF E-COMMERCE SALESPERSONS in Rawai. Looking for Thai MANAGER Siam Real Estate requires women, 18-35 years of age, A fast-growing Internet experienced Thai salesper- with fair English skills & com- garment retailer needs a sons with good English or for- puter knowledge: 1 full-time, native English-speaker who eigners with a work permit. 1 part-time. Please contact for is highly computer literate, Must know island well and more information. Tel: 076- a perfectionist, a leader, have transport. Salary plus 288808, 01-8924282. Email: and experienced. Salary commission. Please contact. [email protected] 40k-80k. Email: holyjob@ Tel: 076-288908. Email: nice gmail.com @siamrealestate.com Please CARTOONIST/ARTIST see our website at: www. We need a cartoonist to pro- WINDSURF BOARD siamrealestate.com duce some illustrations for a 37FT WOODEN WINDSURFER COOK WANTED, BIC Veloce, 101 liters, book project. Good pay. 3-5 GOOD SALARY SPEEDBOAT HULL WANTED days work. Tel: 09-7308566. 278cm, 8.6kg, complete rig, PART-TIME STAFF To assist farang in small Windsurfer – complete – Email: meteve@meteve- UP sail ultraprofile 6sqm and Designed for people trans- wanted. We are a new deli in restaurant. Must speak 150 liters and not too old. phuket.com 4.60m carbon mast. Every- port; 5 years old but never the Ao Chalong area seeking reasonable English. Good Please contact for more thing comes in separate bags stayed in the water; half-re- a part-time worker who can salary. Please contact for information. Tel: 076-385- for board, mast and sail. Not furbished, already covered work on Saturdays and Sun- JUNIOR SECRETARY more info. Tel: 076-294- 801, 07-2760141. Email: used very often and in very with epoxy; includes trailer: days. Basic knowledge of En- We are looking for female w/ 330. Email: sgb.fishnchips kat_stockleclark@yahoo. good condition. 15,000 baht. 120,000 baht. Extra parts glish & relevant experience fair English skills, bright per- @gmail.com Tel: 076-281034. Email: e.g. tanks, hydraulic steer- co.uk required. Tel: 076-281274, sonality. Salary 8,000-10,000 [email protected] ing, pumps, solar panel, seat 09-6621886. Fax: 076- baht. Please contact for more covers 30P, etc: 85,000 281273. Email: violetapple@ information. Tel: 076-264442, SPEEDBOAT baht. 2 x outdrive (Z-Drive) loxinfo.co.th 01-5354108. Fax: 076- PHUKET LAW FIRM 24ft imported American Volvo 290, 20 years old BOSTON-WHALER 264443. Email: recruitment@ Seeks a part- or full-time sports boat for skiing, (need refurbishing), im- 21ft fiberglass central con- SECRETARY bowentraining.com secretary and lawyer. wakeboarding or fast cruising. ported from the US, with all sole and twin 4-stroke for project & land business. Please contact for more in- New 420hp, 8.2-liter hi-per- papers: 120,000 baht. Honda 50hp engines. Very busy, good future, good OFFICE ASSISTANT formation. Email: scphuket formance V8 petrol engine Please contact for more Trailer, Thai registration. salary. Must have perfect En- wanted for property agent in @yahoo.com with stern drive (Bravo 1). information. As new, made in 2004. For glish, accounting, computer Cherng Talay. Must have Excellent condition. price: 1.65 Tel: 01-8924282. sale in Pattaya for just skills, sales experience and good command of written and COOK WANTED million baht. Please contact for Email: 420,000 baht. Contact. have a car license. Tel: 09- spoken English, good com- further details. Tel: 01-619- Email: carlossecretgarden 6525664. puter skills. Please call Tel: 07- for Koh Kaeo Pisadan Bunga- [email protected] 8626. Email: ttrail@loxinfo. @yahoo.com 8813521. lows, off Laem Phromthep. co.th VILLA COOKS WANTED Please call for more informa- A high-end villa estate is look- INTERNET CAFÉ tion. Tel: 09-5944017. ing for 3 cooks with a good Urgently required for Internet knowledge of Thai food and café: Thai female with good PADI DIVING ASK KHUN WANIDA! MOMMA DUCK the ability to speak English. spoken English and computer Instructor. Required for a Good salary and benefits are skills. Must be friendly and busy 5-star dive center on Phi offered to successful candi- service-minded. Please con- Phi. Please contact for more dates. Contact for details. Tel: tact K. Cat. Tel: 07-909- information. Tel: 01-8912688. Problems with an extra-marital affair? 01-8959144. Email: peter@ 1640. Email: khemikas@ Email: tony@diveh2osportz. Questions about Thai culture? shibumithailand.com gmail.com com Having communications problems?

Read her advice in the Phuket Gazette. Find more Recruitment Classifieds at www.phuketgazette.net! Fax: 076-213971 or email: [email protected] 44 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS February 25 - March 3, 2006 Island Job Mart

OPERATION MANAGER The Mangosteen Resort & Spa, the luxury 5-star boutique resort in Rawai, is looking for an Operations Manager for our young and motivated team. Enjoy working in a suc- cessful resort, setting the highest service standards. Thai nationals preferred. Please send CV by email or call for interview. Tel: 076- 289223. Fax: 076-289389. Email: hajo@mangosteen- phuket.com

F/O MANAGER The Mangosteen Resort & Spa, the 5-star luxury boutique resort in Rawai, is looking for a Front Office manager. Enjoy working with our motivated team, setting the highest ser- vice standards. Please send CV by email or call for inter- view. Tel: 076-289223. Fax: 076-289389. Email: hajo@ mangosteen-phuket.com

CHIEF ENGINEER The Mangosteen Resort & Spa, the 5-star boutique resort in Rawai, is looking for a tal- ented young Chief Engineer. The resort has been built to very high Western-quality standards and there are sev- eral expansion plans. Thai nationals only. Please send CV by email or call. Tel: 076- 289223. Fax: 076-289389. Email: hajo@mangosteen- phuket.com

Employment Wanted

GERMAN WOMAN/ MANAGEMENT German woman, 33, is looking for a job on Phuket. 11 years’ experience in fashion/textile industry, HR management and training of sales staff, and motivating/ managing branch manag- ers. I speak German and MANGOSTEEN TEAM English. Email: muenchen1 WANTED: Due to high occupancy, we @gmx.net STORE MANAGER, are seeking to fill the following BAKER positions. Only qualified, expe- JOB OPPORTUNITY URGENTLY GENERAL Khun Woody’s Bakery and rienced staff wanted. CIVIL ENGINEER Thai, 48, experienced as Role: airport customer ser- REQUIRED MANAGER the Sandwich Shoppe in Office Project Manager in condo- vice staff Operation/Reservation a Phuket-based hotel. Patong are growing fast, - Accounting minium, housing projects for staff work in office (8hrs/ Please contact for more with a new production facil- Qualifications: - Storekeeper project owner-contractor, day, 2 days off/week). information. Tel: 076-239- ity and another shop com- - university diploma seeks position as Project or Good English, able to use 820, 01-7373720. Fax: ing on-stream next month. - Cost Controller Construction Manager (per- - English speaking PC, Word, Excel, Internet, 076-239828. Email: hr@ We need experienced Thai - Income manent or contract basis). - Experience working in an and to communicate with jivaresort.com nationals who are commit- F&B Languages: Thai, English, airport a plus foreigners. Please contact ted to outstanding service - Chef de Partie German (fluent). Please call Interested persons should for more information. Tel: and great food. We’re look- - Waitresses Tel: 01-8031780 for details. contact. Tel: 09-9266115. 076-246468, 09-873- ing for a baker, preferably Email: baekjb@koreanair. 4589. Fax: 076-246469. ASIA-PACIFIC with high-quality bread ex- - Pool Attendant co.kr Email: [email protected] TROPICAL HOMES perience. We’re also looking - Stewards MANAGER for an experienced store The region’s most widely Housekeeping Six years in Patong. Will man- manager – a customer-ori- distributed lifestyle maga- - Room maids age your bar/restaurant while ented leader with good En- STAFF URGENTLY SPA MANAGER zine, is produced from you have holiday or are over- glish skills. We offer excel- Tel: 076-289223. Fax: 076- required. Distribution Man- Spa Manager – with 3-5 Phuket. It is looking for an seas. Call Bob now! Tel: 01- lent pay, good bonus, solid 289389. Email: myfuture@ ager, female, age 28-35, Thai years’ experience – urgently Editorial Researcher with 3672366. training, and a chance to mangosteen-phuket.com national, good written and spo- required. Must be confident strong Internet skills. Thai grow professionally with the ken English, PC experience in and able to manage and moti- national with good English. WAITRESS HOUSEKEEPER “Khun Woody” family. Word, Exel & Internet, good ad- vate staff. Good earning po- Email: newjob@aapress. needed to work 6 days a Work experience in a luxury ministrator, car driver with li- tential. Please send your CV net See our website at: Tel: 076-340066. week in a trendy Internet café villa, now seeking a job. I can cense. Contact Khun Nit, Im- or contact for more informa- www.aapress.net for com- Email: and juice bar in Phuket City. speak English and have com- age Asia Events. Tel: 076- tion. Tel: 076-396205. Email: pany details. [email protected] Good salary. Tel: 076-223210 puter skills. Email: bijoraken 264491-2 for further details. [email protected] or 04-0143121. @yahoo.com February 25 - March 3, 2006 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 45 Tout, Trader & Trumpet

O’MALLEYS IRISH PUB Articles Business MASSAGE SALON Small business, big opportunity! SERIOUS For Sale Opportunities Recently refurbished pub & INVESTMENT restaurant, located in Phuket Thai company since 1998, City. Package includes all pa- with two work permits, and NOTHING TO WEAR? perwork, visas, 2 work per- includes 2 rai of seaview New ladies’ clothes, sizes S - RAWAI BAR land (Chanote). Unique of- FOR SALE mits and all licenses for a XXL European brands and smooth takeover. 400sqm, fer, investment opportunity. sizes. Lots of XL pants, skirts live music stage, sound and Tel: 01-3652020. and tops. Sale will be held at Established 3-story mas- light system, UBC TV, 3 new Perfection Beauty Salon on sage salon for sale in the pool tables (including pool GUESTHOUSE Thursday, March 2, noon to 8 heart of Patong. Excellent room), 15 tables, 40 bar stools, for sale. Guesthouse and res- pm. Tel: 01-5396106. Email: furnishings, fully equipped; 5 fridges and freezers, new taurant, located opposite the [email protected] has long-term staff. For kitchen equipment and over main entrance to the Royal more information, call Khun 300 taxi-bikes with O’Malleys Paradise Hotel, for sale. Six BOSE STEREO Fully furnished, cable TV, Arunee. Tel: 07-8947985. vests driving around the city! luxury guest rooms with system. Lifestyle 3 (1 base kitchen, tables. Selling out Offers condidered. Please shower, aircon and TV. Beau- speaker with amp) and 2 at 350,000 baht and contact. Tel: 09-7292846. TAILOR SHOP tiful restaurant with kitchen. cubes with CD/tuner. Bought monthly rent of 3,500 baht. Email: scottshaw77@lycos. High standards. 14 million For immediate sale. 8m x 25m 4 years ago for 66,000 baht; Tel: 01-4777110. co.uk baht. Tel: 01-5385322, 01- fully furnished, located on will sell for 20,000. Great for 8956587. Email: rudolfpanz Patong Beach road, near bar – big sound. Tel: 09-909- RESTAURANT GREAT BUSINESS @hotmail.com 1917. Email: porter20022@ BUSINESS FOR SALE Thara Patong Hotel. A 5-year Restaurant business for sale opportunities in Phuket. 1) A yahoo.com lease. Tel: 09-6656195. in Karon. 3 years on con- Well-run visa run business prime location in the newly NAI HARN BEACH BAR including tour office at constructed Simon Entertain- Bar on main road to beach, tract,10 months paid, fully POPULAR & COZY SECONDHAND GYM furnished, 30 seats. Please Rawai Beach. Please con- ment Plaza on busy Soi includes stock, equipment, equipment for sale. Full range tact K. Jaochim. Tel: 04- B&B (Bed & Breakfast) for Bangla in Patong. 2) 800sqm, Playstations, surfboards, contact me at Email: gomikki sale. Lonely Planet & others of free weights, multi-station, @yahoo.it 8512378 for more informa- 2 floors, 3-year lease with 3- DVD hire, games, DVDs, 2 x benches (flat and inclined) tion. rate this charming teak & red- year renewal option. This computer, music jukebox, and bars. Needs attention. wood hotel in Phang Nga. KAMALA space is very well suited for working kitchen, staff, limited 15,000 baht ono. Tel: 076- “Best in town”. Only 9.9 an impressive disco/night- restaurant & bar. Famous for RESTAURANT only to your imagination, unlim- 270752. Fax: 076-270751. millon baht. Tel: 01-0882179. club. 3) 5 shophouses pizza + Tex Mex: 40 seats, for sale. Restaurant for sale in ited potential. Tel: 05-784- Email: [email protected] (ground floor only), 48sqm air conditioning, equipment, Rawai, includes everything. 2095. Email: awesomek9@ NEW HOTEL LEASE each, 3-year lease with 3- stock, and furniture. For sale Please contact. Tel: 01-456- yahoo.com.au BABY COT 4-year hotel lease for 2.5 mil- year renewal option. Tel: 01- 500,000 baht + rent 6,000 0868. Email: mou_oasis@ and car seat. Baby cot made lion baht. 22 rooms, Air condi- 8267129. Email: infobangla_ baht per month. Call after 5 yahoo.com BARGAIN BAR SALE of wood for baby up to 5 years tioning, cable TV, bar, elevator, [email protected] pm. Tel: 076-385940. in Krabi. Stylish Ao Nang bar for old and Maxi Cosi car seat for maid service, refrigerator, tele- sale. Excellent opportunity. Tel: child up to 13kg. Good condi- SEEKING PARTNER phone, hot & cold water, sun- BAR FOR SALE HOTEL – HOT SALE 075-637862, 06-277-3160. tion and safe. 8,500 baht. Tel: for the first slimming resort in set viewpoint. Easy to run, good Patong. Close to Soi Bangla. Email: hedley@loxinfo. co.th or Patong 200m from beach. 076-323486, 09-9710550. Phuket. Required capital: 6 staff. Please contact for more Long lease. Tel: 07-8817600. see www.krabi-reservations. Comprises hotel, restaurant Fax: 076-323486. Email: million baht. Please call for info. Tel: 06-9427318. Email: Please see our website at com/barsale.htm [email protected] and Internet café. 18 million more information. Tel: 06- [email protected] www.homebarphuket.com baht freehold. Tel: 01-894- 2740010. www.vikingresidence.com MAGIC DIVERS SONY MINIDISC 0580. GUESTHOUSE company for sale, with work- player. MZ-R410 Walkman. INDEPENDENT MANAGER SHOP OR EQUIPMENT for sale. 10 rooms. 1 rai of permit. Price: 17,000 baht. Good condition. 3,500 baht. BEER GARDEN We are one of the biggest for sale. Beauty, skincare and land. 7 million baht. Tel: 076- Please call for more informa- Tel: 07-8896758. Email: Surin Beach, fully furnished, pool luxury car dealers (Bentley, slimming center in Krabi Town 342280, 01-9781956. Email: tion. Tel: 01-7281065 (after [email protected] table, kitchen, low rent, main Bugatti, Ferrari, Hummer, has closed. We have salon, fa- [email protected] 6 pm). road, busy area. 980,000 baht. Lamborghini, Mercedes...) in cial, body slimming and sports BODY BOARD Email: [email protected] the world and we are looking equipments all in very good New body board, used 3-4 for someone who can open condition for sale. Products times. Paid 4,500 baht; will FRANCHISE our office in Thailand. Needs also for sale. Please contact sell for 2,500. Tel: 06-120- opportunities. “Thailand’s Fin- to be fluent in English and Thai. Erin. Tel: 075-623839, 06- 6934. Email: go2spoon@ est Massage Boutique”. Own Small investment needed to 6820069. Email: yahoo.com a dream business in paradise. open office (rent). Salary on Franchise opportunities for provisional basis (5% per sold KATA BAR FOR SALE LEFT-HANDED one of Thailand’s most profit- car). Tel: 0017029857523. Includes kitchen, 4 rooms golf clubs. Titleist steel-shaft able business are available For details, visit: www. above, pool table, 38 seats, 3 lob wedge, 60º, as new, 3,500 anywhere in Thailand. Please hotexoticluxurycars.com TVs. Refurbished 2½ years baht. IS 300 driver, 3,500 contact for more information. ago; 3-year lease. Please call baht. Please contact for more Tel: 07-2982033. Email: BUSINESSES Tel: 04-8478139 for more information. Tel: 09-909- [email protected] for sale. 3 businesses – information. 1917. Email: porter20022@ beauty salon, Thai massage yahoo.com SMALL INVESTMENT and Internet café – priced for FISH JANG BAR for big return. Landowner look- quick sale at 2.8 million baht for sale. Fish Jang Bar for sale ing for investor(s) for building or nearest offer. Tel: 076- on Soi Bangla, Patong, Phuket. Bulletins project in Kathu. Tel/Fax: 076- 281078, 64-021667215. Contact for more details. Tel: 209424, 01-9683120. Email: Fax: 076-383674. Email: 01-8953575. Email: orchid@ [email protected] [email protected] samart.co.th

LIMITED COMPANY SPA FOR SALE Legal limited-liability company 1 double suite, 2 single, recep- for sale at just 25,000 baht. tion/lounge and beauty salon Entitles you to one work per- in hotel. Fast sale. Tel: 01- mit and the possibility to own 8957908. land and/or house with the company. Please contact for BUSINESSES details. Tel: 06-2688061. for sale. Great businesses in Email: [email protected] one of the best locations in Patong are for sale, including: KOH LANTA-RESORT - a 15-room guesthouse 5 bungalows near the beach - a tour agency plus room to build more. Res- taurant, bar, 5 motorbikes to - a 60-seat restaurant rent out. 6-year-lease with ex- - a rental business tension possible. All paid for al- - an Internet café ready. Price: 1.9 million baht. Tel: 01-0820039, 01-091- Tel: 09-2095268. Email: 1662. Email: ilan_75@ [email protected] hotmail.com 46 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS February 25 - March 3, 2006 Tout, Trader & Trumpet

TEACHER-TUTOR Business Club HIGH-END AUDIO Experienced teacher (math, GENTLEMAN Products & Memberships Magneplanar flat panel physics, science and English) SEEKING Services Wanted speakers exc. for music or with 20 years’ experience in European 30+ years old, movies. Tel: 01-7888535. Asia and Canada available to looking for a wealthy lady tutor all levels. Please call Jeff. for a serious relationship. BLUE CANYON Tel: 06-5575098. Maybe also as a business VISA & LEGAL Loooking to buy an induvidual Mobile Phones partner if our businesses are SERVICES membership in Blue Canyon HOME SCHOOLING of a similar quality. Tel: 05- ASAP. Tel: 01-9249935. NOKIA 7600 Any families interested in shar- 1505538. Email: jouheyho @suomi24.fi Email: [email protected] Stylish design, gray case but ing cost of small professional can change. A few scratches home schooling classes? All subjects taught in English. Ages BACKGAMMON Computers on the outer cover, but can be changed also. Currently with 8-14, Chalong area, 1-5 days a Retired businessman looking One-2-call, but it can be used week. Tel: 01-5362069. Email: for backgammon players on THANIT STONE [email protected] Phuket Island. Tel: 076-386- FACTORY on any network. Asking 7,000 COMPUTER REPAIRS baht. Tel: 01-0817163. Email: 113, 01-5778443. State constructions tender [email protected] offer & bidder (certified by English technician, new or KIDS’ PARTY? used computers. GPRS, LOOKING FOR FENCING all government divisions and Hire a bouncy castle for partner. French guy in Chalong the private sector): asphal- ADSL, WLAN and Internet access without a phone. BusinessPersonal great fun. For rates and in- seeks fencing partners, foil or Company Registration tic concrete road, drainage Tel: 09-4735080. Services formation. Tel: 01-891- sabre, any level. I have the 2,229 baht; One Year Visa and dams, infrastructure, Services 8689. equipment; let’s share the 5,999 baht; Retirement Visa building construction, earth- fun! Tel: 076-381737, 07- 5,999 baht: Work Permit works and landscaping. Fa- LAPTOP DO YOU WANT 0085970. Fax: 076-381- 5,999 baht; UK & US Visa cilities and equipment: plant BTO H01. Intel Centrino Mo- a good driver? I am Thai man, Personal 730. Email: swaminito@ 16,999 baht. No more visa asphalt concrete, pavers, bile Technology, Intel 855 44 years old, with experience Services hotmail.com runs – get a one-year visa pay loaders, excavators, GME Chipset, Intel Pentium M in driving all types of cars. I do for only 5,999 baht. Estab- rollers, motor graders, Processor (1.6 GHz). Inter Pro not drink, smoke or gamble. I Wanted ESCORT, COMPANION, lish your Thai company today trucks, other heavy ma- wireless 2200 BG network like to work as a driver because tour guide. Looking for a Thai to buy land or start your busi- chines. Contact Maytinee. connection. 512 MB Kingston lady, pretty, 20-30 years old, I love driving. If you need a DOG TRAINER WANTED ness for only 2,229 baht! Tel: 01-8952990, 09-724- RAM. 12.1 1280x800x driver, please call me. Tel: 01- English speaking, to share my Experienced dog trainer Property title search, sales 4102, 01-9584076. Fax: WXGA TFT LCD display, 16M 8957848. Email: best2599@ vacation in Phuket beginning in needed to come to my home contract and land registra- 076-224969. For details, colors. DVD Combo optical hotmail.com April for about 10 days. I am 50 tion. Thailand’s LARGEST le- vist our website:www. drive. 40 GB Seagate HDD. and help to train a one-year- years old, slim, sportive, gener- gal service network. Al- thanitstonefactory.com Small and light design – only PERSONAL TRAINING old cocker spaniel. Trainer ous. Email: [email protected] must speak some English. ways your low price by our li- 1.95 kgs. 35,000 baht. Tel: Tailor-made physical training Tel: 05-7841955. Email: censed Thai lawyers. 076-263926. Email: info@ at all levels. Scheduled ses- [email protected] Please contact. Tel: 076- SELLING YOUR lisaconstruction.com sions at home or outside area. Pets 345277 (24 hours). Email: PROPERTY? First lesson free. Please call [email protected] For Come experience the best in for more information. Tel: 07- GOLDEN RETRIEVER further details, please visit: Personals sales and support. Please Miscellaneous 2808077. puppies. Pure-bred Golden www.siam-legal.com contact for more informa- for Sale Retriever puppies for sale tion. Tel: 076-345081, 01- ENGLISH TEACHER WESTERN SINGLE from good breed line. Now 9241447. Email: mail@ Available for private tutoring. Charming male, romantic, ready to go to new home. EVE VISA RUN TO villa.co.th I have 3 years’ experience stable, fit, hopes to find a good Please call for an appointment RANONG teaching adults and children in and sensual lady for nice friend- to view. Tel: 076-236051, Only 1,350 baht for the PERSIAN CARPETS Thailand & Korea. Please call ship. Email: sepe_susi2@ 07-8853707. Email: faa@ best service. Includes: visa, Oriental hand-knotted carpet, Brent. Tel: 09-7253396. yahoo.com loxinfo.co.th boat transport, minibus rug and kilim dealer (specializ- transport, lunch and soft ing in washing and repair). drinks. Contact for more Free pick-up and delivery. info. Tel: 01-5352637. Please contact for more infor- Email: info@evevisarun. mation. Tel: 01-9563061. com For more details, visit: Email: sohail_carpet@yahoo. www.evevisarun.com com

SECURE WIRELESS networks. Long-range links. TREADMILL & STRIDER phuket-data-wizards.com Super condition. 15,000 baht. Tel: 076-383575, 06-682- Call quickly; it will sell fast. 7277. Tel: 01-6919679. Email: [email protected]

CamerasBusiness & QUEST FOR KATOEYS EquipmentServices By Lung David – An unusual and intriguing story of a for- eigner named Tom and Nit, his POLAROID DIGITAL Thai housekeeper, and her camera with memory card, friends, who help Tom to in- 3.2 megapixels. 2,500 baht. vestigate the practical and DAY TRIP TO Call for further details. Tel: 07- psychological aspects of the RANONG 8896758. Email: ukdj007bond ladyboy phenomenon. “I loved New double-decker tour bus @yahoo.co.uk the intrigues in the ups and (not minibus), non-smoking downs of Nit’s life, I fell in love and smoking areas, toilet, UNDERWATER with her.” “I laughed and films/music, snacks and photography. For sale: Sea & cried, I was entranced by this drinks, on-board buffet lunch. Sea DX-5000G housing, Sea book.” Sold in bookshops; and No extras to pay, all-inclu- & Sea YS25 auto strobe plus direct from publisher at 400 sive. Only 1,500 baht. Every fiber-optic sync cord and flex- baht including postage in Thai- Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sunday. ible light arm set. Hardly used, land, or 500 baht worldwide. Tel: 04-7457024. still under warranty. Tel: 04- Please contact for info. Email: 9928016. [email protected] Find more classified ads! www.phuketgazette.net/classifieds February 25 - March 3, 2006 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 47 Wheels & Motors

Saloon Cars RANGER 4WD PHANTOM Rentals MUST SELL Immaculate Honda Phan- Ford Ranger Hurricane 2.5 tom. Only 1,000 km, tax & XLT. September 2001, insurance. Must be seen. A1 CAR RENTAL 57,000km, silver-gray. Bargain at 75,000 baht. Double airbag never used. Please contact for info. Tel: Turbo timer, remote key/ 076-239432, 06-2708727. alarm, Sony CD player, 2 Email: [email protected] doors. Best price is 350,000 baht. Tel: 09-8669406 (Thai), 01-0831505 (En- HONDA WAVE glish). Email: danex01@ Honda Wave 125i (injection) gmail.com motorbike, one year old, Cars, trucks, jeeps – fully 22,000km. Price new: insured for rental. Best prices 53,500 baht, will sell for for long-term rental: 12,000 VITARA JEEP FOR SALE 30,000. Can be viewed in baht - 20,000 baht per Golden Vitara jeep 4x4, CD, Khao Lak. Tel: 076-443140, month. Tel: 076-200900, p/w, aircon, alarm, central lock- 06-2811945. Email: mike@ 09-8314703. ing. Price 300,000 baht, or ethailand.com 200,000 baht and 22 monthly payments of 5,300 baht. YAMAHA VIRAGO Wanted Please contact for more info. 400cc. Registered 1996, only Tel: 076-340583. Email: 30,000km. Taxed and insured. [email protected] MOTORHOME TOYOTA VIOS Foreign owned. In great con- I am looking for a motorhome/ NEW 2005 BMW Automatic, 12,000km for Pickups dition. 65,000 baht. Tel: 01- camper. Older model that 330 CONVERTIBLE 4X4 TOYOTA 6760740. Email: pashman sale or rent. Tel: 06-2284872, Sport Rider. 2003, silver color, needs repair would be no prob- Black, white or silver – many @loxinfo.co.th 07-8853674. manual, 4WD, 7-seater, lem. Please also call should in stock. All Mercedes mod- NISSAN NV 63,000km. Serviced every you have a bigger 4WD ve- els in stock. We have every CAR FOR SALE Nice car, well maintained. 5,000km. 11 months’ regis- YAMAHA 750CC hicle such as an old army luxury car you can imagine. or rent. Mitsubishi Cedia with 140,000 baht or very near tration. New tires, wheel align- motorcycle. Early ‘90s Virago Unimog for sale that could be We have the best prices automatic gears. Driven for 2 offer. Please contact for ment. All the extras, excellent V-twin street cruiser. Many converted into a camper, or if worldwide! Please contact. years by lady, never in an acci- more information. Tel: 076- condition. Price: 670,000 new and rebuilt parts. Looks you know of anybody with ex- Tel: 702-9857523. Email: dent. Premium insurance. Must 282653, 09-4735080. baht. Tel: 01-8920130. Email: and runs great. Taxed and li- pertise in construction of sales@hotexoticluxurycars. sell or rent because moving Email: computermanphuket [email protected] censed with green book. Ask- motorhomes. Tel: 01- com For further details, abroad. Tel: 06-9908171. @myway.com ing 90,000 baht. Will consider 2739279. Email: info@ please see our website at: Email: [email protected] trade for sailing dinghy or small avaloncreations.com www.hotexoticluxurycars. Motorbikes catamaran. Please contact com NEW CHEVY ZAFIRA 97 NISSAN NV PICKUP William Smith. Tel: 07-077- New Chevrolet Zafira 2.2 Nice condition, excellent run- 9816. Email: williet98248@ Others sport. 5,000 km, 4 months BENTLEY, FERRARI, ning, straight and clean. Reli- hotmail.com old, black, absolutely superb. able. Has removable shell on MTX125 FOR SALE Rolls. Any luxury car in stock Back sensors, dark windows, back. Power steering and ste- Old, but in good condition, KAWASAKI BOSS 175 for the best price worldwide. leather interior, 4-CD player, 15,000 baht. Offers consid- reo, and very cold air condi- Nearly-new (6 months old) Bentley, Bugatti, Ferrari, Rolls- aircon, 1st-class insurance for ered. Please call for more tioning. 145,000 baht ono. Kawasaki Boss 175. Has cov- Royce, Lamborghini, Mer- one year plus warranty. Still details. Tel: 01-7882342. Please contact for further ered 400km. Will sell for a cedes. Example: Bentley Con- with red plates. Must sell im- details. Email: ricocmilo99@ fixed 70,000 baht. Tel: 01- tinental GT 2006, black/ mediately because I’m return- hotmail.com 6078000. black, all options, for ing to Europe. Price new: 1.45 HONDA CB400 US$160,000 including taxes million baht; will sell to the Super Four. In excellent condi- and shipping to Phuket! Tel: best offer. Email: dm@ 4 x 4s tion. Phuket registration and HONDA CBR 250 702-9857523. Fax: 702- janydan.com book. Same owner for past 7 In good condition, with green 9741170. Email: sales@ years. 70,000 baht ono. book. 30,000 baht. Please hotexoticluxurycars.com VOLVO 240 SEDAN 2005/06 HUMMER 2/3 Please contact for more infor- contact for more information. Please visit our website at: 1987 Volvo 240, 4-door se- Hummer 2, incl shipping, tax mation. Tel: 01-9701580. Tel: 01-3676373. Email: www.hotexoticluxurycars. dan. 5-speed transmission, and registration, for US$ Email: [email protected] [email protected] com cold aircon, 4-cylinder engine. 68,000. We have every CD stereo, power amp. Car is luxury car in stock: Bentley, HONDA ACCORD in like-new condition with per- Bugatti, Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, 120,000 baht. Very good me- fect body and new pearl-white Lambo, Mercedes, etc. Wheels & Motors chanical order, automatic paint. Drives perfectly, needs Please contact for info. Tel: Advertisements gears, power steering, aircon nothing but new owner. 702-9857523. Email: sales and stereo. Tel: 04-1917736. 240,000 baht. Tel: 076-328- @hotexoticluxurycars.com Email: mickgave@hotmail. 381, 07-1862883. Email: See our website at: www. Please use this form to write your classified advertisement. com [email protected] hotexoticluxurycars.com Then hand it to any of our agents.

|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| (heading) Agents for Classified Advertising |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|

PHUKET |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| K.L. Mart Tel: 076-280400/3 Patak Rd, Chalong Fax: 076-280403 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Earth Language School Tel: 076-232398/9 Phang Nga Rd, Phuket City Fax: 076-232398 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Sin & Lee Tel: 076-258369 Thalang Rd, Phuket City Fax: 076-211230 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Taurus Travel Tel: 076-344521/2 Aroonsom Plaza Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd, Patong Fax: 076-344523 Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 85 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. 41 Minimart Tel/Fax: 076-324312 All advertising must be paid for in advance. Srisoontorn Rd, Cherng Talay Deadline for Wheels & Motors page: Saturday 12 noon. 48 PHUKET GAZETTE February 25 - March 3, 2006

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