Airport Van Prices Incident Throws Phuket Tourism Image Into International Spotlight Sport Page 29

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019

thephuketnews thephuketnews1 thephuketnews.com Friday, July 26 – Thursday, August 1, 2019 Since 2011 / Volume IX / No. 30 20 Baht ROTI VENDOR HITS EGYPTIAN TOURIST WITH MEAT CLEAVER > PAGE 3 NEWS PAGE 3 Temples warned VANGUARD on tourist scams

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Phuket Vice Governor Supoj Rotreuang Na Nongkhai faces the press at Karon Police Station last Thursday (July 18). Photo: Tourist Police AIRPORT VAN PRICES INCIDENT THROWS PHUKET TOURISM IMAGE INTO INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT SPORT PAGE 29

Tanyaluk Sakoot hotel in Kata where they were staying. saying they were charged B3,000 price was settled through a private [email protected] Reports of the incident spread for the journey – a figure strongly negotiation between the driver and War Elephants across the internet like wildfire, and denied by the van driver, Phuriphat passengers. eading figures in Phuket’s saw Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chankaew, at Karon Police Station The high price was the result of turn to J-Stars tourism industry have spoken Chan-o-cha overnight calling for last Thursday (July 18). Police did a “misunderstanding”, police said. Lout over the handling of the all people, and especially officials, not reject to Phuriphat’s claim. Meanwhile, Airports of Thailand incident that saw two Australian tour- to take action to prevent any scams Police eventually settled on fining (AoT), the public company that op- ists file a formal complaint against or deceitful behaviours that take Phuriphat B2,000 for illegally having erates the airport, fined Phuriphat’s a passenger van driver for allegedly advantage of tourists. his passenger van at the airport to accomplice Narumon Jumpatong overcharging them to take them from The tourists, Kate Chipperfield and pick up passengers, saying that no B2,000 for illegally roaming the halls Phuket International Airport to the Lauren Meinties, filed their complaint more action could be taken as the of the terminal soliciting customers... CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

@thephuketnews 2 PHUKET NEWS THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019

[email protected] Dangerous surf kills three in less than 24 News hours > p5 Brit expat posts B90k bail on animal cruelty B10mn farm fraud MERVYN HARDING, THE Brit expat living in Rawai who Woman arrested over investment scam was charged with attacking Eakkapop Thongtub money was a good way to a dog in Nai Harn last week, [email protected] help a struggling farmer, so has been released on B90,000 they gave nearly B10 million bail, police have confirmed. 46-year-old woman to Hunsaa,” he said. Harding was presented from Songkhla has “Some of them also gave with charges of animal cruelty A been arrested in their own assets to the sus- and trespass in Phuket Pro- Phuket for fraud and money pect to exchange for cash,” vincial Court last Thursday laundering after conning three he added. (July 18) after he was caught people into donating about Col Thongchai also ex- on CCTV attacking a dog Mervyn Harding, a British B10 million to help a needy plained that Hunsaa had paid with a metal rod in the early expat living in Rawai, has farmer, police have reported. some money back to the vic- minutes last Tuesday morning been released on B90,000 Cherng Talay Police moved tims so they would continue bail while waiting for animal (July 16). cruelty and trespass charges in and arrested Hunsaa Punjoo, to believe they would even- Harding was released just to be heard against him in 46, from Singhanakhon Dis- tually be fully repaid, and hours after his arrival at the court. Photo: Chalong Police trict, Songkhla, at a house in to encourage them to make court, The Phuket News con- (blurred at police request) Srisoonthorn, central Phuket, further donations. firmed on Monday (July 22), at about 9:30am last Sunday The three victims became despite police assurances that he has a criminal record in (July 21). suspicious after the “interest he had been denied bail at Thailand. This will take about Hunsaa was taken into payments” stopped. police request. three weeks or a mouth,” Capt custody under arrest warrant “After investigating, the “I insisted that he be de- Weerayut said. no. 940/2019 issued on July 2, Hunsaa Punjoo, arrested in Phuket, has been taken to victims learned that the story nied bail. Now he is being held Asked what would hap- police said. Bangkok for further questioning. Photo: Royal Thai Police was fake and decided to inform in the detention cells at the pen if Harding repeated his Five officers from Cherng Crime Suppression Division (CSD) police at the Crime Suppres- court,” Capt Weerayut Tanya- behaviour, Capt Weerayut said, Talay Police and eight officers sion Division,” he said. sirisukvorakul of the Chalong “It is a criminal charge to hit from Phuket Provincial Police years ago, when Hunsaa solic- money would be used to pay Investigation by police had Police said last Thursday. a dog. The Phuket Provincial were involved in making the ited donations to help a farmer back a loan the farmer had now confirmed that Hunsaa’s On Monday, however, Capt Court might not allow him to arrest. in financial distress in her with the Bank for Agriculture claims about the money were Weerayut’s response was post bail again.” Another 12 officers from home district Singhanakhon in and Agricultural Cooperatives false, he said. simply, “I don’t know what to Capt Weerayut also said Crime Suppression Division Songkhla province, explained (BAAC). Hunsaa now faces charges say. It is the Phuket Provincial he did not believe Harding (CSD) Subdivision 1, nine Col Thongchai Yooket, Chief After the loan had been of fraud and money launder- Court’s decision.” was flight risk. officers from CSD Subdivi- of Crime Suppression Divi- fully repaid, the BAAC would ing, Col Thongchai confirmed. Capt Weerayut said that “I am not worried about sion 6 and a further nine CSD sion’s Subdivision 1. allow the farmer to take out a Hunsaa has accepted the it will take about a month for him fleeing because Phuket subdivision deputy command- The investigation began new loan of a larger amount, charges, police noted in their Harding’s case to be heard Provincial Court is holding his ers were also all named in the after three victims filed police from which the farmer would report. in court. passport and notified Phuket report, giving a total of 43 complaints against Hunsaa in be able to pay back the dona- “The suspect will be taken “Meanwhile, I am waiting Immigration already. He is not officers named as involved in November-December 2018, tions with interest, he said. to Crime Suppression Divi- for the Criminal Record Divi- able to travel out of Thailand,” the investigation and placing he said. All three victims were sion’s Subdivision 1 headquar- sion of Royal Thai Police in Capt Weerayut said. Hunsaa under arrest. The victims said that Hun- elderly, Col Thongchai noted. ters for further investigation,” Bangkok to confirm whether The Phuket News The case dates back two saa had told them that the “They thought giving the Col Thongchai said.

Airport van price incident marks drivers’ free reign Continued from page 1 of Thai Hotels Association Southern ...to his van as a transport service. Chapter, was no less damning in his No explanations were given as to assessment. “I find that this kind of how the van was allowed into the airport problem always happens in nighttime… passenger pickup area or how Narumon It would be better if tourists get a receipt openly solicited customers inside the showing the fare paid and the distance main terminal undetected despite the travelled to prevent overcharging and alleged high security measures in place further ‘misunderstandings’,” he said. at Phuket’s key tourism portal. Phuket tourism stalwart Bhuritt “The Phuket Land of Transport Of- Governor Phakaphong felt it necessary Maswongssa, General Manager of the fice (PLTO) Chief should prevent such to call in public transport operators to Patong Resort Hotel and key member incidents from happening again. This explain ‘good service’. Photo: PR Dept Tourism Development Committee of problem does not happen in a country South Andaman Tourism Development where laws are strictly enforced,” said they are fair for tourists and for drivers,” Area under the Ministry of Tourism and Thanusak Phungdet, President of the Mr Thanusak stressed. Sports, openly admitted that the issue of Phuket Chamber of Commerce. “I will present this idea and push tourists being overcharged by transport “Officials should set up signs show- this issue hard in my next meeting with drivers at the airport was not new. ing the fares that are supposedly already Phuket Governor soon,” he said. “We have had this problem for a long installed in the visible public areas (at Mr Thanusak agreed with PM Prayut time,” Mr Bhuritt told The Phuket News. the airport). Then tourists can see the that much lies at stake in the damage “The standard of services for tour- prices and make decisions before using that can be done to Phuket’s tourism ists needs to be clearer, safer and more the service without any need to negoti- industry by such incidents. “This has satisfying. It depends on our action and ate,” he added. without doubt damaged Phuket’s tourism how we enforce the law,” he said plainly. “The fares should also be shown image. It has been shared many times “Don Muang airport and Suvarn- on the Phuket International Airport on social media and impacted us in a abhumi airport can solve this problem, website, and the fares charged need to negative way,” he said. Phuket International Airport must be be checked by the PLTO every year so Kongsak Khoopongsakorn, President able to do it, too,” he said.

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019 THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019 PHUKET NEWS 3 Temples warned over scams against tourists The Phuket News [email protected]

huket Vice Governor Thanyawat Roti vendor Surachai Raksub, 32, is now facing charges Chanpinit this week warned two of attempted murder. Photo: Chalong Police Ptemples in Phuket to be careful to not engage or support any activities that may be construed as scams target- Roti vendor slashes ting tourists. V/Gov Thanyawat also ordered rel- evant officials to “take care of customers tourist with cleaver and tourists, and to prevent any kind of A ROTI (PANCAKE) VEN- the victim as Makmoud Amr scamming”. dor is facing charges of at- Mahmoud Abbas, 29, from “Officials have to strictly do things tempted murder and carrying Egypt. under the law and if they find illegal a weapon in public for slashing The man who slashed Mr activities, they can proceed immedi- an Egyptian tourist with a Abbas was present at the ately,” he said. meat cleaver on Soi Ta-iad scene when police arrived. The warning came during inspections in Chalong last Friday night The report identified him as of Ladthi Wanaram temple (Wat Tai) in The warning came as Phuket Vice Governor Thanyawat Chanpinit inspected (July 19). After the attack Surachai Raksub, 32, a local Chalong and Sawang Arom temple in Wat Tai in Chalong and Wat Rawai on Tuesday (July 23). Photo: PR Dept the foreigner was rushed to roti vendor originally from Rawai on Tuesday (July 23). a local hospital with a seven- Koh Lanta in Krabi. The entourage of officials inspecting PR Dept noted that complaints filed in filed requests for the officials at the NOB centimetre gash on the back He was taken to Chalong the temples included representatives November 2017 saw an administrator at headquarters in Bangkok to check the of his neck. Police Station for processing from Phuket City Municipality and the Wat Tai being accused of giving temple land boundaries of the temple land and Police were notified of the and his knife was seized as Phuket branch of the National Office of land to a private company to build a to check whether the rental contract is- slashing at 7:40pm. evidence. Buddhism (NOB). blessing hall and sell amulets at inflated sued to the private company abided by Officers led by Chalong Police have not elaborated The inspection was ordered by Phuket prices to Chinese tourists. NOB regulations. Police Chief Col Therdthoon on how Surachai came to slash Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana, noted The ensuing investigation saw the Somkiet Kaewsakul, who heads Put- Sroisukphaphan and his deputy Mr Abbas with the cleaver. a report by the Phuket office of the Public Phuket NOB office allow the private tatham Co Ltd, in 2017 told the press, Lt Col Sanun Chanrong ar- Early reports in Thai media Relations Department. company to continue to sell items and “Chinese tourists have visited the temple rived at the scene in front of claimed that the foreigner However, no mention was made of artefacts while it continued its investi- for more than 10 years. a FamilyMart store to find a was using foul language while any illegal or suspicious activities actu- gation into alleged price-gouging and “The items and artefacts are all real. foreigner lying on the ground waiting for his roti, angering ally being perpetrated at either of the other irregularities. We did not force anyone to buy them. with a bleeding wound on the the vendor, who grabbed the two temples. The Phuket PR report on Tuesday The prices range from around B1,000 to back of his neck. cleaver and attacked Mr Abbas. The report by the Phuket office of the noted that the Phuket NOB branch had more than B10,000,” he said. Chalong Police identified The Phuket News

Police silent on probe into student killed by electrocution in public park PHUKET CITY POLICE have refused to answer any questions about the investigation into the death of 18-year-old student Khaled “Nikki” Nour, who was killed by electrocution from touching a floodlight pole at a public basketball court at Suan Luang (King’s Park) Phuket Vice Governor Prakob Wongmaneerung (2nd more than a week ago. from left) and Phuket City Mayor Somjai Suwansupana Mr Nour, a first-year (3rd from left) pictured at Siriroj International Hospital student at the Prince of immediately after the incident on July 14. Photo: Songkla University Phuket Phuket City Municipality campus, was killed by electric shock from the pole at complaints to police over the News on Tuesday (July 23) about 6:30pm on July 13 deadly incident, but declined Col Sompong refused while playing basketball to confirm any details filed to confirm which persons at the courts in the popular in the complaints, notably were under investigation public park, which is ad- especially whether the com- over the death. ministered by Phuket City plaints sought charges of All he would repeat was Municipality. criminal negligence. that if any charges were His friend and classmate Col Sompong has main- pressed, it would be for Cherdsak “Enzo” Vaiano tained his refusal to answer negligence. was also injured by electro- any questions about the Lt Anuwat Raksayot, the cution at the same time. Mr investigation, despite the Phuket City Police officer Cherdsak has recovered from fact that Mr Nour was killed tasked with investigating his life-threatening ordeal by local amenities provided Mr Nour’s death, stood by and has been discharged by the local government in his superior-ranking officer’s from hospital. a public area. policy of silence. Phuket City Police Chief “We are still investigation “I must keep the inves- Col Sompong Thiparpakul this case. I just need to wait tigation details for relations last week confirmed that the for the results about it from only. Sorry,” was all he families of both Mr Nour Forensic Science police,” Col would comment. and Mr Cherdsak had filed Thiparpakul told The Phuket The Phuket News thephuketnews @thephuketnews 4 PHUKET NEWS THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019

PHUKET SEVEN DAY WEATHER FORECAST www.foreca.com

FRI JUL 26 SAT JUL 27 SUN JUL 28 MON JUL 29 TUE JUL 30 WED JUL 31 THU AUG 1

The Phuket News offers flexible advertising options both online and in print. High: +31° High: +32° High: +32° High: +32° High: +32° High: +31° High: +31° Low: +25° Low: +25° Low: +25° Low: +26° Low: +26° Low: +26° Low: +25° Wind 1 m/s Wind 2 m/s Wind 2 m/s Wind 2 m/s Wind 2 m/s Wind 1 m/s Wind 1 m/s Environmental damage, prices too high, says poll The truck levelled two trees The Phuket News on the central reservation [email protected] before flipping onto its side. he environmental damage caused by tourism and the cost of living Driver survives Tin Phuket are both far too high, according to a vast majority of people GENERAL MANAGER sleepy wipeout responding to an online poll by The A 25-YEAR-OLD TRUCK Phuket News. Jason Beavan driver has been charged with The poll, which ran for just over one 086 479 7471 [email protected] reckless driving causing dam- week and obtained nearly 800 responses, age to government property was launched at the request of Piramon after he fell asleep at the wheel Tisapramotkul, a student at Glenlyon on Thepkrasattri Rd in Mai Norfolk School in British Columbia, Khao early last Friday morn- Canada. Mr Piramon is to include the ing (July 19), with the truck results in an economic paper he is writing hitting the central reservation, on the sustainability of tourism in Phuket. Sun, sand and sea can be enjoyed for free in Phuket, but many other things levelling two trees before flip- The poll comprised two questions: come at a pretty high price. Photo: The Phuket News / file ping onto its side. 1) “Do you think the cost of living in Capt Akkarapon Siwilai- Phuket is too high?”; and 2) “Do you too high. ing in other cities in Thailand”; and 3% rong of Tha Chatchai Police think the environmental damage from In response to the question “Do you voted “No, the cost of living in Phuket was called to the scene, on tourism is too high?” think the environmental damage from is not too high, prices could be even Thepkrasattri Rd southbound “I understand that there will defi- tourism is too high?”, 85% voted “Yes, higher” (decimal place differences were in Moo 3, Mai Khao, at 5am. nitely be limitations to the replies to the environmental damage from tourism rounded down thus not totalling 100%). Officers along with Mai the poll, but regardless, the poll is still is too high”. Only 10.47% of foreign visitors to Khao rescue workers arrived an extremely valuable data source,” Mr A further 12% voted “The environ- Phuket believed that the cost of living to find the truck, belonging Piramon admitted. mental damage from tourism in Phuket in Phuket is appropriate compared with to Nong Fanta Transport Co However, he added, “The results is acceptable compared with other tourist living in other cities in Thailand. Some SALES SUPPORT Ltd, on its side and its driver, of the poll will be used in my paper destinations around the world”, while the 5.42% thought prices could be higher. Siriporn (Nok) Seangmas Sattawat Nabsoongnern, 25, to justify whether the government remaining 3% voted “No, the environ- Similarly, 13.50% of local expats who 086 479 7470 [email protected] stuck in the cab with his right should implement more policies from mental damage from tourism is low”. took part in the poll voted that the cost leg broken in two places. tax to prohibition to regulate tourism Responses to the question “Do you of living in Phuket was appropriate, with Sattawat said that he fell in Phuket.” think the cost of living in Phuket is too just 1.10% saying prices could be higher. asleep and the truck hit two An overwhelming response to both high?” were nigh identical: 85% voted Thai nationals were disaffected, with trees on the traffic island and questions – more than 80% to each – “Yes, the cost of living in Phuket is too 7.87% saying that prices on the island overturned. marked that the environmental damage high”; 11% voted “The cost of living in were appropriate and 3.94% believing Eakkapop Thongtub done and the cost of living were both Phuket is appropriate compared with liv- that prices could be even higher.

Man, 72, killed by makeshift power plug A 72-YEAR-OLD MAN DIED AFTER being electrocuted by an exposed power wire while fixing his roof in Pa Khlok. Capt Sophanat Nayao of the Thalang Police was called to the home, in Moo 4 Pa Khlok, at 5:50pm last Saturday (July 20). Police and rescue workers arrived to find the body of 72-year-old Saem Intharat on a portable bed at the humble abode. Officers noted that Mr Saem was dressed in cream coloured shorts and was not wearing a shirt. They found no traces of a struggle or a fight on his body. Pa Khlok resident Saem Intharat, 72, was Mr Saem’s daughter, Boonkert Intharat, electrocuted by a power cable he was using 42, told police that her father had climbed as an extension lead. up onto the roof to make repairs using an electric drill. police and rescue workers, she said. While she was doing chores in front of She later had his body moved to the port- the house, she heard her father’s voice and able bed. something hitting the ground. Ms Boonkert accepted her father’s death Ms Boonkert said she rushed behind the as an accident and began making funeral ar- house to find her father on the ground, mo- rangements, Capt Sophanat noted. tionless and with an electrical cable he was Photos provided to The Phuket News using as an extension lead still in contact plainly showed that an extension socket had with his neck. been added to the power socket on the cable, She removed the power cable from touching with the power wires exposed. her father before checking him and calling the Eakkapop Thongtub

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019 PHUKET NEWS 5 Surf kills three in 24 hours Filipino tourists overpowered by strong waves, man falls from rocks

Eakkapop Thongtub recent weather, and they might ashore at Chalong Pier in & Tanyaluk Sakoot have been pushed against Phuket at about 5pm. Phuket [email protected] the rocks in the area,” Col Vice Governor Supoj Ro- wo Filipino tourists Prawit said. treuang Na Nongkhai late Sun- drowned after being “A full day has now day afternoon confirmed the Tdragged away from passed, and with this strong body was that of Mr Cortez. shore in strong surf at Freedom weather they should have been While the search was Beach, south of Patong, late pushed back to somewhere launched for the two Filipino last Wednesday afternoon along the shore by now,” he tourists last Thursday, Prawit (July 17). said. Pipatchanachai, 38, originally While an intensive search The extensive search by from Nong Bua Lamphu prov- was launched for the two lifeguards, police, rescue ince in Northeast Thailand, men, a Thai man drowned The search team scours the rocks workers and Navy search- drowned after being washed near Karon Beach after being near Freedom Beach for any sign and-rescue personnel found from rocks while fishing with washed into the sea by a large of missing Filipino tourists Angelo and recovered Mr Ibay’s body a friend at the north end of wave while he was fishing Cortez, 29, and Noah Ibay, 40, from rocks near Freedom Karon Beach. with a friend. The bodies of both men were later Beach last Friday afternoon. His body was finally found Explaining how the two recovered. Photo: Karon Police Police delayed confirming and brought ashore at Karon Filipino men – Angelo Bien that the body was that of Mr Beach that night by Kusold- Rafael Cortez, 29, and Noah waves,” he said. issued for Phuket and the for the wind to ease so it is Ibay until Phuket Governor harm rescue workers at about Ibay, 40 – came to be miss- Two other men, John Jerard Andaman coast, including safe for our search team also,” Phakkaphong Tawipatana had 9:40pm. ing, Karon Chief Police Col Tanghal, 30, and Tanghal Pa- an advisory from the Phuket Col Prawit said last Friday met with Val Simon Roque, Mr Prawit’s friend Waithin Prawit Sutthirueangarun said, ciano Jose, 51, needed rescu- Marine Office calling for all morning (July 19). Consul-General from the Phil- Pimsa, 26, also from Nong Bua “Mr Cortez and Mr Ibay were ing and were taken to Patong small boats to stay ashore. “We will expend the search ippine Embassy in Bangkok, Lam Phu, told police that he among a group of 13 tourists Hospital, where they were It also came while there area to Tai Kua Beach, which together with the family of and Mr Prawit both work at who came to Phuket together. confirmed safe. were no lifeguards on duty at is located south of Freedom Noah Ibay, at Phuket Provin- a hotel in Patong. Eleven of them, including Mr Col Prawit Sutthiruean- Freedom Beach – just as there Beach, and we will search cial Hall the next day. The men were fishing on Cortez and Mr Ibay, went garun noted that the wind are none at Surin beach – and along the rocks and the shore The body of Mr Cortez was the rocks when Mr Prawit down to Freedom Beach late and waves hampered search while lifeguards rolled out red to find them,” he added. not found until last Sunday was washed into the sea by a Wednesday afternoon with efforts. The men had disap- “No Swimming” flags to mark However, even then hopes (July 21), when fishermen saw large wave. some alcohol. peared into the sea after the areas where it was dangerous that the missing men were still it in the water at about midday Mr Waithin raised the “Six of the 11 went into International Surf Lifesaving to enter the water. alive were quickly fading. near Koh Keow (Green Island), alarm and a search was the sea, but only four came Association (ISLA) issued a “We had to delay our “I believe that both men halfway between Phuket and launched, but Mr Prawit’s back. Mr Cortez and Mr Ibay surf danger warning, and a search this morning because are not alive because there Phi Phi Island. body was not found until some had disappeared among the weather warning had been of the weather. We must wait have been strong waves during The body was brought 12 hours later.

@thephuketnews 6 OPINION THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019

The Phuket News @thephuketnews [email protected] EDITORIAL TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

Somewhere in between Search launched for he announcement and Thailand didn’t pull its ver- tation can be done by just one 1 Filipino tourists lost in dangerous surf by new Tourism and sions out of thin air – they were unregulated driver. The news CONTACT US Sports Minister Pitak copied from Western countries spreads faster than ever, and Body of second missing T Filipino found off Phuket [email protected] 076 612 550 Ratchakitprakan last week that with developed economies. playing catch-up saying the 2 he will work towards legalising We can always argue that damage has been contained Phuket weather warning ride-sharing and accommoda- some laws are made for the never has the same reach. 3 remains in effect tion-sharing platforms – namely benefit of a few people, while And this comes while Thai- PURIYA BEAVAN Brit expat behind bars Editor Grab and Airbnb – has got others for the benefit of most land is struggling to come to for attacking Phuket dog people’s attention. people – but we can all agree terms with its new identity on 4 Both forms of “sharing” that most laws are not intro- the global tourism stage. Thai- Weather warning for CHRIS HUSTED platforms have globally shaken duced to prevent good people land can no longer sell itself 5 Phuket remains in effect Executive Editor up their respective markets, and from going about their business, solely as a cheap destination Egyptian tourist slashed 084 307 7408 [email protected] a poor joke is that proponents they are introduced to protect for the mass market, and has 6 with a cleaver on Phuket’s for both keep clamouring that the unsuspecting public from yet to form a solid foundation renowned Muay Thai street Fifteen years working in news and covering local issues and events their popularity marks the bad people. in its varied attractions to Phuket told to brace for in Phuket, with 18-month hiatus arrival of a new world order Enter the need for at least create a dependable baseline more rain, warned of flash spent working for the Brunei Times 7 on Borneo. From Queensland, forged by the Age of the In- some laws and regulations. that is nowhere near as buoy- floods, landslides Australia; 10 years living in the UK ternet, where the people rule. Thailand has not been alone ant as it is now. In tourism, before moving to Phuket in 2000. Search for Filipinos lost Degree in business management. If a deregulated – or self- with this quandary. Govern- Thailand right now is finding in Phuket surf continues Spare time spent sailing or with family. regulated – market is what the ments around the world have itself somewhere in between 8 people want, then the govern- tried in vain to contain the likes and the flatlining growth in Phuket Opinion: Hit the dog ment is stuck with the dilemma of Airbnb and Uber, to no avail. tourist arrivals shows it clearly. 9 AMY BRYANT of having to serve the people We can giggle about how Perhaps the solution for our Phuket Poll: Environ- Lifestyle Editor who elected it and protect them well laws are enforced in this ride-sharing and accommoda- 10 mental damage, prices [email protected] from their own choices. fine country, but there is no tion-sharing future lies right too high To this, let’s just keep in argument that this week we there, somewhere in between Former freelance writer and editor for Visit thephuketnews.com a music news and reviews website in mind why hotel and taxi laws witnessed just how fast harm what the people want, and the UK. Now turning her hobby into for all the latest news a career with The Phuket News and were passed in the first place, to a tourism destination’s repu- what they really need. broadening her scope from music to, well, everything. Likes the weird and wonderful. HAVE YOUR SAY Unfair fares been confiscated and sold, But you know what? The House rules TANYALUK ‘MANGO’ Re: Australian tourists file and the proceedings used to people making a mess are not Re: Cambodia orders strict SAKOOT formal complaint after be- compensate his passengers. the same people cleaning up. registration of foreigners Chief Reporter ing overcharged by passen- Geoffrey Morris Jan Farø Waiting for Vietnam to 091 165 0260 ger van driver make the next such headline, [email protected] Well done girls for stand- Re: Phuket airport van B3k Why is there a mess in the followed by the ‘So long Viet- ing up to the daylight robbers. fare ‘ just a misunderstand- first place? How hard is it to nam, I'm heading to East Timor, By the way, there is an airport- ing’, say police take your trash with you and where they actually appreciate Rawai shuttle bus service that They will never get it. Peo- put it in the garbage? Common me’ brigade to follow… you can use. The fare is about ple save for a trip and travel sense and courtesy. Steven Layne KIATTIKUL ‘JOM’ B100 one way. thousands of miles to relax Guy Bouchard CHUMANEE Arporn Jumnongrak and have a holiday. They don’t This happens across the Translator do it to be harassed, cheated, A lot of the rubbish comes 082 729 0270 world. If you a have a lessee What a way to spend your abused, ripped off or beaten. from inland and is washed out [email protected] in your house or a guest in holiday over a few hundred This will be swept under the during rain storms where it a hotel, you need to register. baht… rug without penalising the joins more rubbish from fish- I don’t understand what the David Pritchard tout, the company that owns ing boats to be washed ashore problem is! Like or not, if we NITAD ‘TAE’ MANEE the van, the airport and village on the next tide. Education is decide to live in a different THANAPONG ‘OAK’ KHAO-AMPHAIPHAN Re: AoT confirms over- people who allowed the van the only long-term answer. charging Phuket van driver to operate or the crook who country, we have to deal with NIRAVIT ‘MOS’ VORAVANITCHA Richard Joynes not registered to pick up is in the next van waiting to their own rules. Graphic designers airport passengers, tout il- do same. Cesare Fazzari legally roams terminal If there were no clean-ups MartinK Finally someone is doing anywhere on the island, we’d Thailand, Cambodia, the their job. Media revisiting this be living in a dump. Philippines and Indonesia are The Phuket News issue of illegal vehicles operat- Trash heroes Steini Pé ing from the airport could be Re: Why beach clean-ups loved countries by scammers, beneficial in preventing the work mobsters and those hiding from @thephuketnews practice from being forgotten. It’s great to see the major- RIP Mr Cortez and being prosecuted or jailed. Great article! ity of people doing the clean- Mr Ibay Unfortunately, the administra- Sean M Ulvihill ups are foreigners who don’t Re: Body of second missing tions from these countries do even live there! Local officials Filipino found off Phuket not know how to separate the ADVERTISING It’s highly unlikely the fine and people need to understand I’m sure his family is good guys from the bad guys, was more than B1,000, so he’ll tourists don’t want to swim grateful for so much effort so the new regulations hurt 076 612 550 ext. 605 probably continue ripping off and lounge on a polluted beach expended in his body’s recov- all foreigners with hassle and tourists – same as the slow and in polluted water. They ery. A heartbreaking exercise, papers to fill out. Fax: 076 612 553 loris touts that ply the island’s will just go somewhere else. but well done to all involved. Seafarer Divers Charlie [email protected] beaches. The van should have Dino Dissidomino David Stuart-Fox Phuket thephuketnews.com 99/7 Moo 1 (Billion Plaza), T. Kathu, A. Kathu, Phuket 83120 Have an opinion? Comment on stories at thephuketnews.com

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019 THAILAND NEWS 7 Milking mucus for more baht Thai farmers on the cash trail with serums made of snail slime “Farmers used to throw The precious slime is THAILAND them on the road or in the patiently “milked” from the AFP rivers,” Phatinisiri told AFP. glands of the snail by dripping “But now they sell them to me water over it using a pipette. iant snails inch across to earn extra money.” Its raw form is sold to Aden a plate of pumpkin With her 1,000 snails, the International, a Thai-based Gand cucumber in cen- teacher makes an extra B10,000 cosmetics company that pri- tral Thailand, an “organic”diet to B20,000 a month. marily ships its products to to tease the prized collagen- It is one of more than 80 Korea and the US. rich mucus from the molluscs, farms in Nakhon Nayok prov- The sole snail slime pro- which to some cosmetic firms ince, two hours from the capital ducer in Thailand, Aden was are more valuable than gold. Bangkok, cashing in on the started three years ago as a The snails at Phatinisiri global snail beauty market, business-savvy solution to the Thangkeaw’s farm were once estimated at $314 million, snail infestation in Nakhon the scourge of rice farmers, (B9,7 billion) according to re- Nayok, said founder Kitpong loathed for eating the buds of search group Coherent Market Puttarathuvanun. new crops. Insights. And his bet paid off – Kit- pong sells the serum under the Acha brand, but also supplies Korean and American cosmetic companies with a dried powder at B1.8 million per kilogram, he said. Gold is currently worth Phatinisiri Thangkeaw milks a snail of its serum at her farm in Nakhon Nayok. Photo: AFP $46,300 (B1.431mn) a kilo. Compared to Aden’s snail ing vegetables, grains and – ingredients that “can make Two years ago, she was the slime, the mucus produced in even mushrooms… producing skin firm with less wrinkles”. first in the area to try farming China – milked daily instead good quality slime,” he said, It “triggers the skin cells… the slime, she said, and villag- of once every three weeks in explaining that the mucus can and helps heal the skin”. ers readily gave her what they Thailand – is valued at about be used to heal sunburn and At the moment, no scientific considered pests. B80,000 per kilogram, Kit- “heal wounds”. studies have been done on the “Now I buy snails at about pong said. Somkamol Manchun, the curative qualities of snail serum B25 baht to B30 per kilogram,” Giant snails on a plate of pumpkin and cucumber, an ‘or- “We found that our slime doctor in charge of the purifica- and slime, but snail farmer she said. “But many people are ganic’ diet to tease collagen-rich mucus from the molluscs, was very intense because the tion process, said snail mucus Phatinisiri is already feeling doing snail farms now so the which to some firms is more valuable than gold. Photo: AFP snails eat everything, includ- contains collagen and elastin the market heat up. competition is high.”

Cross-dressing teacher row sparks rights investigation in Buriram BURIRAM

THE NATIONAL HU- man Rights Commission (NHRC) has been asked to help a male teacher at risk of being fired from a school in Buri Ram because he wears women’s clothing in class. It would be “wrong” if he had to leave the school over the dress-code issue, NHRC member Angkhana Neelapaijit commented after receiving a petition from the Rainbow Sky Association on Monday (July 22). A dismissal is usually ordered when a state offi- cial commits a disciplinary violation, she said, adding the NHRC will look into Thailand’s transgender community enjoys a high profile, the case. The names of the but still faces major hurdles in the mostly conservative school and the teacher were country. Photo: AFP / file withheld. The cross-dresser, who Rainbow Sky Association. his behaviour, he might not works as an assistant teacher The LGBT advocacy pass his next assessment. at the school, was given group backed its accusation The group said the teacher a warning about wearing with an audio clip it claimed had no problem when he dresses and subsequently got was a conversation between previously taught at another low grades in performance the assistant teacher and the school, which gave him more assessments, except for his school director, who allegedly freedom of expression. teaching, according to the told him if he did not change Bangkok Post

@thephuketnews 8 THAILAND NEWS THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019 Trafficking rescues this year near record highs THAILAND

Bangkok Post he number of human trafficking victims Trescued in Thailand is set to hit a record high this year, according to government data, with demand for Reps from 31 animal welfare advocacy groups hold posters calling for Thailand not to send Thai elephants cheap labour in neighbouring abroad. Photo: Bangkok Post Malaysia causing a jump in the illegal trade. Thai police have rescued Elephant welfare 974 trafficking victims – mostly from Myanmar – for the year to date, compared to on minister’s mind 622 for the whole of last year making follow-up checks and a previous annual high of THAILAND on their condition. 982 in 2015, according to data A German zoo earlier released last week by the Thai Rohingya woman with her baby after she was found by Thai authorities, just two of the NATIONAL RESOURC- asked Thailand to lend an government's anti-trafficking 974 trafficking victims rescued this year so far. Photo: AFP es and Environment Minis- elephant for study purposes, division. ter Varawut Silpa-archa will but Thai officials did not Thailand has come un- country’s workforce, according “More importantly, the being swept away to the island, look into calls to stop send- bring it back though the der scrutiny in recent years to the United Nations. Most victims don’t see themselves where two speedboats picked ing Thai elephants abroad loan period had ended, Ms for slavery and trafficking, are from poorer neighbouring as being deceived and often up some of the people, leaving under animal exchange Saengduean claimed. especially in its seafood and countries including Myanmar, endure the hardship in order 71 on the beach, he said. and research programmes, In another case, an el- sex industries. Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. to get to their destination.” “They slept on plastic following concerns about ephant from Kanchanaburi The US State Department Mr Mana said most of the Mr Mana said the spike sheets next to each other their health. “died on a plane” en route this year in its human traffick- rescued trafficking victims in arrests could lead to an like animals. This is inhu- In his first promise made to China, she said, adding ing report kept Thailand on were recruited by middleman increase in smugglers and mane,” he said of the cramped during the first day at the that these incidents are wor- a watchlist and criticised the and agencies for B20,000- traffickers using alternative conditions. ministry on Monday (July rying as elephant numbers Southeast Asian country for 30,000 to work in factories sea routes instead, which low- Adisorn Kerdmongkol, 22), Mr Varawut said he in Thailand are low. not doing enough to tackle in Malaysia. ers the risk of being caught a coordinator at the Migrant too “disagrees” with such The country currently the problem. Many were rescued while by authorities and is cheaper. Working Group, a network of exchanges after listening has less than 4,000 regis- “There’s a high possibil- being transported towards the The most recent case by non-governmental organisa- to a petition lodged by 31 tered elephants, a sharp drop ity that figures this year will southern Thai border with sea was on June 11, when tions working on migrant animal welfare advocacy in numbers recorded several reach a record high, with many Malaysia. a fishing boat carrying at workers' rights, questioned groups. years ago, Ms Saengduean victims telling us they were “What we find is these least 70 Rohingya Muslims whether all those rescued by Safe Elephant Founda- said. planning to work in Malaysia,” people are being kept in bad was found stranded on the Thai police were trafficking tion president Saengduean If exports continue with- said Pol Col Mana Kleebsat- conditions in forests and southern island of Koh Lipe, victims or being smuggled. Chailert criticised some out strict controls, “Thailand tabudh, deputy commander at shacks far from communi- said Mr Mana. Unlike trafficking, which state agencies for signing will risk losing more domes- the anti-trafficking division. ties, which shows the bad The boat had come from is control over another person elephant delivery deals with ticated elephants,” she said. There are about 4.9 million intentions of those bringing Bangladesh and had been for the purpose of exploitation, foreign countries but rarely Bangkok Post migrants in Thailand, mak- them,” Mr Mana told the at sea for two to three days smuggling is merely illegal ing up more than 10% of the Thomson Reuters Foundation. before running out of oil and entry into another country.

Amendment of cannabis law sought regulations to be revised to these practitioners will not traditional medical practi- BANGKOK help 3,000 folk practitioners, be allowed to use cannabis tioners recognised by the including activist Decha Siri- because the 2018 Narcotic Act Thai Traditional Medical NEW PUBLIC HEALTH pat, prescribe cannabis without permits only professionals – Professions Act – to prescribe Minister Anutin Charnvira- violating narcotic laws. such as doctors, pharmacists, cannabis to their patients. kul has ordered ministerial Without the amendment, dentists and licensed Thai Mr Decha and 3,000 other practitioners received a five- year-certificate from the De- partment of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTTAM) to tend to their patients, but they are not treated as professionals under From left Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the law. Khaokwan Foundation president Decha Siripat and Bhum- To acquire that status, they jaithai Party adviser Julpas Kruesopon after a meeting to need to undergo a year-long discuss medicinal use of cannabis. Photo: Bangkok Post process to get approval from the Ministry of Public Health. (July 22). He was speaking sional under Thai Traditional “The amendment is an after a meeting of advocacy Medical Professions Act. attempt to help users of can- groups. Mr Decha is president of nabis taking the drug for The move comes after the the Khaokwan Foundation, medical reasons. We want Food and Drugs Administra- a sustainable agriculture to make sure patients and tion (FDA) last Friday an- advocacy group. Three years medical practitioners of can- nounced it could not approve ago he started giving away nabis medical treatment will the “Decha Oil” formula his own version of cannabis be free from legal problems,” cannabis-extract oil because oil to patients for free. Mr Anutin said on Monday Mr Decha was not a profes- Bangkok Post

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019 BUSINESS NEWS 9 Getting a foothold on freehold Foreigners can own property in their own name, if it’s done right be up to 49% foreign owner- give you a “fractional interest” THE PHUKET ship of a condominium. This in the building. This means PROPERTY GUIDE means a minimum of 51% of you technically own part of the unit area in any condo the common area such as the Thai Residential [email protected] development must be owned swimming pool, gymnasium, by Thai nationals, which may gardens, car park and the ny foreigner buying a also include Thai companies. reception area. property in Thailand Clearly, this the best way When you receive a title Amust always contend for foreigners to own property to your condominium unit, it with one major hurdle: they in Thailand because they can should not only specify the are prohibited from owning own a condo fully and legally. square footage (metreage) of land. For the sake of clar- With the title in their own the actual unit, but also the ity, this refers to any villa, name, condo ownership is total common area. It should estate house, shophouse or permanent and in perpetuity then state what percentage townhouse, the ownership until the foreign owner makes interest in the common area of which is inextricably tied a decision to sell it. is owned by the unit. to the land. In other words, Freehold condominiums It is also worth noting “landed property”. also enjoy favourable legisla- that the fractional interest Someone reading Thai- tion on inheritance, that is to will also correspond to the land’s Land Code may be a say a foreigner is entitled to voting interest each owner little confused by what the Condominiums are not always high-rise buildings. They can be clusters of low-rise pass a Thai condominium on holds in the owners/residents letter of the law says about buildings, townhouses in developments with specific licensing, or even sprawling villa- to an heir. association. foreigners owning land in the like units. Photo: Shutterstock Condominiums are not If you are seeking nothing Kingdom. Instead of specifi- always high-rise buildings. less than full titled freehold cally prohibiting foreigners the right to own immovable this creates a loophole in the forbid foreign ownership of They can be clusters of low- ownership, then you must look from owning land, the letter properties…” law which you can exploit. land in Thailand. And this rise buildings, townhouses in at a condominium or condo- of the law surprisingly states What Section 86 does not But in Thailand, the lawmak- “spirit” is regularly enforced. developments with specific licensed residence. that foreigners (referred to mention is that the last treaty ers’ intent – also called “The The laws regarding free- licensing, or even sprawl- as “aliens”) are allowed to extending such a right expired Spirit of the Law” – can and hold condominium owner- ing villa-like units, which This article is from the own land. in 1970. does form the basis of some ship, on the other hand, are you barely realise are semi- 2018/2019 ThaiResidential This is a direct quote from So while the intent of legal decisions. considerably clearer and far detached. (There will be more Phuket Property Guide. To the Land Code Promulgating the Land Code Act is pretty In the absence of any more agreeable. on types of property in later download the 2019/2020 Guide Act (Section 86): “Aliens may obvious, the literal wording treaty, the spirit of the law Ownership of a freehold articles in this column.) visit: https://thairesidential. acquire land by virtue of the is not there. In any other in the case of Section 86 of condominium is fairly clear- In each case, however, com/phuket-property-guide/ provisions of a treaty giving country, you may think that the Act above is clearly to cut. Under Thai law, there may your condominium title will or call +66 9484 11918.

@thephuketnews 10 BUSINESS NEWS THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019 The great disappearing trick Tourism arrivals, spending hold despite fall in Chinese arrivals a 1.3% increase in spending, from TOURISM B39.89bn last year to B40.40bn

The Phuket News this year. [email protected] Arrivals from Eastern Europe also rose, by 4.25% year-on-year, he total number of tourist with a 1.26% increase in spending arrivals and revenue gener- to B21.818bn. Tated for the country during Also growing were arrivals from the first half of 2019 show limited the US, rising +4.8% year-on-year growth compared with figures for to 595,226 in H1 2019, spending the same period last year, but the B45.287bn in the first half of the year. number of Chinese arrivals fell by The number of visitors from nearly 5%, according to the latest Australia, however, continued to statistics released by the Ministry fall, from 384,644 in Jan-June 2018 of Tourism and Sports (MoTS) on to 377,260 this year (-1.92%), with a Monday (July 22). corresponding fall in spending from A total of 19,769,347 tourists B31.04bn last year to B30.39bn this visited Thailand from Jan-June (H1) year (-2.09%). this year, up 1.48% on H1 2018, the Meanwhile, visitor arrivals from MoTS reported. India during H1 2019 continued to Total revenue generated through boom, from 788,703 last year to tourist arrivals for H1 2019 was given 978,785 this year (+24.1%), with a at B1.0224 trillion, also up 0.94% 27.54% increase in spending from for the same period last year, the B30,857bn last year to B39.354bn statistics showed. Tourists are still coming to Thailand, but the demographics are certainly changing. Photo: TAT this year. The growth comes despite arrivals Average spending per capita by from Mainland China falling 4.73%, increasing 5.83%, bringing an 8.4% from 850,989 last year to 825,556 to B258.779bn 19 in H1 2019. tourists from India rose from B39,124 from 5,931,153 during H1 2018 to increase in spending. this year, with a 4.1% fall in spend- Visitor arrivals for all the Scan- in H1 2018 to B40,207 in H1 2019. 5,650,474 in H1 this year. Likewise, visitors from Japan rose ing, from B64.35bn in H1 2018 to dinavian source markets fell year However, while average spend- Spending by Chinese tourists dur- by 10.83% for the six months year-on- B61.713bn in H1 this year. on year: Sweden -10.65%, Denmark ing per capita by Australian tourists ing the half also fell, from B323.46 year, from 779,925 to 864,379, bring- European arrivals also fell year- -3.25%, Finland -14.91%, Norway to Thailand fell marginally from billion last year to B310.47bn this ing a 14.57% increase in spending on-year, down 1.86%, from 3,537,934 -0.18%. B80,698 for H1 2018 to B80,561 year (-4.02%). during the six months, from B32.58bn last year compared with 3,604,954 However, visitor arrivals from in H1 2019, the average Australian Asian source markets still held last year to B37.32bn this year. in H1 last year. Spending also fell the UK rose 1.38%, from 497,862 tourist still spent twice as much as strong, with arrivals from Hong Kong Arrivals from Russia fell 2.99%, 2.33%, from B264.962bn in H1 2018 last year to 504,754 this year, with the average Indian tourist.

Cross Hotels & Resorts doubles down on Patong world’s best places to visit,’’ HOSPITALITY Mr Lucas said. “It reinforces that we are HOTEL MANAGEMENT delivering on our stated devel- company Cross Hotels & opment aspirations of acquir- Resorts has continued its ing quality hotels with large strategic expansion in Phuket inventories in the world’s most with the announcement on popular visitor destinations Monday (July 22) of its third and gateway cities.” hotel management agreement “Phuket has been clearly on the island. identified as a key target Cross Hotels & Resorts destination for Cross Hotels Anthony Dupont has been appointed General Manager of the luxury five-star Phuket resort Paresa in Kamala. announced the signing of & Resorts now and into the Photo: Supplied a hotel management agree- future,’’ he said. ment with PT Three Land Cross Hotels & Resorts Co Ltd for its third Phuket X2 Vibe Phuket Patong will soon have a sibling hotel in EVP Commercial Paul Wil- property, X2 Vibe Phuket Patong. Image: Supplied son said the company was Paresa resort Patong Center. passionate about delivering Set to open in mid-2021, the signing of Away Phuket hotel is a 40-minute drive unique commercial solutions the hotel is located a 10-min- Le Coral, located near Natai from Phuket International for hotel owners and enriching names new GM ute walk to Patong Beach and Beach, north of Phuket, in Airport. Featuring 58 suites, it experiences for our guests. Worldwide, constantly on the Bangla Rd, explained the May this year. offers nature-inspired designer “We operate distinct and HOSPITALITY move globally over the next announcement. X2 Vibe Phuket Patong, rooms, a sea view infinity pool, aspirational brands for scal- 10 years. X2 Vibe Phuket Patong on Haad Patong Rd, is located a restaurant and bar, a spa, is- able and sustainable growth LUXURY FIVE-STAR Moving to Bangkok after Center will offer 323 gues- close to key tourist attractions, land tours, treks through virgin and have a strong pipeline of resort Paresa on Kamala’s a year in Sri Lanka whilst trooms, all-day dining restau- a large shopping mall and a jungles and rafting adventures future acquisitions in place. “Millionaires Mile” has an- working for a large destina- rants, a café and bar, a meeting two-minute walk from the along scenic lakes and rivers. “The signing of our third nounced the appointment of tion management company, he room and fitness facilities. beach. It features 136 modern Cross Hotels & Resorts hotel in Phuket is very excit- its new General Manager, first entered the hotel industry “Key features include rooms and villas and facilities CEO Peter Lucas said the ing and only the beginning of Anthony Dupont. with Aman Resorts in Laos, specially designed family including a large central swim- company was very pleased what we have in store for this Mr Dupont, a Phuket resi- Cambodia and Thailand, noted rooms and state-of-the-art ming pool and sundecks, a spa, to be signing its third hotel thriving global destination,” dent originally from England, the announcement. kids club, large adult swim- a fitness centre, a restaurant in Phuket within the past 12 he said. has seen his career take him Relocating to Phuket saw ming pool with sunken DJ and bar and meeting facilities. months. Cross Hotels & Resorts to over 40 countries. Anthony in positions of Direc- bar, underwater speakers, Away Phuket Le Coral is “It is a significant mile- currently operates 25 hotels He entered the industry tor of Sales and Marketing at relaxing music and cocktails,” currently undergoing renova- stone to be adding X2 Vibe across three distinct brands: upon completing his master’s The Sarojin, Ani Villas and the announcement read. tion with completion scheduled Phuket Patong Center to our X2, X2 Vibe and Away in degree in development eco- Indigo Pearl and finally Execu- The announcement follows for late this year. Located on growing portfolio of hotels in Thailand, Vietnam and In- nomics in the UK and began tive Assistant Manager at The the debut of X2 Vibe Phuket the beachfront of Natai Beach Phuket – officially recognised donesia. his path in the leisure industry Slate, the announcement added. Patong in September 2018 and in Phang Nga Province, the as one of Asia and indeed the The Phuket News as a tour leader with Explore The Phuket News

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019

The Lion King remake A plan to tackle plastic FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019 is the cat’s whiskers 12 pollution in Phuket 14 THE INSIDE SCOOP I scream, you scream, we all scream for… gelato

Amy Bryant [email protected] here were a lot of things I didn’t know before my visit to Pluto Ice Cream’s HQ in Wichit. 1. Gelato and ice cream are distinctly different desserts (and you should really read up on that before meeting passionate Italian gelato chefs). 2. Gelato universities are a thing. 3. Thailand has a strong appetite for Pluto’s frozen treats which have been shipped and served across the country for almost two decades. TIf you’ve been on the island for any significant stretch of time, there’s a strong chance you’ve sam- pled Pluto’s gelato yourself. You might not be aware of it, though, as Pluto specialises in events and wholesale, providing their desserts to hotels, resorts and restaurants often in the customer’s own branded tubs. A shame, really, given that the company logo is a memorable and meaningful one: a portrait of founder Giovanni Durante’s beloved dog, a pint-sized Pinscher, sporting a bow tie in the colours of the Ital- ian flag. Giovanni brought the pup in question, Pluto, with him when he moved from Toirano, Italy to Koh Pluto HQ. Phi Phi in 1994. Although Pluto passed on some years ago, he is immortalised in the company name. Koh Phi Phi was a different island when Giovanni and Pluto landed there in the ’90s. Not untouched but certainly not tainted by overtourism. In fact, the absence of electricity at night forced Giovanni to close his restaurant on the island as it was impossible to serve evening diners. In 2001, some years after a consistent power supply was introduced, Giovanni set up a handful of gelato shops and stalls across the island. But just as business was picking up pace and the company was establishing itself – supplying major resorts such as JW Marriott Photo: JÉSHOOTS/ Pexels and Le Meridien – the tsunami hit and Giovanni was forced to build the company up again from scratch. milk tea, and classic flavours, like chocolate, straw- Thailand continued to place obstacles in Pluto’s berry and vanilla, are also bespoke in that they can be path over the proceeding years – customers’ restau- made softer, richer, sharper, sweeter, sugar free, dairy rants shut down by the military during coups, staff free and more according to the customer’s preference. infected with SARS and bird flu, sales hampered by Giovanni and Dario both studied at Carpigiani the hangover of the financial crisis – but the company Gelato University in the suburbs of Bologna where has always come out on top. they learnt the art and science of creating this artisa- Dario and Giovanni launch their next project: Pluto coffee. Two Pluto shops remain at Koh Phi Phi’s Tonsai nal iced treat and left as qualified gelatieres, joining Bay, and in 2010 Giovanni set up a European-standard some 12,000 graduates who have completed one of the prepared in smaller batches with fresh, natural ingre- factory in Phuket, allowing Pluto to supply over 100 school’s 500 courses. They credit the university for dients. And the higher serving temperature of gelato hotels and resorts in Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi, Koh their creativity and experimentation with gelato, and means easy access to those rich and natural flavours. Samui, Bangkok, Pattaya and Chiang Mai. In high Giovanni’s embossed diploma hangs proudly on the But now that begs a further question: why is the season, that means 1,000 kilograms of gelato per day wall of his office alongside a portrait of Pluto. company called Pluto Ice Cream? For ease of under- zipping around the country by van and even plane for So gelato is serious business. But what is the dif- standing, essentially. When Giovanni set up Pluto, he next-day delivery. Pluto caters to customers outside ference between gelato and ice cream? While the key felt ice cream was a more familiar term in Thailand of the hospitality sector too, and are soon to launch on ingredients are similar – milk, cream and air – the than gelato, although he’s since seen a growing under- Foodpanda for that very reason. proportions and churning of those ingredients make all standing of the differences. What sets Pluto apart, and perhaps explains the the difference. You get more bang for your baht with Pluto Gelato certainly feels more apt a name (and company’s lengthy and fruitful career, is the bespoke gelato, whose slow churning process gives it a dense not just because it rolls off the tongue nicely). Like ge- nature of their products. All gelato is made to order texture with up to 25% air. Ice cream, on the other lato, Pluto has substance, is authentic to the core and and they don’t hold any stock. Not a single tub. Cus- hand, is whipped, giving it a light, fluffy texture that’s hasn’t been quick to melt in the heat of the problems tomers are free to request weird and wonderful fla- up to 60% air, causing it to melt quickly. More milk Thailand has thrown at it over the years. vours, and Giovanni and Director of Sales and Mar- and less cream makes gelato much lower in fat, around keting Dario Schena are yet to turn down an order. 4-9%, or even 0% with some fruit gelato. Ice cream, The Pluto Ice Cream factory is located at 34/58 Moo 1, Gorgonzola and pear? Sure. White and black truffle? however, is cream and egg heavy and so has 18-30% Wichit, 83000. Contact them by phone on (+66) 76 393 Why not. Porcini mushroom? They’ll give it a go. A host fat. Ice cream also tends to be made on an industrial 398 or by email at [email protected] or visit of local flavours, such as pandan, coconut and Thai scale with artificial flavouring while gelato is artisanal, www.icecreamthailand.com for more information.

@thephuketnews 12 ENTERTAINMENT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019

Now showing in Phuket.

A roaring success The Lion King remake a cinematic masterpiece to change CGI forever

isney’s plan to reimagine some of their most I went into The Lion King with a tinge seeing the tiny lion cub Simba being David Griffiths iconic films seems to have divided audiences of excitement. The film’s director Jon threatened by Scar and his army seems around the world. The hatred that was lev- Favreau (yes, the same guy who plays pretty tame when you compare it to elled at The Lion King before its world pre- Happy Hogan in the Marvel universe) what you see here. Here it really does miere was unprecedented and, as it turned had previously created a piece of cin- look like a real lion cub is about to meet out, completely unwarranted. The outrage ematic brilliance with his reworking its fate from an over-zealous uncle. The didn’t stop what is arguably the world’s most of The Jungle Book, while Disney itself result is that the film takes on a darker powerful movie studio, though. In the week had been on a winner with Aladdin. My tone like the original story of Hamlet before The Lion King’s premiere, Disney released a excitement, it turns out, was not mis- (which inspired The Lion King) which in trailerD for the reimagined Mulan and announced the placed because what we have here with turn makes for more suspenseful view- casting choices for The Little Mermaid. Favreau’s The Lion King is a true mas- ing for the audience. Maybe I’m a little different to some movie fans but terpiece that has the potential to change The realism also leads to the film’s the visual aspects of cinema forever. only real downside. With the animals It’s true that the film does not looking so realistic, when they move venture away from the original story. their mouths to sing it sometimes looks Young Simba (voiced by JD McCrary) really awkward. While it’s easy to finds himself the innocent victim when imagine an animated warthog or lion his uncle, the villainous Scar (Chiwe- singing, the sight of a realistic animal tel Ejiofor), hatches a plan to kill and doing the same thing looks just plain dethrone his father – the good King weird at times. And I have to admit that Mufasa (James Earl James). while the cast do a good job performing Convinced by Scar that he is the rea- the new versions of the classic songs, son that his father died, Simba (later they pale into significance in compari- voiced by Donald Glover) flees to the son with the original tracks – nobody wilderness where he befriends a wart- can ever match the great Elton John. hog named Pumbaa (Seth Rogen) and Pushing all that aside, though, the the adventurous meerkat Timon (Billy casting of the characters for this retell- Eichner). Meanwhile, Simba’s best ing seems to have worked very well. friend Nala (Beyoncé) is left back in a The comedy trio of John Oliver (who vicious new world run by Scar and his voices Zazu), Seth Rogen and Billy cruel army of hyenas. Eichner do such a great job that they What makes Favreau’s version of almost steal every scene they’re in. the classic tale stand out from the well- Chiwetel Ejiofor captures the menacing loved original is the visuals. Just like he nature of Scar amazingly well, and re- did with The Jungle Book, Favreau and taining James Earl Jones as Mufasa is his team have created CGI animals so one of the smartest ideas that the film- realistic that at times it feels like you makers could have had. It is also good are actually watching real, live animals to hear Beyoncé do such an amazing job performing for the camera. Unlike the as Nala because it often feels that her darkened landscape in The Jungle Book, acting talents are forgotten. which saw some of the realistic imagery The man who really needs to take a lost, in The Lion King, when the CGI an- bow for The Lion King, though, is Jon imals are placed on the beautiful canvas Favreau. This film cements Favreau as that is the African wilderness, everyone of the best directors of this genera- thing comes to life in a way that we have tion. The man rarely makes a bad film never seen on the big screen before. – even Cowboys & Aliens was a winner Not only do the visuals make you in my eyes – and when you group The feel like you’re watching a David At- Lion King with The Jungle Book, you tenborough documentary instead of a can say that he has changed the look Disney film, but Favreau, the awesome and feel of CGI forever. director that he is, often takes the audi- Favreau’s The Lion King is a cin- ence on a journey, following one of the ematic masterpiece. animals as they run or, better still, seeing the action from the point of view of David Griffiths has been working as one of the lovable creatures. a film and music reviewer for over 20 The realism that these visuals cre- years. That time has seen him work in ate does also make the film seem a lot radio, television and in print. You can darker than many would have found follow him at www.facebook.com/subcul- the original. In the animated version, tureentertainmentaus

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019 CULTURE 13 The melting pot Luk kreung people in history and popular culture

SIRINYA’S WORLD

Dr Sirinya Pakditawan [email protected]

t’s been a while since I’ve explored the influence of luk kreung (i.e. half-Thai people) on popular culture. Today it seems that a great number of part-Thai people are prominent in Thai popular culture. However, this phenomenon is not new considering that the first luk kreung actors appeared in the I1940s to 1960s. This, nevertheless, is not widely known nowadays. In a previous article I discussed the topic of interracial marriage prior to Kukrit Pramoj and M.R. Pakpring Thongyai. Amara Asavananda. the later decades of the 20th century, mentioning that those relationships because she got married to Kukrit ers get a condom with the bill. With this Sirinya Pakditawan is half-Thai were mostly limited to small groups of Pramoj, the 13th prime minister of project, he wanted to make condoms as and holds a PhD from Hamburg people in cultural contact zones. Howev- Thailand who was also an actor. He common and accepted as cabbages. University. She enjoys writing about er, interracial marriages became more acted alongside Marlon Brando in the I hope I’ve provided you with a window Thailand, with a focus on culture, common in the late 1960s and 1970s American movie The Ugly American into the past, introducing you to some of art, history, tradition and on the in Southeast Asia due to the Vietnam (1963). What is more, Pramoj is the the first luk kreung people in history, poli- people. To read the original story, War. Consequently, in that time period author of the classic Thai novel Four tics and Thai popular culture. Thanks to and many more, be sure to check more mixed-race children were born. Reigns (Si Paendin). my Thai-American friend Steven Layne out Sirinya’s blog: www.sirinyas- for this lead. thailand.de Luk kreung in history Luk kreung in early popular culture I’d like to begin with a historical ex- I’d like to turn to the amazing Amara ample from the 19th century. Of course, Asavananda, a Thai-French actress you’ve certainly heard of the famous Sia- and beauty pageant girl from the mese twins Chang and Eng Bunker. The 1950s. There is one picture in which I twins were born in 1811 and brought to would have mistaken her for Elizabeth the United States in 1829 where they Taylor. She was the second runner-up became known in “freak shows”. Later, of Miss Thailand in 1953 and became the conjoined twins became American Miss Universe in 1954 which took citizens and got married to sisters Sa- place in the United States. rah and Adelaide Yates. In total, they Born in 1937 to Luang Prajerd- had 21 children. Their descendants now aksonlak (Sombhoj Asavananda) and number more than 1,500, many of whom Madam Prajerd-aksonlak (Georgette meet annually in North Carolina, where Asavananda), Amara was a well-known Chang and Eng settled. actress in Thai movies from the 1950s. Perhaps you also remember the In 1966, she married Police Lieu- family of Mhom Mali, a Russian lady, tenant General Ankoon Purananda and General Mhomjao Thongtekhayu and eventually received less acting Thongyai? The General was one of a roles. Later in the 1970s, she still few men of royal heritage who got mar- worked as an actress but only got sup- ried to Western women in the early porting roles. She has two daughters, 20th century. Mhom Mali and the Gen- Apichaya and Anoma. eral settled in Hua Hin and had four There is another luk kreung ac- children. Their oldest luk kreung son tress from that era called Kesarin M.R. Chakthong Thongyai, born in Patamawa. Perhaps she is not as well 1913, became a prominent politician. known as Amara but she is Thai- He became the Minister of Agriculture French too. Like Amara, Kesarin was and Cooperatives. He was also a Sena- one of the first luk kreung in Thai tor. There is likely no other half-Thai showbiz and pop culture in the 1950s. person to achieve this position in the She was also an actress who was active Thai government. He died in 1998 at in movies from 1958 to 1962. the age of 85. Last but not least, there is also a His sister M.R. Pakpring Thong- luk kreung politician and Thailand’s yai, born in 1916, became famous too leading philanthropist that I’d like to mention here: Mechai Viravaidya, born in 1941 of Thai-Scottish origin. In Thailand he is known as Mr Con- dom because he promoted not only condoms but also family planning and sexual-safety awareness in the 1960s and 1970s. In 1973 he founded a non- profit organisation called ‘Population and Community Development Associa- tion’. His main aim was to improve the living conditions of the rural poor. He also founded a restaurant chain called Sarah, Eng, Chang, Adelaide, Albert and Patrick Bunker. Cabbages and Condoms where custom-

@thephuketnews 14 ENVIRONMENT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019

The organic vegetable gardens on Koh Siray use tyres filled with soil and compost. Cleaning up Phuket Using nature’s tools to create a healthier, happier community

Palmer Owyoung Here is our five-step plan for cleaning gas that’s coming from them. Compost- the environment. ing is one of the most important things f you live in Phuket for long, we can do to fight climate change and you’ll inevitably hear people com- Prevent plastic from entering the ocean it can be used to enrich soil to produce plaining about the plastics prob- We will do this by installing debris healthy fruits, vegetables and herbs lem on the beaches, or the pollut- nets into the klongs. So rather than from community gardens. ed klong water leaking into the only trying to collect the rubbish once On Koh Lanta, they’ve created a ocean. But very few people ever it’s been deposited into and then regur- programme with some of the hotels to try to find solutions to address gitated by the ocean, we intend to cap- generate income by buying the compost these issues, and so the Asia Pa- ture the rubbish before it has a chance back from local Thai workers and using cific Environmental Network (APEN), to enter it. This will prevent it from it as fertiliser. Plastic in the Koh Siray klong. IKamala Green Club and Oceans for breaking down into microplastics and All have worked together to come up it will also catch a larger amount of Seaweed and shellfish farming ing into the waters that surround the with a few solutions using mushrooms waste before it can be washed out into Our fourth proposal involves planting island, which is then ingested by the (mycoremediation) and plants (phytore- the sea or be eaten by fish. seaweed and shellfish farms along the same fish that are likely to end up on mediation) to repair the damage that coasts. This will have two benefits. The your dinner plate. we’re doing to the ecosystem. Clean the klongs using mushrooms first is that it will provide a habitat for This makes Koh Siray the ideal place The plan doesn’t just address the (mycoremediation) fish and other sea animals. The second to implement our clean-up plan. Dr Pe- klongs but also how as a community we Our second solution is to utilise mush- is that it will absorb CO2, heavy metals, ter Harris of APEN has been working can do our part to fight climate change, rooms to remove oil, heavy metals, bac- sewage, nitrates and phosphates from with the local leaders of the community clean up the plastics problem, restore teria, fecal matter, sulfates, nitrates and detergent that’s sometimes carelessly on Koh Siray for several years, including coral reefs, clean the oceans and con- other contaminants from the klong wa- tossed into the ocean. the mayor and some of the local schools tribute to the economic wellbeing of the ter. Mushrooms are a big stomach and Seaweed is the fastest-growing plant in the area, to build compost sites and island that we call home. Because these they can digest almost anything. These on the planet and can sequester five gardens. He was influential in getting solutions use the tools that nature has filters could easily be made using a com- times more CO2 than the quickest-grow- the Australian Navy to visit on April 29, given us, none of these projects cost bination of coffee grounds and different ing tree can. This method is currently 2019 to help clean up the beaches and more than B200,000 to implement. strains of mushrooms placed in burlap being used in the different parts of the provide waste bins, composting materi- In fact, most cost between B10,000- sacks. This is successfully being done to United States to fight climate change als and gardening tools. B100,000. clean up sewage in Washington and Or- and repair dead zones in the ocean. There remains a lot of work to be Contrary to popular belief, much egon at the moment. done, but if we are successful on Koh of the plastic that we see on the beach Mushrooms have also been used to Coral reef restoration Siray we will be able to clean up the rest isn’t left behind by careless beachgoers. clean up forests contaminated with oil In Miami, Florida, they’re breeding cor- of Phuket as well. Some of it comes from Indonesia but and nuclear waste, and there is even a als that are resistant to climate change The plan is solid, scientifically the majority of it comes from people far strain of mushroom named pestalotiop- and replanting them in the ocean using sound, low-tech, relatively inexpensive away from the beach who litter or from sis microspora that’s capable of breaking a unique fracturing method that short- and proven to work by other communi- the wind blowing waste out of garbage down and digesting plastics. ens the growth cycle to several months ties around the world. It uses the tools bins. The plastic then makes its way to a year rather than several years to nature has given us rather than using into storm drains, which empty into the Create a community compost a decade. We can replicate their suc- harsh chemicals to clean up our mess. klongs and eventually into the oceans. Approximately 50-60% of household cess and repair the dead or dying reefs Working towards a greener, cleaner, While beach clean-ups are important waste is compostable, which means it around Phuket. plastic-free Phuket isn’t just good for and have their place, they will never be can be kept out of landfill and help to Coral reefs are important because tourism and the environment. Neigh- enough to keep beaches clean. reduce the amount of CO2 and methane they sequester CO2, are an important bours who know each other and are source of food, provide a habitat for fish, working towards a common goal tend to filter dirty water and protect our coast- be friendlier which makes for a happier lines from erosion. and healthier community to live in.

Welcome to Koh Siray What can you do? Koh Siray is a small, quiet island on the Support our efforts by visiting Go- east coast located next to Phuket Town. FundMe.com, searching for ‘Koh Sirae’ Despite its beautiful views, it’s not a and making a donation. place commonly frequented by tourists Join the strategic planning forum or even expats living here. It’s the poor- chaired by Rassada Municipality at The est area of the island and is home to Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, Phuket about 10,000 people. Nevertheless, it’s on September 4. The event will bring one of the most important communities together stakeholders who would like to in Phuket because it’s home to two ports see vast improvements in sustainability, where up to 200 tons of fish a day are health and wellbeing and waste reduc- caught. This represents approximately tion in the area. Contact Dr Harris via 80% of the fish caught on the island. email at [email protected] for more Unfortunately, the klongs where they information. live are clogged with plastic and filled with disease-causing bacteria and fecal Palmer Owyoung is a writer who has matter. Many of the children living in recently joined the APEN team to create the village are developing skin rashes a collaborative approach to waste reduc- and illnesses. The pollution is flow- tion on Koh Siray and around Phuket.

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019 EDUCATION 15 Celebrating differences In an uncertain world, schools must teach a love for our common humanity

remain ever mindful of my first visit to Phuket, just a little over 41 years ago. It is a hard place to forget, of course, but in my mind’s eye I see only a EDUCATION smattering of tourists, on slow roast, in a pristine CORNER natural environment. In this pre-internet age, life and travel seemed much slower, perhaps less Neil Richards convenient and more uncomfortable, but certainly more rewarding for the effort required. I have to get my mind’s eye up to date (as well as my technology A school skills):I Phuket is still beautiful, but the world has ar- should be rived. In fact, regrettably perhaps, this is true for almost every place on the planet – the world has finally a place arrived and is clamouring to get in. And what a bur- of exploration and den this now places upon us all, but especially upon opportunity, and not teachers as they struggle to interpret and determine BISP, together. Photo: BISP the educational needs of the future. a well-worn track What should we teach in a world where all human environment that stifles creativity or and not just a well-worn track emerg- emerging out of the knowledge and all human frailty are but a quick, slick seeks relevance in the past. This is the ing out of the past and disappearing past and disappear- click away? How do we guide our children against a real challenge for schools: to provide into the future. It should be a place backdrop of voices that enter the sanctity of our own a context for the natural curiosity of that enables all students to identify ing into the future. homes, uninvited and far more strident in their de- children; to provide for creativity and their unique talents, and not just their mands upon our time, our hopes and our fears? How initiative; to encourage risk-taking; to shortcomings within a narrow range of can we ensure that we prepare children for an emerg- dance with the family and community; academic disciplines. Fundamentally, a ing world, and not the world of our nostalgic past or and ultimately to examine, share and school should be a place to celebrate dif- our wildly optimistic futures? Our schools must be enjoy our common humanity. ference and where each member of the grounded in the reality of a rapidly changing, highly To embark on any journey safely re- community is able to learn about learn- connected, unpredictable world, and yet remain true quires a reliable moral compass, along ing itself, and, most importantly of all, to the essential values that provide emotional security with encouragement for curiosity and a place to care for the ‘other’. and promote world peace. openness, and, of course, the ability to It is far too easy for educational platitudes to interpret and enjoy the scenery along the Neil Richards is the Headmaster at roll off the tongue, and we all want to be reassured way. Surely, it is only in the uncertainty British International School, Phuket. in this uncertain world. But education is not about that each generation finds fulfilment. For more information, visit them at schooling. Human beings cannot help but learn – it’s And therefore a school should be a www.bisphuket.ac.th or call them on what we do – but learning is not enhanced in any place of exploration and opportunity, +66 (0) 76 335 555.

Kids across Asia to learn lifesaving tips from loved cartoon characters arents will be able to breathe easy storytelling process to raise awareness knowing that characters from The and provide educational information. Powerpuff Girls, We Bare Bears and The messages, which address three The Amazing World of Gumball types of key life-threatening issues, are areP on hand to save the day by teaching approved by the IFRC. The videos com- their children lifesaving tips. plement a series of collaterals that will SAFE STEPS Kids, a new safety be distributed to schools and communi- awareness programme developed by ties across Asia. Prudence Foundation in partnership The first category of videos to launch with Cartoon Network and the Interna- focuses on disasters, featuring the ir- tional Federation of Red Cross and Red repressible superhero trio The Powerpuff Crescent Societies (IFRC), launched Girls. Later in the year, the first aid epi- earlier this month. The programme sodes will be rolled out, featuring the We aims to equip millions of children Bare Bears characters followed by videos across Asia with actionable informa- on road safety featuring characters from tion designed to save lives in the event The Amazing World of Gumball. of emergencies or disaster situations. These videos will air on Cartoon The programme includes a series of Network in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Sin- kid-centric, practical and easy-to-un- gapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, derstand tips through a medium they Vietnam and the Philippines, as well as know and love. on Cartoon Network’s social and online SAFE STEPS Kids comprises a se- video platforms, websites and apps. ries of 12 50-second public service an- Watch the videos at www.safestep- nouncements. Each video features a set skids.com/disasters or www.youtube. of characters from a well-known Car- com/cartoonnetworkasia toon Network series who will anchor the The Phuket News

@thephuketnews 16 ART THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019

A surprising discovery in Houston. Photo: vjlawson2001 / Flickr Greek theatres were the home of catharsis. Photo: kirkandmimi / Pixabay A change of scene The flying thespian continues his travels

get tickets for a few of them and found society has taught us that’s how we’re performing story theatre and have THE PLAY’S them mainly sold out. I was able to go supposed to behave. But when acting, done such plays with kids at Head- THE THING! to the Broadway road show of the hit it is not only acceptable, it is necessary Start International School including musical Aladdin with my daughter and to let those emotions out. There is a Thank Goodness!, The Girl Who Cried Joel Adams was completely wowed. case, therefore, to say that theatre is Wolf!, Harry Potter, How it Began and I’m not a big fan of musical theatre, actually truer to life than most of us Harry Potter and the Magic Mirror. fter finding a thriving theatri- so in order for a musical to impress me, are on a daily basis. This summer I will be using stories cal community in Ashland, the singers/actors have to deliver their The Greeks loved theatre and es- from the Middle Eastern folkloric hero Oregon, I was on my way to roles and songs with enough energy to pecially tragedy because of catharsis. Juha, who might rightfully be called Houston – that’s right, Hou- convince me that the degree of emotion The dictionary definition of catharsis a comic sufi. I will report on how this ston, Texas – a place probably they are feeling is such that there is is: “a. the purification or purgation of goes next month, but let me close by considered by most to be a cul- nothing else to do but burst into song the emotions (such as pity and fear) giving you a synopsis of one of my fa- tural wasteland, but they’d be and dance. And the cast of Aladdin did primarily through art; b: a purification vourite Juha stories. very wrong. just that. It was funny, well-acted and or purgation that brings about spiritu- One day in Baghdad, a beggar at Houston has world-class museums, well-danced with gorgeous costumes, al renewal or release from tension.” the main gate to the market has an Aboth for art and natural history, and décor and very clever, tight staging. Nobody could say that the Greek awful day so that at the day’s end he numerous venues for live theatre, There was even a functional flying plots represented actions that most only has one copper coin and a crust and all these venues are traditionally carpet whose strings I could not find. people experience in their lifetimes of bread for a full day of begging. He packed with people thirsting for what Now how did they do that? Okay, it was – things like fratricide, infanticide, pat- laments that he doesn’t even have is on offer. In fact, as we were entering pure escapism, but hey, it was fun, and ricide coupled with mother marriage, enough money to buy vegetables to eat Houston on the freeway, we saw an exit best of all, the house was packed with etc – and yet the emotions that led to with his bread. to ‘Theatre District.’ I thought, “Wow, all ages enjoying themselves. these deeds taking place are universal, Just then, a delicious smell wafts you don’t see that everywhere you go.” Speaking of energy, you might say so seeing and performing in theatre af- in the air, and the beggar’s stomach So live theatre is far from dead. that the energy we see onstage and fords us the chance to experience strong grumbles terribly at the odour. A rich I quickly counted twelve profes- in productions, musicals or otherwise emotion and energy without having to man’s cook is preparing a wonderful sional theatre venues in Houston, is too big to be true to life. However, suffer the negative consequences. soup just next to him. The beggar gets showing such things as Seussical the think about it, do you ever feel like Okay, back to my theatrical travels, the idea he could just wave his bread Musical, Aladdin: The Musical, The bursting with emotion, whether it’s I am now on my way to Dubai where I in the steam of the soup to get some of Three Musketeers, Murder on the Ori- anger, joy, excitement or any other feel- will be training three groups of young the taste on it. This he does through ent Express, Woyzeck, Hot Mikado, The ing in the emotional spectrum? Sure people in a thing called story theatre. the window when the cook isn’t look- Debbie and Doyle Show, Shakespeare you do, but you control yourself and We will practice for five weeks, culmi- ing, but the rich man himself sees him and more. When I got there, I tried to keep within acceptable limits because nating in a show on August 22. and calls for the constable to arrest What is story theatre? Story theatre him for trying to steal his soup. is the dramatic presentation of one or A crowd has gathered, Juha among more stories told by a group of actors them, when the beggar explains that who play multiple roles and provide he wasn’t trying to steal, he only narration. It’s characterised by the wanted to wave his bread in the steam. use of simple “scenery” like chairs and The rich man says, “Well then, you can tables arranged to suggest various do that, but you have to pay me.” The settings, simple props like scarves or beggar protests he has no money. Juha cardboard tubes used in different ways interjects that he would pay for the in more than one story, and costume beggar to wave his bread in the steam pieces like aprons, glasses and hats. of the soup. When the beggar has done Music is also often incorporated into so and gone his way happily, Juha story theatre performances. pulls out his coin pouch, shakes it and Story theatre was developed in the turns to go. The rich man cries out, 1960s as a definite theatrical art form “Wait a minute! You haven’t paid me!” by Paul Sills, the son of Viola Spolin “Yes, I have,” Juha says, “the sound of who is often credited with being the money for the smell of soup”. mother of improvisational theatre. Paul put a series of story plays togeth- Joel Adams is building a vibrant thea- er in a show called Story Theatre. This tre community right here in Phuket. show went from its Chicago birthplace You can contact him at theatrix- to a very successful run on Broadway. [email protected] or by phone on 093 I have spent some time this year 6490066. Facebook: Theatrix Group

thephuketnews

18 ISLAND SCENE THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019

Pen and Nittaya. Karen, Laura, Annie and Sarah.

Mary and Anna. Laura and Maggy. HIGH SPIRITS AT PHUKET INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S CLUB JULY LUNCH Rainy season downpours couldn't dampen the spirits of the Phuket International Women’s Club (PIWC) who travelled from across the island to Les Diables at Boat Lagoon for the monthly PIWC luncheon on July 18. The restaurant and patisserie served up a delectable set menu for the ladies, including a selection of their signature cakes for dessert.

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019 THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019 ISLAND SCENE 19

Caroline Laleta Ballini with friends from Magazines Latitudes. Paul Michotte, Isabelle Phillipot, Pond, Julien Klein and Marie Phillipot. KATA ROCKS OPENS CONTEMPORARY ART EXHIBITION WITH RECEPTION Kata Rocks launched an exciting contemporary art exhibition on July 19 with a private, invitation-only cocktail reception. The exhibition, in collaboration with Magazine Latitudes, showcases the unique work of prominent Thai artist Narath Boriboonhiranthana. Titled ‘The Remembrance’, her work explores the intersection of Art Nouveau and traditional Thai art. The exhibition runs until August 20.

Kata Rocks Managing Director Richard Pope, M2 Plus Managing Director and Pakamard Mary Sudjit, President of German Standard Armin Founder Pakamard Mary Sudjit and Infinite Luxury Club Manager Kunrapats Yodsapa. Michel and PA at The Passport Resort & Yacht Club Adele Liu Yi Jia. M2 PLUS THROW PARTY TO CELEBRATE OPENING OF SECOND SHOWROOM Last month saw the opening of M2 Plus’ second showroom in Cherng Talay by Phuket’s best-known interior designer Mary Pakamard. The new showroom displays luxury outdoor furniture by Belgian furniture brand Jati & Kebon alongside fitted Italian kitchens from Aran Cucine and Valcucine. Managing Director and Founder Pakamard Mary Sudjit has also expanded her own line to include handcrafted terrazzo bathtubs and basins.

OUTRIGGER LAGUNA PHUKET GOES GREEN WITH HOST OF NEW ECO-MEASURES On July 1, Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort implemented phase one of their environmental measures as part of their global conservation initiative to safeguard oceans and island environments. Plastic bottles and straws are now nowhere to be seen at the resort, and all takeaway containers are The resort hopes the Guests, hosts and management produced from recycled materials. Staff also received reusable bottles will are all on board in the fight reusable bottles they can refill from the resort’s help kick plastic habits. against single-use plastic. reverse osmosis machines, as well as bags for life.

Noi of Phuket Child Watch and RPL president Richard Hearne with staff and RPL Committee members Ding, Eric and Richard with kids at Bang Lung Pitak Daycare Center. students from the Good Shepherd Vocational Training Center. RAWAI POOL LEAGUE DONATES GOODS TO LOCAL CHILDREN IN NEED Kind souls of Rawai Pool League (RPL) recently donated a host of goods and electrical equipment to the Bang Lung Pitak Daycare Center, and a commercial oven to the Good Shepherd Vocational Training Center. The donations were gratefully received by both centres, the former who care for children of prison inmates and those working on construction sites, and the latter who provide vocational training to Thai and Myanmar residents. The funds came from players, captains, bar owners and friends of RPL. thephuketnews @thephuketnews 20 EVENTS THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019

Mashed Potatoes. Roasted Mixed Veg- Squid, Salad buffet, Choice of pota- etables Flavored with Thyme and Garlic. toes and sauces, bread, buns and gar- 26 27 Yorkshire Pudding and Gravy. Enjoy Live lic bread. Reservation recommended. Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Fa- B395 P/P. [email protected] JUL JUL mous Two Chefs Band! Come for the 081 891 4381. FRI SAT FOOD - Stay for the Fun. RESERVE Your Table Now Online at bit.ly/TwoChefsRes- ervations Check out more details on our website at bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents Reser- vations, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong., 30 Kata Beach 076-333-370 Karon 076-286- JUL 479 Patong 076-344-914. TUE

Mussels night @ Shakers 1.2kg mussels served with French fries, your choice, your style: natural, marnière, Provençale, garlic and cream or Thai style. Reservations recommended B295 P/P. [email protected] 081 891 4381. Thai Night Buffet All you can eat Experience Authentic Thai Food. Let’s Sunday Roast Buffet take a tasteful journey through Thai cui- Beef, Pork and Lamb – Cauliflower, Broc- sine, Baan Talay is feature a tempting Light and Fresh Buffet coli, Peas, Carrots, fried mushrooms, selections of traditional Thai food and lo- The Watercourt is presenting a line of grilled tomatoes – Yorkshire pudding cal Phuket delicacies. Enjoy with a variety tasty Italian Cold Cut, Gourmet Salads, – roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes – of live station; Thai papaya salad, spicy Hearty Soup, Flavourful Desserts and gravy, mushroom sauce, mint sauce. Res- soup and much more to give a true taste Seasonal Fruit. From THB 1,200 net ervations recommended. B350 P/P. shak- of Thailand. THB 950++ per person. Every per guest (Choice of Meat & Seafood [email protected] 081 891 4381. Tuesday from 6 pm to 10 pm. Reservation, grilled - Additional). Banyan Tree, The Angsana Laguna Phuket, fbreservation-la- Watercourt,[email protected], [email protected], 076 358 500. ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ RIBS 076 372 400. Come join us for our WEEKLY BBQ EVE- RY FRIDAY served ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in All You Can Eat BBQ Pork Ribs, Chicken and Sides for ONLY 495 BAHT! Our BBQ is famous at Two Chefs! Come try us out and enjoy our mouthwatering pork ribs, flavor-bursting chicken and more! Join us for Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the Fun. www.twochefs.com Kata Beach 076-333-370 Karon 076-286-479 The Phuket Drum Circle Patong 076-344-914. 7th Year All you can eat The Phuket Drum Circle will celebrate the 7th year anniversary on Sunday July 28 BBQ Ribs night in Naiharn Beach from 4:30 pm to about 6PM – 11PM: All you can eat BBQ Ribs 10:00 pm. This event is always free and served with salad buffet, potato salad & open to the public. Participants can drum, choice of sauces. Reservation recom- dance, or enjoy the scenery and good mended. 295 baht P.P. shakersphuket@ vibes. Experience the magic of community gmail.com, 081 891 4381. drumming and dancing! For updates and videos visit the Facebook page: Phuket Drum Circle ANDAMAN CATCH TUESDAY Every Tuesday our culinary team prepare a special Andaman Catch menu featuring 28 our fish of the day selection prepared in JUL one of three ways, a special seafood ap- SUN 29 petiser and a sweet finish dessert. Pair your catch with one of our sommelier se- JUL lections special offers, available Tuesday MON only. 950* Baht. 18.30 - 22.00 www.salaphuket.com Advance bookings are recommended - 076 33 8888. *Subject to 10% service charge and 7% value added tax. Sala Phuket.

Sunday Roast All Day, All Night QSI Summer Camp 2019 Come enjoy a Traditional Sunday Roast Open to all children from 5 - 12 years of EVERY SUNDAY at Two Chefs Kata Cent- age. American curriculum intensive. Eng- er, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge lish course with the option of Map testing in our Traditional Sunday Roast ALL DAY at the end of the camp. Each student re- & ALL NIGHT for ONLY 445 Baht! Enjoy ceives 2 Tee shirts and a cap as well as a Large ALL YOU CAN EAT selection of All you can eat BBQ night daily snacks and lunch. Sign up today at your favorites! Featuring: Roast Aussie 6pm – 11pm: Beef, Pork, Chick- [email protected] or call 076 304 312. Beef, Pork Loin and Chicken. Roasted or en, Burgers, Sausages, Prawns and

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019 EVENTS 21

award-winning team of BDO, one of the world’s largest auditing and accountancy 31 2 firms, the Asia Property Awards is the gold 1 standard in real estate. Gala Dinner & JUL AUG Awards on 9 August 2019 at The Athenee NOV WED FRI Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok. FRI

15 THU AUG Grow Boating Networking Evening The Grow Boating Networking Evening for August 2019 will be held at The Port of Call Bar and Restaurant, at The Ao Po Grand Marina from 5pm onward. Please contact us if you would like to be our drinks spon- sors. Sponsorship is available from 10,000 The Exotic Fishing Thailand baht and includes a generous advertising 1.5 Million Baht package from The Phuket News. There Tagged Fish Challenge will be a light buffet sponsored by the Port of Call bar and restaurant and special From Nov 1st to March 1st. Test your fish- prices on your favourite beverages. Come ing skills Phuket and Catch a Monster fish and join in the fun, everyone is welcome. and Monster Prize. There is no entry fee, just drop your busi- 50 tagged fish with 50 prizes valued at over ness card or register at the bar. To join our 1.5 Million baht. Anyone can enter for just mailing list please send an email grow- Dot Property Thailand 1,000 baht in addition to your daily fishing [email protected] Grow Boating Awards 2019 ticket ...... Exotic Fishing Thailand, is kindly supported by our media partner Dot Property Winning Weekend is a little Exotic Fishing Thailand, Phang Nga, exot- Ribs, beats, brews - The Phuket News, Live 89.5 radio and more than two months away, but excite- [email protected], English 088 Wednesday Phuket News TV. The Grow Boating Net- ment for the historic event continues to 379 9377 and Thai 081 199 5922. Devour our succulent pork rib set complete working Evening is organised by the Thai build. The four-day showcase will include with sweet corn chowder, blue cheese sal- Yachting Business Association. Find us on the Dot Property Thailand Awards 2019 ad, moist cornbread and finished off with a Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ winners presentation, an exclusive win- bread and butter pudding. DJ Q will keep groups/491098897758155/ or our Website ners party and the return of Thailand’s the soul flowing and your toes tapping as https://www.thaiyachtingbusinessassocia- number one property show. Bangkok’s you wash down those tender ribs with a tion.com/ premier shopping and lifestyle destination, EVERY DAY bucket of craft brews. Full Rack set 1,400 EmQuartier, will host the 1st annual Dot Baht, half Rack set 1,100 Baht. Reserva- Property Winning Weekend. Here’s what tions, SALA Phuket, events@salaphuket. you need to know about the can’t miss com, 076-338-888. event. Sunniya Kwatra.

1 21 THU AUG Kata Rocks - Four Hands SEP Michelin Starred Dinner SAT Kata Rocks is hosting Chef Thomas Diep- ersloot from Michelin-starred Restaurant Prime at Rock Salt Voltaire in Leersum, the Netherlands. This Prime at Rock Salt is the home of smoke will be a very exclusive “FOUR HANDS” and fire at Naiharn Beach. An exclusive dinner event; Chef Thomas will partner eatery, Prime offers a collection of roast- with executive chef Laia (one of the lead- ed, smoked and chargrilled creations from ing female chefs in Phuket) to present its custom-designed kitchen. The al fresco a six-course dinner in one of the iconic dining experience is completed with pano- Penthouse Sky Pool Villas, limited to 20 ramic ocean views across Naiharn Beach. guests, for two night only (2 and 3 Au- Open Daily 6.00 – 10.00 pm at Naiharn BACK TO THE ’70s & ’80s gust). Priced at THB 6,000 net per guest Beach For more information and book- EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT for the six-course menu with drink pairings ings, please call +66 76 380 200 or rock- overlooking the Andaman Sea. Make your [email protected] Don’t miss out on our newest, excit- bookings today at [email protected] ing weekly event at Two Chefs. Come and join us for our special Cajun Grilled Chicken Breast served on a wooden plate with mashed potato, red wine sauce, and bearnaise sauce for ONLY 395 THB. Have 9 a sweet tooth? Treat yourself to the Two Chefs banana flambé served with vanil- AUG la ice cream for ONLY 95 THB. Sit back FRI Kata Rocks and enjoy one of our drink specials as you listen to the famous Two Chefs band Children First Charity Event Presents Contemporary performing all your favorite retro hits and A charity journey from day into night un- Art Exhibition more! Live music starts from 8:30pm and der the theme “Swing for Good” where you Kata Rocks will host an exciting contem- goes late at all of our Two Chefs locations. will enjoy a fun golf tournament through- porary art exhibition, in collaboration with Reservations are highly recommended. out the day at Laguna Golf Phuket. As Latitudes Magazine, when prominent Thai You can book on our website at WWW. the sun sets, sit back and unwind in a artist Narath Boriboonhiranthana show- TWOCHEFS.COM or find us on Face- unique “Battle of the Chefs” charity dinner cases her unique style from 20 July to 20 book at WWW.FACEBOOK/TWOCHEFS PropertyGuru Thailand gourmet experience, complete with deli- August 2019. Titled ‘The Remembrance’, THAILAND. Come for the food, stay for Property Awards 2019 cious food, free-flow beverages and live her work explores the intersection of Art the FUN! Reservations, Call us directly Celebrate Thailand’s finest developers by entertainment – all to support children in Nouveau and tradition Thai art. Narath cre- at Two Chefs Kata Center 076-330-065, nominating them for the industry’s most Phuket. Register your interest now at just ates delicate paper cut art pieces inspired Kata Beach 076-333-370, Karon 076-286- prestigious awards. With a profession- THB18,000 per team of four and help to by her personal history and vivid imagina- 479, Patong 076-344-914 ally run judging system supervised by the raise big bucks for children in need. tion. [email protected]

@thephuketnews 22 TIME OUT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York Across 68. Oust disapproval 1. Chest muscle 69. Hit hard 30. Personal statement 4. Unceasingly 70. Maddox, to intro 1. Famous Mexican drug lord El Chapo was sentenced to 8. ROI Angelina 31. Original life in prison last week. What does ‘El Chapo’ mean? 14. ___ moment 71. Eye site manufacturer’s 2. This month, Djokovic beat Federer in Wimbledon’s 15. ___ record 72. Whereabouts item longest ever singles final. How long was the match? 16. Eggstone 73. Part of some 32. Southern soldier 17. Temperature addresses, abbr. 3. Name the colours of the Google logo, in order. 33. OJ’s judge controls, briefly 35. Legendary Nugent 4. What was first ever Western-made film to air on 18. Pioneering 1982 Down 37. Airline regulator television in North Korea? sci-fi film 1. Guamanian singing 38. N.C. State is in it 5. What is the second largest Thai island, after Phuket? 19. Hammer user star 39. Fix 20. Drake hit lyric, “I only 2. Enclose in a sac Answers below, centre 40. N.F.L. stats love.....” 3. Algiers’ district 41. Calendar pages, 23. “___, old chap” 4. Cornerstone abbr. abbr. 24. Debauchee 5. Miles of “Psycho” 42. Longing for Medium 25. Deep down SUDOKU 6. School that Ian 43. Baton Rouge sch. 29. Deductive Fleming (and 47. Win a hotdog 34. Malt kiln James Bond) consumption 36. Get together attended 37. Beyonce and Jay-Z 7. Time off contest, e.g. hit lyric, “Stack my 8. Pay 48. Comfortable with money fast and go 9. Gadabout 49. Road crew goo (fast, fast, go) ...” 10. Mélange 51. Phone trio 44. Breezed through 11. Shoot 52. Loud 45. Buck passers? 12. Couple 53. Mama Cass ___ 46. Dramatizes 13. Prefix with hertz 54. Amber and balsam 50. More tightly fitted 21. Design sense 56. Finland natives Solutions to last week’s puzzles: 55. Air force, abbr. 22. Emu’s extinct 58. “The jig ___!” 57. Fit cousin 59. Not stereo 58. Sophie hit song 26. Inspiration for 60. Sail holder phrase “You’ve Got Mail” 61. Wall-to-wall carpet 65. Zoomed 27. International measure 66. Org. with eligibility Bollywood star 62. Type of palm rules (last name) 63. Café au ___ 67. Roman 3 28. Sound of 64. Severe blow

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: ; 5) Koh Chang. Koh 5) ; Beckham Like It Bend 1) ‘Shorty’; 2) Four hours and 57 minutes; 3) Blue, red, yellow, blue, green, red; 4) 4) red; green, blue, yellow, red, Blue, 3) minutes; 57 and hours Four 2) ‘Shorty’; 1)

GOT YOUR ISLAND VIEW NUMBER 2.5 petabytes (or a million gigabytes) is the estimated storage capacity of the human brain. 99.9 percent of all species that have ever existed on Earth are now extinct. 416 days how long the average person spends in the bathroom in their lifetime.

Monkey business at Khao To Sae. Photo by Jeffrey Ephreim Villanueva Villegas 500,000 Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket? Email it to [email protected] new Facebook profiles are created every day. That’s six new profiles every second. This week in history

July 26, 1953 year-long armed campaign in certain impeachment – the only Fidel Castro leads an unsuccess- Northern Ireland. time a U.S. president has done so. 16 ful attack on the Moncada Bar- racks, thus sparking the Cuban July 29, 1981 July 31, 781 Revolution. A worldwide television audience The oldest recorded eruption of over 700 million people watch of Mount Fuji. The most recent million July 27, 1890 the wedding of Charles, Prince of eruption was 1707. people living today are thought Vincent van Gogh shoots himself. Wales, and Lady Diana Spencer to be direct descendants of The bullet cannot be removed and at St Paul’s Cathedral in London. August 1, 1992 he dies 30 hours later. Richard Nixon in 1974. Thai Airways International Flight Genghis Khan. July 30, 1974 311 travelling from Bangkok July 28, 2005 Watergate scandal: U.S. President after being ordered to do so by crashes into a mountain in Nepal Source: Uberfacts The Provisional Irish Republican Richard Nixon releases subpoe- the Supreme Court. On August killing all 113 people on board. Army calls an end to its thirty- naed White House recordings 9, he resigns in the face of almost Source: Wikipedia

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URGENT URGENT ART HOUSE House keeper / maid Nai Harn DEVELOPMENT Personal Assistant Seeking a full time maid / house keeper For retired UK/CAD business- Looking for Russian speak- at a private villa in Nai Harn. Please text man in high end resort. Good ing marketing representative English, some driving, shopping your facebook link along with a message with good communication skills high motivated etc. Part Time OK. Brian 089 to 099-398-5375 for consideration. Bobby, and confident training will be provided. info@ 054 4354. 099-398-5375. arthouse.asia, 089 594 6888

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The Phuket News Buy & Sell @thephuketnews

BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE PROPERTY WANTED

Mitsubishi Mirage 10/2018 Willing to Sell / Rent Big A S+S Swan 55 9 months old, 9,000KM, first class insurance. Property in Laguna? URGENTS+S SALE Swan 55 , must let here go.Getting to old! In perfect running cond.. El Like new. THB 360,000. Andy, Call 082 281 Willing to sell or rent your property in Laguna winches Yanmar,all sails.and more. [email protected] , 0869401860. 5976 ENG/098 059 8714 THAI area? Please contact me raisa@rl-property. com +66 (081) 737 1687 (Viber, WhatsApp, Line) Raisa Sheludkina, Railand Property In- Car for sale ternational., 46., Lagoon Road.,Cherngtalay. Bought 30th Dec 2015 we paid baht 1,500,000 Speedboat for Sale ,Thalang.,Phuket 83110., raisa@rl-property. sell for 890,000 or nearest offer. 062 956 14.2 m Speedboat, named Rayao DD, is still in a com, 0817371687, 076324448. good condition with 3 engines, four-stroke engine, 5777. Yamaha manufacture. The boat is owned by 1 owner for 1 year (2018) with well maintenance. 4,400,000, Jane, [email protected], 062 842 486. Car for sale Chevrolet Trailblazer LTZ 2.8 CC. 4X4 For sale House Wanted in Chalong 4 Bedroom House Wanted in Chalong for under 10 million baht. Please email English 095 420 9662 Thai 082 629 1419 jan- me at [email protected] BUSINESSES FOR SALE thisa jaikwang, 199/14 หม ู่ 5 ตำ�บลศร ีส ุนทร อำ�เภอ ถล าง จังหวัดภ ูเก็ต, [email protected], Refurbished B 725,000 Restaurant & Bar URGENT SALE Recently refurbished restaurant & bar for sale in Car For Sale Allamanda 2 Bed Freehold Karon, Phuket, with accom located above. CCTV fit- Ford Fiesta 2012 For sale English 095 420 Hi, Am looking for a 2 Bedroom Freehold Unit at the Allamanda in Laguna. ted throughout the building. The business is up for sale 9662 Thai 082 629 1419 Janthisa Jaik- Budget is 8million baht. Can contact me on [email protected] for 1.9MB or near offer and includes all fixtures, fittings wang, 199/14 หม ู่ 5 ตำ�บลศร ีสุนทร อำ�เภอถลาง Thanks in advance! and stock at point of sale. 062 210 1368. [email protected] จ ังหว ัดภ ูเก ็ต, B 250,000 info@lifestyleinthai- land.com, 0826291419 CARS, TRUCKS FOR RENT Mandala Condo Freehold Wanted Foreign Freehold Wanted for Mandala Condominium in Kamala. Please email MEMBERSHIPS details to [email protected]. Car rental @fair prices URGENT We offer car rentals at BLUE CANYON GOLF MEMBERSHIP 425,000 THB and Seller pays the transfer fee. For more information call 098 URGENT affordable prices. Monthly from 10,000 Baht. Daily 3 Bedroom Condo Wanted 946 0709. Rob George. Looking for 3 Bed Condo/Apartment any area of Phuket for 3million Thai Baht or from 400 Baht. Call us to find out what we offer. thereabouts. Please email [email protected]. Thanks! B3,000,000, Mike 10,000 Monthly. Stig Johansson, 110/78 Moo 2 T Paklok A Thalang 83110 Phuket, [email protected], 0848474377. MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS SPORTING GOODS, EXERCISE BABY GRAND w/ DISC PLAYER CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE “Classic” Baby Grand Piano with “Disc Player”. In perfect condition. 7 years old. Original price 428,000 THB. 170,000, Phuket Town, daryldavies9@gmail. GYM EQUIPMENT - FORD WILDTRAK 2014 com, 080 159 5239 TREADMILL FOR SALE LIFE FITNESS F1 TREADMILL - FOLD- 2.2L Double Cab 4WD 6 GearAutomatic. PROPERTY WANTED ABLE Brand new: THB 35,000+(VAT) One owner. 50,000km. ARB Crash Bars. from retail price of 188,000 Compact New Tyres. English: 081-958-1055 Thai: The Chava Surin - Freehold foldable treadmill. 35000, carolinela- 081-606-5772 580,000 baht, pauljames@ Hi, Am looking for a Freehold Condominium Unit at The Chava in Surin. Please [email protected], +66869504961 expathotel.com, 0819581055 email details to mick11468@@gmail.com . Many thanks! Michael

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The Phuket News Buy & Sell @thephuketnews PROPERTY FOR SALE PROPERTY FOR SALE

Super villa for sale Super villa for sale. 4 bed, 4 bath, 450 sqm private RPM by owner pool villa, 500 sqm land, Heavily reduced price URGENT SALE Unique luxury condo 2 bed, 2 14.9M. Call +66 (0) 92-6950329 15.000.000,-, bath, 155sqm. Foreign FREE +66 (0) 92-6950329. HOLD. Architect remodel in tropical white. Jacuzzi. All round beautiful views. Completely furnished CONDO FOR SALE THE to a high standard. Very motivated owner leaving Thailand. Available DECK PATONG to agents. Priced just REDUCED 44 sqm Condo for sale at THB 5,200,000 – Park- to 15MB or offers. Contact Brian ing space included – Quiet Unit – email: sale. (Owner) 089 054 4354, 076 360 [email protected] - 66937198098. 943. [email protected]

Apartment Block in Soi Ta-Eiad Amazing residential block for sale compris- 1 Bed Condo in ing of 5 x 190sqm fully furnished 3 Bedroom URGENT SALE Kamala Units. Highest quality fixtures and finishing’s Great 1 Bed Condo just 200m with exceptional build quality. All units have fromKamala Beach. Comes internal surround sound systems and wire- with pool and on- site restau- PROPERTY FOR SALE less internet routed in the walls. Full Western kitchen in all units. Rooftop Salt rant. Fantastic location and not Water Swimming Pool with 8 person Jacuzzi and bar. Spectacular panoramic to be missed. Fully furnished views. Units currently being rented out with almost 100% occupancy, so fan- with appliances. Homestay or 2-Bed Furnished tastic investment opportunity. Potential returns of 9% per annum. B61,500,000, investment. B5,417,000. Call Kathu House for Rent Tina, [email protected] Andy. 083 800 1888 2bd/2bth furnished house for rent in Kathu near Loch Palm Golf Course. See link for more photos and details. www.kathuhouseforrent.com B13,500, May or Wes, OCEAN FRONT VILLA [email protected], 0899733276 3 Bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 10 meter infinity swimming pool, maid quarter, fully furnished Phuket Town and ready to move in, usable area of over 330 URGENT SALE 1 Bed Condo 1 story building for rent sqm, very convenient located in a gated com- Wonderful 1 Bedroom Condo near 150m2 Located in Allamanda 1 Laguna munity at the south end of Aopor, 50 meter from Central Festival area. Just 10 minutes Phuket is available for rent. The building the ocean, 150 meter from the new Sheraton to Panwa Beach. A must see!!! Fully has its own drive in, at this time only short Grand Bay Resort , 3 minutes from Grand Aopor Marina, 20 minutes from Airport furnished and conveniently located. term rental available. 096 646 6287 and shopping centers, for sale directly by owner 22.9 mln. + 66 95 0147888. Amenities close by as well as tourist attractions. Full condo facilities. B2,500,000, Tina, phuket@thairesi- PROPERTY FOR RENT OCEAN FRONT LAND dential.com, 0948411918. 7 Rai with 185 meter of ocean frontage, 800 meter from Yacht Haven Marina on Phangnga side, water, 4-Bedroom House for rent electricity, concrete road on the back of property, 4 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms furnished house for rent. building permission for 12 two storey pool villas. For Rawai 1 Bed Seaview 7 minutes to BIS. Newly renovated. Swimming Pool sale direct by owner for only 6 mln Baht per Rai. + and Garage. 65,000, Owner, Baan Suan Loch Plam, 66 95 0147888. Condo Sale [email protected], 081-8996557 (Eng)/ 088- Fantastic seaviews. Fully furnished. Condo fa- 7602825 (Thai) cilities including pool and gym. Close to amenities. This 53sqm condo at Babylon Sky Garden Karon 1 Bed is a great buy. B4,297,277, Andy, phuket@ Condo in Patong for Rent Condo for Sale thairesidential.com Full-furnished studio with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, Karon Butterfly hillside condo for sale just 800m living room, kitchenette, mountain view, and free wifi. from beach. Amenities close by. Fully furnished 2 Rooms available; 66 sq.m and 88 sq.m. Start from and condo facilities. Great investment in great 1 Bed Condo Sale 25,000 THB/month, Jane, social@karonseasand. area of Phuket. Shuttle Bus to Beach and Rental com, 062 842 4861. Program. A must see!!!! B4,300,000, Dmitry , [email protected] Rawai Saturdays Residence beautiful condo Property for rent YAMU in Rawai. Tastefully decorated with Very big house. 400sqm, Land 4400sqm. Available class. Short drive to beach. All condo 1st May. 4 bedrooms- 4 bathrooms , swimming pool. Paul MOORHOUSE amenities. Looks so good that you do Close BIS, UWCT. Must see. Long term lease 110,000 ‘Frontline’ sea view villa overlooking need to see to believe. You will fall in baht/month including pool+ garden service. Khun DI- love at first sight. B6,300,000, Dimi- URGENT SALE Ao Yon Bay and the southern islands. DIER, [email protected], 093 717 9343 Magnificent property with private ele- try, [email protected], 082 (English+French)/ 089 552 9303 (Thai). vator, 4 bedroom suites/6 bathrooms 030 7199 as well as 2 living areas, European design kitchen, games room, bar, Shop for rent at Amari Phuket, Pa- sauna, steam room and wonderful 1 Bed Condo in pool deck with in-ground jacuzzi, infinity pool and waterfall. Fabulous property tong Beach reduced to 65 million Baht for quick sale. 0898737075. Kamala Located at Amari Phuket's lobby building. Size: 33 sqm. MontAzure Twinpalms Resi- Partly furnished: shelves, counter, air-conditioner and tele- dence-Great condo located in phone line. 40,000 THB/month (negotiation available). Khun Kamala. The ultimate in luxury. Mallika, [email protected], 076 340106 #8006 1 Bedroom Condo Kata Has got to be seen to be believed. Fantastic facilities in this Sale resort condo. B15,800,000, Tina, Lovely condo at Utopia Kata for Sale. Com- 0872699206. PROPERTY FOR COMMUNITY pleted in 2017 and close to Kata Beach. Fully furnished. Close to restaurants and ameni- RENT ties. Great views. Rental programme. Full facilities. Dimtry, 082 030 7199. B7,100,000 PASAK LAND PASAK LAND 3.9MB 510 sq.m. Mai Khao 1 bed condo Chanote for sale 3.9MB 510 sq.m. Chanote Private location in prestige area. Mai Khao beach condo. Great new condo- Outstanding Value. Call owner hotel. 470 meters from the sea. 36 sqm. (Alan): 084 0657590. Wonderful place in Phuket. B3.5mn, +66812958526, Victoria. Renovated 3bed Home Villa in Patong Boat Lagoon 2 Bed Condo Bangtao prime location AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY: Beau- Phuket One of the last Villas available in tifully renovated & decorated Mandala Condominium - Wonderful spa- Patong. in top condition. 24 hour 3bed+mezzanine, 250 sqm contempo- cious condo. Great location near Bangtao security. 3 bed, 3 bath, 160sqm rary house featuring: boat berth, roof- beach and Laguna. 184sqm with private living. Fully furnished, garden. top jacuzzi, open kitchen, wine cooler, pool and tropical gardens. B15,900,000, Ms. Manatchanok, 0800409411 2 parkings, storage & laundry area. B Andy, 083 800 1888 75,000 per month, Henry Cumberlege, [email protected] Villa Mission Heights Dream Village Phuket Big Pool house 3bed, 3 1/2 bath, 330sqm living, 900 2bed 2bath 295sqm land 100sqm living + sqm land, very quiet area, 2 km mis- veranda, compl. renovated: new water, elec- sion hill golf, 6km UWC, 8 km airport. tric., tiles, paint in/out, windows, 3A/C, built in owner finance. 0870608400 engl/ kitchen. 0870608400 English/German. Email: german 12.9MB, picharly@gmail. [email protected], B4.9mill. com Stunning Ocean Royal Phuket Marina Views! 2 Bed Beach Front Land 4 bed/bath large pool villa. Privately 2-Bedroom Royal Phuket Marina Con- * 128 meter of white sand beach frontage * amazing located in Cape Heights Cape Yamu. do. Seen to be believed. 195m2 Stylish, views * 9 Rai , Secure Nor Sor 3 Kor tittle * located Furnished. Gardens. Fiber WiFi. Tastefully-Decorated Condominium Fully on Koh Yao Yai * 20 minutes boat drive from Phuket 80,000/rent long term or 30 million Furnished Overlooking Yacht Marina an * public road with water and electricity * ideal for high to sell. Richard, Cape Yamu, Phuket, absolute bargain @ 13.5 Million BahtTina, end development * ready to build * sale direct by owner *ONLY 11.9 Mill. Baht / richarddesmondcapeheights@yahoo. [email protected], 948411918. Rai [email protected], 095 014 7888 co.uk, +66824203270, WhatsApp

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019 SPORT 29 War elephants ready to rise New national coach hitches wagon to Thai trio of J-League stars His first task will be the FOOTBALL qualifying round for the

Bangkok Post World Cup, with Thailand hosting Vietnam in their open- ew national coach ing game. Akira Nishino has The other teams in their Npraised the three Ja- group are the United Arab pan-based Thai stars who he Emirates, Indonesia and Ma- said will be among the main laysia. The eight group winners players in his War Elephants and four best second-placed squad. teams advance to the next The trio, who are playing round. in the J-League, are Chanathip The coach, who guided Songkrasin (Consadole Sap- Japan to the last 16 round of the poro), Theerathon Bunmathan 2018 World Cup, said although (Yokohama F Marinos) and he does not have much time Thitiphan Puangjan (Trinita to prepare the team to face Oita). Vietnam, his job is made easier The 64-year-old Japanese because of the availability of a was appointed coach of the Thai number of good Thai players. senior and U23 sides last week. Over the years, Thai- “Playing in the J-League land have struggled to proves the three players have score due to paucity of fine Akira Nishino says Thailand has the talent to qualify for the World Cup and the Olympics. Photo: AFP potential. I expect that they will strikers and the fact that be my main players for the Thai the Thai domestic league the back of the net for his club national team,” Nishino said is dominated by foreign and country. on Monday (July 22). marksmen. Young star Supachai Chaid- “Regarding the other play- “It is the same problem ed is seen as his successor but ers, I want to watch them play everywhere in Asia. In the J- the Buriram United forward and see their performances. League, many teams also use has scored only two goals in The most important thing for foreign strikers,” Nishino said. the league this season. players of the national team SCG Muang Thong United Earlier, Nishino said the is that they must have spirit star Teerasil Dangda has been Thai players had the ability to Thitiphan Puangjan, left, and Theerathon and dignity to play for their Thailand’s No.1 striker for make it to the World Cup finals Bunmathan pose before a training session Chanatip Songkrasin, known to Thai fans country.” years but has struggled to find and the Olympics. earlier this year. Photo: Bangkok Post as ‘Messi Jay’. Photo: Bangkok Post

@thephuketnews 30 SPORT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019 Russian boxer Maxim Dadashev dies after fight BOXING

AFP Cowboys top Forbes list for the fourth straight year. Photos: AFP ussian boxer Maxim Dadashev has died from brain injuries Forbes’ list names sustainedR in a fight in Mary- land, the Russian boxing federation announced on Tuesday Cowboys richest club (July 23). The values take into ac- The 28-year-old underwent SPORT count earnings before inter- emergency brain surgery in est, taxes, depreciation and Washington after his super- THE DALLAS COWBOYS amortisation. lightweight bout with Puerto top Forbes’ list of the world’s Some 26 of the NFL’s 32 Rican Matias last Friday (July most valuable sports clubs teams appear on the list of 19) was stopped after the 11th for the fourth straight year the 50 most valuable clubs round by his cornerman James as English Premiership giants in the world. “Buddy” McGirt. Manchester United slipped The Yankees are among Dadashev was unable to four places to sixth. seven Major League Baseball walk to the dressing room and In figures released on Tues- teams to feature. La Liga giants was immediately hospitalised, day (July 23), Forbes pegged Real Madrid ($4.24bn, B130bn) and was later operated on to Dadashev suffered brain swelling in his light-welterweight fight with Subriel Matias at the value of the Cowboys at and Barcelona ($4.02bn, relieve pressure from swelling The Theater at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Photo: AFP $5 billion (B154bn). B124bn) and the NBA’s New on his brain. The NFL club owned by York Knicks ($4bn, B123bn) McGirt, who said after the Kremlev told Russian media gey Kovalev, turned pro in bout for the right to become Jerry Jones generate twice as round out the top five. fight he “couldn’t convince” that Dadashev’s body would April of 2016 and relocated to mandatory challenger for Josh much sponsorship and seat- Manchester United saw his fighter to stop but opted be repatriated home and that Southern California to pursue Taylor’s IBF title. ing revenue at their AT&T their value drop from $4.12bn to throw in the towel when his family would receive fi- his ring ambitions, eventu- Matias dominated, and af- Stadium than any other team, (B127bn) to $3.18bn (B98bn). he saw him “getting hit with nancial aid. ally signing with promoters ter the 11th round McGirt could the financial publication said. United endured a dismal more and more clean shots as Dadashev took an unbeaten Top Rank. be heard telling Dadashev “I’m Major League Baseball’s 2018-19 campaign, finishing the fight went on”, told ESPN 13-0 record into the 140-pound Dadashev was rated in the going to stop it, Max,” even New York Yankees jumped sixth in the Premier League he was wracking his brain non-title fight. top five by two world sanction- as Dadashev shook his head. from fifth last year to second, and missing out on a place in wondering if he could have Dadashev, whose manager ing organisations going into McGirt, himself a former its value coming in at $4.6bn the Champions League. done things differently. Egis Klimas also handles the fight in suburban Wash- two-weight world champion, (B142bn). AFP Russian boxing chief Umar Vasiliy Lomachenko and Ser- ington DC, an elimination then told the referee: “That’s it.”

The final countdown: Tokyo marks one year until 2020 Olympics on venue construction and pledging have been completed, and organis- know-how. OLYMPICS a Games that will be “a springboard ers say construction of the rest is Japan’s reputation as an industrial for the creation of a new Tokyo”. on track. innovator has flagged since the last TOKYO ON WEDNESDAY (JULY “One year to go, all of the ex- While cooler weather this summer time it hosted the Games, in Tokyo 24) entered the final leg of its mara- citement is growing here,” John has assuaged fears raised by a deadly in 1964, when it wowed the world thon Olympic preparations, marking Coates, chairman of the International heatwave last year, organisers say with bullet trains. a year until the 2020 Games open Olympic Committee’s coordination they have a raft of safety measures But government and businesses with officials promising a high-tech body, said this week. planned in case temperatures soar. are hoping to dazzle visitors with but eco-friendly event. He added that “unprecedented” Tactics from misting towers to everything from driverless airport Organisers have battled every- ticket sales and applications by flower beds were showcased starting transport to robot greeters and thing from fears over deadly heat 200,000 people for 80,000 volunteer this week at a test event for beach mascots. to persistent questions about the positions had shown the enthusi- volleyball. Organisers also want the Games Tokyo on July 23 entered the final leg of its marathon Olympic prepa- cost of the Games and how Tokyo asm building for the 2020 Games. With the countdown underway, to be the “most sustainable ever” and rations, marking a year until the won its bid. organisers have also been stepping are making everything from medals 2020 Games open with officials But as the final countdown began, High-tech showcase up efforts to promote the Games as to podiums from recycled materials. promising a high-tech but eco- they were touting speedy progress Half of the new permanent venues a showcase for Japan’s high-tech AFP friendly event. Photo: AFP

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019 SPORT 31

Juventus stunned by Harry Kane’s wonder goal Joelinton will don the black and white as Tottenham triumph in Singapore. Photo: AFP of the Magpies next season. Photo: AFP Off-season splash continues Newcastle’s record-breaking signing; Kane scores from half field Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said the Mousset agreed a three- Stadium crowd. It hasn’t been a huge suc- “I have no doubt it will cre- FOOTBALL club is working on one or two year contract with the newly- “It’s probably one of the cess, with complaints from ate some controversy because

AFP more signings as he hopes to promoted Premier League best goals of my career. I managers and fans about the it is about the big decisions hit the ground running in the side, who are reported to have noticed the keeper was often slowness of the system and but we are prepared for that,” ewcastle United have new campaign after stutter- paid £10 million (B384mn) to off of his line and thought if mistakes made by the officials. Masters said. signed Brazilian for- ing badly towards the end of complete the deal. I get a chance to shoot I will Nward Joelinton from last season. They set a new transfer and it just went in,” Kane said Hoffenheim, the Premier Solskjaer enjoyed a stellar record by signing Callum in a post-match interview. League club said on Tuesday start after replacing Jose Mour- Robinson from Preston earlier A youthful Spurs domi- Live Sports TV Schedule (July 23) in what is the biggest inho in December, winning 10 this month, having already nated the first half as Juventus *Times may be subject to change transfer fee in their history. and drawing two of his first broken it once to bring Luke struggled to adapt to their new SPORT START STOP EVENT TEAMS / INFO The 22-year-old will wear 12 Premier League fixtures. Freeman to Bramall Lane coach’s “Sarri-ball” tactic of Friday 26th July Newcastle’s number nine shirt But a stunning slump in from QPR. playing out from the back with Rugby League 15:00 17:00 NRL Knights v. Wests Tigers – made famous by Alan Shearer form saw the side finish sixth United have also signed short, quick passes. 17:00 19:00 NRL Rabbitohs v. Dragons among others – after agreeing in the standings, 32 points former Manchester United Aussie Rules 16:30 19:30 AFL Collingwood v. Richmond to a six-year deal reported to be behind champions Manches- forward Ravel Morrison and VAR coming to EPL Cricket 17:00 00:00 Test Match, Lords England v. Ireland, Day 3 worth up to 45 million euros ter City. Everton defender Phil Jagielka. Premier League interim chief Saturday 27th July (B1.5 billion). Aware that his imbalanced executive Richard Masters Rugby Union 14:00 16:00 Championship, Brisbane Australia v. Argentina Joelinton Cassio Apolinario squad needed a major over- Pre-season stunner admits VAR is certain to 22:10 00:00 Championship, Wellington New Zealand v. South Africa de Lira started his football haul, Solskjaer has already Harry Kane scored a stunning cause “controversy” when the Aussie Rules 10:30 13:30 AFL Hawthorn v. Brisbane career at Brazil’s Sport Recife, recruited midfielder Daniel 93rd minute winner from the technology makes its English 13:30 16:30 AFL West Coast v. North Melbourne before joining Bundesliga side James and fullback Aaron halfway line as Tottenham top-flight debut in the forth- 16:30 19:30 AFL Port Adelaide v. GWS Giants Hoffenheim. Wan-Bissaka, with the club Hotspur edged Juventus 3-2 coming season. Rugby League 14:30 16:30 NRL Titans v. Warriors He played on loan for Aus- strongly linked to England in an entertaining pre-season The video referee system 16:30 18:30 NRL Storm v. Manly tria’s Rapid Vienna for two central defender Harry Magu- friendly in Singapore on Sun- will be used for the first time Rugby Union 20:00 22:00 Currie Cup Cheetahs v. Griquas seasons before returning to ire and Portuguese playmaker day (July 21). in the Premier League after its Motor Racing 20:00 21:30 Formula 1 Qualifying, Hockenheim Hoffenheim, where he scored Bruno Fernandes. The England captain introduction was delayed for a Cricket 17:00 00:00 Test Match, Lords England v. Ireland, Day 4 seven goals in 26 games last latched onto Lucas Moura’s year to allow time to develop Tennis 17:00 02:00 Wimbledon Ladies Singles Final season in the Bundesliga, as Sheffield break club short pass and launched a the system. th well as notching three goals record first-time shot high over a VAR has been used in Sunday 28 July in the German Cup. Premier League newcomers scrambling substitute keeper England in the FA Cup and Aussie Rules 10:00 13:30 AFL Western Bulldogs v. Fremantle Sheffield United broke their Wojciech Szczesny as Spurs League Cup, as well as in nu- 13:30 16:30 AFL Coast v. Essendon Solskjaer targets more club transfer record to sign rallied past new manager Mau- merous other foreign leagues Rugby League 13:00 15:00 NRL Panthers v. Raiders signings France Under-21 striker Lys rizio Sarri’s Italian champions and tournaments including the Motor Racing 19:15 20:00 Formula 1 Raceday, Hockenheim Manchester United manager Mousset from Bournemouth. in front of a delighted National Champions League. 20:00 22:30 Formula 1 German Grand Prix

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Run #1747: Saturday July 27 Run Start Time: 4pm Hares: Singha, No Hope, Fungus Location: Heroines Monument – East 2.7 km Directions: 1. At Heroines Monument circle turn East [4027] toward Paklok. Drive approximately 2.8km and turn left HHH. Continue 500m to laager HHH. 2. NOTE: The land owner makes this our final time here if, once again, the children are not under supervision concerning moving the rocks/gravel, if the dogs are not kept on leashes, and with no defecating in the laager area, or our use of the owner’s water, which was left running last time after washing dogs and one car. Parents and dog owners please be responsible for your kids and dogs, or stay home! Bus pick-up: Patong @ Expat Hotel: 14:30 | Kamala @ Aussie Pub: 15:00 More info: phuket-hhh.com

@thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019

[email protected] Most valuable teams in sports Sport worldwide >p30 Ferrari’s German driver Sebastian Vettel looks on in his car in the pits during the third practice session at the Monaco street circuit on May 25, 2019 in Monaco, ahead of the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix. Photos: Yann Coatsaliou / AFP

PAYBACK TIME German Grand Prix is Vettel’s shot at redemption BOX OF Ferrari’s German driver Sebastian Vettel (front) Prix two rounds ago proved the leads Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton five-time constructors champion NEUTRALS during the Formula One Australian Grand Prix in isn’t infallible. Among the steamy Melbourne last year. Photo: Williams West/ AFP Styrian mountains both Hamilton Michael Lamonato [email protected] and Bottas were forced into a race of extreme temperature management n a season formerly tipped to while Max Verstappen duelled with deliver a Ferrari championship, Charles Leclerc for victory. Bottas Iit’s remarkable how small a only just salvaged a podium, while figure Sebastian Vettel has become Hamilton crawled home fifth. in 2019. The European heatwave abated First the Ferrari SF90 turned the following evening and stayed out to be nowhere near as quick as away long enough to ease Mer- it seemed during preseason testing. cedes’s way to a one-two finish Then Red Bull Racing became the at Silverstone, but Hockenheim, first non-Mercedes winner of the ensconced in south-west Germany’s season in Austria. Now young-gun Upper Rhine valley, is forecast to teammate Charles Leclerc has started be another sizzler. giving him a run for his money. Temperatures are forecast to Now, after 10 rounds and facing peak at 37°C this weekend, pre- the halfway point of the season, senting a stern test for Mercedes Vettel is fourth in the champion- machinery, and the circuit’s long ship standings and an all but unas- under siege from Verstappen. The It was the last time he looked the championship standings he’d straights should present Ferrari the sailable 100 points behind leader Dutchman slipped past him at the like a title-winner, as one journalist never relinquish. chance to press home its advantage. Lewis Hamilton. end of the Hangar straight, and in a acerbically quipped as Vettel limped Vettel has won only one race Of course this is far from an Indeed the previous two rounds clumsy attempt to return fire Vettel back to the pits, for the subsequent since – the Belgian Grand Prix in open goal for Sebastian Vettel. of racing, two thrilling grands rear-ended him into Vale, sending race in 2018, the German Grand August, where Mercedes was out Thunderstorms also threaten to prix contested between teammate himself tumbling out of the points Prix, was the beginning of a marked of sorts – and has been dogged disrupt proceedings, and even if Leclerc, Red Bull Racing’s Max and dropping Verstappen to fifth. decline in the Ferrari driver’s form. by rumours that he’s considering he can keep his SF90 on the road Verstappen and Mercedes duo It was far from the first costly Having established a dominant retiring from the sport given his this year, Charles Leclerc and Max Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, have error committed by the four-time lead from pole position at the Hock- own mistakes, Leclerc’s growing Verstappen, engaged in what is sure served to only underline Vettel’s champion in the last 18 months, but enheimring, Vettel crashed out of confidence and, most importantly, to be a generational duel, will also new found anonymity – that is until the timing was poignant. One year the race on his own as rain began Ferrari’s lack of competitiveness have to be overcome. lap 37 of the British Grand Prix. earlier he’d been in sparkling form lightly sprinkling the circuit. To relative to Mercedes. But after a bruising and demor- Despite being gifted third place to snatch British Grand Prix victory add salt to the wound, Hamilton The Silver Arrows have been in alising season of defeat, the Ger- by a fortuitously timed safety from Hamilton and consolidate his won with a storming drive from superlative form this season, but the man Grand Prix presents Sebastian car, Vettel had nonetheless come title lead. 14th on the grid to take a lead in hot weather at the Austrian Grand Vettel’s best shot at redemption.

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