Volume 13 Issue 17 News Desk - Tel: 076-236555 April 29 - May 5, 2006 Daily news at www.phuketgazette.net 25 Baht

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IN THIS ISSUE

NEWS: Phang Nga tsunami victims ‘have all been helped’; polls – again Anchalee raps Gov over Phya Thai deal. Pages 2 & 3 By Janyaporn Morel (70.05%) choosing the “No INSIDE STORY: Saving all that Vote” option. There were free rainwater. Pages 4 & 5 PHUKET: Dr Sriyada 3,288 spoiled ballots. AROUND THE REGION: Samui Palimapan on April 23 be- Five voters publicly tore readies for regatta. Page 8 came Phuket’s first Thai Rak up their ballot papers in AROUND THE ISLAND: Mining Thai (TRT) member of par- Phuket, in protest at the elec- Thanyarat museum in Kathu. Page 11 liament, despite amassing tion and at the current state only 7,893 votes – equivalent of Thai politics. PEOPLE: Time for Chico – No to just 8.18% of the elector- Krit Thepbamrung, wins race 1 pop star in the UK. ate in Phuket District 1. Sommart Mankid, Wikrom Pages 12 & 13 But in District 2, her Issarangkura Na Ayudhaya, for Senate LIFESTYLE: It’s all about the TRT partner, Wisut Santikul, Boonchai Jarasratsami, and bikes – almost. running unopposed, again Sonchai Rittichai were ar- By Sangkhae Leelanapaporn Pages 14 & 15 failed to meet the require- rested and charged with vio- SPA MAGIC: Moved at Montra. ment of getting the votes of lating Article 108 of the Elec- PHUKET: Thanyarat “Gee” Page 18 20% of the electorate. tions Act. Achariyachai is Phuket’s first DINING OUT: Baba at Cape As a result, a third The maximum penalties woman Senator, after winning the Panwa. Page 19 round of voting is to be held for this offense are two years April 19 Senatorial election by a today (April 29) in an at- imprisonment or a 20,000- convincing margin. MOTORING: Gumball Rally pre- tempt to elect an MP for the baht fine. Offenders may also She polled 34,142 votes view. Page 20 district. be deprived for five years of compared with 28,539 for sec- FIRST PERSON: Driving home Dr Sriyada told the Ga- their right to vote. ond-placed Prawat Suwanna- the lessons. Page 25 zette after her victory, “I All five were released dithakul and 14,198 for Dr Prasit MONEY TALKS: Massaging a would like to thank for all the after posting 20,000 baht bail Koeysiripong. Chinese bust. Page 30 voters who voted and sup- apiece. K. Thanyarat, owner of the ported me. I will do my work K. Wikrom, 42, said, “I Kata Group of Hotels and of BUSINESS & MONEY: Good as Phuket MP for District 1 am angry with this govern- Phuket Central Tour Co, is a deeds from BCCC. Page 31 as best I can.” Phuket’s first Thai Rak Thai MP: Dr Sriyada ment and with the Election former Juvenile Court Judge and SPORT: ‘Cricket Heaven’ in Her opponent, making Palimapan was elected by just 8.18% of Commission [EC] for trying wife of former Phuket Chamber Phuket; Veterans’ golf and his national political debut, the electorate. to help the government form of Commerce President Pamuke soccer on the island. was Thongchai Kaewthong a parliament as quickly as Achariyachai. Pages 32 & 33 of the Siam Party. He received His opponent, Prayoon possible. Vote counts for the other PROPERTY: Home of the 2,456 votes. Poonchan of the Pattana Chart “I tore up the ballot paper candidates in the race were: Week: Kamala; Construction: K. Thongchai explained Thai Party, was barred from run- in a temper to protest the gov- Uthai Suksirisamphan 6,431 Leelavadee Resort & Spa; that he did not run in the April 2 ning in the April 23 election by ernment and EC. At first I in- votes; Cherdchai Wongseree Decor: Potter works magic. general election because at that the Supreme Court because he tended to burn it but it that might 6,419 votes; Banlue Aiyara 2,531 Pages 34-37 time he had not been a member had run for Parliament in Nakhon have been considered too dras- votes; Akkrawat Jitharn 2,005 of the Siam Party for at least 90 Sri Thammarat in the April 2 poll, tic. votes; Kanit Vinijpairoj 1,338 PLUS days, as required by electoral but failed to win a seat. “This government sucks, votes; Adirek Engchuan 752 law. As in the April 2 general and so does the EC. I have never votes; and Maliwan Jindawong QUEER N EWS 6; AROUND THE NA- In District 2, TRT candidate election, “no votes” heavily out- seen anything like it in all my 405 votes. TION 7; HAPPENINGS 16; DOVEN, Wisut Santikul failed to win a seat numbered votes for candidates. years. I’m sure that if they hold A total of 20,566 voters – PHUKET D IARY 17; TAKE A B REAK in Parliament because he ran In District 1, 42,991 people voted, another election, more people 17% of all those eligible – ticked 21 & 22; OUTSIDE IN, BOOKS unopposed and did not receive with 30,517 people – 70.98% – will tear up their ballot papers,” the “No vote” box on the ballot. 23; EDITORIAL, LETTERS 24 & votes equivalent to 20% of the choosing the “No Vote” box on he added. There were also 3,391 spoiled 25; YOUTH ’N ASIA, HOROSCOPES, total electorate in the district, as the ballot sheet. There were 2,025 His prediction will be put to ballots. LAW 26 & 27; COMPUTERS 28; required by electoral law. He re- spoiled ballots. the test today in District 2. Of 203,983 eligible voters, ON THE MOVE 31; GARDENING ceived 8,920 votes, equivalent to In the District 2 poll, 47,053 Editorial: page 24 120,914, or 59%, turned out for 36; CLASSIFIEDS 38-47. 8.56% of the electorate. people cast votes, with 34,845 the poll.

Ad-HLB Footer K. Jeab 2 PHUKET GAZETTE NEWS April 29 - May 5, 2006 Phang Nga wave BIG BOY RETURNS victims ‘have all been helped’

By Sangkhae Leelanapaporn The number of such cases was small, he said, and most re- KHAO LAK: All Phang Nga sulted from bad credit histories residents who were in need of dating back to before the tsu- financial aid after the tsunami nami. have received it, either through Some major resorts, par- government assistance or in the ticularly in Khao Lak, have al- form of private-sector donations, ready reopened. Of the remain- a senior provincial official has told der, V/Gov Opas said, “Many the Gazette. [small] hotel own- “We can say ers have started that 100% of the rebuilding, with the people who lost goal of being back homes and fishing in business by the boats have had start of the next Big Boy swims in the waters off Phang Nga. – Photo by Milton Lister, West Coast Divers them replaced,” high season [in PHANG NGA: A popular whale shark nicknamed oceans with water temperatures, between 21ºC Vice-Governor November].” “Big Boy” has been spotted off Koh Surin, and and 26ºC. Big Boy migrates from Alaska every Opas Svetamani Total tourist around Richelieu Rock, Hin Daeng and Hin year to escape the cold temperatures there,” she told the Gazette arrivals in the Muang, Pakdee Khruthanang of the Phuket Eco- said. when asked about province were Tourism Association told the Gazette on April 18. “Now is the best time of the year to see the province’s tsu- down about 40% “Big Boy has been spotted off Koh Surin al- him. He is rarely spotted here after April,” she nami recovery ef- compared with the most daily since the beginning of last month,” she added. fort. same period in said. K. Pakdee said that another, smaller whale However, V/ years before the “He is about eight meters long and weighs shark has been spotted in the same areas. “It is Gov Opas admitted tsunami, he added. Christian relief organizations more than a ton. Whale sharks average about five five meters long and has been nicknamed ‘Son of that there were still The govern- being checked: Vice-Gov- meters in length, but can grow to as large as 12 Big Boy’ by local divers,” she said. some problems ment was trying to ernor Opas Svetamani. meters,” K. Pakdee explained. Dive companies frequently complain that with post-tsunami coordinate some She recommended that tourists and divers whale shark sightings have become increasingly recovery in Phang Nga, the Thai 40 private-sector organizations alike take the opportunity to see this prime example rare due to the activities of fishing boats in the province hit hardest by the killer working in the province in order of the world’s largest fish. “Whale sharks live in Andaman Sea. – Saranya Leardpoonvasin waves. to prevent unnecessary duplica- Among those problems, he tion of relief efforts, he said. said, were people using low- The province is also inves- quality donated boats to go out tigating claims that some Chris- to sea. tian foundations had been offer- ‘Live with it,’ TAT tells “Some of the donated boats ing tsunami relief aid only to were not built of hardwood and people who agreed to convert to were intended only for use on Christianity, he said. klongs [canals], but people have He added that one private- complaining hoteliers been taking them out on the open sector group wanted to set up a ocean in order to make a living,” special school for Burmese chil- KAMALA: The losses hotels high season, when there are few- us because the website showed he noted. dren. have suffered from tourists can- er tourists, we have started dig- a nice hotel close to the beach Other problems included the “We won’t reject their of- celing bookings after seeing the ging holes in the sand to make the without this project in front of it. failure of some business people fer of help, but we will insist that rebuilding work on Kamala beachfront walkway. If we wait “We complained to the TAT, to secure the bank loans they they follow government rules in Beach are just a sacrifice they any longer it will be the rainy sea- and asked them to make sure the needed in order to rebuild. doing so,” he said. have to make, Wanchai Ruang- son, which will make it very dif- project ends exactly on schedule, udom, the landscaping coordina- ficult for the contractor to work,” because it’s not only our hotel tor hired to complete the Tour- K. Wanchai explained. [that is suffering],” she said. ism Authority of Thailand (TAT) “Every time I’ve been to The post-tsunami rebuilding Kamala beautification project, Kamala, I have explained to peo- started at the end of last year, and told the Gazette. ple there that the TAT knows that includes a beachfront footpath, “This is a sacrifice they it’s difficult for everybody, but public park, tsunami evacuation must make. This project was ap- we have to do it. They have to routes and public restrooms. proved by Kamala beach opera- consider the final result, which K. Wanchai explained that tors at a public hearing. They un- will be good for them,” he said. large holes have been dug along derstood that after the tsunami Kwanjai Samani, Executive Kamala Beach for steel supports something had to be done, that it’s Assistant Manager of the Laya- for the beachfront walkway, and better than leaving a mess on the lina Hotel, told the Gazette that that these will be backfilled when beach,” he said. the hotel has had cancellations the project is complete. “We planned to start this since the TAT project began. “We are trying to complete project last October, but because “Guests who booked their the project as quickly as possi- it was the start of the high sea- rooms through our website can- ble. Now it looks a little messy, son we just worked on the public celed when they arrived; they but it will be nice and safe when park. were shocked by what they saw. it is finished,” K. Wanchai said. “And now it’s the end of the “Some said they would sue – Janyaporn Morel April 29 - May 5, 2006 NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 3

B200m dolphin center proposed Anchalee raps

CAPE PANWA: The Phuket Gov over delay Marine Biological Office (PMBC) is considering building a 200-million-baht “Dolphin Cen- ter” to treat handicapped people on hospital deal and promote tourism. The project, which has al- ready been approved in principal By Jenjira Ruengjarus She said that reaction at the by Governor Udomsak Uswa- last public hearing, held April 7, rangkura, would be run jointly PHUKET: The Phuket Provincial indicated that the public was with Danish marine biologist and Administration Organization “99.99%” in favor of the OrBor- dolphin expert Judith Kongsted. (OrBorJor) is ready to buy the Jor acquiring and renovating the PMBC Director Wannakiat abandoned Phya Thai Hospital facility, which would take pres- Thapthimsang told the Gazette, but the deal has stalled because sure off the overcrowded Vachira Her Royal Highness arrives to open the Special Task Unit building. “The Danish researcher has wel- Governor Udomsak Uswarang- Phuket Hospital. comed us to join her in research- kura has not yet approved a re- K. Anchalee said that the Princess opens tsunami aid center ing ways to treat people with quest for 215 million baht in bank property’s current owner, the Thai handicaps, such as paralysis and loans to seal the deal, says Asset Management Corporation PHUKET: HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn paid a autism, by allowing them to inter- OrBorJor President Anchalee (TAMC), had extended the dead- Royal Visit to Phuket to preside over the official opening act with dolphins. Vanich-Thepabutr. line for the OrBorJor to buy the ceremony of her Special Task Unit (STU) building in Tambon He admitted, however, that “[The Governor] knows the hospital at the lower price until Wichit on April 25. he had reservations about the deadline is approaching. He has April 31. After that time, how- The STU is dedicated to supporting the long-term re- idea of using dolphins to treat sick already approved a loan request ever, the purchase price would covery of tsunami victims in all six Andaman coast provinces. people because this smacked of for 108 million from the Interior revert to 492 million baht, she Funded jointly by Her Royal Highness’s Fund and the Thai commercialism using a protected Ministry, so why doesn’t he ap- said. Red Cross Society, the STU Building is the organizational animal. “It is now just a proposal,” prove the 215-million-baht loan Under the purchase pack- hub for STU work in the region. he said. “We must do more re- request as well? age the OrBorJor has negotiated Its facilities include offices, a meeting room and labora- search – we are not even sure “If he fails to do so and the with the TAMC, 108 million baht tory. Construction began in July last year and was completed whether dolphins can treat such deal falls through, he will have to would be borrowed from the In- in December. patients effectively,” he said. answer to the public,” she said. terior Ministry’s Cooperatives During her two-day stay she performed Royal Duties The plan has already come She told reporters that the Support Loan Fund. A request for and visited tsunami victims on Koh Yao, in Krabi and in Phang under fire from the UK-based OrBorJor has taken every step this loan, half of which would be Nga. – Jenjira Ruengjarus Whale and Dolphin Conservation necessary to acquire the hospi- at zero interest, has already been Society, which argues that it is tal, including commissioning fea- approved by Gov Udomsak. “impossible to accommodate the sibility studies, holding public The request for the remain- ‘Mick the Pom’ jumps bail mental, physical and social needs hearings and negotiating the pur- ing 215 million baht, to be bor- of dolphins in captivity and that it chase price down from 492 mil- rowed from the Krung Thai Bank PHUKET: When British murder Taylor’s lawyer, Somsak is cruel to confine them.” (See lion baht to 315 million – a dis- and the Government Savings suspect Michael John Taylor “Sam” Chattay, told the Gazette Letters, page 24.) count of 36%. Bank, has yet to be approved. failed to make a scheduled court that when he called his client on appearance on April 24, Phuket April 21 to remind him of the court Provincial Court issued a warrant appearance, Taylor said would at- for his arrest and seized the land tend. Furious monk clobbers dog-lover title document he posted as bail. “He knew what he needed Taylor, also known as to do and where he could con- PHUKET CITY: With no end in sight to Phuket’s cause the Phra ordered me to clean up dog faeces, “Mick the Pom”, is on trial for tact me to ask the court to re- stray dog problem and island residents continuing thinking that the dog that left them was mine. I the August 17, 2005, stabbing schedule if necessary,” he said. to dump unwanted pets at wats around the island, tried to explain that this wasn’t the case, and the murder of his 28-year-old live-in When asked if he thought monks are finding it difficult to keep temple grounds Phra grew very angry. He picked up a stick and girlfriend Jantra Weangta. He his client was a flight risk, K. clean. started bashing me over the head with it,” he said. was released on bail from Phuket Chattay said it would be difficult On the morning of April 21, one senior monk The beating shattered K. Wanchai’s motor- Provincial Prison on March 7, for Taylor to leave the country grew so angry with an elderly dog lover who had cycle crash helmet and opened a gaping head when the Phuket Provincial Court without his passport, which is still come to his temple to feed the dogs that he beat the wound. With blood streaming from the wound, K. accepted as bail a chanote land being held at the Chalong Police man over the head with a stick, causing a gaping Wanchai rode to the Phuket City Police Station to title deed valued at 400,000 baht. Station. wound that required 40 stitches to close. file a complaint. The victim, 66-year-old Phuket native Wanchai From there he was taken to Vachira Phuket Kongsawad, told the Gazette that at 7:30 am he Hospital, where doctors closed the wound with 40 had gone to feed the dogs at the wat near his home. stitches. “My house is behind the temple, so I have to Police negotiated a settlement whereby the pass through its grounds often. This happened be- monk paid K. Wanchai 10,000 baht compensation. 4 PHUKET GAZETTE INSIDE STORY April 29 - May 5, 2006

Everyone realizes the importance of water, but how many of Phuket’s residents and hoteliers actively work toward saving this precious commodity? The Gazette’s Sam Wilkinson spoke to three island residents about Saving for an strategies to collect and save water.

any regular visitors to the island fail to understand why so Mmuch of Phuket’s (un)rainy day abundant monsoon-season rain- fall flows uselessly into the Andaman Sea, only to be fol- ity of these sources to replenish concept of water conservation lowed by chronic water shortages themselves naturally. for years, though he is not happy in most dry seasons. The government scrambles with the local response – so far. First, a basic calculation. to find more tin-mine ponds from “Will this island last another Phuket has an average annual which to pump low-quality water five years? Perhaps I came too rainfall of about 2,400 millimeters. and talks of building two more early. My water-saving concepts Multiplying this figure by its sur- reservoirs. It has even contracted are hard for many here to grasp,” face area, 543 square kilometers, to buy water, at great cost, from he sighs. reveals that more than 1.3 tril- a private firm which is building a It was a 2001 Gazette story lion cubic meters of naturally- desalination plant in Karon. The on water wastage that originally purified rainwater falls on the is- grandest scheme of all, piping in alerted the former tour leader to land annually. water 300 kilometers from a dam Phuket’s water woes and inspired Could it somehow all be Don Smith of Rainwater Sol- in Surat Thani, seems to be a non- him to enter the water conserva- collected, it would be enough to utions: ‘Installing continuous gut- starter. tion business. fill the island’s 7.3-million cubic tering will ensure you save every Remarkably, the govern- Mr Nilsson tells the story of meter reservoir at Bang Wad 178 drop of rainfall rolling off your ment has done little or nothing to how one hotel asked “to wait a roof.’ times over. protect our diminishing groundwa- bit” before taking a decision on Although unusually heavy spell disaster if there is a ever a ter resources. Regulations on Johan Nilsson with some of the whether to install Elless’s simple- rains in March and April averted prolonged drought. water well installation are virtu- Elless product line. By aerating yet-revolutionary products – a shortage this year, Phuket has The reason is simple enough: ally non-existent in Phuket. The water through shower and tap which can save up to 60% of overall suffered worsening Phuket’s swelling population and Gazette phoned one local admin- heads, water bills can be slashed water usage by mixing air into tap chronic low-season shortages property boom are not only plac- istrative body in the southern part in half, with big savings on elect- and shower water. over the past decade. This trend ing greater demand on surface of the island to ask what rules ricity from reduced pumping. When he went back some appears likely to continue in fu- and subsurface supply sources, applied only to be told, “None. time later, the chief engineer ture dry seasons – and it could they are also decreasing the abil- Just keep the diameter under four meters and don’t bother your cheerfully informed him that the neighbors.” hotel had installed large “rainwa- With ever more wells being ter” shower heads – at 10 times sunk, neighbors in many parts of the price of his products. the island find themselves in com- petition during droughts to see SAVINGS who can suck the most water out of the local groundwater table – Mr Nilsson explains that human before it runs dry. Even worse, nature has a lot to do with deci- residents in some coastal areas sions to switch to more environ- are now finding their once fresh mentally-friendly shower heads: water supplies turning brackish “There are two factors. People and unusable, through a phenom- like to feel that they’re having a enon known as “saltwater intru- good, strong shower, and they sion” that is directly related to also want the shower head to look over-pumping in most cases. the same [as a regular shower This year’s good luck aside, head].” the overall trend portends a ma- Patong’s Royal Paradise jor water crisis for Phuket – un- Hotel recently installed Elless less some alternative strategies aerating taps and shower heads, are taken. Given government in- and for the first month after in- action, the private sector is lead- stallation consumption was “cut ing the way in solving the island’s drastically”, said Mr Nilsson, add- water woes. ing that reduced water usage also Rather that constantly seek- results in big savings on electric- ing to source more water, one ity, especially at high-rise hotels sensible strategy is to make the that incur huge electricity bills water we do have go further. from having to pump water up to Swede Johan Nilsson, Man- the roof. aging Director of Elless Co, a firm Among the island residents specializing in water-saving aer- who regularly suffer water short- ated taps and shower heads, has ages are the hillside homeowners been trying to sell island hotels the in Patong and Kata-Karon, April 29 - May 5, 2006 INSIDE STORY PHUKET GAZETTE 5

Mr Smith demonstrates that Phuket does indeed have rain all year round, albeit very little at the beginning of the year. He points out that “normal” guttering itself is not quite enough. In a coastal environment, corrosion-resistant materials like aluminum and cop- per are the best choices for gut- tering, although copper can be prohibitively expensive. “Apart from near a couple of west-coast beaches, Phuket doesn’t have pounding surf re- sulting in excessive salt corrosion problems from sea spray,” he says. “But we still have people coming to us asking about our products when their guttering starts to rust and warp after only a few months.” Mr Smith also says storage tanks are not only “an absolute must”, but also the logical comp- lement to his product.

BRANDING

Industry experts believe that in the future, “environmental brand- ing” will become increasingly Steen Jansen opens one of his large water storage tanks. A important in the hotel industry. laboratory rated the quality of the rainwater collected mainly from Establishments willing to his roof (above) as “perfect” after basic treatment. embrace simple-yet-effective where many pay to have water as an off-the-shelf wall filter. necessary? Asked what size stor- environmentally-safe water use technologies such as continuous trucked in – at great expense. The results? Experts who age capacity would be enough to and storage, the problem of the guttering and aerated showers Yet Dane Erik “Steen” tested the water declared it “per- ensure a year-round supply, Mr hotels would still remain. A recent and taps will not only be patron- Jansen and his wife don’t have a fect” drinking water quality, far Jansen gave the estimate that two survey on the Greek island of ized by environmentally conscious water problem, even though they better than any water found in a people per household use an av- Rhodes showed that a typical tour- tourists, but also enjoy a big com- are surrounded by people who tin mine lagoon. erage of 200 liters a day, which ists uses 10 times more water than petitive advantage over their wa- sometimes complain bitterly about “Water storage [in house adds up to 6,000 liters a month. a local resident. ter-wasting counterparts. shortages. The Jansens, who design] should be mandatory,” Given that during a typical year, Don Smith of Rainwater For most homeowners, it haven’t paid a water bill in years, Mr Jansen believes. “The fact Phuket can expect very little rain- Solutions, a company introducing already makes sense to install a have 160,000 liters stored under that we have water shortages in fall during a four month dry sea- a “continuous guttering” concept rainwater-collection system, even and around their four-story home Phuket – with this amount of rain- son, a 40,000-liter tank should be to the island, agrees with Mr if it is just as a back up for unre- above Patong. fall – means that things are ex- enough – or “50,000 liters if you Jansen on many points. liable municipal supply systems or, When they moved into the tremely badly planned. Look at have a guest”. “Phuket needs to have with treatment, as a source of house some 10 years ago, roof all these expensive houses going A 40,000-liter tank can have regulations,” he says. “Most is- drinking water. runoff went straight into a fish- up. Can’t they even afford a stor- a length of five meters long, a lands around the world have man- pond. This quickly overflowed, age tank?” width of four meters and a depth datory water storage. Bermuda For more information about sending the extra liters running Stockpiling 160,000 liters, as of two meters. Such a tank can has, and even Gibraltar, where the Rainwater Solutions visit the site uselessly down the hillside. So Mr Mr Jansen does, may appear ex- easily be incorporated into the rain runoff [from] the Rock itself www.rainwatersolutions. com Jansen installed two large stor- cessive to some, but the Jansen’s design of any new home or in- is enormous. When you consider or call Don Smith at Tel: 01- age tanks, did a bit of plumbing, have the last laugh when they are stalled underground in the garden just how much water there is here 8337836. and was soon reaping rainwater out watering their lawn and at a of an existing home. – and how little is stored – it’s For more information at industrial rates off his 229- time when their neighbors can’t Even if Phuket’s residents scandalous.” about Elless products visit the square-meter roof. For treatment, even have a shower. suddenly experienced an environ- Using a long list of com- website www.elless.com or call he uses a charcoal filter as well But is 160,000 liters really mental epiphany and converted to puter readouts and rain forecasts, Mr Nilsson at Tel: 01-7874280. 6 PHUKET GAZETTE NEWS April 29 - May 5, 2006 Q u eer News Family give grave robber a sharp lesson in respect

BURI RAM: What crime could When the relatives discov- be more repugnant than grave ered Noi, he received a beating robbery? How about unearthing that left him “on the verge of the remains of a recently dead death”, according to one ver- infant and selling them to a witch nacular report. doctor for use in a black magic However, when police ar- rite? rived the family said they didn’t It sounds like the plot from want to press charges. They in- Tales from the Crypt, but this is sisted, however, that Noi light exactly what happened in Buri insense sticks before the corpse Ram’s Muang District earlier this and pray to the child’s spirit for month. forgiveness. After receiving a call just Despite the severe beating, after midnight on April 8, Buri Noi complied – as the police held Ram Muang District Police back the crowd to prevent them rushed to a forested area next to from launching another attack on RAWAI: This lovely sight is a temple in Buri Ram. him. on Soi Khok Makham, just a Led by Crime Suppression People living in the area al- TRASHING short walk away from the Inspector Pol Lt Col Preecha leged that Noi had dug up infant popular Nikita’s Bar. Even Aranyik, they arrived just in time corpses many times in the past, though it is just 20 meters Phuket to prevent an angry mob from selling them to a witchdoctor for from Rawai’s beach road, beating to death a young man use in a rite known as look krok, tambon officials seem to have identified only as “Noi”. in which believers pray to the overlooked it – and many others like it on the same stretch of road. The Gazette is confi- As police held back the corpse of an infant child in return dent, however, that they will have it all cleaned up very soon. mob, relatives of seven-month- for protection of their home. old Passakorn, or “Nong Fluke”, As nobody had ever pressed explained that, at 2 pm on April charges against him, Noi was 7, they had buried their son, who emboldened to continue his ob- Songkran road death toll totals five – or six had recently died of pneumonia. scene but profitable trade, they Returning to the gravesite at said. PHUKET: Road accidents took was Ulai Netrapakdee, 33. How- have been Burmese. Because around 9:30 the following evening Locals said that many of the the lives of five people in the ever, as reported in the Gazette she could not be identified, her with milk and other offerings to corpses buried at the temple cem- province during Songkran. Or six, Online on April 11, K. Ulai had a death was not included in the of- pray for the infant’s spirit, they etery came from a nearby hospi- depending on how one counts. woman riding on the back of his ficial toll, an ODPM staffer ex- found that the casket had been tal. Patients who died had often Officially, five people died motorbike when it was hit by a plained. dug up and the body was miss- come from far-off districts in on the roads between April 7 and pickup truck. Both he and his Saeree Noonsiri, 60, handed ing. Buri Ram or from other provinces April 16, officers from the Phuket passenger died. himself in at Thalang Police Sta- Cowering in a thicket just a entirely. Because of the dis- Office for Disaster Prevention The identity of the dead tion 11:30 pm the same day and few meters away was Noi, with tances, families often did not and Mitigation (ODPM) said. woman, registered as an em- admitted he was driving the the tiny corpse in his arms. know that their loved ones’ This was two higher than ployee of the My Friend bar in pickup involved in the accident. A thin young man, Noi had graves had been disturbed, they the 2005 figure and one above the Pa Khlok under the name Wan- Police charged him with danger- been employed by the temple as added. government’s “target” of no nipa Siri-ariya-osot, could not be ous driving the keeper of the crematorium Sources: Manager Maga- more than four fatalities. confirmed. See also First Person, and graveyard. zine, Kom Chad Luek Among this year’s dead Officials think she may page 25.

If classic cars race your engine, we’ve got something special for you in the WHEELS AND MOTORS classifieds on Page 47. April 29 - May 5, 2006 AROUND THE NATION PHUKET GAZETTE 7

hiang Mai’s campaign related crimes, as this kind of against alcohol sales criminal behavior is considered within the city walls difficult to correct, K. Kanchana during this year’s Song- said. C “The project is aimed at pre- kran Festival was a success, with a 70% drop in sales, said Wallop paring inmates for their imminent Namwongphrom, a member of return to society,” she said, add- the Chiang Mai Cultural Council. ing that those who complete the However, some people course will receive certificates brought their own alcohol, which documenting their special skills to led to drunken brawling and assure employers that they are women being molested, he said. efficient and trustworthy. Next year, alcohol manufac- turers will be prohibited from pro- China influx: Low fees, cultural moting their brews in the festival similarities and the variety of in- parade. teresting courses on offer are The council will also ask bringing more and more Chinese parade organizers to ban shows students to Thailand each year. featuring young women dancing Pavich Tongroach, Secre- in skimpy clothes. Such spec- tary General of the Education tacles were broadcast to the na- Ministry’s Higher Education tion this year, giving the city a bad Commission, said the number of image, K. Wallop said. Chinese students at Thai univer- Next year the city will con- sities had increased from about tinue its ban on alcohol sales and 1,000 four or five years ago to will promote activities in temples about 4,000 now, and the number with people wearing traditional is growing steadily. dress, he said. The trend is welcomed by Thai universities, which are mak- A sticky problem to solve: ing preparations to accept even Drug users have apparently more students from the giant switched from ya bah (metham- WHEELY OLD: Classic cars, including models from the World War II period, on display in the recent country. phetamine) to inhalants such as Classic Car Exposition III at Seacon Square in Bangkok. The students could be di- glue and paint thinner as a reac- vided into two groups: those tak- tion to the government’s war on ing full international courses, drugs, said Wanchai Roujana- which take about four years; and vong, Director of the Probations those enrolled in Chinese univer- Department. Songkran to be ‘dry’ in sities who were sent here to take After the government’s short-term classes, he said. crackdown on drugs in 2003, the Among the full courses, the incidence of inhalant abuse rose most popular are business admin- 10%. In 2005, inhalants ac- istration, tourism, IT and the sci- counted for 25% of all drug abuse Chiang Mai next year ences, while the most sought-af- cases, he said. ter shorter courses are Thai-lan- Under a 1990 law, those mined by DNA analysis and con- “They were loaded on a giving them skills in caring for the guage classes taken by students who sell inhalants to people un- sultation with experts in Indone- pickup truck, not sheltered from elderly, babysitting, massage and majoring in Thai at Chinese uni- der 17 years of age for the pur- sia and Malaysia. sunshine, and spent more than general housekeeping. versities. pose of drug abuse face a up to The Wildlife Department five hours on the road. Is that “There is a demand for re- K. Pavich said Thai-lan- two years in jail or a fine of up to displayed two of the primates, good for the animals?” liable carers for the elderly. So guage courses were popular in 20,000 baht. The maximum pen- Coke, 7, and Jelly, 5, before re- Since the primates were we want to produce skilled maids China because of the increasing alty is soon to be increased a porters during a recent press con- confiscated from the zoo, envi- who are socially acceptable and number of Thai tourists visiting three-year jail term and a 30,000- ference at their headquarters in ronmentalists in Indonesia, Eu- trustworthy,” said department China each year, as well as grow- baht fine. Bangkok. rope and the US have demanded Deputy Director General Kan- ing business connections between “Regrettably, the law seems Their presence there an- they be returned to their natural chana Ketkarn. the two countries. to be unknown to most of those gered Wildlife Friends of Thailand habitats. The training is now under- handling inhalants, like store own- Director Edwin Wiek, who asked, way at three women’s prisons, Around the Nation news round- ers who sell construction materi- “What’s the reason to bring them Reform school: The Correc- where the trainees were selected up is sourced from the pages of als,” said K. Wanchai. there? All reporters know what tions Department is training 90 for their good behavior records. The Nation and Kom Chad Luek an orangutan looks like. female convicts to work as maids, None were convicted of theft- newspapers. Back to the jungle: Fifty-four orangutans confiscated from a private zoo in Bangkok in 2003 will likely be returned to their na- tive Indonesia and Malaysia once their exact origins can be deter- 8 PHUKET GAZETTE AROUND THE REGION April 29 - May 5, 2006 FROM THE GULF OF THAILAND By Barry Singleton Samui set ext month will see yachts from all over the region and from N farther afield compet- ing in the fifth Koh Samui Regatta for regatta from May 21 to 27. Inaugurated in 2002, and took first and second place last traveled to Samui’s sister island also known as the Tropical Island year, facing stiff opposition from to enjoy this year’s Full Moon Regatta, this international event the Mark Pescott Phuket-built Party, and more than 400 person- is becoming one of the highlights Firefly catamarans Voodoo nel were drafted in by the island’s of the Asian yachting calendar. Child and Moto Inzi, which have District Office to deal with po- Boats converge on Samui been showing blistering pace in tential problems and requests for from throughout Thailand, Singa- Thai regattas. assistance. pore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, the The organizers hope to see According to the island’s Philippines and even Australia at least 30 yachts coming to District Chief, Prawet Thai- and New Zealand for the event. Samui’s largest international Prayun: “Police officers, volun- The Samui Regatta attracts sporting event, which does so teer security staff and govern- Front to rear: FFreefire, Moon Blue 2 and Hocus Pocus 2, all from a high number of returning boats, much to promote the island as a ment officials worked together to Hong Kong. Photo: www.shufen.net but this year it is expected to draw high-end lifestyle destination. Fur- set a new standard of event man- new entries, most notably from ther information can be found at agement, providing all the support Airport expansion hits snag: Gang shooting: A suspected China, spurred by the inaugural the event’s official website, and security necessary for a On April 16 more than 100 vil- gang member was shot dead in Chinese entry into the world’s www.samuiregatta.com trouble-free celebration.” lagers from Ban Bang Rak on the car park of Samui’s main re- oldest and most prestigious yacht The Harbor Department Koh Samui’s north coast gathered tail superstore, Tesco-Lotus, on racing event, the America’s Cup. Full Monty Party: Every year, was reinforced by a special pa- to express their concerns at plans April 11. This year should see an ac- the April full moon marks the be- trol boat from Bangkok to moni- to expand the island’s airport. Eyewitnesses reported that tive Sports Boat class, with en- ginning of another Thai New Year tor speedboats and other craft, Bangkok Airways, which shortly before the 2 am shooting tries from Pattaya and Phuket and the Songkran festival. This and “help stations” were estab- owns the island’s airport and also there was an altercation in a joined by two new Elliott 7s im- not only guarantees large crowds, lished along the beach to provide operates Samui’s only airline, re- nearby bar, when members of ported from Australia by Samui- but also raises many potential both information and assistance. cently began construction work two rival Samui gangs from based company Yachting Siam. problems for those in charge of The party generated an es- that the villagers say will affect Chaweng and Ban Tai faced off The offshore Multihull class safety and security at the big timated 30 million baht for busi- the public water supply and also and were then told by the man- competition will comprise 11 event on Koh Pha-ngan. nesses on Koh Samui, Koh Pha- damage the island’s last remain- agement to leave. boats, with the locally built Radi- On April 13, around 30,000 ngan and Koh Tao, and no seri- ing area of mangrove forest. Outside, one 19-year-old cal Bays from Coco Sailing, which revelers, many of them Thai, ous incidents were reported. Two representatives of the gang member, Chatawan Guea- company attended the meeting, sakun, ran into the car park and at which local community leader was chased by four assailants, Samrueng Thangrueang said the who caught up with him and fired villagers were happy to support four shots at his head and legs, any development that helped the killing him. island to grow – but that local The four attackers then es- people felt they should be con- caped on motorbikes. sulted about plans affecting them. After interviewing wit- “We think it would be both nesses, police arrested a man and fair and sensible to sit down and a woman who admitted involve- discuss the best approach to ment in the shooting, but who said these expansion plans, so every- they were unable to identify the one benefits,” K. Samrueng said. killer. The villagers were later Samui’s Chief Superinten- asked to choose 11 representa- dent, Pol. Col. Chakkrit Srisawan, tives to attend another meeting was quoted later as saying that with Bangkok Airways officials the gang members were all from to be held in the coming weeks. relatively well-off families. April 29 - May 5, 2006 PHUKET GAZETTE 9 10 PHUKET GAZETTE April 29 - May 5, 2006 April 29 - May 5, 2006 AROUND THE ISLAND PHUKET GAZETTE 11

By Natcha Yuttaworawit & Stephen Fein KATHU: If ever there were a transition year in Phuket’s history it was 1985. That was the year the price of tin on global markets plummeted to nearly half its former value, just as the island’s tourism boom was taking off. Two decades later, few is- land residents know much about Phuket’s tin mining past, even Above, architect’s illustration of the new museum dedicated to the island’s tin mining past. Right and though evidence of it is all around below, among the items on display will be some of the machinery used to create much of the island's us: in the scores of abandoned tin wealth. mines that many people mistake as natural ponds and lakes. In fact, there are no natu- rally-occurring bodies of water in Phuket – they are all former tin Sometin for tourists to see mines. Considering this fact gives one an idea of just how expan- Although the museum was sive the tin mining industry once supposed to be complete by Oc- was here. tober this year, K. Sirichai admit- To give island residents and ted that work is somewhat be- tourists a window back into the hind schedule and work will past, Kathu Municipality is build- probably not be completed until ing an epitaph to Phuket’s tin min- January next year. ing days – in the form of a 50- He said part of the reason million-baht Mining Museum. for the delay is the release of the construction funds. Totaling 50.7 CLASSIC STYLE million baht, these were approved under the CEO Governor’s dis- The museum is to be located on cretionary budget in successive a 200-rai site in a former tin min- years, 17.7 million being made ing area in Kathu Village 5, off available last year and 33 million the Kathu-Koh Kaew Rd. Con- more released under this year’s struction got underway Septem- budget. ber last year, and is now about What will the exhibits be 10% complete, Kathu municipal like? Expect mining equipment to officials say. take center stage. Sirichai Nakara, Director of The Kathu Conservation the Kathu Municipality Engineer- Cultural Heritage Center, located ing Department, which is over- in the primary school across from seeing construction, told the Ga- Kathu’s town hall, has a great zette that the 7,000-square-meter deal of equipment it plans to put museum will be built in the clas- on display – some of which its sic Sino-Portuguese style, with a experts plan to restore. two-story main building and a Kathu Municipality architect which must have been stunning promote tourism in the area, When visitors have finished grand, covered portico as its Panjapat Churaj conjures up all at that time. Fortunately, much of which was once a principal tin viewing the exhibits inside the entranceway. the romantic images of Phuket a that beauty remains in the hill- mining area. museum, they will be able to Off the main building will be century ago, when tin barons, sides surrounding the project. “Currently, many people stroll the expansive grounds out- one-story wings connecting sepa- European traders and Chinese Perhaps ironically, the in- drive through this area on their side. The 200-rai site will have rate exhibit rooms, giving the coolies all conspired to tap the dustry that dominated Phuket for way to Patong or other places landscaped gardens in front and museum the look of a sprawling enormous mineral wealth of the at least 200 years will now serve without stopping. I want to de- a large bird park behind. plantation manor. island. the needs of the industry that sup- velop this area for tourism as Although much work has Although partially air-condi- In their lust for the lustrous, planted it some 20 years ago. well, and give people a chance to yet to be done, the museum tioned and to be built of concrete gray metal, it is likely that many “We are building the Min- learn about our tin-mining past,” promises to be an important at- instead of wood, the design by overlooked the island’s beauty, ing Museum because we want to K. Panjapat said. traction when it opens next year. 12 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PEOPLE April 29 - May 5, 2006

hico is an impres- sario’s dream. There can be few of us who have never dreamed Not only is he about one day being a pop star. Whether standing in handsome, photo- front of a mirror with a hairbrush for a mike or playing Happily Ever genic and blessed with a fine singing air guitar, the attraction of playing to crowds of Cvoice, but he also has a life histo- thousands and having a No 1 single is indeed the stuff ry that even the most creative After record company press officer of dreams. would find hard to make up. For most of us, however, such dreams remain Recent weddings in Phuket Born Yousseph Slimani, he dreams. But for a few – the dedicated, the patient and left Wales when he was a baby of course the talented – dreams can become reality. to live with his extended family in Oujda, Morocco. He spent Chico Slimani, born in Wales in 1971, realized his much of his childhood tending the dreams recently when, at the age of 34, he hit the top family’s goats. of the UK charts with his first single, keeping even “That was certainly a job that gave me a lot of time to think Madonna from the coveted top slot. The Gazette’s about the future,” recalls Chico. Andy Johnstone, a musical legend in his own “Conversation with goats is a tall shower, met Chico – who has strong family order, so rather than look a bit mad by trying that, I’d hum or sing connections to Phuket – and discovered that there to while away the hours.” was more to the singer than meets the eye. But the pastoral life, while giving Chico the chance to con- ey back to his family in Moroc- sider his life – “I didn’t really be- co, particularly his ailing grand- lieve I’d be forever herding mother, and although the hair- goats,” he grins – was not with- brushes and screwdrivers soon out difficulties. He was tending vanished, the teasing and stripping to the family’s main source of in- did not. come with all the responsibilities “I joined an exotic dance that entails and, when he was troupe – no, don’t grin – called around 14, he lost a younger broth- ‘Extreme Force’ – with my Prakaidao Kamluang and Pakapon Thongbaipetch married in the er, Faisal, to leukemia. brother, the actor JC Mac – Phuket Ballroom at the Royal Phuket City Hotel on March 10. “‘Heartbreaking’ is the only which was riding the crest of the word to describe it, both then and wave led by acts such as the now. He was so young – he Chippendales and the film The hadn’t reached his seventh birth- Full Monty – but we were well, day – and was a perfect child. just better than all of them. Far Handsome, bright, fascinating… more refined and er … artistic! I could sit and listen to what he Much sexier, too, if you don’t was saying for hours on end.” mind me saying so. Chico is a Sufi, a follower “Seriously, we were really of the mystical tradition of Islam, good, and it gave me and the lads and this helped him to deal with Chico had fun dancing in Bang- the chance to go to loads of plac- what he describes as the “sledge- kok: ‘The women went abso- es. I must admit that I did get a hammer blow” of losing Faisal. lutely bananas for us up there.’ little addicted to the adulation of “He was an angel, really, so it the ladies out there though, and wasn’t surprising that God took After school he began train- to being on stage.” him,” he says. ing as a hairdresser, which, look- His time with Extreme Chico returned to Britain to ing at his casually coordinated Force even saw Chico visit Bang- live in Crawley, West Sussex, coiffure, is plainly a set of skills kok. where he continued his education he maintains to this day. “What a place! I tell you, before entering the job market. He soon swapped teasing the women went absolutely ba- “I decided to keep away locks and a hairbrush for strip- nanas for us up there. In fact – is from goats for a while,” he ping wires and a screwdriver, that thing recording? – Yes? OK, Naomi Fukaishi and Muneo Arai, were in the Laguna Phuket laughs, adding, “Not that there becoming an electrician. I’d better not tell you about some Wedding Chapel on March 20. were many in West Sussex at This, he says, gave him the of the things that went on in that time.” chance to continue sending mon- Bangkok, then. “So much fun; I really love the city, in fact, all of Thailand that I’ve seen so far. But the first trip was one of the most memorable I’ve had. “We could have opened a lingerie shop with all the under- wear we had thrown at us, and no, I’m not going to tell you where it all is now!” Chico explains that the usual format for a show by Extreme Force would include a singer be- fore the main event. One night, the crooner failed to turn up. “I knew that I had a more than reasonable singing voice – I’d been practicing my style for long enough – so I suggested to the manager that I be given the chance to do the warm-up songs. “There was a bit of ‘should we, shouldn’t we?’, but in the end I was allowed to get up on stage – keeping my clothes on this time – and sing. “I loved it. Even though I had been performing in front of people for years, this was differ- ent. And I didn’t need to have my toosh hanging out all over the place, either,” says Chico. April 29 - May 5, 2006 PHUKET PEOPLE PHUKET GAZETTE 13

Chico in Phuket with ‘sister’ own PMA – positive mental atti- Skye (back, center) and part of tude – and anything is possible.” his extended world family. Chico’s talents have also been put to good use elsewhere, judges to perform and hone their particularly in the 2004 movie skills further. short Winner Takes All, co-writ- “For us in Series 2, we had ten by JC Mac, director Helen to go to Sharon’s home in LA and Grace and Chico. by this time I was feeling really The six-minute movie, the confident, really able to let my tale of a cocky stranger, called hair down and belt out the songs. Stranger, who accepts a challenge I really gave it my best shot sing- to win a large pot of money. ing the Prince song Kiss, but per- Told in rhyme, and narrated forming it in a style halfway be- by Chico – who also composed tween Prince and Tom Jones, the music – the film was very well who covered the song in 1988. received at film festivals around “I was moving in front of the world, including the Rain- Sharon, the crew and the camer- dance Film Festival and garner- as like I was on fire, and every- ing a BAFTA nomination. one was loving it – me especial- Chico and JC Mac are col- ly. They all went wild when – as laborating on Lunchbox, a mov- my finale – I jumped into the ie currently in production about swimming pool,” he notes. the art of exotic dancing. “For the first couple of sec- Aside from the more public onds I thought that they were side of the entertainment indus- screaming just because I’d excit- try, Chico is also genuinely grate- ed everyone so much. ful, humble even, for the oppor- “It then dawned on me that tunities he has had to work with they were also screaming be- his “sister”, Skye, well-known to cause I’d jumped into the pool many in Phuket as a former Hol- with a live mike, and they were lywood stunt woman, in helping panicking that I was going to be children. electrocuted.” “We are working on a pro- Chico was popular with the ject called Rainbow Child, which TV audiences, who can vote for was set up to help street children Amazing dreams their favorite act, not least be- in Cambodia, the ones who real- cause of his dancing, but he was ly have nothing to look forward voted out in the penultimate show. to and no-one else to help them,” “I knew that that wasn’t says Chico, who reports that a the end, though,” says Chico, who major fund-raising event is being landed a recording contract with planned for July this year to be of a goat boy Sony BMG within weeks. held at London’s Royal Albert “I composed and wrote the Hall. “It was easier work, too,” Chico applied for a spot on fore him, but that’s just his style. single It’s Chico Time [backed “Someone has to look after he adds, “I could make more The X Factor. “He didn’t faze me, though. with the song Kiss], which was the children,” he says. singing than I could dancing ‘ex- Leading the three judges on In fact, his attitude spurred me released on February 27 this year. There are children running otically’, so to switch to singing the show is Simon Cowell, the on, because I thought, ‘Right, I’ll It hit the No 1 spot in the UK all over Skye’s house, where the full time and professionally was love-him, hate-him impressario show you that I’m not afraid, charts the next week and stayed interview is taking place. JC Mac quite an easy decision to make.” famed in Britain for his trademark mate!’ there for the following week. I is here, too, as is Chico’s wife, The abundance, some caustic wit and withering looks at “Sharon and Louis were a was told that it outsold the next- who is expecting their child. The might say surfeit, of “reality TV” performers who do not have “it” little more amenable, a little more biggest seller, Madonna, by a ra- atmosphere is very familial, very shows has given many – the maj- – the X factor, that is. encouraging, and because it de- tio of two-to-one.” open, aided by Chico’s zest for ority of whom are not blessed The other judges are Sharon pends on a majority decision of Not bad for a first release life. with Chico’s natural talent and Osbourne, music promoter and the judges, I went through to the by a 35-year-old former goatherd. After the interview, with a infectiously positive persona – wife of bat-chewing singer Ozzy, next round, which is called ‘Boot Indeed, it was the first British No handshake and a warm smile, he the opportunity to claim their al- and Louis Walsh, manager of Camp’.” 1 single by an Arab. says, “God bless.” lotted 15 minutes, sometimes Westlife, Boyzone, Girls Aloud Chico explains that the “I have apologized to Ma- In an age of manufactured less, of fame. and Samantha Mumba. Boot Camp section – with men- donna; perhaps we could record pop stars, meeting someone gen- The X Factor is a British TV “I was one of the 72,000 toring from one of the judges, in a song together to make up for uine and unaffected by the busi- series, effectively a popular mu- people who applied to audition for his case, Sharon – is to improve it?” he says, beaming. ness – and with his heart firmly sic talent show, and a near-clone Series 2, which ran from August the skills, appearance and appeal Chico explains that the song in the right place – dashes any of an the international hit show to December last year,” begins of the singer before a smaller is about positivity and fulfilling thought of cynicism. Pop Idol. (For those familiar with Chico. “Simon wasn’t that im- group, whittled down from the one’s dream. “It’s about what I Thai TV, The Star is a similar pro- pressed with me – to put it mildly thus-far lucky entrants, then go have done,” he says, “about what For more information about Chi- gram.) – when I was first on stage be- on to the home of one of the anyone can do. Develop your co, visit www.chicomusic.com 14 PHUKET GAZETTE LIFESTYLE April 29 - May 5, 2006 CHOP CHOP For participants in Phuket Bike Week, denim and black leather may have been de rigeur, but when it came to the bikes, it was a different story. Art on wheels was the name of the game. We’ll let the pictures, by Sangkhae Leelanapaporn and Jenjira Ruengjarus, speak for themselves. April 29 - May 5, 2006 LIFESTYLE PHUKET GAZETTE 15

Ad-Central 3x8 K. Ann 16 PHUKET GAZETTE HAPPENINGS April 29 - May 5, 2006 This week

SOCCER STOP: Phuket Governor Udomsak Uswarangkura (left), Kata Group ON CANVAS: Guests at the opening of the ‘Painting My Dreams’ exhibition of works by Managing Director Pamuke Archariyachai (2nd from right) and General Manager Engon Homsuwan (2nd from right) at Phuket Art Gallery, on Thalang Rd in Phuket City, Andrew Swadipakdi (right) welcome FIFA President Sepp Blatter (2nd from left) were Phuket Provincial Administration Organization President Anchalee Vanich- and AFP President Mohamed bin Hammam (3rd from left) to the Kata Beach Resort Thephabutr (3rd from left) and her husband K. Tossaporn (2nd from left). during their recent visit to Phuket.

ROTARY REWARD: Dr Chartchai Pookayaporn (right), Vice-Minister of the SHELLED OUT: (Front, from left) Laguna Phuket Joint Managing Director James Batt, Phuket Office of the Prime Minister, hands the Prime Minister’s Award to Rotary Vice-Governor Niran Kanlayanamit and Thai TV stars Warattaya Nilkuha and Stephan Salamone Club of Patong Beach Past President Jeroen Deknatel, for the club’s work release turtles to the sea at the 2006 Sea Turtle Conservation Ceremony at Laguna Phuket. in helping tsunami victims. Club President Arnaud Verstraete looks on.

POLICE PICK-ME-UP: Phuket Provincial Administration Organization Vice-President Suthep Thepsakul hands the key to a pickup truck to Pol Lt Col Chartchai Nicrodhanon, Deputy HERE KITTY KITTY: Thai star singers Nisita ‘Annita’ Pongsong (left) and Superintendent of Crime Suppression at Phuket City Police Station. The truck will be used Pawaporn Bhuwapatchim pose with a tiger cub at Phuket FantaSea during their by officers at the Rassada Community Police Station. recent visit to Phuket. April 29 - May 5, 2006 FEATURES PHUKET GAZETTE 17

PHUKET DIARY A grumpy kind of of coming events

To May 31: Art exhibition. pointed by HM the King – per- a week in Phuket YArt! Gallery at the forms ancient rites and attempts Crowne Plaza, Karon Beach, is to forecast the rainfall for the t’s been an odd sort of week a different sort than the “running What kind of a lowlife piece hosting its second art exhibition, coming months, to predict wheth- in Phuket. There are some amok” variety. of dog poo fingers his fellow man titled Fantasie, which showcas- er the rice seedlings about to be seriously disgruntled people It is high time that archaic like that? es a combination of surrealist and planted will provide a bountiful around, and with good rea- laws that do not take into account What could anybody gain impressionist works by Thailand’s crop this year. I finest artists. son. the fact that Thailand is an inter- here? By the way, the local of- One couple who fit into the national destination and earning ficers of the law have the same The exhibition is open to the aforementioned “seriously dis- good money from such, be re- opinion of this as I do. public free of charge. For more gruntled” category came from formed. information email: yartgallery@ England for a week’s holiday, ar- The Tourism Authority of here are other odd things go- gmail.com riving on Sunday, departing the Thailand should make it their duty Ting on this week. You remem- following Saturday. to see that these things are fixed. ber my tale some months ago of May 27 and 28: Phuket Inter- They planned to do what a Not only that they are fixed, but the goms, (Grumpy Old Men), the national Rugby 10s. lot of people do on holidays in a that the same rules apply to ev- red gom and the blue gom fight- The Phuket 10s takes place tropical paradise – lie around on erybody. Apart from that, I won- ing over the establishment of a this year at Karon Stadium. the beach or around the pool and der how much money will be lost sala for the massage girls to so- Twenty-three teams from go to local pubs and this year by the hos- licit their wares? nine countries have confirmed restaurants at night. pitality industry be- Well, the blue gom has set they will take part. Nobody told LARGER cause of elections? up a gom association which held Rainbow Warriors from them that they THAN It seems a bit its first meeting this week. I saw South Africa, last year’s cham- would have only LIFE odd though, that on some of them afterwards, all pions, have confirmed that they three nights out of By Graham Doven the evening of elec- drinking beer and yapping happily will return to defend their title. the seven to enjoy tion day, while you on like anybody else, not in the Other teams, in addition to Golfers will compete to win the themselves in the local hostelries, are not supposed to least bit grumpy. Phuket’s own Vagabonds, include Champion’s Trophy in the Le and that the other four nights sell alcohol till mid- Totally ridicu- former champs the Moorabbin Meridien Tournament. would present the grim vista of night, I was eating in What kind of a lous actually; imag- Rams (formerly the Melbourne darkened pubs and bars more in a big seafood restau- ine having an asso- Cruiser Rams), and the 2003 May 13: Le Meridien 6th Golf line with a country at war rather rant with a few for- lowlife piece of ciation of grumpy champs British Club Bangkok, Tournament. that an international holiday is- eigners and maybe dog poo fingers old men who go which will field two sides. The Le Meridien 6th Golf land. 500 locals and at 6 his fellow man around being cheer- Tournament will be held on Sat- Four out of seven nights the pm we were drink- ful. May 1: Labor Day. urday, May 13 at Phuket Coun- nightspots were closed to the ing whatever we like that? The funny Public holiday for all private try Club. tourist industry because the host wanted. What could thing is that the origi- sector workers; government of- The entrance fee of 2,700 country was holding elections. But later, at anybody gain nal goms were the fices will remain open. baht for local residents and 3,500 It’s not the business of tour- 10:30 pm, a small here? By the blue gom and the baht for non-residents includes ists or any foreigners to interfere restaurant catering red gom, and the red May 5: Coronation Day, pub- the green fee, caddie fee, a polo in the sovereign rights of another mainly to foreigners way, the local gom, it seems, is not lic holiday. shirt and the awards dinner. country, however ridiculous the was raided for sell- officers of the included in the asso- Coronation Day commem- For further details contact rules might be, such as the ban ing alcohol. law have the ciation. orates the ascension to the throne K. Punjaporn at Tel: 01-7473036 on the sale of alcohol between 2 You cannot He’ll probably of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej or K. Narumon at Le Meridien pm and 5 pm in any supermar- blame the local con- same opinion of start his own gom on May 5, 1950. Phuket Beach Resort Tel: 076- ket. stabulary; they re- this as I do. club, and there will 340480, or K. Sirichai at Phuket You can just imagine doz- ceived a “complaint” be hostilities. You May 11: Royal Ploughing Cer- Country Club Tel: 076-321038. ens of drunken teenagers running and they are obliged can just see two emony Day, public holiday. amok, as they would surely do if to act on it. mobs of goms, carrying flaming This auspicious occasion, July 2-30: Sports & Adven- they were allowed to buy alcohol Apparently someone “com- torches and baseball bats, head- which predates even the birth of ture Camp. during these afternoon hours. plained” that the restaurant was ing for a fight in the middle of the the Lord Buddha, marks the tra- For details of the camp at Obviously the booze that selling alcohol, and rumor has it village. ditional beginning of the rice- the British Curriculum Interna- they buy from any small shop in that that someone may have been Now that would nicely planting season. tional School, email: summer@ a side street at any time must be another foreigner. round the week off. The Ploughing Lord – ap- bcis.ac.th 18 PHUKET GAZETTE SPA MAGIC April 29 - May 5, 2006 Spa MAGIC High on heaven

By Nattamon It’s amazing what a couple of hours Ratcharak Montra Spa in paradise can do for the soul

hen I arrived at Montra Spa at the Aramhas Resort Minutes W in Nai Yang, the sun was shining and a song was in the air. So when I entered the later I was spa it was a pleasant surprise to find that the air inside actually smelled sweeter and the atmo- receiving a sphere was fresher than outside. I was welcomed by Warun- thip “Ning” Visetkantarakorn, tension Spa Service Supervisor. She of- fered me a cup of herbal tea be- fore explaining that the Thai tea reliever represents more than a welcome cuppa. “Montra Spa wishes to ex- treatment press its Thai identity and to re- flect Thai people’s image and their natural hospitality. that homes “We cater to the five sen- ses. For the visual part we are surrounded by lush green gardens in on the with 10 separate spa villas – each named after a Thai flower. Our interior design keeps to a Thai head, neck theme and we have six thera- pists, all – of course – Thai. “As for taste, we provide roselle-flavored iced drinks and and hot herbal drinks to promote blood circulation. People’s sense of smell is stimulated through aro- shoulders matherapy. help them relax as they receive a of massage oils that pertain to the people of the fire element should K. Ning applied a honey “In order to cater for our massage, which, of course pam- four elements – earth, water, air choose rosemary massage oil to and sesame body scrub compris- clients’ sense of hearing we use pers their sense of touch. and fire – and we use these ele- stimulate their circulation.” ing a mixture of honey, sesame Thai music in the background to “Montra Spa has four types ments for a holistic approach to K. Ning added, “We also oil and white and black sesame health. It is very important to keep provide services for children from seeds. Not surprisingly I could these four elements balanced six years up. If parents have treat- smell sesame all around. After 30 throughout life as they affect ment here there’s no reason why minutes I could feel the differ- one’s health.” the kids shouldn’t join in.” ence in my skin; it was a lot I learned that, because of I eventually accepted a smoother. when I was born, I am a water “Soul Balancer” package, which Then I was in for a full hour person. K. Ning explained, “Lav- included a 30-minute body scrub of body massage that was a com- ender oil goes best with this ele- and 60 minutes of full body mas- bination of Thai and Swedish ment to decrease stress and blood sage, all costing 2,800 baht. medium-pressure techniques us- pressure, and to balance mind and We made our way to the ing kneading strokes and circular soul. In addition, it helps to heal Supannikar spa villa, which was pressure methods. burns and skin lesions. surrounded by a verdant tropical A sort of Eurasian affair, its “The earth element re- garden. K. Ning settled me into purpose was to increase oxygen sponds well to sandalwood oil, a sofa and gave my feet a thor- flow in the circulation and to re- which helps to relax muscles. ough warm-water wash. Later, I lease toxins. “People of the air element changed clothes in a sumptuous I confess that I fell asleep should have a kaffir lime oil mas- bathroom that featured a steam and when I woke up K. Ning sage which helps the heart, and room and an open-air Jacuzzi. asked if there was an area I would like her to focus on. Minutes later I was receiv- ing a tension reliever treatment that homes in on the head, neck and shoulders. I was in heaven – I later learned that this package was fittingly called “Top Hea- ven”.

For more information, contact Montra Spa at Arahmas Resort & Spa in Nai Yang. Tel: 076- 316000 or visit http://www. arahmas.com April 29 - May 5, 2006 DINING OUT PHUKET GAZETTE 19

lows a gentle pace behind, and On the the waiting staff are surprised at our pleas for it to be spicy. The menu delicate taste does not assail the senses, and the ingredients are delectably fresh. We had decided to sample all three of the wines available by the glass at 330 baht – all from the Taras label – Chardonnay Bin 681, the Shiraz and the Cab Sauv, but having developed a taste af- ter just one glass glass of the popular Chardonnay, we stick to that. WITH Jimmy excels himself with Andy Johnstone the main course of pan-seared white snapper with a lemon grass Baba, Sri Panwa and white wine sauce, and grilled lamb chops with a rich green ne might be forgiven curry. The white wine sauce, for assuming that a re- DESSERT STORM – CHOCS AWAY which has more than a hint of view of the restaurant French about it, but which goes at the Sri Panwa de- O off the map into delightfully un- velopment, which goes by the chartered territory, is almost be- name Baba (Baba oh really?), will yond compare. Nay too rich nor feature a plethora of references too gentle for our palettes, it is an to the stunning view from the villa experience rather than just a development. sauce. References to the spectacu- The combination of fragrant lar tableau visible from the table Thai spices in the green curry that and elsewhere, which is remark- bedecks the lamb works like a able enough, almost, to cause me Seared snapper and lamb chops, and a B52 dessert (left) to follow. charm, the sweet intensity of the to tear up my Class War mem- chili cutting through the scented bership card and join the serried oil on the tender lamb. ranks of the capitalists so as to The main courses are ac- afford one of these villas, will companied by a splendid home- abound. Sunset trip made pesto with penne and a dish Photos of it, however, will of fresh, mixed vegetables. not, because it it is simply too Dessert comes with a bang beautiful, too private and too per- how pleasant it would be to sleep, bubbles explode so wonderfully of favorites from past meals. – metaphorically speaking – in sonal to be photographed and eat or swim with God’s great can- against the palate and up the One can, of course, simply the shape of a B52 chocolate stored on any medium save for vas to look at day in, day out. nose, but because… well, one throw caution to the wind and mousse, the measures of Kah- on the internal hard drive of the Part of me wonders, how- senses a desire to celebrate in leave the entire menu in his ca- lúa, Baileys Irish Cream and mind’s eye. ever, what Jimmy can rustle up such surroundings, especially in pable hands. in the kitchen to – if not best, then the company of a charming din- Our menu – priced at 1,500 Grand Marnier blending perfectly with the alternating layers of dark MAJESTIC complement – the scene. ing companion. baht per person – begins with We don’t wait long to ex- Jimmy advises us that he chicken satay with a selection of and milk chocolate. Sunset is, of course, the best time perience the consummate skills of creates a quasi-generic menu for dips, which includes a wasabi dip. The food is superb, the ser- to view this majestic panorama Baba’s service staff, who deftly new diners at Baba, featuring Something of a radical and vice excellent, the atmosphere of a serene sea and islands such seat us at at the best table in – some local variations on familiar welcome departure from the both calming and uplifting and the as Koh Lone and Koh Hei, with literally – the house. Cocktails themes. standard peanut sauce, the unex- view a dream. views far beyond, and we roll up are the order of the day, and the Returning diners – and he pected combination of flavors at around 6 pm to catch the natu- menu provides an exhaustive – tells us that the recent occupants works well together, with none of Baba at Sri Panwa. Contact ral light show. but not tiring – list of classics and of one villa enjoyed Baba so them masking the traditional taste Christian “Jimmy” Karl at tel: Baba, explains Christian new favorites, no doubt to be- much that they breakfasted, of the turmeric-marinaded chick- 076-371000 or email: eat@ “Jimmy” Karl, the Culinary Ex- come classics one day. lunched and dined there each day en. sripanwa.com for more infor- ecutive at Sri Panwa, is located Champagne cocktails are of their stay – can call or email A mango salad – a varia- mation. in one of the villas. This affords chosen, and not just because the him with their particular wish list tion on the classic somtam – fol- the diner, whose funds may not run to actually owning or renting one of the properties, the chance to wallow in Sri Panwa luxury for a couple of hours. My dining com- panion and I do just that, making the odd wistful comment about 20 PHUKET GAZETTE MOTORING April 29 - May 5, 2006 Celebs rally round the world in 8 days BEHIND THE WHEEL By Jeff Heselwood

he Gumball Rally, prob- ably the world’s most exotic and quirky motor Ting adventure, kicks off April 30 in London and will hit Phuket May 3, after passing through Salzburg in Austria, Budapest in Hungary and Bel- grade, the capital of Serbia and Montenegro. The aim of the event is to get round the world in eight days. From Belgrade, all 120 cars will be airlifted to Thailand where drivers will stay overnight at the A 2005 McLaren Mercedes SLR Amanpuri at Pansea Beach. Supermodel Caprice driving a Porsche 911 Turbo last year. Photo by Dan Onslow entered in the 2005 Gumball Rally. Three giant Russian Antonov cargo planes have been char- tered to bring the multi-million- dollar cargo of vehicles to Phu- ket. GUMBALL HITS PHUKET You may never have heard of the Gumball 3000, but it has Hummer, a restored 1930s Rolls- been around for some time – this Royce, a 1970 Holden and, rather is the eighth year it is being run. improbably, a Porsche-engined The event follows the traditions Volkswagen Camper van. There of the celebrated Cannonball Run is also an exotic Farboud GT, an in the US, which took its name unusual supercar; despite its un- from Erwin G “Cannonball” usual Iranian name, it is actually Baker, the greatest cross-coun- built in Britain and powered by a try record breaker who ever three-liter Ford V6 engine. lived. Somewhat more mundane, but strictly in keeping with the ILLEGAL madcap Gumball spirit, are a Citroën 2CV and a humble Lon- Baker’s most famous coast-to- don taxi. coast drive – from New York to A number of celebrities are Los Angeles – was in 1933, when taking part this year, including he took 53 hours to complete the Oscar-winning actor Adrien solo attempt – averaging an as- Brody (of The Pianist), singer tounding 80kmh. Missy Elliott and actress Daryl The Cannonball Run was an Hannah. singer P!nk will also join illegal road race that continued the Asian leg of the rally. Baker’s pioneering efforts, trav- One former competitor, eling from the US east coast to Hong Kong-based Gary Pudney, the west coast, mainly in protest sums up the Gumball spirit: “We against the blanket speed restric- drove through the evening, the tion of 55mph (88kmh). night and into the morning. At one The brainchild of US motor- time we had torrential rain and ing writer Brock Yates, the rally Formula 1 driver Jenson could travel safely at no more was first run in 1971, and was Button waves off last than about 120kmh. popularized by the 1981 film of year’s rally. “But despite the weather, the same name starring Burt we were passed by Jodie Kidd in Reynolds. Yates also wrote the Photo by Michael Tomlinson a Maserati – sideways! – closely screenplay for the movie. followed by a Ferrari Enzo and a The Gumball 3000, as it is tormouth who sometimes fails to teams in F1 – and Maximillion California on Los Angeles’ Ro- GT2 Porsche.” now known, was the creation in live up to his outlandish promises. Cooper ain’t one of ’em. deo Drive on May 7. It may be that not all the 1999 of eccentric motoring en- He once declared he would ei- The multinational, well- The selection of cars en- entrants get as far as Phuket, for thusiast Maximillion Cooper. For ther start or buy a Formula One heeled competitors in the Gumball tered this year is quite outstand- many will fall by the wayside be- all his ambition, Cooper is a mo- team. Well, there are now 11 will stay in Phuket before head- ing. It includes, for the first time, fore reaching Asia. ing for Bangkok on May 5 for a a monster 1,000bhp Bugatti Here’s Gary Pudney again: rest period at the Mandarin Ori- Veyron, as well as the usual col- “One year, we labeled it ‘Black ental Hotel. From the Thai capi- lection of Ferraris, Porsches, Saturday’, as we lost two Ferraris tal they will fly to Salt Lake City Lamborghinis and Chevy Cor- which were destroyed in high- in Utah, and then on to Las Ve- vettes. speed accidents, a Ford Escort gas, Nevada. The rally ends in There is also the inevitable Cosworth which was written off, a Dodge Viper seriously bent, a Porsche Turbo of which there was no sign and a badly damaged Porsche GT3.” Look out for those entries that do make it, on the road from Phuket International Airport to the Amanpuri resort on May 3. The Gumball 3000 promises to be a procession like no other.

Jeff Heselwood may be con- tacted by email at jhc@ netvigator.com April 29 - May 5, 2006 TAKE A BREAK PHUKET GAZETTE 21 PPUZZLESUZZLES The Cryptic Crossword

ACROSS 1. Focus in camp. (13) 8. Despotic rat I place in Hidden Words 200 after car. (10) 9. Using part of plus, easy Hidden in the grid below are the names of at least 15 to make sled. (4) characters in the Ramakien. The names may read vertically, horizontally or diagonally. They may also 10. To the east, a digit. (3) read right-to-left or down-to-up. Score: 5 or more, good; 11. South Africa saints are 10 or more, very good; 15 or more, excellent. cheeky. (4) 14. In monk’s room, love DCXSWHKNFRFU I QX instrument. (5) I CATFLFAQPWAMSE 15. Lake of black goo to the north. (4) BP TTODAUYBRTRKL 17. Bird fuel? Sounds like it. MDJVWTUSJAEI IGJ (6) LENNE I S I NUKRROB 19. Chewer’s target tips CHOMPUPANAMUNAH back to little cartoon. (8) PAYFXKRRKP I SNLE 21. Rich, tore into manner of J I JWLHHHVABGKOB speaking. (8) SPPZPTSPNTNXAFH 23. I’m quiet in the blue, and inadequate. (6) AXP EDALBP EMTLDT 26. Limp to a stop. (4) Compiled by Tortuus. © 2006 QYXRKEP J X I YEGI M 28. Wanderer is not crazy. DOWN bird. (5) I R I YKHLWAJKLNKQ (5) 7. Before note, Nancy’s PGIRRQBXMAEQOUU 29. Miss K in a little drink. 1. For the boys, covers for nine months. (9) (4) pants. (5) 12. Swallowed most of a tea. WXEAUQULTKKP NMP 32. Regret street in Paris. (3) 2. Marks bits of music… (3) HYROE SNHSHGOTP V 34. Writer Munro sounds (5) 13. Support swagger. (5) XA F J RP OT EGDOQAM sarcastic. (4) 3. …and French church 16. Before a turn. (3) MTV SUT J AWDFA J K P 35. A Tulsa Arab reforms an mark with acid. (4) 17. Grip letter to give buyer. VPDASCFPKBUROAE unformed mind. (6,4) 4. Ammo for private eye, (9) 36. Wandering agent goes maybe. (6) 18. Let go tern, oddly, and XNEAT I HCAROHTN I back, for example, to 5. Technician drinks, it’s handled glasses. (9) XXREPHRAINTNCYR Romeo with one nation. said, with plate. (9) 19. Pouch for Strategic Air WOU F R F J WGO E L Z Z D (13) 6. Cry of pain to allow small Command. (3) TIJBLKZWKPDNUCV 20. Follows rear ends. (5) 22. 45 inches east to a X I TMOXUGTSPABVB Scribble Space couple of learners. (3) ILAOTONSRBELXCC 24. Quiet, love! I make E SVOYOYVSDRYAXW Hawaiian food. (3) Solution on next page. 25. Drama as Abu and I add a couple of kilos. (6) 27. Food is nonsense. (5) 30. Potassium Rab and I take Solution, tips and to seaside place. (5) computer program 31. Simple, flat area. (5) at www.sudoku.com 33. May have a Central American. (4) Solution on next page EZ TRIVIA QUIZ

1. Which Gothic church in 6. In Thailand, where is the London is the traditional official office of the Brain place of coronation and a Prime Minister? burial site for English monarchs? 7. In the nursery rhyme, where did the Kook- Buster! 2. Which European penin- aburra sit and eat gum sula is bounded by the drops? What is the four-digit Black Sea to the east number described by the and branches of the 8. Which device, invented following three Mediterranean Sea to in 1908, is used to detect statements? the south and west? alpha and beta radiation? 1. The 1st digit is one- 3. In which year was the 9. On September 1, 2004, a third of the 3rd digit. middle school in which Berlin Wall dismantled? th Russian town was seized 2. The 4 digit is two 4. What is the official name by Chechen terrorists, times the 2nd digit. of the London metro resulting in 344 civilian system? deaths? 3. The 1st digit and the 3rd digit add up to twice the Sudoku is very simple: each row, each column and each “box” of 5. Which Thai highway 10. Which country produces sum of the 2nd digit and nine squares within the puzzle must contain all the numbers from starts at the Malay the most beer? the 4th digit. 1 to 9 with, naturally, no repetitions. Beware: there is only one border in Songkhla and solution to this puzzle, which is on the next page. ends in Bangkok? Answers on next page Answer on next page 22 PHUKET GAZETTE TAKE A BREAK April 29 - May 5, 2006 Get your brain in gear with The Monster Quiz Kids! Ask Mum and Dad to help you find the answers to these questions. They’re not easy but, if you do some research, you should be able to find the answers to all of them. 1. American Lorado Taft called La Maison Bleu? entire A side of his debut was famous in which LP in 1969? 8. What, reportedly, did field? Gauis Julius Caesar say 16. Sam Sullivan is the 2. The Iguassu Falls is on after crossing the Rubicon Mayor of which city? the borders of which two in 49 BC? countries? 9. What and where are the 17. The New Zealand 3. Which concentration horse latitudes? Parliament recently camp was liberated by passed an act making 10. Who invented the word US troops on April 29, what the country’s third “widget”? 1945? official language? 11. What is the name of the 4. The film Finding Quick Crossword oldest newspaper in the 18. Who was the original Neverland was based on illustrator of Conan ACROSS DOWN Netherlands? the life of which author? Doyle’s Sherlock 12. Who is Brazil’s first 1. End of the journey. 2. Go into. 5. Which Irish actor, Holmes series? astronaut, currently at the 7. Pierce with a knife. 3. Forbidden. famous for his portrayal 4. Pleasant. International Space 8. Not rare. of Christy Brown in My 19. How many times does 5. Vast. Station? 9. Villain. Left Foot, was born the master criminal Prof 12. Against. 6. Silly people. James Moriarty appear 9. Kimchi ingredient. April 29, 1957? 13. Salem is the capital of 13. Cereal. in the 60 published 10. Late. which US state? 15. Cow meat. 6. If they are manhua in Sherlock Holmes cases? 11. Knock-out. China and manhwa in 14. Which two actors and 16. Things. 14. Between La and Do. classmates were voted by Korea, what are they in 20. Peter Benenson and Eric 20. Financial checks. 17. Gin mixer. their class as “most likely Japan? Baker founded which 21. “Thing” word. 18. Rodent. not to succeed”? 22. Desperate situations 19. Land in the sea. 7. Where would you find organization in 1961? the Cheong Fatt Tze 15. Whose song about a Solution below, right. Mansion, sometimes restaurant occupied the Answers below, left

Hidden Words Cryptic Crossword SOLUTION Puzzle + + + + + + + N + + + + I + + + + + T + + + A + + + A + + + + + + + O + + U + + R + + + + + + + + + T + S + A + + + + + Solutions + + + + + + S I N + + + + + + C H O M P U P A N A M U N A H P + + + + + R R K + + + + + + Monster Quiz Answers + I + + + H + H + A + + K + + 1. Sculpture; 11. De Leeuwarder Courant; + + P + P + + P + + N + A + + 2. Argentina and Brazil; 12. Marcus Pontes; A + + E + + + + + + + + L + + 3. Dachau; 13. Oregon; + Y + + K + P + + + + E G + + 4. JM Barrie; 14. Dustin Hoffman and Gene Hackman; + + I + + H + + + + K + N K + Quick Crossword 5. Daniel Day-Lewis; + + + R R + + + + A + + O U + 15. Arlo Guthrie’s Alice’s Restaurant; 6. Manga (comic books); + + + A U + + + T + + + N M + 16. Vancouver, Canada; 7. Penang, Malaysia; + + R + + S + H + + + + + P + 8. Alea iacta est (The die is cast); 17. New Zealand Sign Language; + A + + + + O + + + + + + A + 9. The two regions of calm seas and light 18. Sydney Paget; M + + + + T + A + + + + + K + winds near 30° north and 30° south; 19. Two; + P + + S + + + K + + + + A + 10. Raold Dahl; 20. Amnesty International. + + E A T I H C A R O H T N I + + R E P H R A I N T + + + + Brain + O + + R + + + + O + + + + + Buster T + + + + K + + K + + + + + + + + + + + + U G + + + + + + + Solution + + + + + + N S + + + + + + + + + + + + O + + + + + + + + + 3,294. Sudoku EZ Trivia Answers 1. Westminster Abbey; 2. The Balkan Peninsula; 3. 1989; 4. The Underground; 5. Route 4; 6. Government House, in Bangkok; 7. In an old gum tree; 8. Geiger counter; 9. Beslan; 10. China. April 29 - May 5, 2006 FEATURES PHUKET GAZETTE 23

Overheard in a police station near you: “A farang used a language that in my home country would justify a fine Why ‘Miss Available’ is always a hussy around 20,000 baht, but the police man only smiled. That’s the good thing about to drop everything to be with you she’s “i dont know if the old white men Thailand, police smile here!!!” (1) still a hussy. Sigh. know if they are actually boys or not. But the writer does have a fair OUTSIDE marie and i always try to pick them out Gold-digging pays: Asia “Old Hands” point in saying, “Many guys seem to when we are walking down the street waxing on about ladies of the night leave their brain behind when they come IN and it is very easy because you just have sometimes get carried away. Never to Thailand. The media loves to stereo- By Lis Kinswoman to look for girls with large adams type the daft old git who believes that a apples!!!” (4) mind, just as long as they get to hear Laughing policemen, dodgy bar their own voices: “Each year, thousands stunning Thai babe is crazy for him. The of western men marry a Thai girl only to truth is that many sensible old codgers girls, drunken lads and katoeys – a Same same: “Phuket has quite a few discover that she is a con-woman. Rich are growing old disgracefully here and richer slice of Phuket’s Cyber-pie ladyboys or katoeys, as they are known rewards await the smiling perpetrators enjoying every minute of it. They get you couldn’t hope to find. So let’s in Thai. Just a heads up to avoid confu- of this perfect crime. The awful truth is what they pay for. Wisdom is one of the sion on your nights out. They can be few benefits of advancing age.” (2) take another look from the outside found in Soi Crocodile just off Bangla that gold-digging pays. Lonely, soft- in with Lis Kinswoman. hearted men are the hapless victims left Road. Many can be stunningly beautiful without a pot to piss in.” Ouch! “The beer wasn’t going down and can easily mistaken for real women. “If you are dating a girl who often well; the last couple of mouthful’s tasted bin and I don’t mean for her to go riffling Some things to look out for are height, as stands you up or changes her plans at as if someone at the brewery had been through the trash. If you ask them for ladyboys are quite often much taller than the last minute, you can be sure that pissing in it. My bo***cks were develop- the bill they just look at you daft. The real girls. Large hands and feet are also she’s got other guys on the go. Her ing some sort of tropical heat rash. They only bills these girls know are the ones a good clue.” (5) expensive cellphone will normally be were so raw in places you would have that turn up every year from America thought I’d been dragging them across with their lily-white skin and the all- 1. http://phuket.as/diary8.php ringing… As in the west, respectable 2. http://www.phuket-info.com/forums/ girls will be busy during the day. Beware the carpet. My arse was numb from powerful dollar.” (3) sitting on bar stools, designed to cripple general/4469-your-thai-sweetheart-really- of Miss Available who can easily book con-woman. html time off.” overweight English backsides. Welcome Tranispotting: “i have no idea why but 3. http://festusanders on.blogspot.com/ Lis understands. If “Miss Avail- to Thailand.” some males in thialand dress up as girls. 4. http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/Thailand/ able” is not available she’s a hussy, and “Its time to find another bar, but they were pretty skirts, high heels, little Phuket/Patong-Beach/blog-50349.html if she lives up to her name and is willing I’m already having trouble standing. I tank tops and tons of make up and they 5. http://www.travellerspoint.com/forum. ask one of the bar girls to the check the are always with old white men. cfm?thread=20946

ir Harry Flashman is my der, jarring her grip free, and kind of hero – drunkard, A scoundrel for all times away she went… One glimpse I lecher, liar, bully, braggart, had of the white water foaming coward and scoundrel. turning to Europe by steamboat to block Theodore’s escape from over those long beautiful legs, and S then she was gone. Damnable Flashman on the March from service to the recently ex- the rear. In his month-long jour- (HarperCollins, New York, 2005, ecuted Emperor Maximilian of ney, he is to be guided by a Galla altogether, cruel waste of good 328pp), by George MacDonald Mexico. princess named Uliba-Wark. womanhood, but what would you Fraser, is the 12th novel in his se- He fetches up in Trieste, Half sister to Queen Mas- do? Better one should go than ries about a philandering British Off the one step ahead of the furious teeat, Uliba-Wark is also schem- two, and greater love hath no man army officer who bumbles his German relatives of a teenage ing to depose her. Not that Flashy than this, that he lay down some- way through all the major military SHELF maiden he ravished while at sea. cares. They become lovers one’s else’s life for his own.” campaigns of the Victorian Age, By James Eckardt To escape Trieste, he ac- through their many adventures Good ol’ Flashy! always intent on saving his own cepts an offer to convey a for- during the horseback ride to Lake But Uliba survives – and skin. for public drunkenness. He winds tune in silver Maria Theresa dol- Tana. gets her revenge later at the camp Flashman, the first of the up in India in time for the disas- lars to the paymaster of Field South of Lake Tana, their of Queen Masteeat. series, was published in 1969. trous First Afghan War. Though Marshal Robert Napier, who is canoe is swamped in rapids just After a drunken romp with The conceit is that Sir Harry left a coward, he still manages to get encamped 100 miles from the before the lip of the roaring 150- the fat queen, Flashman is kid- behind a stack of packets de- decorated for valor. Red Sea in Abyssinia. foot tall Tisisat Falls. napped and Uliba is about to cas- scribing his many adventures, From the Charge of the The task of Napier’s army Fetched up at an islet, Flash- trate him when she is killed by a while George MacDonald Fras- Light Brigade in the Crimea to is to free the British Consul and man grabs a clump of branches band of guerrilla Amazons, led by er, editor and arranger, provides Custer’s Last Stand in the Amer- other hostages from the half-mad while Uliba-Wark clings desper- none other than Emperor Theo- 20 end pages of historical foot- ican West and all points between Emperor Theodore, who is over- ately to his leg. As he loses his dore! notes. – China, Borneo, Germany, Rus- ly fond of mass crucifixions. grip, both are about to be swept And this is only halfway Flashman originally ap- sia, Madagascar, Zululand – When he reaches Napier, all to certain death. through the novel. peared as the upper-class bully Flashman meets the great figures Flashy wants to do is go home to “There was only one thing In his introduction to Flash- in Tom Brown’s Schooldays by of the day and beds any number his wife in England. to be done, so I did it, drawing up man on the March, MacDonald Thomas Hughes, a novel first of grandes dames. But Napier wants Flashman my free leg and driving my foot Fraser compares Napier’s suc- published in 1857. His eye for the ladies is gen- to get behind Emperor Theo- down with all my force at Uliba’s cessful in-and-out campaign in The first book, Flashman, erally what lands him in trouble dore’s army encamped in the face staring up at me open- Abyssinia to the current debacle takes off where the Victorian in the first place. mountain fortress of Magdala, mouthed, half-submerged as she in Iraq. novel ends in 1839 – with Flash- In Flashman on the March contact Queen Masteeat of the clung to my other knee. I missed, “Those were the days,” he man expelled from Rugby School the year is 1867, and he is re- fierce Galla tribe, and bribe her but caught her full on the shoul- concludes. 24 PHUKET GAZETTE EDITORIAL & LETTERS April 29 - May 5, 2006

367/2 Yaowarat Rd, Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000 Tel: 076-236555 - Since 1994 - Fax: 076-213971 Email: [email protected]

Of the people, by the people, for the people? There has to be something bizarre going on when a person can be elected to represent a community by getting just 8.18% support from that community (See news pages). If the figures showed that most of the community simply could not be bothered to vote, and that 8% of the electorate represented at least half of those few who did make the effort to go to the polling booths, then the election would be a legitimate expression of the wishes – albeit very lukewarm wishes – of the community. But things get seriously out of whack when 7,893 people vote for the winning candidate and more than 30,000 vote specifically and emphatically for none of the candidates running. Despite understandable election fatigue – the April 23 by-elec- tion was the third election for a national post in three weeks – some 40% of registered voters still turned out to make their mark. Of these, 70% stated quite clearly that neither of the candidates met their ex- pectations. Oddly, although Thai electoral law makes provision for a “no vote”, that vote carries no weight in the overall outcome. Make no Letters mistake, the “no vote” box on the ballot paper is more than an ab- stention. Abstaining implies that the voter has no opinion, or is scared The Gazette is pleased to receive mail from read- your views for publication in our next issue. of siding with one party or another, or simply does not care. ers. Please write to us at 367/2 Yaowarat Rd, We reserve the right to edit all letters. Pseudonyms Abstaining in a Thai election is simple: stay home. Don’t vote. Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000, fax to 076-213971 are acceptable only if your full name and address Or, if you want to avoid going through the rigmarole of re-registering or send an email to [email protected] with are supplied. the next time there is an election, go to the polling booth and simply fold up the ballot sheet without making a mark on it. Road rage and rash zette report that, compared with is inherent in programs where But in Phuket District 1, nearly 45% of all registered voters the rest of the year, Songkran is dolphins are forced to interact, made their way to the polling booths and marked the “no vote” box. responses no longer a time of great carnage and the potential for injury and This was more than abstaining. It was a clear statement that they did As if stung by a stream of chilled on the island’s roads? mental disturbance from irrespon- not want either of the registered candidates listed on the ballot to water, the Gazette seems to sud- We are informed ad nau- sible human behavior – the risk represent them in Thailand’s most powerful national assembly. denly become interested in the seam that gambling has topped of aggression toward people and Some will argue, of course, that Phuket’s historical political pref- road accident toll each year at the crime statistics, that people the potential for disease transmis- erences are the cause of this outcome. There will also be the inevi- Songkran. are dumping rubbish and that soi sion between human and dolphin. table charge of political shenanigans from both sides. While it is pos- Yet, for some considerable dogs are running free. We would like to take this sible that these factors were at play, it seems impossible that they time now, the closest thing the Yet to me, and I suspect to opportunity to praise the ongoing could have had such an overwhelming effect. island has to a newspaper of many other readers, the tragedy work of the Thai authorities to Unfortunately, under existing election law the “no votes” are record has failed to devote space of the continuing loss of young protect whales and dolphins in the essentially worth nothing – they simply do not count. to the road toll figures it once life and the scale of the risk that waters of Thailand and respect- Something is badly out of kilter; calls for the Constitution to be regularly reported each month. all of us face each day are of fully urge them not to allow the overhauled are germane. The question now is, who will do it? That is Statistical comparisons are, much greater concern. development of a captive dolphin a whole new can of worms. facility in Phuket. – The Editor after all, the only way to tell Marcia Mallows whether the island’s quality of life Rawai Cathy Williamson (and the spread of sudden-impact WDCS death) is growing better or Forcing a sense of UK worse. purpose on dolphins How much observing I don’t recall ever even see- In association with The Nation Multimedia Group PCL ing the annual toll figure for 2005 I am writing on behalf of the did observers do? reported, even though it must Whale and Dolphin Conservation Your article “Tough itinerary for Editor: Rungtip Hongjakpet Izmen have involved the deaths of close Society (WDCS) to express our UN poll-watchers” (Gazette to 200 people, most of them local concern about a proposal to open Online April 18) was aptly head- Managing Editor: Alasdair Forbes residents. a facility in Phuket to display dol- Deputy Editor: Chris Husted lined. While dozens of young lives phins in captivity so people can Indeed, in between lunches Chief Reporter: Sangkhae Leelanapaporn are being snuffed out unneces- interact with them. and visits to Phuket FantaSea they Editorial Team: Stephen Fein, Andy Johnstone, Sam Wilkinson, Nattamon sarily, these tragic cases go un- The WDCS believes that it even managed to visit two or Ratcharak, Natcha Yuttaworawit, Janyaporn Morel, Jenjira Ruengjarus mentioned – except when the vic- is impossible to accommodate the three places connected with the tim happens to be foreign. mental, physical and social needs Senate elections. Given that between 15 and of dolphins in captivity and that it Managing Director: Rungtip Hongjakpet Izmen I would like to invite these 20 people die on Phuket’s roads is cruel to confine them. gentlemen to visit some areas General Manager: Oranee Pienprasertkul each month – or at least that was Scientific evidence suggests where their preseence at the poll- Marketing Manager: Natthira Susangrat the usual toll back when the Ga- that dolphins in captivity suffer ing stations would really count, Classifieds Manager: Phatsara Raktammakit zette used to record these appall- extreme mental and physical such as in Isarn. Events & Public Relations Manager: Athipa Bunnak ing deaths – the toll for Songkran stress, lower life expectancy and Somebody should have told 2006 was similar to any other 10- higher infant mortality than in the Publisher: The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd them that Phuket is not a place day period. wild. where many election irregulari- In fact, in 2004 and 2005, We are also concerned at ties can be found and the buying Contact us the extremely low 10-day death reports that the proposed facility votes is hardly ever, if at all, prac- toll demonstrated that Songkran will offer “dolphin therapy” and Advertising Sales: [email protected] ticed in this province, certainly not can often be the safest time to programs whereby visitors can during elections for the Senate. Classified Advertising: [email protected] be on the roads in Phuket. swim with dolphins. Website Services: [email protected] If they want to see voting Residents have proved they The WDCS has many con- irregularities, they should visit Gazette Guide inquiries: [email protected] are capable of having fun with- cerns relating to the interaction Isarn where the buying of votes out risking lives unnecessarily, between visitors and dolphins in Telephone: 076-236555 (10 lines) Fax: 076-213971 is rampant. Alas, there is no and the police deserve to be con- captive facilities. Phuket FantaSea there, nor any gratulated for the success of their These include the welfare beaches. The views expressed in the Phuket Gazette are those of the writers and contributors crackdowns. of the animal – including the lack Guenter Bellach and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, the editor, the shareholders, or the But why doesn’t the Ga- of respite for the dolphins, which Ban Lipon directors of The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd. Letters conveying views and suggestions are published here. Those seeking comment from government Copyright © 1994-2006 The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd officials and/or business owners are published in Issues & Answers online. April 29 - May 5, 2006 PERSPECTIVES PHUKET GAZETTE 25 Crash position

understand that the roads in of Danger April 7-16” aimed to Phuket are not good, some limit the number of people killed are narrow and the road sur- FIRST on Phuket roads to four during the Iface is often not that good, holiday period. Although six and the number of vehicles on the people died in accidents during roads is increasing. PERSON the nation’s traditionally most dan- The sharp curve at Kuan gerous period on the roads, the Din Daeng in Sapam is one curve ince the beginning of this year campaign was a success of sorts where accidents frequently hap- more than 70 people have because the average number of pen. We put traffic cones on the S people killed each day was less road there to indicate to people been killed in accidents on Phuket than the daily average in the pre- that they should reduce speed and roads, with February and March ceding two months. be careful because, if they drive claiming 48 lives in just 59 days. We are trying every way we too fast and cannot control their can to reduce the number of vehicles, they may cause an ac- Statistics from the Phuket Pro- people being killed or injured in cident. But people still drive too vincial Health Office, collected from accidents, such as by teaching fast there because there are four the island’s three government hos- traffic laws to students in lanes. We have asked the High- schools, and with road safety ways Office to install traffic lights pitals, also show that so far this campaigns at department stores there. year 3,795 people were injured in and in local communities. Most people killed or injured accidents; 3,460 of these people It would be good if people in accidents are on motorbikes, were less selfish when driving and there are several reasons for were on motorbikes. too, and did not cut in front of this. We do not have a good pub- Although accidents do happen, most can be avoided through care. People lose other vehicles. If they used their lic transportation service in the friends and family, and some of those who survive a serious accident remain handi- indicators each time, and re- province. That is why so many capped for the rest of their lives. Yet still the recklessness endures. spected the traffic laws and traf- people ride motorcycles. We do fic signs, that would be much bet- not have a good alternative for This is the battle Phuket is losing on the streets. Phuket’s drivers generally seem ter, too. them. to have little regard for their own lives and safety and those of others, and have little We don’t want to see any- Another is that effective respect for traffic laws that were created to save them from themselves. one killed or injured in accidents, marketing by motorcycle compa- and we don’t want to fine any- nies and their agents allow people Here, Pol Maj Teerawat Leamsuwan, 35, who joined Phuket City Police Station one for breaking the law, but we to buy motorcycles with only small in November as the new Traffic Inspector, explains his take on what is stopping Phuket’s do want people to have more re- down payments. drivers from saving themselves. spect for the law and for others The rising cost of fuel is when driving on the road. another factor that is prompting We have about 60 officers people who own cars to ride mo- Decha Budnampeth, is worried strict on traffic laws, such as which means we can catch up in the traffic department, with 45 torcycles instead. This, of course, about the increasing number of wearing helmets, obeying the with motorcycle gangs and get of them patroling the roads. We adds to the number of motor- people dying in accidents and has speed limit and wearing seat belts, to accidents quickly. also have to provide two officers cycles on Phuket’s roads. ordered us to set up checkpoints but when they ride motorcycles I know that people get tired in front of each school, where Most accidents in daytime to reduce the number of accidents in Thailand they do not respect of traffic police setting up check- people make dangerous U-turns are caused by people crashing into and to catch those breaking the the law. points, but it does help to reduce before and after school hours. In the back of one other, and the in- law. We have set up traffic po- the number of accidents and to addition, we have many VIPs juries are not too serious. This is The most common traffic lice centers on the bypass road, catch criminals such as motor- coming to Phuket, and we have different from nighttime, when offenses are people driving with- Chao Fa Rd and Thepkrasattri Rd cycle thieves or bag-snatchers. If to redirect traffic for this. most of the road deaths are the out a license, not wearing a hel- to watch out for people breaking we did not have checkpoints, the We try hard – and we risk result of people being drunk and met and not wearing a seat belt. traffic laws. There are BMW number of accidents and crimes our own safety out on the streets riding too fast. As to foreigners, I don’t motorcycles on standby at each would increase. – but if the number of accidents My boss, Phuket Provincial understand why they break the of them. An advantage of the The government’s Songkran continues like this, we will have Police Commander Pol Maj Gen law. Their countries are very BMW bikes is that they are fast, road safety campaign “Ten Days to do more.

Stamping out the Within 90 days of arrival I had to myself and couldn’t believe how Laem Singh: the register a permanent address with sycophantic the paper is to the yobs - for good the immigration office in Phuket Letters likes of Gulu Lalvani. blues continue and I have to report and recon- “Wedding of the decade”? I would like to thank Paul Vis- firm my address every 90 days. visa, but stay here by virtue of Please! Can you [as a newspa- I parked above Laem Singh conti [Letters, Gazette issue of When wanting to renew my visa, the visa-run system. per] show a little restraint? Beach and was walking down the April 15] for his comments on my I have to satisfy all these criteria Perhaps consideration That kind of feature makes steps when I heard somebody original letter, and I believe his again. I am more than happy to should be given to some sort of those not “in the know”, that is to shouting “Boss, boss, boss”. A letter has shown us a new dimen- do this as I wish to remain a limit on the number of re-entry say most of us, think that money man came and asked me for 20 sion regarding Thailand’s immi- model resident and live out my life stamps allowed in a foreigner’s or favors have been exchanged, baht for parking my motorcycle. gration policy. The growth of, in in Thailand. passport before having to meet which doesn’t do your reputation I explained that I did not Paul’s words, the “yob factor”. However, if I had no finan- the criteria laid down for residing any good. want to pay because I was on The powers-that-be in Phu- cial security, was suffering from in Thailand. L Masters public land. ket have often stated that it is their a disease, or had a criminal record Would this not help Phuket Rawai The man became angry, policy to attract “quality” resi- in my home country, all I would in achieving its objective – by The lion’s share pushing and insulting me and mak- dents. However, I believe Thai need to do is to arrive here on a vetting all visa applications – of ing me out to be a “Mafiosi”. I immigration policy suffers from tourist visa, and then do monthly attracting the “quality” residents With reference to the Issue & had to withdraw from the place a huge hole that, left unchecked, visa runs. I could then stay here it claims it wants to live here? Answer [Gazette issue of April because of his aggression, wait- could defeat this objective. indefinitely. John Lunn 15] about fees for parking above ing in vain for 10 minutes for a I have lived here for nearly I would not have to report Phuket Laem Singh Beach, this has been policeman to pass by. None did. four years and to obtain my first my address to the authorities or going on for years now, so why Meanwhile, the guy wanted visa I had to provide proof of fi- abide by any of the conditions Cool down, please, worry about it? to give me his mobile to call to nancial security, ie 800,000 baht demanded in order to obtain a Give the locals a chance to the Kamala Police Station. I in a Thai bank and provide health long-stay visa. I wonder how Gazette make some money, and if you wasn’t sure if it was a good idea certificates. I also had to prove many people there are now liv- After being told by some friends can’t afford the 20-baht fee, then to follow up, so I went to Surin that I had no criminal record by ing permanently in Thailand who that the recent edition of your go to another beach. Beach instead. obtaining written confirmation cannot meet the minimum re- paper had stooped to new levels Khun Ian John Doe from Scotland Yard in London. quirements to obtain a long stay of fawning, I just had a look for Kamala Phuket 26 PHUKET GAZETTE FEATURES April 29 - May 5, 2006

In The Stars by Isla St ar

TAURUS (April 21-May 21): Any Be prepared to listen to different lingering doubts about the wis- points of view and adapt accord- It’s getting dom of pursuing a new romance ingly if you want to see success will be laid to rest. Proof of WHAT by the end of the year. The num- someone’s interest could not ber 4 is lucky on Sunday. often tell myself that sleep come more clearly, so just relax THE is merely a symptom of caf- and enjoy. If you’re celebrating SAGITTARIUS (November 23- feine deprivation, and hav- a birthday this week, there may December 21): You may be Iing to wake up in the morn- be some heated discussion re- HEAVENS tempted to throw your hard- ing is the penance I pay for hav- garding who to leave off the guest earned cash around this week. ing sarcasm instead of a soul. But list. Make it a small and intimate Someone close will try to remind then again, talking to yourself is gathering if you want to avoid this HAVE you that money will be needed in a sign of madness, isn’t it? So predicament. May to meet a commitment – so perhaps I shouldn’t believe a take heed. Your fiery nature could word I say… GEMINI (May 22-June 21): Your IN be dampened when a bureaucrat Maybe I’m being harsh on partner’s bad habits are threat- tries your patience. Even if you’re mornings. I love the wee hours, ening to disturb your peace of right, make allowances for cul- and sunrises can be very pretty. mind. It also appears that you STORE tural differences. Love will flour- As long as I have coffee that’s Youth ’n have a bit of a short fuse at the ish if you move slowly. strong enough to crawl out of the moment. Making mountains out FOR pot by itself, I can cope with the of molehills will cause more CAPRICORN (December 22- annoying abundance of sunlight, ASIA trouble than you will want to January 20): You have more rice rush hour and the first roadkill By Ella Micheler handle. Chill out and focus on YOU on your plate than you care to sighting of the day. what is good about this relation- admit. As April ends, many What I cannot stand about to a funk: stabbing yourself in the ship to get things in perspective. Capricorns will be galloping round mornings is the early birds that eye with eyeliner, that death-de- A new work colleague has ideas THIS in circles to try to beat deadlines. slaughter worms and then twit- fying motorcycle driver, or the worth listening to next week. Stalling for time is one option that ter a victorious aria outside my skirt that’s gone missing at the could work, but not everyone will window. Although my cat has a back of the closet. It has found CANCER (June 22-July 23): If WEEK agree to this. You can trust Virgo penchant for birds, as evidenced its way to Narnia, where Mr you feel you haven’t progressed to take over tasks, but don’t rely by the number of corpses she Tumnus is now fauning around as much as expected this year work relationships. Others may on Pisces, whose head is in the drags to the front door, she never in it. you can look forward to good appear to be finding fault unnec- clouds. The color burgundy en- manages to get her paws on the Bad moods escalate during news. All the effort you put into essarily, but you’ll find a tactful courages focus. Pavarottis of the bird kingdom. the day, usually when you lash out a project is about to be appreci- way to sort out such situations. I knew it was going to be a at others. A good way of stop- ated – and rewarded. The only Money is highlighted this week- AQUARIUS (January 21-Febru- bad day when the most obnox- ping this from happening is to bitter pill this week will be when end, and the number 8 can bring ary 19): Expressing affection is ious, happiest bird in the universe keep your mouth shut. My sec- you discover that a supposed good luck. Wear the color mari- not usually easy for cool-headed began chirping. ond grade teacher used to say, friend had an ulterior motive all gold orange for its feel-good fac- Aquarians, but during May this This manipulative feathered “Twist your tongue seven times along. This is a good chance for tor. won’t be a problem. Cupid is on fiend knew what it was doing, too. before you speak.” (Figuratively, you to learn to reserve judgment your side if you want to make a After a few minutes I went to the before trusting people in future. LIBRA (September 24-October light-hearted relationship more window – and it stopped. I went 23): Current celestial trends look permanent. Wedding bells are back to bed. It started again. LEO (July 24-August 22): Wear- encouraging if you have been likely by the end of the year. If Back to the window – it flew ing your heart on your sleeve is struggling with a difficult personal you’re already spoken for, recent away. Bliss… for about 30 sec- Patong hit inadvisable until you understand decision recently. Helpful advice troubles become a thing of the onds. exactly what someone else is about to be offered by Aries, past and your partner will appre- Mini Pavarotti had flown wants. A leap of faith could re- who went through a similar situ- ciate your spontaneous gestures. five meters, and now had a full sult in disappointment. Romance ation. This week, try to set con- dawn chorus as backing, in the fire – then should play an important part in cerns aside and concentrate on PISCES (February 20-March form of the Vienna Birds’ Choir. your life later this year, but any- the pursuit of pleasure. Pisces 20): A new job gets off to a shaky I admitted defeat, and for the rest From the Phuket Gazette, thing that happens in the mean- would love to be asked on a date, start. When you discover what’s of the day I was in a funk. issue of April 15-30, 2001 time should be taken with a pinch but lacks the courage to make his really at the bottom of your col- What is a funk? It is a) of salt. If you are already in a re- or her feelings known. leagues’ attitudes, you will under- James Brown music; b) the smell PATONG: In just two weeks, lationship, you will be surprised stand the reasons for this inaus- coming from your socks; or c) a Patong was hit by a major fire by your partner’s revelations this SCORPIO (October 24-Novem- picious beginning. Meanwhile, bad mood. This article concerns along the beachfront, and then by weekend. ber 22): If business is not going tread water and stay open to new itself with c), although James floods that inundated the same to plan, it’s time to take a realis- learning experiences. Friends sur- Brown’s It’s Too Funky In Here road and others. VIRGO (August 23-September tic look at your long-term aims. prise you with their thoughtful- is now stuck in my head. The fire raged through a col- 23): Your positive attitude helps You sometimes have the tendency ness this weekend. Leo, in par- Funks can be caused by a lection of vendors’ stalls near to make this week go smoothly. to assume that others will behave ticular, goes all out to impress. The large number of things, the most Ocean Plaza on Thaweewong Rd The astral atmosphere is un- exactly as you expect, but this is number 3 is lucky on Monday. popular being getting out of the early on the morning of March settled, particularly regarding definitely not the case right now. wrong side of the bed, getting up 10, causing damage estimated at ARIES (March 21-April 20): If in the wrong bed or not having 20 million baht. Firefighters took you feel that someone has left you gone to bed at all. about one hour to put out the fire. stranded on the rocks, there’s Teenagers, for example, Pol Col Paween Pongsirin, every reason to let your feelings need a minimum of nine hours’ superintendent of Kathu Police be known. The person concerned sleep, but on average get only six Station, told the Gazette that no needs to be put in his or her place, to seven. Sleep deprivation can one was hurt in the blaze. and you are exactly the right one make anyone grumpy. But when The forensic science in- to do this. Expect to receive a a teenager is moody, this is usu- spector of Phuket province, Pol lucky break concerning work op- ally attributed to hormones, stress Capt Thanapong Morktong, said portunities – a good word has at school, or the mystical “Bad that the fire started at a souvenir been put in on your behalf, and Attitude”. stall. An electrical short circuit you will soon find out who was Sometimes it’s the culmina- was thought to be the most likely responsible. tion of many little things that lead culprit, he said. “The blaze spread quickly to 30 other stalls because of high winds. The items for sale – in- cluding clothes, bags, suitcases, leather and handmade products – made good fuel as well,” Capt Thanapong explained. “I don’t think the fire was caused by arson; we have found no evidence of this,” he added. The investigation would be completed in about five days, said Capt Thanapong. April 29 - May 5, 2006 FEATURES PHUKET GAZETTE 27 funky in here… Untying the knot

not literally – I’ve tried it and it Nine Inch Nails. Dancing in pub- the reason for your bad mood, or in Thailand doesn’t work.) lic may not be a good idea, the number of ways you’d like to If you must, you can let though, especially if you have the murder the boss. These can be a r and Mrs A were your eyes do the talking. Ex- elegance of a penguin. But per- laugh when you read them again married in Ger- LAYING ample: when your mouth says, haps there could be de-funk cu- a few weeks later. Do be careful many, although Mrs DOWN “Good morning!”, your eyes may bicles in all workplaces, in which when you write them, though; MA was originally say, “Curse you, abominably people can dance without break- during English class is not good if from the Philippines. They had a THE LAW chirpy person. May fire and brim- ing anything, scream without be- you should be taking notes on child and moved to Thailand. With Friedrich stone blister the paintwork on ing heard, or have a good cry Shakespeare, instead of design- After a while it became ‘Sam’ Fauma your new car.” Chances are that without people ask- ing medieval torture clear that they would like to go most people are too tired them- ing repeatedly, “Are devices and who you their separate ways, and after yers, and this was signed by Mr selves – or too abominably chirpy you all right?” as if Curse you, would like to use lengthy discussions both agreed A and by Mrs A. – to pick up on the funkwaves they’re running for them on. that they should divorce. The case was then referred radiating from your eyes. title of “Most Likely abominably If you have the However, they were unable to the Family Court of Phuket. Another way of getting out to State the Bloody chirpy money, retail therapy to agree on the terms of a settle- Because both parties wanting the of a funk is to beat something up. Obvious.” person. May is the ideal cure to a ment. Each therefore appointed divorce were now living in Thai- Pillows are always good, and the Housework is fire and bad mood. Usually a lawyer to take care of his and land, the Thai court had jurisdic- sound of ripping paper is also very an excellent way of you end up buying her interests, but still with the aim tion – but the divorce laws of the satisfying. channeling aggres- brimstone clothes doomed to of divorcing by mutual agreement country in which the marriage Channel your aggression sion. However, if blister the be worn only once, and without recourse to the had taken place had to be trans- into work, or into sport. Take up you can’t clean up paintwork on books that will re- courts. lated into Thai and presented be- Thai boxing and you’ll have the for fear of disturbing main unread and kit- Because of the legal situa- fore the court. This was because added benefit of really nice abs. the delicate ecosys- your new car. chen utensils you tion in Thailand, which states that the presiding judge wanted to For those with a more sedentary tem that’s developed don’t know how to the parties to a marriage must file ensure that his decision did not lifestyle, don’t despair. Just the in your office, try sit- use. But for some for a divorce at the District Of- conflict with the laws of Ger- other day, I threw the Oxford ting down for a minute or so, and reason, spending money makes fice of the region where their many, where the couple married. School Thesaurus a full 10 think of all those who are worse some people happier. Perhaps it’s marriage was registered in this In this specific case the pro- meters, and nearly bagged a off. Remember that it is impos- the satisfaction of having achiev- country, there was a complication cedure was relatively easy, since cockroach. (All right, so it was sible to hit rock bottom – you can ed something. This is certainly a – the wedding had been in Ger- the terms to the divorce had al- the Mini Oxford School Thesau- always drill a bit more. Indulge theory I’ll put to the test if I ever many, and the child was not born ready been agreed. rus.) in a few daydreams, but don’t get rich, through legitimate means in Thailand. After three months, during A less violent way of ban- let anyone catch you – particu- or not. After long discussions over which both parties were heard as ning a bad mood is to play any larly when the daydreams cause For now, I’ll just concentrate assets and visiting rights to the witnesses, the case was closed music that makes you happy, you to salivate. on training my cat how to kill child, however, a divorce agree- by the Family Court and the whether it’s the Bee Gees or Write down your feelings, Avian Pavarottis on command. ment was prepared by the law- couple were granted a divorce. Police Cite Recent Hotel Thefts, Offer Tips For Island’s Visitors by B20m From the Phuket Gazette, in Phuket Town, and cited as ex- ♦ Check the locks and slide to avoid hiring thieves. He said it issue of April 1996 amples well publicized recent the bolt shut when in the room. was also a good idea to take fin- cases at Daeng Plaza, the Pearl ♦ Look for any possible av- gerprints of every applicant. Ho- PHUKET TOWN: Police Lieu- Hotel, and the City Hotel. enues by which thieves might tels also need to keep an eye on by f loods tenant Colonel Sati Malakanond, He said the thefts were cre- enter. suspicious guests, to check their Deputy Superintendent of Police, ating image problems for Phuket ♦ Keep any valuables on your identity papers, and to make pho- THE TIME chaired a meeting at the Merlin and for Thailand. Tourist groups person at all times when you are tocopies of any that appear ir- Hotel on March 13 about ways were making formal complaints in the room. regular or otherwise question- to guard against theft in hotels. to the Interior Ministry and oth- As for the hotels them- able. Pol Lt Col Sati recom- machine According to local press ers, including the Foreign Minis- selves, the deputy superintendent mended that security guards go- reports, Pol Lt Col Sati said that try. said they needed to pay close at- ing off duty make reports of sus- News from the past there have always been groups He suggested the following tention to the personal histories picious activities to those taking of thieves preying upon tourists for visitors: of those applying for work, so as up the next shift. On March 23, after 10 hours of torrential rain, the people of Patong awoke to find many streets and businesses flooded. Patong Municipality coun- cilor Surasak Maneesri said the worst flooding was in Rat-U-Thit 200 Phi Rd at the junction near Sai Namyen School, where the water reached 80 centimeters, while lower parts of the beach road were flooded to a depth of 20 centimeters. “There are always floods in Patong when there is heavy rain but this was exceptional be- cause the rain went on so long. “We are currently laying drains all around Patong but they are not finished yet. And the rain swept a lot of rubbish into the drains that do exist.” The drain- age project will be finished next year, he added. “This morning we tried to drain off some of the floodwater by digging up private land oppo- site Christin Massage, and we called fire engines from Kathu Municipality to help pump out the water,” K. Surasak told the Ga- zette. 28 PHUKET GAZETTE COMPUTERS April 29 - May 5, 2006

KHUN WOODY’S COMPUTER Making Q I can’t seem to open a PDF file that contains pictures of some mementos that I would like to identify. Do I need special soft- ware for this? JFS, Rawai PDF files, A PDF files have become the standard for exchanging docu- ments. Microsoft Word has many problems, not the least of which are version incompatibilities and bypassing hidden data buried in the files that Thailand’s Information, Communications and Technology Ministry can prove embarrassing. Many blocks (above) ‘offensive’ websites such as www. kalabrians.com organizations all over the world (below), which lists the meanings of baby names. now publish PDF forms that you can complete – without the need to print the form and then fill it Access and out by hand. You can read PDF files for free, by downloading Adobe Reader from www.adobe.com/ products/acrobat/readstep2.html. Follow the instructions to install blocked it. When you’re done installing, double-click on the PDF file. You should then be able to see every- thing. If you want to create your own PDF files, however, you ei- babies... ther need to buy an Adobe prod- uct, or – better – construct the document in Word, then use an Now he says he’s going to build something called the “Access Q I was searching through government I know that has had add-in to convert the document a new version of the program that runtime”. With this, you will not Google, looking up “baby names” some limited success in censor- to PDF format. OpenOffice 2, will run in Access. He says the be able to create your own data- to see if I could find a good name ing the Internet is the People’s the free, open-source equivalent software has features that lend bases and programs, but you will for a newborn, and also to learn Republic of China, where every of MS Office available at www. themselves nicely to inputting be able to run his. You can also what different names mean in site accessible to the populace openoffice.org, also allows docu- data, getting answers compiled back up his programs and your different languages. must receive government ap- ments to be exported in PDF for- and creating reports. I don’t have data, run updates, install new ver- One of the Google results proval. mats. Access, and have never used it, sions of his program, and much pointed to www.kalabrians.com. Local sites critical of the One of the best-known PDF so I don’t have a clue if what he’s more. The Access runtime is When I clicked on the link I got a government are shut down. converters is MakePDF, which saying makes sense. Does it? free. message that claims to come Censorship is a slippery can be downloaded at a cost of BS, Patong from the Royal Thai Police, say- slope. Earlier this year, Google US$40 (about 1,600 baht) from Q I already have your book, ing that the site had been blocked adapted its search engine to con- www.makepdf.net/EN/ A Yep, if he can rewrite the pro- Windows XP All-In-One Desk “due to inappropriateness”. form to Chinese government dic- makepdf_word.htm. I’ve also gram in Access – and he does a Reference For Dummies, but this I didn’t know there was tates (www.rsf.org/article.php heard good things about PDF good job – you’ve got it made. dummy still needs your help! I use Internet censorship in Thailand. 3?id_article=16262). Creator Plus (US$29.95 – about It’ll be so much easier to use than Outlook Express for emails, and And why would they block a site Yahoo apparently helped 1,200 baht), from www.peernet any DOS program. Access in- all of a sudden my task bar (Cre- that lists the meaning of baby the Chinese government track .com/pdfcreator/index.html. cludes hundreds of tools that re- ate Mail, Reply, Reply All, For- names? down dissident Shi Tao, who was ally can help him build lots of new ward, Print, Delete, Send/Recv, SL, Kathu sentenced to 10 years in prison Q I know a great software de- features into the program. Addresses, Find) has disap- for posting “offensive” material veloper who built a program for You don’t need to buy Ac- peared. A I also tried getting through to (www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_ me many years ago, using DOS. cess, however. He can give you I can’t find any info about bring- www.kalabrians.com, and re- article=14884). ing it back in the online Help or ceived the message you see in the I have no idea why the ICT anywhere else – not even in your screen shot pictured at the top of Ministry is blocking access to a book. Please help me. Did I do the page. It’s a notice from the baby names website. something that removed it? Thai Ministry of Information, Perhaps someone from the AT, Cape Panwa Communications and Technology, Ministry would care to enlighten saying that the site has been us? Woody Leonhard A Don’t panic. Right-click to the blocked. right of the “Help” menu or any Few governments try to Woody’s Web site, AskWoody. other empty spot on the main block websites – it’s a hopeless com, covers all the latest news menu bar at the top of the win- task, with thousands (if not tens in the wacky world of Windows dow, and make sure there’s a tick of thousands) of “offensive” sites and Office. Email him at next to “Toolbar”. popping up every day. The only [email protected] April 29 - May 5, 2006 PHUKET GAZETTE 29

Find more Property Classified ads at www.phuketgazette.net! 30 PHUKET GAZETTE B U S I N E S S & MONEY April 29 - May 5, 2006

However, this government is not alone in wanting to develop the economy. India is a prime example of another country with a huge population that has both government and private aspira- tions toward rapid expansion. The Asian Development Bank has predicted that Asian economic MONEY growth – excluding Japan – will reach 7.2% in 2006. TALKS For investors this is an in- teresting scenario, for economic By Richard Watson growth at these rates means op- portunities. he Chinese government China has seen torrid stock made a prediction late market performance if viewed last year – that the through its stock market indices Tcountry’s economy alone. Judging simply by these, would slow in 2006. This was a China has been a place to avoid; situation it wanted to engineer, there has been insufficient regu- for a number of reasons. latory oversight, and many firms The main factor behind this have the incompetent hand of thinking was that economic government influencing their growth in China has exceeded management – or simply incom- 9% for a number of years – 2005 petent and inexperienced man- was typical, reflecting growth of agement, period. 9.9%. Many Chinese companies The government was con- do enjoy good management, how- cerned that an economy growing China is booming, but Beijing worries about a possible backlash – the benefits are not reaching the rural ever, and these are producing at this pace would create bottle- poor, such as this woman in Yunnan, harvesting her crop by hand. Photo by EPA/Michael Reynolds healthy profits. Some of these necks in infrastructural develop- firms are also listed on the Hong ment, and also that there could Kong Stock exchange in addition be side effects such as regional to their main listings in China. asset booms – especially in real For the investor, one advan- estate – and mounting stress in When boom can tage of a dual listing is that com- the banking sector, which is still panies in this category have to unsophisticated and would be bear scrutiny to more exacting unable to handle credit problems. standards. A deep awareness also ex- This is not to say that all isted that the economic boom was firms with a “China only” listing of great benefit to city-dwellers, also lead to bust are poor quality, but it does mean but that little of the money was that an investor’s research has to reaching those living in the be exhaustive if such a listing is country’s vast hinterland. The free market forces the Chinese involved. STATUS QUO RESEARCH

Not being democratically elected, government has unleashed Some investment groups, such as the government in Beijing is HSBC, have demonstrated a acutely aware that at some stage clear ability to make money in the rural “have-nots” may voice are not always easily controlled China, in direct contrast to the their dissatisfaction with the sta- stock market indices. Going into tus quo – and that the situation To divert political attention dent on Russian energy and min- Chinese banking system is still China through such investment could become uncontrollable. they have to date successfully eral supplies, and President embryonic by any standard, and groups is clearly the best route, This is always a problem embraced another old adage – “to Vladimir Putin’s Russian Federa- would be unable to cope with a as the burden of research in- with dictatorships once change have peace at home, have a war tion poses no threat. financial crisis. volved is likely to overwhelm any has been allowed to come about; abroad”. The free market forces that It is this state of affairs that private investor. it is not always possible to man- The “wars” have been con- Beijing has unleashed are not al- has caused China to allow partial There are good choices age the situation afterwards. The fined to political rhetoric, as the ways easily controlled. Economic foreign ownership of its banking available for those wanting to Soviet Union’s last leader, Mikhail government realizes only too well growth has not yet begun to slow system by major foreign banks, benefit from China’s economic Gorbachev, found himself in ex- that an actual shooting war is not to the government’s desired level in an effort to make the system transformation and its knock-on actly that situation. in China’s best interests. of around 7.5%. In fact, during more stable. effect on many other countries. China has managed to allow The targets to date have the first quarter of 2006 it actu- China is having to manage In fact, the wider the range of a great deal of economic liberal- been mainly Taiwan and Japan, ally accelerated to an annualized and control many simultaneous countries in the region covered by ization so far with almost no po- with occasional jibes thrown at rate of 10.2%. situations, and this is not easy. Its any fund, the greater the number litical liberalization. This does, the European Union and the The government has seen vast increase in economic output of appropriate choices. however, lead to a situation where, USA. what happened in other countries; simply has to be maintained at Regional markets such as as the old saying puts it, the rul- The old enmity with Russia uncontrolled booms have a habit high levels, because Beijing has Thailand are cheap in terms of ers want to “hold the cat and play has been forgotten, however – of becoming uncontrollable busts. to rely on the economy’s ability price/earnings ratios, but in the with the kittens”. China is now simply too depen- The authorities also know that the to go on supplying jobs. case of Thailand the current po- litical situation is holding the mar- ket back – markets just do not like uncertainty. India, at the other extreme, has enjoyed spectacular gains. But at current levels it is expen- sive, and bargains are few and far between. This is not to say that India’s stock market will nec- essarily crash, it simply means that investors are starting to tread on thin ice.

Richard Watson runs Global Portfolios Co Ltd, a Phuket- based personal financial plan- ning service. He can be reached at Tel/Fax: 076-381997, Mo- bile: 01-0814611. Email: imm @loxinfo.co.th April 29 - May 5, 2006 B U S I N E S S & MONEY PHUKET GAZETTE 31 ON THE MOVE

Craig Smith has been appointed Australian Philip Raiss has Amanda Drummond, Area Vice-President Asia for returned to Phuket as General from New Zealand, has Marriott International. Mr Smith Manager of the Phuket Orchid joined the Sheraton was formerly General Manager of Resort at Karon Beach. Mr Grande Laguna Phuket JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Raiss, whose first position in as Marketing Communi- Spa. Thailand was as Food and cations Manager. Ms Mr Smith is now responsible Beverage Manager of the Drummond has a degree for 18 properties in Thailand, Dusit Thani Hotel in Bangkok, in hospitality manage- Singapore, India, Indonesia and spent several years as Execu- ment from Auckland Uni- Pakistan, with a further seven tive Assistant Manager of the versity of Technology. properties under development. He Kata Thani Resort Phuket. He Before coming to Phuket, will be based in Hong Kong. has also served as the GM of Ms Drummond was the His experience includes serv- the Windsor Suites in Bangkok, Marketing Communica- ing as General Manager of JW and as the F&B Manager of tions Manager at the Marriott Hotel and Stellaris Casino the Hilton International Korea. Langham Hotel, Auck- in Lima, Peru. He also had assign- Before returning to Phuket, he land, in New Zealand, ments in Brazil, the Dominican was General Manager of the previously known as the Republic, the US Virgin Islands, El Twin Lotus Resort & Spa on Sheraton Auckland Hotel Salvador, Mexico and California. Koh Lanta. & Towers.

n a simple but significant cer- emony held recently, Joseph Long became the first fully- Ifledged owner of a luxury condominium at Blue Canyon Blue Canyon owners Country Club (BCCC), as the golf course and property devel- opment comes out of financial re- structuring and looks to the fu- ture. finally get their deeds Mr Long’s receipt of the title deeds to the property he bought 11 years ago heralds a tangled through a process of busi- nowned property” a BCCC press turning point in the realization of ness restructuring under the su- release stated. property investment by individual pervision of the Thai Asset Man- Developed in 1988 from an investors at Blue Canyon Coun- agement Corp, the secured credi- old tin mine and rubber planta- try Club. tor, and the Central Bankruptcy tions, the club covers 1,800 rai Mr Long is the first of 84 Court. The court also appointed and is recognized as being among condominium buyers to take full experts to map out a business re- the top golfing establishments in possession of their property at structuring plan for the company Southeast Asia. It has two 18- BCCC. This resolution of the and its finances. The land deeds hole courses – the Canyon decade-old problem also paves were finally released late last Course, built in 1991, and Lakes the way for new investors to buy year after the company made full Course, built in 1999. similar property at Blue Canyon. payment to TAMC. This was no The club has hosted top This is especially significant for simple matter, and took four years tournaments, including the 1998 the golf club with the impending to bring about, starting in 2002. Johnnie Walker Classic, during development of luxury villas con- In December last year, which Tiger Woods staged a ceptualized by hotel guru Adrian BCCC announced that the invest- stunning come-from-behind win. Zecha of Aman Resorts. Work ment fund managed by the giant BCCC also staged the Johnnie on these is expected to begin in Deutsche Bank had invested 2 Walker Classic in 1994 as well the third quarter of this year. billion baht in the golf club, allow- as other major tournaments, such WATERSHED ing it to carry out plans for elabo- as the Honda Invitational, the rate refurbishment and expan- BMW International World Final, Mr Long said, “I am really ex- sion. and the SAS World Tour Final. cited to finally receive the deeds Already, the Lakes Course In 2005, it hosted the Thai- to my condominium at Blue Can- has been closed temporarily and land Open and the Tiger Skins yon Country Club, not only be- work on a complete renovation featuring Colin Montgomerie, cause it is especially satisfying Joseph Long receives his title deed from Blue Canyon’s Selina Newton. and upgrading has started. Grace Park, Retief Goosen and after a wait of 11 years, but also best property investments in the more than 15 years ago. In a In addition, hotelier Adrian Thomas Bjorn. because I spend most of my va- region.” Catch 22 situation, BCCC could Zecha, Chairman of General The club has won a slew of cation time here in Phuket, play- Blue Canyon was previ- not repay the loans because con- Hotel Management Ltd (GHM), awards for its golfing. Its spa has ing golf [at] Blue Canyon. ously unable to hand over the dominium buyers refused to pay along with Kerry Hill Architects also claimed plaudits, helping “In addition to this new feel- deeds because the land titles in full until they received the title and Jaya Ibrahim & Associates BBBC win the title of Best Golf ing of ownership is the knowledge were held by the creditor bank deeds. have been engaged to ensure “an and Spa Destination at the Spa- that this is one of the best busi- as surety against loans borrowed The vicious circle was un- elegant transformation of the re- Asia Crystal Awards last year. ness and leisure investments I have made. This is a huge step forward and I offer my heartiest congratulations to the Blue Can- yon team for working tirelessly to make this happen.” Sia Leng Yuen, the Chair- man and Chief Executive Officer of BCCC, said, “This is a water- shed moment for us all at Blue Canyon. After seven years of dedicated hard work, we are tre- mendously proud that this day has come around. “We are confident that this realization of property invest- ments at Blue Canyon reinforces the positioning of Blue Canyon not only as Asia’s premier golfing destination but also as one of the 32 PHUKET GAZETTE SPORTS April 29 - May 5, 2006 Phuket is ‘Heaven’ By Mark Burns PHUKET: “Cricket Heaven” was how one player described the experience of taking part in the Lighthouse Phuket International Cricket Sixes. Few would argue with that opinion, certainly not the Interna- tional Cricket Council, whose President, Ehsan Mani and other distinguished members of the se- lection panel, awarded the Glo- bal “Best Spirit of Cricket Initia- tive” to the tournament. By winning the award, the Phuket Cricket Union will receive US$1,000 of cricket equipment from Kookaburra to help develop cricket on the island. Twenty-eight cricket teams, including 24 that flew into Phuket just for the event, joined with ex- Test players Adam Hollioake, Alan Mullally, Pranab Roy, Trevor Chappell and former first-class player Rizwan Sattar, all contrib- Brad of Formosa Spartans heaves one into the bush. And the really nifty thing is that if you win, you get to ride on an uting to a spectacular week of Photo by Wayne Morrison elephant: McGlone and Bennett get special transport from the finish sixes action and inspiring cama- line after last year’s Laguna Triathlon. raderie. Daniel Shaw and Cameron was named Player of the Bowl Sixty-six matches were Park of the Postels were jointly Final. played in Cup, Plate, Bowl and named Player of the Cup Final. The Phuket Cricket Union Champs to return to defend Spoon Divisions, plus a success- In the Plate Division final, a (PCU) had only one one match ful under-the-lights Twenty20 valiant innings of 35 by Kelawar all tournament coming into the their Laguna Triathlon titles match on the evening of April 22. skipper Henry Tattersall could not Spoon final. That match featured many prevent his side from going down They faced a buoyant CHERNG TALAY: The 2005 the world look forward to com- of the best players from the tour- to the Moonshine Warathais of Bounty Bar Buccaneers, who Thai Airways Laguna Phuket peting every year.” nament in an entertaining affair Australia, as Kelawar mustered posted a reasonable 69, Graham Triathlon champions, Greg Ben- As in past years, the 2006 that went right to the wire, with 82 in reply to the Warathais mas- Witt scoring 20 and Gupindar nett from Australia and Canadian course will comprise a 1.8-kilo- the Trevor Chappell XI eventu- sive innings of 113. Simon Porter Mahal 21 not out for the Malay- Samantha McGlone have con- meter swim, a 55-km cycle and ally triumphing over the Adam and Trevor Chappell took to the sians. PCU hit a vein of form at firmed that they will return to a 12-km run which, for the first Hollioake XI. Kelawar bowling attack, both just the right time with excellent Phuket on December 3 to defend time, will wind its way around the A full range of cricket skills batsmen retiring, with Trevor innings from Mark “Scarfy” their titles. Laguna Phuket golf course. was on show at the tournament: Chappell being awarded the Whetton and skipper Rich Both Bennett and McGlone The Laguna Phuket Triath- from former international profes- Player of the Plate Final trophy Brown, who guided the local side were newcomers to the Phuket lon offers a US$20,000 Pro Prize sional cricketers to the keenest by the umpires. to the their target with just two event last year. Purse and 25 guaranteed entries total novice, with players of ev- The Bowl Division was a balls to spare. Brown was later For the first time in the his- into the 2007 Ironman Australia ery ability able to soak up the at- real nail biter for the partisans, tory of the event, registration was to the highest-placed finishers in mosphere and give it their best with another Aussie side, Apple- closed before to the 2005 race each age group. out in the middle. cross CC, taking on Drifters from Didi’s victory with a record number of tri- Once again, a 6-km Fun Two women cricketers rep- England. It was the highest ag- athletes from over 30 countries. Run will be held on race day, set resented Lamma CC and acquit- gregate total of all matches dur- The race office is anticipat- to begin once the triathletes have ted themselves with aplomb, ing the tournament, Applecross to a halt with ing another sell-out this year af- transitioned to the bike course. Kylie Knott especially perform- batting first and posting a hefty ter receiving positive feedback Online registration will be- ing with distinction with the ball. 108 with “Zads” and Mel of PATONG: Didi’s remarkable from athletes, sponsors and spec- gin on May 1 and all five Laguna The Perth Postels ran out Applecross both retiring. winning streak in the Patong tators. Phuket hotels will offer dis- winners of the Cup Division af- The match went right down Darts League finally came to an Event Director Paula Himel counted room rates. ter posting a competitive 87 runs to the last ball, 4 being required abrupt end on April 11, with the said, “The popularity of the against a reasonable bowling at- off it by Drifters to take the title, team losing all three points at triathlon in Southeast Asia and For online registration or further tack from defending Champions, after Dean Morrison and Rob home to OffShore and then meet- around the world has taken off. information and updates, visit Corner Tigers from Pakistan. The Hall had both retired. But it ing the same fate a week later “I believe this continued www.lagunaphukettriathlon. Postels then tenaciously de- wasn’t to be; a single was all they against Dog’s Bollocks. growth, and the fact that we of- com, or contact Ms Himel by fended their total, restricting the could manage, Applecoss won by Five teams are now sepa- fer a unique, fun event in such a email to triathlon@ lagunaphuket. Tigers’ formidable batting lineup two runs, completing the Aussie rated by just two points at the top setting, makes this a race that com or by calling Tel: 076-324- to just 69 and taking their first sweep of the three tournament of the table with five weeks left pros and amateurs from all over 060 or by Fax to: 076-324061. Phuket Sixes Championship. titles. Chris Zadow of Applecross to play. With venues closed for elec- tions for four days, it was remark- able that only one match had to be postponed – the Valhalla fix- ture against Coyote will be played this week by mutual consent. Piccadilly took a break, with two walkovers in a row; unfortu- nately one more bar, Two Black Sheep, has opted out of the league, which is now down to 10 teams. Any bars interested in join- ing the league next season, which starts the first week of June, should contact Bez or Terry at Amigos Bar on Soi Sea Dragon. Only bars that are confident that they can field a six-member team every week should apply. April 29 - May 5, 2006 SP O R T S PHUKET GAZETTE 33 for cricket aces

awarded the Player of the Spoon which contributed so much to the scoring services for the 66 Final award by the umpires. high standard of cricket played. matches, assisted by Barrie Players of the Tournament The tournament was fortu- Radburn of Awali Taverners. were, in the Open category nate to benefit from the services In keeping with the spirit of Imran Idrees of Corner Tigers for of several highly experienced and the tournament, generous players his all round performance (innings qualified umpires, including Glyn and spectators raised 100,000 of 33, 23, 35 & 33 and 2-2, 0-7, Davies, Chairman of the Hong baht for local charity Childwatch 1-17 & 2-2 with the ball); in the Kong Association of Cricket and the Youth Development Pro- Spoon category Mark Sayers of Umpires & Scorers, and Chanky, gram of the Phuket Cricket the Wild Men from Borneo was Chairman of Umpires at the Union. Particular thanks from named Player of the Tournament Cricket Association of Thailand. organizers go to Kitten for her (innings of 41, 15 & 24 and 1-14, The umpires of the Sixes tireless fund-raising efforts and to 1-15 with the ball). were ably overseen by Paul Allan Mullally for his donation of There were many com- “Hagar” Jones from England. a lovely piece of Ashes cricket ments about the high standard of Kim Leung and Kevin Bishop memorabilia, which was auc- officiating at this year’s Sixes, provided the bulk of the essential tioned off for US$1,500. Senior World Cup kicks off quietly

Competitors limbered up with a charity match the Sunday before the main event. Seniors vie for Asian title KATHU: Phuket Country Club tournament on Sunday April 23. Anchalee Vanich-Thepbutr and Theppitak Chansuthep hold up the Senior World Cup at the press this week hosted the third Asian The winning team, with a score conference, held at Surakul Stadium. Senior Masters (ASM), with of 139, was the “Siriyanyon” PHUKET: With little fanfare – harder as many larger, more ex- more than 105 senior pros and 576 team consisting of Phuket locals indeed, with no fanfare at all perienced nations have hosted amateur golfers from 15 countries Khobchai Pirapiroj, Thongchai streak comes apart from a last-moment press the World Cup before and it will expected to compete. The win- Sukwuttikul and Wirat Wangsuk. conference – soccer’s very first be hard to match their standards. ner was due to take home ap- The President of the Thai Senior World Cup kicked off this “However, if we can do it proximately 3.7 million baht in Senior Golfers’ Association, double losses week in Phuket, Phang Nga and well, we will have many visitors prize money and a trophy. Prajuab Supcharoen, is set to re- Krabi. to our country and will be able to Last year’s winner, Kuala sign in July and his secretary, The competition features generate good income.” Lumpur-based Australian Stew- Khun Wattanachi, told the Ga- PATONG DARTS eight teams – Thailand, South Anchalee Vanich-Thepa- art Ginn, presently playing on the zette, “This tournament is being LEAGUE Korea, Australia, Iran, Macau, butr, President of the Phuket Pro- European Senior’s tour, was set hailed as the first event of its kind the UAE, Hong Kong and Viet- vincial Administration Organiza- to defend the title he won after a in Phuket and a first for the nam. The semi-finals take place tion, which owns Surakul Sta- thrilling competition in Johor, Phuket Country Club. It will be All walkovers and sched- on April 29 in Krabi, with the fi- dium, said, “Phuket is ready to be Malaysia. Ginn never lost his lead, K. Prajuab’s legacy and a good uled matches with teams that nal being contested at Surakul involved in the competition and calmly fending off a competitive publicity coup for Phuket.” have dropped out of the league stadium on April 30. The kick-off we will use the stadium for field, including the winner of the The ASM was inaugurated will no longer be reported, they is at 4 pm and entry for specta- matches, for the final and for the 2003 inaugural competition, South in 2003 in Singapore. It is for will just go down in the ledger as tors is free. closing ceremony. Korean Koi Yoon Soon. male professional golfers, who 3-point wins. At the press conference on “Phuket has already orga- Phuket Country Club also must be at least 50 years old on hosted a one-day pro-am charity the first day of the event. April 11 results: Shakers 2 Dog’s April 22, the President of the Se- nized other world-class competi- Bollocks* 7; The Boss Bar* 4 nior Footballers’ Association of tions so it’s not a worry for us.” Queen Mary 5; Didi’s 3 Offshore* Thailand (SFA), Theppitak Chan- To qualify for the competi- 6; Coyote Bar* 5 Amigos 4. suthep, explained, “Thailand has tion, players have to be profes- already played host to the Asian sional or former professional April 18 results: Queen Mary* 5 Games and the Southeast Asian Shakers 4; Dog’s Bollocks* 6 Didi’s players over 40 years of age. 3; Amigos* 6 Boss Bar 3. (* =winner Games, but this is somewhat Natcha Yuttaworawit of beer leg)

Standings after April 18 play: 1. Didi’s (36 pts.); 2.= Queen Mary, Amigos (35); 4.= OffShore, Dog’s Bollocks (34); 6. Piccadilly (32); 7. Coyote* (27); 8. Valhalla* (26); 9. Shakers (20); 10. The Boss Bar (14).(* = one match in hand)

May 2 fixtures: Amigos v Queen Mary; Piccadilly v Dog’s Bollocks; Coyote v Shakers; OffShore v Valhalla (home teams listed first). 34 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PROPERTY April 29 - May 5, 2006

Construction by Sangkhae Leelanapaporn

Leelavadee Resort & Spa enters home- building phase Computer-generated artist’s impressions of how the project will look, when complete.

nstallation of the basic infrastructure oramic views stretching to the north, to at 40,000 baht per sq wah. Construction A company will be set up to main- of the Leelavadee Resort & Spa the hills to the west and across Ao Sapam of display homes in each of the five styles tain common areas and organize 24-hour housing development on Sapam Hill, and Phang Nga Bay to the east. will begin in the coming weeks, with all security, and to organize rentals for Iat the northern end of the bypass road, Homes will be offered in four zones five homes to be completed by the end of homeowners who choose to let out their is 90% complete, and the developer, – Top Sea View, Sea View, Sea & Gar- the year. properties. Leelavadee Resort and Spa Co, is now den View and Garden View – differenti- Three of the homes will be fully fur- The five-star Bali-style boutique re- finalizing the styles of the homes to be built ated according to the view offered by the nished. sort will be built on more than 5,000 square on the 138-rai estate. plot. Each house will have its own swim- wah, offering accommodation as well as Underground power cables and mu- A total of 42 units will be offered as ming pool with pool terrace, as well as its beauty and health spa treatments. nicipal water mains have been installed, a combined land-and-house package with own reserve water tank in case the mu- Villa owners will be able to take ad- and estate roads have been marked out the style of house to be built on each par- nicipal supply fails. vantage of and enjoy preferential rates at throughout the 92-plot development, which ticular lot already designated. Each land- The tanks will be large enough to pro- the resort and spa. can be reached from Soi Sapam Thung and-house unit will cost between 15 mil- vide about 15 days’ supply. The project architect is East West Kha, off Thepkrasattri Rd. lion and 22 million baht, with plots ranging Each home will also have two direct Architect Co Ltd and the Project Consult- Although Leelavadee will eventually from 260 to 710 square wah. telephone lines. ant is DCS Associates Co, Ltd. include a 50,000-square-wah boutique re- For those who buy one of the 50 “not- After the display homes are com- sort, it was decided to complete the hous- predesignated” plots, owners must choose plete, work will begin on building a club- For more information call Tel: 06- ing estate first. from one of five home designs provided house complex, which will comprise a res- 9463223 or 06-9468998 or visit the Although the project is below the 80- by the developer. Plots for these homes taurant, gym, beauty salon and swimming website: www.leelavadeeresortandspa. meter limit, it is high enough to enjoy pan- range from 286 to 707 sq wah. Prices start pool. com April 29 - May 5, 2006 PHUKET PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 35

Decor by Natcha Yuttaworawit

As the sunset fades over the horizon, lighting in this home takes over to keep the special mood going. THE LIGHT TOUCH THAT COUNTS

ne thing is for sure; happy and relaxed after a you can have the hard day at work.” most beautifully He added, “About 80% Odecorated house in of our work is in Phuket – the world but come dark, it for private villas, hotels and may as well be a shack if other venues, including bars, you don’t have adequate, boats, golf courses, retail complementary lighting. outlets, and so on. We work Yet if you are looking with architects, interior for something to transform designers, landscape design- your humble abode or your ers, hoteliers, individual mansion into an Austin builders, developers, and Powers-like super pad, directly with the owners Andaman Lighting Systems themselves as well as (ALS) may be the place to international agencies. start. Lighting specialist Ian “We chose to set up Potter from England started office here because nine ALS, which now has a years ago Phuket was showroom on the bypass Ian Potter: ‘When people build their dream different and there were not road, nine years ago. home they want special lighting.’ many lighting system ALS has since been companies. involved in many outstanding my favorite work, and I’m “When people build their lighting projects, local and happy when I’m doing it. I like dream home they want special nationwide, such as at the Blue to design in different styles and lighting.” Canyon Golf Club, the Banyan want to respond to my custom- Tree Hotel, Le Royal Meridien ers’ requirements. For more information contact Phuket Yacht Club, Kata Thani “At home I’ve lit my place Andaman Lighting Systems. Hotel, Trisara Villas and the big in a very romantic style and it Tel: 076-254826 or visit www. daddy of them all – the Oriental makes me and my wife feel andamanlighting.com Hotel in Bangkok. Before moving his busi- ness to Phuket in 1997 Mr Potter had 10 years’ experience in Hong Kong in building service control. From 1993 to 1997, he worked in Singapore on prominent projects such as the Merlion on Sentosa Island and even a Hindu Temple. The range of fictures at Mr Potter’s disposal includes spotlights, linear lights, sunken floor and table lights, lamps, lampshades and chandeliers, color lights, fiber-optic lights – indeed he can produce nearly any form of lighting custom- made for any effect required. Mr Potter said, “This is 36 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PROPERTY April 29 - May 5, 2006

Gardening with Bloomin’ Bert

uess what? I’ve been Predictably, it’s also poi- accused of ranting. sonous. The milky latex con- Moi? I looked up tained throughout the plant will “rant” in a dictionary, make you quite ill, should you be G daft enough to ingest it. Blisters to discover that it’s “to speak in a very loud, exaggerated, aggres- will form following contact with sive, or bombastic way, usually at skin, and it can cause temporary length and repetitively”. The ac- blindness if it comes into contact cusers have got it completely with the eyes. The crown of wrong – that’s not me at all. thorns really wants to hurt you. I will concede that occa- If it falls into your pond, it will sionally I may have had a pop at even paralyze your fish. Americans, moths, Germans, Apart from the lack of care people who wear socks with san- required for its upkeep, another dals, fat people, the Welsh (obvi- reason for the crown of thorn’s ously), bored botanists, the En- popularity is that it blooms year- glish weather, Internet bulletin round. It normally becomes dor- board posters, Italians, teetotal- mant in the hot season, though, ers and buffoons who don’t ap- so don’t throw it on the compost preciate Fawlty Towers. Have I heap if it loses its few leaves. missed anything out? To propagate, it’s another But I do have a good ex- “cut it and stick it” kind of plant. cuse for my occasional light- Trim the stems that are too long hearted jibes. They all asked for – ensure you wear gloves, to pre- it – everyone and everything vent contact with the sap – let above is screaming out for some- them dry for a couple of days, one to have a go at it/them. And and stick them into potting me- I’m only too happy to oblige. dium. I can now add ugly people They’ll grow easily. An to the ever-expanding list of vic- older plant can reach up to about tims of Bert rants. I don’t have five feet in height, but it isn’t in anything against ugly people per much of a hurry to get there. se – don’t get me wrong. It’s just that here in Phuket we get to see VERSATILE a lot more of them than perhaps in other parts of the world. As much as I hate to admit it, I’m not talking about num- the crown of thorns is actually bers. Percentage-wise, there is quite versatile. It can be grown probably the same ugly to non- as a dwarf shrub or as ground ugly ratio here as in most other Err on a G-string – now that’s ugly cover. It can be used as an edg- parts of the world – except, per- ing or container plant. It’s also haps, in Skegness on England’s walked a European “gentleman” kind words to say about most of plants reward gardeners by pro- quite adept on the oceanfront, and east coast. wearing nothing but a G-string them. All plants seem to have ducing results proportional to the is common in rock gardens, too, I am referring instead to the thong. The fact that this garment their own kind of charm. amount of effort they put into it. as it requires little or no irrigation amount of themselves they inflict was several sizes too large had One exception to this rule This one is the same – it requires after it’s established. on the hapless inhabitants. It’s inevitable consequences. I nearly has to be the “crown of thorns”. no work whatsoever, and there- It will grow best when somewhat warm in Phuket, and choked on my food. Far from being a stunner, this has fore gives very little back. It just placed in an area that receives ugly people feel the urge to re- The plant world is not im- to be one of the most unattrac- sits there, looking depressed. It full sun or partial shade. Just move as much clothing as pos- mune to the ugly syndrome. Most tive plants ever. It doesn’t seem doesn’t even need much water, about its only requirement is well- sible. I suppose they can be for- plants are pleasing to the eye, and to make any effort at all; nasty- and can endure long periods of drained soil, but it won’t put up given for doing so at the beach. I do really like plants. Some looking thorns dominate a fat little neglect. with over-watering or over-fer- But elsewhere? Please. people may find that rather sad, stem, and its few tiny flowers The small flowers are plea- tilization. Just leave it alone. I was sitting in a restaurant but I really do. I can get enthusi- appear to be an afterthought. sant enough, I suppose, and The crown of thorns isn’t in Karon the other day, enjoying astic about most species of flora, Believe it or not, this odd beauty is certainly in the eye of a plant that exactly cries out for some superb pasta, when in and generally I have at least a few creation is actually related to the the beholder. My old next door attention, and even an over-sized Poinsettia, or Christmas plant. neighbor loved them, and must G-string wouldn’t improve the The Poinsettia certainly hasn’t have had about 50 scattered looks of this ogre. Thankfully it passed on any suay genes to its around his balcony in pots. can fend for itself, so don’t pam- cousin. There are literally hundreds per it – it doesn’t deserve it. The crown of thorns, or eu- of varieties of the crown of phorbia mili, is a succulent plant thorns, each slightly different. that is originally from Madagas- You certainly can’t knock the di- Want to know more car. Some feel it should have versity of colors, from bright scar- about a plant stayed there. In Thai it’s known let to pale yellow, with just about in your garden? as poi-sian. every hue in between. Some Like so many plants that have more than one color. But Email Bloomin’ Bert at: can be cultivated in Phuket, it’s why does every other part of the [email protected] incredibly easy to grow. Some plant have to be so unsightly? April 29 - May 5, 2006 PHUKET PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 37

Home of the Week Kamala Three-in-one pavilions, but not far his is a truly magnificent framed doors, and is surrounded two-bedroom furnished by a lush and established garden. home with a glorious gar- Furnishings include a cus- Tden on a private 1,200- tom-crafted timber dining room square-meter plot near Kamala suite, a variety of beautiful cabi- Beach. nets and tables, bedside furniture, Built in traditional Thai style, richly upholstered lounge suites, it has a soaring curved roof with rattan and teak furniture, silk wall handmade terracotta tiles, timber panels and custom-made window eaves and trims. Featuring taste- treatments. ful furniture and décor, the home The floors are of gleaming was constructed using top-qual- hardwood, high quality ceramics ity materials and fixtures. and terracotta. A single-level residence, it The home has ducted air comprises three pavilions or conditioning, ceiling fans, a car- wings. port with parking for two ve- Under one roof are the liv- hicles, and a large garden. ing and dining rooms, European- Utilities include UBC TV, a style kitchen – complete with im- telephone line, well water with a ported granite counters, glass filtration system, solar-heated hot cook top, conventional oven, mi- water, a septic tank and three- crowave oven, exhaust hood, tim- phase electricity. ber cabinets and stone wall fin- Those seeking a luxurious ishes – a laundry room and guest and traditional Thai-style house, bathroom. already furnished and decorated Two elegant bedroom suites to a high standard, should view are located in the other two wings, this superb property. each with its own private en-suite The land title is Chanote, “courtyard” bathroom, featuring and the price is 18 million baht. a stylish oval bath. The bright and gorgeously decorated bedrooms For more information contact are very spacious, and have pri- Richard Lusted at Siam Real vate sitting areas overlooking the Estate, at Tel: 076-288908, swimming pool and gardens. Email: info@siamrealestate. The pool is accessible from com or visit the website at www. all rooms of the home via timber- siamrealestate.com 38 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS April 29 - May 5, 2006 Property Gazette

Properties NEW DETACHED ECO-COOL NAI YANG – PHUKET For Sale HOUSE FOR SALE THAI HOME Small development of 5 houses. Display home now open. 3 bedrooms, 2 bath- NEW HOUSE rooms, large living + dining IN PATONG room, European kitchen, laundry, all-round veranda, boundary wall, electric gate, RAWAI HOUSE BEACH APARTMENTS carport, landscaped garden. + GUESTHOUSE Spacious, modern, 2-bed- in Kathu. 2 stories, 3 bed- Award-winning 3-bedroom, Living area 153sqm, land room apartments, some rooms, 3 bathrooms, 3-bathroom, energy-effi- 532-740sqm. First house with a sea view, a 2-minute 508sqm swimming pool cient home in Rawai. Learn for sale at 7.5 million baht. walk to the beach, gardens, 4x9 meter. Price: 9 million how to beat the tropical Tel: 076-328424, 01-895- pools, clubhouse, gym, baht. Soi Waterfall. Tel: 07- heat without air condition- 3481. Email: golddigger_ sauna. Prices start from 8.5 Island Living Co Ltd is proud 2799500. ing. Has a modern, open-air [email protected] million baht. On-site sales to offer for sale a new 2- design. Many designer fea- office. Tel: 06-2806624. For bedroom house built to the RAWAI HOUSE tures, 400sqm pond/pool. Distinctive 2-story house further details, please see highest quality of materials RAWAI SALE/RENT for quick sale. New house for Price: 9.5 million baht. plus large, Thai-style guest- our website at: www. and construction. Very quiet 130sqm house, newly reno- sale in Rawai. Owner leaving Please call for more info. house on a half-rai, with bangtaobeachgardens.com and natural location in the vated, 2 bedrooms, fully fur- Thailand, therefore needs to Tel: 07-8987062 (Gary), walled, tropical gardens. hills at the northern end of nished. 500m from 7-Eleven sell house quickly. 3 bed- 01-0775042 (Wanida). Private pool, woodland Patong Beach. The house and beach. Asking 6,000 baht NEW HOUSE rooms, 2 bathrooms. Large views. Chanote title. 10.8 can be custom-designed to a month. Will sell 1.2 million New, well-furnished contem- garden with hill view. Located million baht. Please contact your requirements. Tel: 01- PHUKET CITY CONDO baht. Tel: 09-4740227. Email: porary-Thai house on hillside in a quiet residential area. Best for more details. Tel: 07- 8913466. Fax: 076-296- 32sqm, freehold, brand-new, [email protected] with hill view. 2 stories, 3 bed- offer will secure. Tel: 076- 2730141. Email: howells_ 160. Email: antc@phuket. furnished, 550,000 baht. rooms, very beautiful land- 220190, 01-7520275. Email: [email protected] ksc.co.th Close to Central Festival. Tel: HOUSE & LAND scape, just minutes to Nai comfortablynumb_18@ 01-4763623. Email: chotip_5 for sale. House and land for Harn Beach. Own fresh wa- hotmail.com @hotmail.com sale just 2 minutes from beau- LAND & HOUSE ter, total land of nearly 2,300 LAYAN SEAVIEW tiful Nai Thon Beach. Call the with Khao Yai view. New sqm. For sale by owner. 34 rai of seaview land for sale. CHERNG TALAY VILLA RAWAI CONDOS owner at Tel: 07-2811995 house on 8.3 rai with Chanote Please contact for details. Tel: See the website www. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, for sale. Freehold, fully fur- for details. title for sale near Khao Yai in 076-272371, 01-7371688. thephuketproperty.com for 125sqm house, on 300sqm nished, brand-new condos. Saraburi. Price: 6.5 million Fax: 076-273083. Email: details and photos. land corner plot, being built. 550,000 baht. 400m from RAWAI LUXURY baht. Tel: 01-5364522. Email: info@phuket-suriyaestate. Will be ready in 6 months beach. Tel: 06-6865567. villa. New house, 2 bedrooms, [email protected] com RAWAI, 2-STORY max. Easy access to Bang Tao 2 bathrooms with 400sqm. house. Twin 2-story house, and Surin Beaches. 2.5 million RAWAI 680SQM Freehold land. Asking 3.4 mil- 1 RAI NEAR NAI HARN RAWAI – 500 SQM brand-new, 400m from beach. baht, Chanote title. Please Small plot. 2 million baht. lion baht. Please contact. Tel: Chanote title, road, electricity, Near Rawai Beach. 1.4 million Asking 1.3 million baht. Tel: call. Tel: 04-7468607, 09- Good location. Chanote title. 09-4740227. Email: chotip_5 water. Number 1 location. baht. Chanote title. Very popu- 06-6865567 (owner). 8750530. Tel: 07-8938747. @hotmail.com Tel: 06-2670898. lar area. Tel: 06-2670898. April 29 - May 5, 2006 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 39 Property Gazette

APARTMENT NEW HOUSES NEW HOUSE IN PATONG IN PATONG IN PATONG

3 new connected deluxe Brand-new, deluxe house, houses on Patong hillside, with a swimming pool, on a Soi Thamdee, for sale. Patong hillside, on Soi Ground floor: garage and Maneesi. 2 floors, modern separate one-room apart- Thai-style architecture, ment with toilet. Second completely furnished, floor: 2 bedrooms and bath, ready to live in. Ground Rambutan Residence offers balcony. Third floor: living floor: big living room, West- 20 luxury apartments room with balcony, built-in ern-style kitchen and dining (61sqm) for sale or lease kitchen and dining room, toi- room, guest toilet. Second (60-year lease). Located in let. Fourth floor: big roof gar- floor: big master bedroom Soi Playboy just off Nanai den with Jacuzzi. Usable and bath with Jacuzzi, 2 Rd at Patong Beach, Rambu- area: 200sqm; freehold bedrooms and a separate tan Residence offers won- land: 100sqm. Price: 6.2 bathroom. Each room has derful sea views from the million baht. (US$155,000). an air conditioner and a bal- three upper floors overlook- Please contact K. Peter. Tel: cony. Living area: 200sqm; ing Patong Bay. All apart- 01-8928526. For details freehold land 150sqm. ments are fully furnished please see our website at: Price: 8.5 million baht. with a built-in kitchen and www.phuket-besthomes. (US$210,000). Please bathroom. The bedrooms com contact K. Peter at Tel: 01- are equipped with high-qual- 8928526 or visit our ity hardwood floors. The LAST PARADISE website at: www.phuket- besthomes.com apartments further offer air For sale at 6.7 million baht. conditioning, safety box, Chalong Phuket, Soi Nakok at 24-hour security, high-speed the the intersection of the Internet, telephone and three routes to the radar sta- HOUSE IN KATA cable TV connections. The tion in Chalong. Two Chanote common area includes: ga- deed titles of 1-rai plots (= 2 rage, elevator, corridors and rai). Two household-registered garden. The construction houses of 205sqm & 55sqm will be completed by Decem- plus car park, terracotta mo- ber 2006. Prices start at saic floors of 300sqm, 3 bed- 2.6 million baht. Please con- rooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 toi- tact K. Peter at Tel: 01- lets, kitchen, two living rooms, 8928526 or visit: www. plus extra hall 50sqm. Land phuket-besthomes.com mountain-like with natural waterfall in rainy season and garden with fruit trees. First NEW VILLA floor 25sqm balcony with sea The house is located about FOR SALE view over Chalong Bay and 800 meters from Kata Beach in a quiet, safe area 1,300 SQM, KAMALA KATHU TOWNHOUSES Wat Chalong. Phone Stefan at EXCLUSIVE Tel: 01-9796011 or contact with no traffic. 3 bedrooms, 4.9 million baht. Hill views. Two new 2-story, 2-bedroom, one with balcony. 2 bath- LAND SALE Sea 800m away. Free build- 2-bathroom townhouses with at 53/10 and 53/12, Moo 5, We have 5 plots at an exclu- Tambon Chalong, Amphur rooms and 4 aircons, big ing. Please contact. Tel: 076- parking and security for 1.6 storage room, UBC and tele- sive location in Kata with 292596, 06-2678477. Email: million baht. One almost-new Muang, Phuket. 5 minutes to easy access on a good town, Central, Big C and phone line. 3.4 million baht. tourniechristian@hotmail. 2-story, 2-bedroom, 2-bath- European standard. Tel: 06- road, electricity & water. com room townhouse with aircon, Rawai. Email: 019796011@ 329-496 sqm from 2.5 mil- 360sqm living space, pool, 7612511. Email: bjaco2@ parking, a garden and security gsmadvance.com lion baht. Kata Beach Prop- double car park, 4 bedrooms hotmail.com BLUE CANYON for 1.9 million baht. Furniture erty Market. Tel: 04-063- plus office. Absolute privacy LAND FOR SALE condo available. I would like to available. Tel: 07-8822462. 9223, 01-7888280 or 09- sell a condo at Blue Canyon at and security. 15.9 million 2,344sqm, with Chanote title, VILLA FOR SALE 5916125. a special price urgently. Pls KATA SEA VIEW baht. Please call Tel: 07- in Soi Kokmakham, Sai Yuan Villa and bungalow complex. 3 email me for details. Email: Small plot. The most beautiful 8896074. area. Just a few minutes to en-suite bedrooms, European [email protected] sea view. 400sqm. Don’t Nai Harn Beach. 5.5 million kitchen, landscaped gardens. OCEAN-VIEW LAND wait. Tel: 09-6525664. LAST PARADISE baht/rai. Tel: 09-7298365. 8 million baht. 5 bungalows, 7 rai with 160 meters of water LAND IN YA NUI Exclusive plot of land. 56 rai large swimming pool, commu- front for sale in Phang Nga. Stunning plot. Beautiful area. ½ RAI IN NAI HARN overlooking Patong Beach. DETACHED HOUSE nal gardens, situated in sought- Opposite Yacht Haven marina. 5 minutes from beach. Square plot. Top location, Fixed price of 480 million One-story, 3-bedrm, 2-bathrm after area of Kamala. 10 millon Email: [email protected] Chanote title. 4.5 million baht. Asking 2.4 million baht. Be baht. Tel: 07-8942337. house of 86sq wah in L&H baht. Tel: 01-6064649. Tel: 07-8938747. quick. Tel: 01-5376866. Park Chalong. 2 aircons. 3.3 HOUSE FOR SALE 480 SQM AT RAWAI million baht. Tel: 09-7292313. 10-ROOM GUESTHOUSE 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. 2 minutes’ walk to the beach with approx 1 rai of land, close Fully furnished. 41.25 sq wah. and cafés. Perfect for family- CHALONG SEA VIEW to beach, 8.5 million baht, or Many home improvements. size home. 1.3 million baht. Almost beach front. Chanote will lease. Tel: 076-342280, New project in Thalang. 1.3 Tel: 06-6845368. Email: title. Stunning view. Only 4 01-9781956. Email: palm@ million baht. Quick sale. Tel: [email protected] million baht. Tel: 09-6525664. phuket.ksc.co.th 06-2746580, 04-8512536. 40 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS April 29 - May 5, 2006 Property Gazette

THE HIGHEST SUPER CHEAP LAND 2 LUXURY VILLAS THE BEST, NO JOKE, SUPER CHEAP SEA HOUSE IN PATONG NEAR LAGUNA THE BEST VIEW LAND

2 detached & elevated With the best panoramic Urgent sale! Must sell imme- luxury villas opposite a na- The old song goes: “they Right next to world-class golf sea views in Phuket. A diately! Super cheap land tional park in Kathu (one paved paradise and put up a course, for just 2.3 million brand-new, Thai-style house near Laguna, for just 1.4 villa sold out). Just minutes parking lot...” (Sound famil- baht per rai. This 50-rai para- with rooftop pool and garden. million baht per rai. This gor- to everything. 50sqm pool, iar? This is what Phuket is dise is a unique property, Urgent sale: must sell imme- geous, 24-rai parcel is right 3 bedrooms, plus 1 huge becoming.) We refuse to do with both incredible east- diately. This special house is next to a spectacular high- 40sqm office or 4th bed- this; our land is right beside coast sunrise sea views and all about sea views and loca- end golf course and beautiful room (with en suite). Intelli- a national park with the best stunning west-coast sunset tion. It has the most amaz- National Park reservoir. It gent remote-control lighting sea view of Phang Nga Bay sea views. Its outstanding ing unobstructed, dramatic, has a Nor Sor 3 Gor title, 2 system. Stunning views & I have ever seen (consid- natural beauty is breathtak- panoramic sea, hill and city access roads, nearby elec- 60% complete (ready end ered by many to be one of ing. It’s conveniently located views in Patong. It’s in a tricity and an abundance of of July). One of them has the 7 wonders of the close to Laguna and over- superb elevated hillside set- the very best water in been sold. Price: 10.9 million world). Near Mission Hills looks a gorgeous national ting amid a lush tropical rain Phuket. It’s in a superb, cen- baht. Tel: 09-6198703, 01- Golf Course. We are going park and reservoir. It has forest jungle, right in the tral location only 20 minutes 7196088. Email: info@ to keep the park-like atmo- amazing, unobstructed, dra- center of Patong Hills. It fea- to almost everything on the gardenislandphuket.com or sphere, so no street lights matic, panoramic, sea, golf, tures exceptionally powerful island. This is a dream pro- see our website at: www. and minimal paved roads. If hill and lake views. It’s in a sunset views over Patong ject with amazing potential. gardenislandphuket.com you like giant original- superb, elevated hillside set- Bay. The city lights at night An extraordinary, rare in- growth trees behind you ting amid a lush tropical rain make for a romantic and vestment opportunity, and and Phang Nga Bay in all its forest jungle, right in the breathtaking experience. The perfect for a small investor NICE POOL VILLAS wonder in front of you, call center of Phuket. It features house is 70 talang wah and or medium-sized builder/de- FOR SALE me. Chanote title, sea exceptionally powerful has a Nor Sor 3 Gor title. It veloper. The owner has just views. Starting at 3.8 mil- views of 4 tropical islands. includes 3 bedrooms, 3 bath- reduced the price by 10 mil- lion baht/rai. Also, flat land It’s an extraordinary prop- rooms, laundry room, park- lion baht for a quick sale. So, with some sea views avail- erty in a great location. Easily ing and a fantastic rooftop now you can own 24 rai in a able for 2 million baht/ 8-rai accessible and close to al- pool deck and garden. It great location with unlimited lots. Tel: 07-2747470. most everything on the is- comes with a finished water and golf course views Email: [email protected] land, the property has a Nor kitchen, nice furnishings, for the bargain price of only Sor 3 Gor title, 3 roads and beautiful gardens and a sala. 33.6 million baht. That’s less excellent water. The owner In Kata, Nai Harn. Prices 3 RAI, RAWAI The owner needs to sell than the price of a small of this parcel must sell quickly start from 7 million baht. Chanote, road, electricity. Top quickly and has desperately luxury villa. Call today. Tel: to realize other project obli- Please contact for details. spot, great price: 3.2 million lowered the price by 5 million 01-8162066. Email: gations. He has dramatically Tel: 04-8374429. Email: baht. Call Tel: 07-8938747. baht as incentive for a smart [email protected] reduced the asking price by sales@chokechaiproperty. investor to take advantage www.phuketlandforsale.com 20 million baht as incentive com More pictures of nice 1.5 RAI, RAWAI of the situation and snap it for someone to snap it up villas can be seen at: www. Villa area, only 5.5 million up fast. This is a rare in- fast. This is a fantastic in- chokechaiproperty.com baht. Great views. Electricity. vestment opportunity. Own 6 RAI NEXT TO LAGUNA vestment opportunity with Top for small resort. Tel: 06- a house with some of the with Chanote title, on main unbelievable potential and is 2670898. best views in Patong. Priced road right next to Laguna: 5.5 LAND + HOUSE one not to be missed. It’s million baht/rai. Also have 16 low to sell fast at just 25 for sale. Chalong. 3 bed- 1 RAI, CHALONG going to make some smart million baht. Tel: 01-816- rai at Layan with Nor Sor 3 investors a very large for- rooms, 3 bathrooms, newly 200m from beach, open 2066. Email: coneybeezo@ Gor title for 5.3 million baht tune. Tel: 01-8162066. decorated and furnished. Of- views of the bay. Chanote. 4 aol.com or see our website per rai. Tel: 01-8162066. Email: coneybeezo@aol. fers around 6 million baht. Tel: million baht. Private sale, no www.phuketlandforsale.com Email: [email protected] com or see our website at 06-2790837. brokers. Tel: 07-8938747. www.phuketlandforsale.com www.phuketlandforsale.com EARTH HOUSES 680 SQM, RAWAI KATA LAND PLOTS 1 RAI, KARON holiday homes. Sea view Ko Small plot. 2 million baht. 900m to the beach, from 1.3 Sea view, road, electricity, Maphrao from 1.5 million baht. Good location. Chanote title. million baht. Tel: 07-885- Asking 6 million baht. SEAVIEW PLOT 1-36 rai Chanote from 2.6 Tel: 07-8938747. 2969. Email: junekata@ Chanote. Tel: 09-6525664. AT BANG TAO million baht. Email: info@ hotmail.com maphrao.com CHUAN CHUEN 2 RAI, CHALONG Close to international school, RAWAI – 10 RAI Includes 3 houses. Perfect RAWAI CONDOS 3-4-bed/bathroom house. Best area – great for develop- for spa. Aircons, tropical gar- for sale. Freehold, newly reno- Built-in furniture throughout, ing successful projects. Last dens. Unbelievable price at vated, fully furnished, 400m excellent condition. 6.9 million big plot at this price. Tel: 01- 12.9 million baht. Sale by from beach. 550,000 baht. baht. Tel: 04-8376440. 5376866. owner. Tel: 01-5376866. Tel: 09-4740227. Email: Electricity,water and road chotip_5@ hotmail.com EXCLUSIVE LAYAN LAND FOR SALE 700-SQM VILLA to 1,100sqm plot. Nor Sor land. Available now! Marina Half-rai in Rawai with perfect Newly built, Bali style. Valued 3 Gor. 3 million baht. Tel: EXCLUSIVE PLOT development site and a wide sea view. 3.5 million baht or at 25 million baht, selling at 19 06-2670157. Email: in Nai Harn. Owner is selling a selection of seaview and non- one rai 8 million baht. Tel: 09- million baht. Stunning sea view. [email protected] 3-rai plot with Chanote, with seaview plots. Starting at 3.5 7291391, 04-6268105. Kata. Tel: 01-5376866. a 450sqm home and sepa- million per rai. Please contact RAWAI BEACHFRONT rate guesthouse, enclosed Sean at Tel: 076-282864, 04- 1,820 SQM, RAWAI ISLAND FOR SALE 50m from beach. Electricity, pool, a well-maintained gar- 8501340. Email: sean@ Flat land, square plot: 4.3 mil- 1 million baht a rai. Buy this road, golf course views. Bar- den, garage and 2 phone lines. theritzcove.com lion baht. Full title. Quick sale. paradise from owner to build gain! Great for apartment Ideal for a private housing Tel: 09-6525664. a resort. Call K. Lek. Tel: 07- building. Tel: 09-6525664. project. Only 5 minutes to LAND FOR SALE 8938747. beach. Price: 20 million baht. in Rawai. 1, 2 and 4 rai at 4.5 1 RAI, YANUI KATA SEA VIEW Tel: 01-8942733. Email: million baht per rai, and 3 rai at 500m from beach, stunning 1,800 SQM, RAWAI Most stunning view, best [email protected] 9.9 million baht. Please con- view. Only plot with Chanote, Top land location, Chanote, plot, guarantee success. 3 rai tact for more information. Tel: perfect for small resort or big road, electricity. Perfect for Asking 5.9 million baht. Road, EXCLUSIVE APARTMENT 04-8374429. Email: sales@ villa. Tel: 06-2670898. house. 4.2 million baht. Tel: electricity, Chanote title. Tel: Patong with sea views, gar- chokechaiproperty.com 09-6525664. 06-2670898. dens, private pool , etc. Fully BEACHFRONT LAND furnished studio. Marble and LAND South of Phuket. Live on the SMALL PLOT – RAWAI SEAVIEW LAND granite bathroom & lounge. between Nai Harn and Rawai. beach boat on front 1 rai by Perfect for small villa. Seaview land for sale & also Must view. 2.65 million baht Very beautiful 3-rai plot with owner calling after 5 pm. No Chanote, road, electricity. beach land – good environ- ovno. Tel: 07-8893838. Email: Chanote title. 3.3 million baht. brokers. Cheap and stunning. 200,000 baht. Don’t wait. ment, serene. Tel: 06-626- [email protected] Tel: 01-5376866. Tel: 06-2670898. Tel: 01-5376866. 9899. April 29 - May 5, 2006 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 41 Property Gazette

PATONG LUXURY YELLOW HOUSE FULL SEAVIEW 2 HOUSES VILLA FOR RENT Accommodation apartments. Central Patong 1- FOR SALE HOUSE IN NAI HARN Available and 2-bedroom apartments. For information and photos. Email: [email protected] PATONG Low-season offer room with “everything”. Monthly 9,000 Accommodation baht. Daily 500 baht. Tel: 01- Wanted 200sqm living space, 8948446. Email: sfrkata@ hotmail.com Seeing is believing the view We have two 3-bedroom 1,200sqm of land, pool, 3 PATONG LONG-TERM from this newly- decorated homes for rent. Fully fur- bedrooms, fully furnished. PATONG ROOMS Single quiet German looking for 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom nished, swimming pool. Good Nai Harn. 40,000 baht per bungalow or small house to Location: The way to Patong. house with air conditioniong, location. Tel: 01-7974197. month. Tel: 07-8896074 . Aircon & fan rooms, your own 18 sq wah. 2 bedrooms, 3 shower, 10 min walk to beach. rent beginning June or July. ADSL, UBC, pool, phone Email: [email protected] Price range 16,000 to 17,000 bathrooms, 2 stories, and big-screen TV. Long- Tel: 076-342280, 01- kitchen, living room, fully fur- APARTMENTS 9781956. Email: palm@ baht per month. Contact Peter. term let. 55,000 baht per CONDOMINIUM in Patong. Fully funished, for Tel: 04-7594668. nished, 3 aircons, storage month. Tel: 076-292279, phuket.ksc.co.th tank. Price: 1.6 million baht. for rent or sale in Phuket City. long term rent, near Patong 07-8821963. Email: Price: 530,000 baht. Down Tel: 09-4691813. Temple, 2/56 Soi Khuanyang. NANAI, 1-BEDROOM PATONG APARTMENT [email protected] payment: 120,000 baht. Rent: They have a small kitchen, apartment. Patio, lounge, full 300 meters to beach, clean 4,000 baht/month. Tel: 09- refrigerator, a European-style kitchen, bedroom, en-suite and comfortable, with air 8738339. Email: karonwater balcony, air conditioner, cable shower/toilet. Cable TV, conditioning, TV, a big NEW VILLA FOR SALE STUNNING SEA VIEW @hotmail.com TV, fan, hot water, and one phone, WiFi. See website for fridge, double bed, pool and bathroom. Asking 8,300 baht details. 12,000 baht per parking. Please see our HOTEL FOR RENT per month. Tel: 04-8450541, month. Long term only. Tel/ website at: www.phuket- or sale at Karon Beach. 4- 01-8914561. Fax: 076-342601, 01-270- accommodation.info story building, 16 rooms. 5374. Email: orcella@phuket. Price: 5 million baht. Rent: BUNGALOWS ksc.co.th or visit our website 15,000-18,000 baht/month. for lease. Fully furnished, at: www.orcella.com Tel: 09-8738339. Email: aircon, ADSL, good surround- Building [email protected] ings, safe, 2-3 bedrooms, 240sqm living space, pool, CONDO IN PHUKET Products & price 18,000 - 22,000 baht 3 bedrooms. Absolute pri- Town. Fully furnished, in town Services APARTMENT per month. Chalong Bay. Tel: vacy. Price: 9.9 million baht. - Hot/cold shower in Patong Tower. 1 or 2 bed- 01-6064279. Tel: 07-8896074. - Direct telephone line rooms for rent – daily or The Stone Doctor A villa with 3 bedrooms and monthly. Sea view, fully fur- RAWAI BEACH - 24-hour security FURNISHED CONDO bathrooms, plus a maid’s nished. Tel: 076-292672, 01- Seaview. 1-bedroom house in - Key card entrance Luxury condo in Phuket City, fin- room. Location: Cape Yamu, 5974425. Fax: 076-292407. a quiet location for 13,000 Specialist European stone- - Large swimming pool care products and services: ished in teak, for sale at 1.8 mil- elevated, east coast, provid- Email: [email protected] baht per month. Please call. - TV, fridge, kitchen, wallpa- • Restoration lion baht. Please contact Lee. ing some of prettiest views Tel: 09-6519532. Tel: 01-7979272. HOUSES SELECTED per, walk-in closet, built-in • Sealing/Protection on Phuket. Furnished, 1-BEDROOM furniture. Long term only • Maintenance internet, a pool and gardens by Wellta. My name is Wellta. bungalow. Rawai. Lounge, (minimum 6 months). Please All your maintenance, 1 RAI, CHALONG in a very quiet, exclusive es- I have a website with houses bath, cable TV. Very quiet. contact. Tel: 076-272371, protection & cleaning needs 2.4 million baht. Road, elec- tate, 10 minutes to BCIS/La- on my island featuring many Only 7,000 baht. Tel: 06- 01-7371688. Fax: 076- for natural and manufactured tricity, Chanote, great spot. guna. Asking only 80,000 houses for rent and for sale. stone. 2790837. 273083. Email: info@phuket- Tel: 09-6525664. baht per month. Please call Tel: 01-9680309. Email: [email protected] or suriyaestate.com or see our • Marble • Sandwash for more info. Tel: 06-279- • Granite • Terracotta visit www.houseinphuket.com 2-BEDROOM APT website at: www.phuket- 6283. Patong. Sea & hill views, suriyaestate.com • Slate • Terrazzo Properties • Sandstone • Ceramics, etc For Rent NEW HOUSE aircon, UBC, swimming pool. for rent. in Chalong, 2 bed- 22,000 baht/month. Tel: 06- ROOMS FOR RENT Prevent: rust, stains, mildew, HOUSE & 2790837. in the City. Tai-Tan Court. Un- algae, scratches BIG GARDEN rooms, 2 bathrooms, aircon & Remove: builders’ residue, telephone. Tel: 076-280466. limited Internet access. Fully incorrect sealants, rust, stains, VERY NICE HOUSE Fully furnished, 2 aircon LAGUNA RENTAL furnished, including fridge, TV, mildew, etc. Daily care & FOR RENT bedrooms. 11,000 baht per PATONG OCEAN Resort design, furnished, 3 cable TV, aircon, hot water, cleaning products also available. month. Located at Palai condo. A beautiful 2 bed- bedrooms, air conditioning, car park and common kitchen. Tel: 07-2824930, 076-271217 Green, Chalong Bay. Tel: room, 2-bathroom, 18th-floor, pool, spa and garden on ½ rai. 6,000 baht a month. Tel: 076- Fax: 076-271218 01-8924311. ocean-front Patong Tower Asking 35,000 baht per 243118, 09-1885300. Email: Email: beach condo with stunning month. Tel: 09-5944067. passakorn_hongsyok@yahoo [email protected] .com Please see our website 280º panoramic views. Fully RAWAI CONDO 3 SHOPHOUSES furnished, available June. at: www.taitancourt.com FOR RENT Please contact at Email: for lease. Has 5- to 10-year lease. Asking 150,000 baht. Household In Rawai with private swim- - 6 bedrooms [email protected] or for HOUSE & POOL Tel: 06-6865567. Email: Patong studio. Own swimming Items ming pool. 2 bedrooms, 2 - 6 bathrooms more information, please see bathrooms, UBC, aircon, our website at: www. [email protected] pool, ADSL, motorbike, sea Samkong area. view, furnished. 15,000 baht HOUSEHOLD ITEMS garden and terrace. Full PatongTowerRental.com HOUSE & GARDEN Ideal for offices/residences. a month or 78,000 for 6 Must sell this week. Cheap size. 1 rai. Asking 50,000 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, air Call Thanat. PATONG BLUEPOINT months. Please contact for TV, DVD, bed, desk, leather baht. Electricity not in- conditioning, fully furnished, Tel: 01-5367159. Furnished 1- and 2-bedroom more information. Tel: 06- couches. Call Mike. Tel: 05- cluded. Tel: 07-2678389. European kitchen. Email: apartments in Baan Suan 9488139. Email: jefdejong@ 7825177. [email protected] Kamnan, a residential area hotmail.com FOR RENT IN RAWAI just outside Patong. If you like KATA BEACH WATERFRONT KATA BEACH Household For long-term rent: 2-year- the beaches, fun and apartment. Cable TV, hot wa- from the middle of April we old waterfront townhouse at nightlife, but prefer to sleep ter, furnished. 8,000 baht per Services start our low season dis- Boat Lagoon. 3 en-suite bed- without the traffic noises, month. Tel: 01-9704638, 06- counts. Southern Fried Rice, rooms, tastefully furnished, then this is the place. Yes, if 5958512. possibly the best -equipped outside Jacuzzi and sala. you like green and nature, LOCKUP STORAGE guesthouse in the area, has ADSL, cable for UBC. Tel: this is the place where you’d 2 APARTMENTS Household goods, car & seven beautifully-decorated 076-273515, 07-2789908. love to be. Prices from Rawai. For rent, furnished, motorbikes. 24-hr security. rooms all with aircon, fan, Fax: 076-273516. Email: Soi Suksan 2, beautiful villas 16,000 baht long-term only. maid service, swimming pool, Tel: 01-0825707. fridge TV and safe. Also bal- [email protected] of 220sqm in a quiet resort. Tel: 06-7866350. TV, DVD, satellite TV, kit- Asking only 32,000 baht chen, safe, aircon, bed linen. cony room facing the beach. per month, electricity not EXOTIC KATA Tel: 01-0804702. Email: The guesthouse has wireless Property NEW PATONG included. For long-term rent, sea front. Aspasia: luxury 2- [email protected] Internet, five computers are at Services apartment & bike. Modern, 1- minimum 1 month, maxi- bedroom, 3-bathroom apart- our guests’ disposal and at no bedroom apartment, seaview, ment. Spa, pools, gym, ADSL, RAWAI STUDIO charge. Room rates: daily 500- mum 6 months. 3 bed- HOME INSPECTIONS aircon, kitchen, JRD motor- rooms, 4 bathrooms, TV, quiet area. June to December. condo. Rent empty or fur- 1,200 baht; monthly 12,000 bike. 22,000 baht + services. UBC, ADSL, aircon, swim- 50,000 baht/month. Tel: 09- nished. 3,000 to 4,000 baht - 30,000 baht. Tel: 01-894- Get an inspection before final Tel: 06-9453450, 06-945- ming pool. Tel: 07-2678389. 9726017. Email: asiasail@ per month. Close to 7-Eleven 8446. Email: sfrkata@hotmail payment. 25 years’ experi- 3450. Email: coltat1962@ www.christianesblue.com yahoo.com Please visit at: & Laem Ka Beach. Tel: 09- .com Please visit our website ence. 6,000 baht and up. Tel: yahoo.com www.koumbele.com/kata2 4740227. www.southernfriedrice.com 076-388309. 42 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS April 29 - May 5, 2006 Boats & Marine

DIVE/TOUR BOAT ONAN GENSETS OUTBOARD MOTOR 14m wooden dive/tour boat FOR SALE 4-stroke Honda outboard with HINO engine. Cabin * 1 x 15 KVA 1,800rpm engine. Short design. with 4 berths, toilet, cov- 950,000 baht. * 1 x 8 KVA Please call for more infor- ered sun deck. Contact 1,800rpm 152,000 baht. mation. Tel: 07-2811995. Charlott. Tel: 077-456216, Both checked (pump impel- 07-9700913. Email: lers, injectors and compres- Charlott_Ragnarsson@ sion tested), fully serviced NOVA MARINE RH460 hotmail.com Gazette Online Classifieds and in good order. Located 20ft, inflatable fiberglass hull, in Langkawi. Please contact. Yamaha engine 40hp, steer- Tel: +60-49553006, +60- ing control, trailer, in good NEW BOATS 10,000 readers every day! 17- 480051. Fax: +60- condition. Only 150,000 baht. for sale. Open boat. 4.2 49553006. Email: randall@ Please contact David Soh for meters long, 1.8m wide. Only gypsiemarine.com more information. Tel: 074- 85,000 baht. All boats cus- 731198. tom built. Tel: 05-9233214. April 29 - May 5, 2006 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 43 Island Job Mart

RECRUITMENT ATC IS RECRUITING consultants. International Re- OFFICE MANAGER Sales staff. Asian Travel Club cruitment Agency based in Position available in Ka- with offices in Karon and Phuket requires a native mala. Female, between 20- Patong is looking for Thai/En- speaker of English to join its 30 years, Thai national with glish-speaking Sales Repre- talented and affable team. good written and spoken En- sentatives for our holiday Applicants to be intelligent, glish. Should possess rel- club. We also need Thai- LAW FIRM OFFICE STAFF X 2 articulate and sales minded. evant computer skills, be speaking staff for tele- CLEANING STAFF seeks an accountant, secre- * Female, 21-35 years old. 25,000 baht basic plus sales driven and customer marketing, and have 1 position orientated. Please contact for guesthouse in Karon. tary and lawyer. Send resumé * College or bachelor’s de- 60,000 OTE. Please contact. available for household/clean- Must speak some English. to: [email protected] gree in a related field. Tel: 076-200204, 05-212- K. Thanida for more info. ing. You should be easygoing, Tel: 09-4742958. Email: Call Tel: 06-2718254. Knowledge of Windows, Ex- 1794. Email: ian@evocation. hard-working, with a positive * net [email protected] attitude and a professional and SALESPEOPLE cel, Access and Adobe Acro- bat Professional. positive appearance. Good WEBSITE SALES REQUIRED THAI MASSAGE salary, commission and ben- Work experience required. Urgent: An organized Thai We are looking for people * We are looking for enthusias- SECRETARY WANTED efits offered. Full training pro- national needed to sell who are experienced in * Excellent command of both tic individuals to join our team Secretary wanted for expand- vided and no experience re- websites. Email skills, trans- sales. Fluent English is re- written and spoken English as massage practitioners. ing lighting business. English, quired. Only female Thai na- port, energy and knowledge of quired. Excellent remunera- required. Women certified in Thai mas- computing and basic account- tionals required. Please con- tourism or construction help- tion package available. Please contact for more infor- sage and willing to learn about ing skills a must. Salary based tact. Tel: 076-341820, 05- ful. Make it with a fun, new Please email Chris at: mation. Tel: 076-385758, 04- other massages – full training on experience. Tel: 076-270- 1601670. Fax: 076-341714. company. Please call K. May [email protected] 1871068. Email: smash. given – should call Janpen. Tel: 660. Fax: 076-270662. Email: Email: paulivarlarsson@ at Tel: 09-9733276. [email protected] 09-6518885. [email protected] hotmail.com 44 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS April 29 - May 5, 2006 Island Job Mart

COMPUTER PROGRAMMER A media and marketing company based in Phuket is looking for staff to join us. Position: Computer Pro- grammer Qualifications: Applicants must have experience and skills in the following fields. Computer language: Perl, PHP and mySQL. Macro media Dreamweaver, HTML, Javascript. Photo- shop or graphic design, etc. Experience of other related programs an advantage. Must be able to maintain Linux server, Microsoft Windows Client, etc. Expe- rience in network system is an advantage. Good inter- personal and communica- tion skills. English literate. Applications should be made to K. Nee to arrange an in- terview. Tel: 01-9281530. Email: nee@leadingedge- media.com

TEACHERS WANTED Satree Phuket EP (English Program) Department. Po- sitions: Math teacher (na- tive English-speaker), Sci- ence teacher (native En- glish-speaker), German-lan- guage teacher (native Ger- man-speaker). Required: related degree. Please con- tact K. Amnuay for more info. Tel: 01-3675870. Email: satreephuketep@ yahoo.com

WEB DESIGNER wanted. Looking for web de- signer. Please contact for fur- ther information. Tel: 07-898- 6566. Email: kurtvallant@ gmx.at

INTERNET CAFÉ STAFF We’re looking for female Thai nationals to work as cyber café receptionists. 1 full-time, 1 nighttime (6 pm to midnight). FINANCIAL MANAGER Possibility of lodging. The ap- plicant must speak English. World Concern, an interna- Patong and Phuket City area. tional relief and develop- Please contact K. Yupha. Tel: ment organization, will hire 076-341255. Email: leco@ a Thai national. Must be liontchai.com qualified to supervise and manage all financial, ac- URGENTLY REQUIRED counting transactions and Supervisor sought for redevel- monitor records and ex- opment of eco-resort on Koh changes and advise on fi- Phra Thong in Phang Nga. nancial planning for our tsu- Beautiful beaches with abun- nami-related project located dant animal and plant life. in Phang Nga. Tel: 076- Salary 30,000 baht up, food 423757. Email: yohuncp@ STAFF REQUIRED and housing provided. Experi- OFFICE MANAGER gmail.com Our clients seek staff w/good ence in similar work required. An Office Manager is English and bright personality Full details available on appli- wanted for a dynamic yacht to fill the following positions: PATONG BEER BAR cation. Please contact Peter brokerage firm at Phuket 1. Project Manager: 25- Bartender/Cashier. Good sal- Lachman for more informa- Boat Lagoon. For more in- 35,000 baht ary. Able to speak English a tion. Email: peter.lachman@ formation, please contact 2. Exec Admin: 20-27,000 must. Tel: 05-7838336. gmail.com Mr Hakan Lange at: Derani RESTAURANT STAFF Yachts Co Ltd, 20/37 3. Senior HR: 25-30,000 needed. Hiring: pizza cook; PERSONAL ASSISTANT Phuket Boat Lagoon, 4. Senior Accountant: 30- waiting staff; bartender; Thai lady with good English Thepkrasattri Rd, Koh 45,000. cooks; manager. Great pay. skills, based in either Rawai Looking for job? Kaew, Muang Phuket Contact. Tel: 076-264442, Will train. Please send your or Patong. Can be part-time. 83000. Email: info@derani- 01-5354108. Fax: 076-264- CV and photo or contact for Please contact for more yachts.com 443. Email: recruitment@ more info. Tel: 076-388681. info. Tel: 06-2790837. www.phuketgazette.net bowentraining.com Email: [email protected] April 29 - May 5, 2006 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 45 Tout, Trader & Trumpet

WEALTH OFFER! Articles Business GUESTHOUSE Print my best-selling booklets for Sale Opportunities FOR RENT We sell for US$5 each. 50% share of profits. Estimated demand: 100,000 copies. Tel: 01-4151894. GENERATOR MASSAGE SALON 26 KWA SHOP FOR RENT Air-cooled diesel, silent Best location Karon, busiest housing, 220/380v 30 street Karon, about 1,400 Amp. European import. sqm, complete bathroom, Mint condition, only electric water heater, aircon, 125,000 baht. Please call. No key money, 25,000 baht a Tel: 01-7198419. month. Please call for more Established 3-story mas- Best location in Karon, 7 information. Tel: 06-2718254. sage salon for sale in the rooms, office, laundry, tele- MOBILITY SCOOTERS heart of Patong. Excellent phone, Internet, WiFi, cable GREAT OPPORTUNITY Latest models. Portable 3- furnishings, fully equipped; TV. 45,000 baht/month Looking for a small business in wheel, 4-wheel, latest mod- has long-term staff. For plus investment of 1 million Phuket? Check this: 48-seat els. Full service by distribu- more information, call Khun baht. Tel: 06-2718254. restaurant in Rawai with tor. For catalogs and prices Arunee. Tel: 07-8947985. Email: ninguesthouse@ aircon and all equipment. Only please contact Ecobrand. hotmail.com 5 months old and a very busy Tel: 02-9656291, 01- little place. Tel: 076-388478, 8750860. Fax: 02-965- RAWAI MASSAGE NICE RESTAURANT 06-5969553. Fax: 076-388- 6294. Email: ecobrand@ AND BAR plus 3 rooms. Close to the 478. Email: gerrybfoster@ truemail.co.th beach. Lease has 4 years left hotmail.com + rent at 35,000 baht a month. Only 850,000 baht for BAR/RESTAURANT OPPORTUNITY! furniture and equipment. Ex- Great location in Patong. Price Sauna and steam bath cellent location near Banana was 1.1 million baht. Owner equipment for sale. Stove, Discotheque. Please contact must sell urgently. Inspect and boiler, thermostat, wood- for more information. Tel: 04- make an offer. Contact Brian glass door. Good condition, No need to pay any salary. 8448381. Email: garyone1@ Taller at Tel: 07-0673360. cheap price. Please call Good and long rental con- hotmail.com William. Tel: 01-9796220. tract. Good income! Tel: 06- BAR FOR SALE 7396031. Email: fepigada KAMALA Fully equipped and stylish, lo- @yahoo.it restaurant & bar. Famous for cated on Soi Bangla, 3+3 year AIRCON FOR SALE pizza + Texmex: 40 seats, air lease. Price: 1.6 million baht. Tel: 04-8379068. Email: dna- Very good condition, conditioning, equipment, [email protected] 30,000 BTU. Offers from BUSINESSES stock, and furniture. For sale 18,000 baht. Tel: 076- FOR SALE at 500,000 baht + rent 6,000 333423, 07-2680190. baht per month. Call after 5 FOR SALE Great businesses in one of pm. Tel: 03-1753996. German carwash technology. the best locations in Wash up to 100 cars or more CALLAWAY X-18 Patong are for sale, includ- a day! Seles, installation, ser- ing: BAR FOR SALE IRONS Off Soi Bangla with fittings vice, training, investment. Brand new men’s clubs. Never - a 15-room guesthouse and pool table. 160,000 baht. Contact for more information. hit! 9-club set (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, - a tour agency Tel: 01-8928579. Email: carwash_phuket@ 9, PW, SW) Condition: brand - a 60-seat restaurant hotmail.com new never been used. Speci- - a rental business KATOYS ’R’ US fication: they come with After 6 years, Patong’s fa- RESTAURANT/BAR Callaway constant weight - an Internet café mous cabaret bar is for sale at Surin Beach main road. Full of steel uniflex shaft, and original Please contact for more 4 million baht. Genuine owner top equipment. 680,000 baht. Callaway x-18 grip. standard information. Tel: 01-082- retiring. No emails please, Email: [email protected] lie, length and loft. Price: only 0039, 01-0911662. Email: personal calls only. Call Nick at 33,500 baht. Location: Ka- [email protected] 01-8922824 or K. Nong at BAR/RESTAURANT mala. Tel: 01-2704133. Email: 01-8955242. Kata Beach, 38 seats, a pool [email protected] NEED WORK PERMIT? table, 4 bedrooms recently Take over my company at a refurbished. Fully stocked. 1.1 SONY MP3 PLAYER PARTNERSHIP bargain price: 26,000 baht, in- wanted. Looking for a shop – million baht. Quick sale. Please Tiny NW-E99. 1 GB memory. cludes balance sheet. Urgent call for more information. Tel: Up to 70 hours’ play on one or part of a shop – from which sale. Tel: 04 -1857504. Email: to run a Turkish doner kebab 04-8478139. AAA battery. All manuals, [email protected] install CDs, etc. Original ear- shop. Please contact for more phones with spare pads (un- information. Tel: 09-8862640. Email: [email protected] HOTEL FOR SALE used). As new. 4,750 baht. 2-STORY SHOP Tel: 01-9783089. Email: FOR RENT [email protected] BAR & RESTAURANT On Phuket Rd. Good loca- for sale. Large modern BABY COT & PLAYPEN tion next to dentist. 5m x kitchen, large bedroom with 30m. 240,000 baht/year. A small cot (for 6 months balcony front and back, aircon STAFF REQUIRED Tel: 01-8924311. MAID WANTED, old): 500 baht. Also have play- throughout, UBC TV. 2.6 mil- Internationally renowned prop- lion baht. Tel: 01-0832580. SURIN HILL erty agent seeks high-caliber pen (for 9 months-3 years American couple seeking Thai candidates for various old): 2,000 baht. Both 4 BUSINESS FOR SALE Naka Island. 36 rai, 200m. English-speaking maid for positions. Applicants must: months old and in good condi- Nice office located in a busi- TOUR INFO DESK Beach front, 80 villas total- spacious villa. Hotel experi- tion. Price for both: 2,000 ness area. 50sqm, fully fur- for rent in front of a guest- ing 120 rooms. Please call - Be fluent in written and spo- house in the best street in for more information. Tel: ence preferred. Live-in re- ken English, baht. Tel: 076-296301, 06- nished with all office equip- quired. Separate maid’s 2771941. Fax: 076-296301. ment and ready to start. 1.8 Karon. Tel: 06-2718254. 07-8896074. - Be hard working, self moti- Email: ampm_net@hotmail. million baht. Company car is lounge with kitchen. Excel- vated and pro-active, lent salary for candidate. com available if required. Please LARGE, SUCCESSFUL SHOPHOUSE Call Lorna. Tel: 01-845- - Be computer literate, and contact for more information. established bar in Soi Bangla Shophouse – 5 m x 12m – for 1492. Email: shrdrbkk@ - Be extremely customer fo- NEW SPEAR GUN Tel: 09-8750017. Email: for sale. Pool table, darts and rent at 5,000 baht a month. ksc15.th.com cused. Thunder 70 dual-band spear [email protected] own sound system. Tel: 09- Ideal for office. Get yearly Experience in the Phuket real gun. Spear rod with barbed 8677969. lease agreement, and take estate market would be a spear tip. Keeper string over BAR 4 SALE – CHEAP! over for only 450,000 baht. MAKE PHOTOS plus, but not essential. At- 30" in length. Powerful for 5-star venue, 3-star price. RESTAURANT No key money. Please con- Beautiful lady wanted to de- tractive package and devel- stripers and other game fish. Please contact for more infor- for rent. Good location, 1km to tact for more info. Tel: 076- velop photos. Training pro- opment opportunities. Email: 7,500 baht. Please contact mation. Tel: 07-8817600. Nai Harn Beach; includes 383240, 01-4154883. Fax: vided. Good salary, work 4 internationalpropertyagent for info. Tel: 09-4701000. Please see our website at: kitchen equipment. Tel: 06- 076-383240. Email: info@ hours a day. Tel: 01-2704133. @yahoo.com Email: [email protected] www.homebarphuket.com 9474494, 01-5365416. r-armanitailor.com