ANDAMAN Edition PHUKET’S LEADING NEWSPAPER... SINCE 1993 Now NATIONWIDE Life is Sweet Enough Health Office at pains to drain soda from island diet INSIDE TODAY January 19 - 25, 2013 PhuketGazette.Net In partnership with The Nation 25 Baht ‘I WILL BE HONEST… I FEAR LOCAL TAXI OPERATORS’

Public bus plan Ae Inside wasn’t the first man Tossapol Ketkaew killed. Photo: Cha-am Police Ae Inside assassin breaks barrier caught The trigger-man in the Phuket’s struggle for slaying of Phuket news man Ae Inside was public transportation arrested on last Sunday. However, Tossapol starts to yield fruit Ketkaew will have to face justice for another killing in 2004 before By Chutharat Plerin Phuket Police will be able to take him into custody. AFTER decades in the planning, a new bus service will launch on the island in March. Full story on Page 3 The new route will connect Phuket Inter- national Airport and the popular tourist Royal Thai beaches of Patong, Karon, and Kata via Tesco Lotus on the bypass road. Police boost For safety reasons, Phuket Land Trans- portation Office (PLTO) chief Teerayut numbers for Prasertpol asked the Gazette not to name the operator willing to launch the bus route, high season but he disclosed that the company had AN ADDITIONAL 400 signed a seven-year contract with the police officers are on government to provide the long-awaited Phuket for a 30-day service. tourist-safety campaign. The new service will offer “hop on, The campaign aims to hop off” bus stops at a maximum cost of slash the amount of 120 baht for the entire route. crime in Phuket by 50 “We are not targeting tourists with the per cent and boost tour- new bus service,” Mr Teerayut said. “We ists’ confidence in the are pushing to develop more public ability of officers to transportation options for everyone… protect them. Continued on page 5 COMING SOON: The buses have been ordered and the new service is slated to start in March. Photo: PLTO Full story on Page 2 2 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET NEWS January 19 - 25, 2013 Royal Thai Police bombard

Business island for 30-day campaign KatathaniThe Government Resort gives is By Kritsada Mueanhawong alooking lesson toin sustainabletrap MICE A 30-DAY safety campaign aimed tourism.business. Page 11 at slashing the criminal activity in Phuket and Pattaya saw an addi- tional 400 Royal Thai Police, Finance sourced from every division of the Don’tAdvice make on opening these expat and force, stepping foot on the island on January 10. investingmaintaining mistakes. a Thai bank The desperately needed extra account. Page 1616 “troops” on the ground came days after Ambassadors to Thailand In Focus from Canada, the (See History pages 4-5) and UK visited Phuket ExploringThe Phuket the Airpark’sold trade Governor Maitri Inthusut to voice routebiannual from flying south club to their concerns about tourist safety. “We expect the project to de- north.meet. PagePage 3639 crease the criminal activity in Phuket by 50 per cent, and sig- InCharity Focus nificantly increase how safe Phuket’s first Family & tourists feel on our island,” Phuket A super send off for Provincial Police Deputy Com- theGourmet Asia FestivalSuperyacht sets mander Arun Kleawwatee said. The Royal Thai Police organized the parade on Soi Bangla to increase the awareness of their 30-day safety campaign. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong Rendezvous.the bar. Page 41 By making a significant effort to boost safety in both Phuket and venues for drugs, prostitution and project presented by the Phuket Pattaya, the Royal Thai Police teen gangs,” he added. Provincial Administration Organi- HumorExplore hopes to improve the overall im- Gen Pansiri said solving prob- zation (PPAO) is being considered GettingFor this ridholiday of that season pesky age of these two important tourist lems surrounding tourism safety by the Cabinet. destinations, Col Arun said. was paramount. The project aims to increase the houseguesthave a creepy who crawly just Issues to be addressed included “In order to move toward the government’s 242 CCTV cameras won’tChristmas. leave. Page 42 a crackdown on drugs, prostitution, Asean Economic Community we across the island by 2,400 burglary, sexual assault and any il- have to start resolving issues cameras. If approved, it will be a Sport legal operations by local government tourists are facing and boost scaled-down version of the Sport officers, Deputy National Police tourists’ confidence in our effec- 10,000-CCTV-camera project FutsalPhuket FCbuzz: adds Phuket to their General Pansiri Prapawat said. tiveness,” he said. originally proposed by PPAO Unitedlist of findgrowing themselves new “We will also be patrolling the In addition to beefing up police President Paiboon Upatising in high-risk areas, as well as check- presence on the island, an 89 response to the Michelle Smith withsignings. no home.PagePage 5150 ing restaurants and entertainment million-baht-CCTV-installation slaying in June. Beach turf war leaves Tourist’s body found off Patong Beach POLICE investigating the death of a Dutch tourist whose body was car gutted by flames discovered floating off Patong Beach last Sunday have sent the POLICE believe a Honda Jazz be- man’s body to Bangkok for an longing to a beachfront seafood autopsy. restaurant owner was maliciously The body of Stephan Buczynski, set ablaze on January 14 as part 26, was discovered at about of an ongoing conflict between 9:30am by a tourist riding a jet-ski vendors in the Surin Beach area. some 500 meters offshore from the Police declined to name the north end of Patong Beach. owner of the car for safety reasons. Mr Buczynski had suffered a Locals swim out to the body of Mr Buczynski. Photo: Chaichana Keowkaow The owner parked the car in Police suspect arson. deep gash to the back of his head, front of the restaurant at about leading police to believe that he was “He was dressed only in black known by the trade name Xanax. 3pm. Just over 12 hours later, the arson,” Cherng Talay Police In- struck by a boat propeller while swimming trunks… A waterproof “He might have been hit by the car was consumed by flames. spector Rassada Kluengwong said. swimming or was viciously at- bag was still looped around his blade of a passing boat while It took Cherng Talay firefighters “The car owner also owns a sea- tacked from behind by an assailant. neck, containing his passport, as swimming or he may have been about 30 minutes to extinguish the food restaurant near the mini-mart “We believe he died about four well as cash totaling 5,200 baht beaten to death and his body blaze. that was set on fire last month,” Lt hours before his body was and 1,850 euros,” he added. thrown into the sea. We just don’t “Though we haven’t ruled out Col Rassada pointed out. found,” Capt Patapee Srichai of Also in the waterproof bag were know,” Capt Patapee explained. other possibilities, we suspect – Thawit Bilabdullar the Patong Police said. nine pills of Alprazolam, better – Thawit Bilabdullar January 19 - 25, 2013 PHUKET NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 3 Ae Inside’s assassin After a year on the run, assassin of Phuket newsman faces justice By Kritsada Mueanhawong 24, 2012. He is charged with co- premeditated murder,” he added. THE confessed trigger-man who “The search for Somkuan is An open boat of Rohingya who were assassinated Phuket newsman ongoing. This is not the only case attempting to flee Myanmar, but Wisut “Ae Inside” Tangwitthaya- we’re following up on. Police are were taken into custody off Koh Bon. porn was taken into custody on making a serious attempt to close Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong January 13. every case on the island,” chief However, Phuket Police will Sermphan said. have to wait for their counterparts Watchara Malikaew, Mr Wisut’s in the Thai tourism town of best friend and co-worker on Mr Hundreds of Cha-am to close their own Wisut’s Inside Phuket newspaper, murder investigation before said, “I was so delighted to hear ‘boat people’ taking the confessed killer back to that the suspect who pulled the the Phuket to stand trial. trigger was arrested. The case is Police from the Crime Suppres- one year old. It shows that police just offshore sion Division headquarters in did not abandon the case. THE Gazette on Tuesday Bangkok, along with local Cha-Am “However, I would like to see confirmed reports of hundreds of Police, moved in and arrested police arrest the other suspect who Rohingya in open boats in the Tossapol Ketkaew, 36, at a house is still at large as I believe he is the Andaman Sea off Phang Nga, in Cha-am last Sunday for the sole connection to the person who north of Phuket. 2004 murder of Kra Aromdee. hired the killers,” Mr Watchara The news comes as thousands Tossapol, also known as Sanya added. of ethnic Rohingya flee the vio- “Noo” Klinchum, was additionally Phuket Police in February last lence in Myanmar (see page 9). arrested for pulling the trigger in year arrested and brought in for “We have heard there are about the shooting that left Mr Wisut questioning Phuket businessman nine boats containing hundreds of dead in Phuket morning rush hour Atsadakorn “Pod” Seedokbuab on Rohingya, but they have yet to land traffic last year. allegations of him being the mas- anywhere along the coast,” a “Tossapol confessed [to police] termind behind the assassination local source in Phang Nga told the that at around 9am on January 12 Tossapol Ketkaew, 36, was arrested for shooting dead Kra Aromdee in of Mr Wisut. Gazette. last year he, along with the help 2004, as well as ‘Ae Inside’ last year. Photo:Cha-am Police Mr Atsadakorn, owner of KPP Local police were unable to of Noppadol ‘Pae’ Praisri and sage from Somkuan, but does not in Tambon Khao Yai, Cha-am, in Cable TV in Phuket and at that time confirm or deny whether any Somkuan ‘Boy’ Deepan, used a know who hired Somkuan to Petchaburi. a vice president of the Phuket assistance, medical or otherwise, 9mm gun to shoot Ae Inside organize the assassination,” Col “Tossapol confessed he was Chamber of Commerce, surren- had been given to the refugees. dead,” case investigator Lt Col Pattanapong said. the one who pulled the trigger,” dered to police. “We are aware of the issue, but Pattanapong Sripinproh said. “Somkuan is still at large. Po- he added. He denied knowing Noppadol at this point we cannot give any “He claimed that Somkuan was lice are searching for him,” he Phuket City Police chief “Pae” Praisri before Noppadol’s statement about how many of the one who arranged the gun for added. Sermphan Sirikong told the name was splashed across news- them there are, or what condition the killing and Noppadol was the Col Pattanapong said that while Gazette that his officers will have paper headlines, but confirmed he they are in, as we have yet to re- one who drove the motorbike, conducting their investigation into to wait for the Cha-am murder did know fellow suspect ceive a report of them having allowing Tossapol to ride pillion as the killing of Kra Aromdee police investigation to close before they Somkuan, 48, before the killing. landed on Thai soil,” an officer at the gunman,” he added. discovered that Tossapol and can get their hands on Tossapol. “I know Khun Boy [Mr Tai Muang District Police Station Tossapol’s confession to police Sanya were different aliases used “We are preparing our official Somkuan]. He is a friend and told the Gazette. concurs with that of Noppadol, by the same man. request to detain Tossapol. How- even I hired him to operate a dig- The sighting of hundreds of who made his confession imme- “Tossapol confessed that he ever, we have to wait for Cha-am ger at a construction site at one Rohingya “boat people” off Phang diately after his arrest in January was involved in both killings. He Police to close their investigation of my developments,” Mr Nga followed 73 Rohingya being last year. said that on August 1, 2004 first,” Col Sermphan said. Atsadakorn said. taken into custody off Koh Bon, “Tossapol said he was paid around 4pm, he and Yuenyong “The application will be filed un- “But I do not know where he southeast of Phuket, on January 1. 13,000 baht to be the gunman. He Uangjean used a .38-caliber gun der Phuket Court arrest warrant is now,” he said at the February – Phuket Gazette claimed that he received a mes- to kill Mr Kra in front of a house number Jor 39/2555 dated January 16 press conference. Hot-headed somtam vendor slays man POLICE are on the lookout for a on Wednesday. somtam (spicy Thai salad) vendor He was drinking beer with following a local building supplies workmates at about 7:30pm when shop staffer being shot in the head the attack occurred. at point-blank range with a home- “Somjit was in the store taking made zip gun south of Phuket a beer from the fridge when a man Town on January 10. entered the store and shot him in Somjit Chueajan, 21, was the head with a homemade gun. taken to hospital that night. How- The assailant then fled the scene,” ever, he died from his wound on Wichit Police Superintendent January 16, Vachira Hospital Chaowalit Petchsripia explained. Phuket hospital staff confirmed – Kritsada Mueanhawong

Looking for a place to stay? See more classified ads at www.phuketgazette.net 4 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET NEWS January 19 - 25, 2013 Envoys target tourist safety across the bay

By Kritsada Mueanhawong specifically about the rape of a Dutch model; British tourist Jack THE British, Canadian and Dutch Daniel Cole being assaulted; and Ambassadors to Thailand met the deaths of the two Canadian with the Krabi police chief last sisters on Phi Phi Island,” Maj Gen week to discuss tourism-safety Nunthadej told the press. measures and to follow up on “They suggested that some several prominent police cases. information related to these cases The visit on January 9 came should not have been revealed to Canadian Ambassador Philip Calvert (left) joins Dutch Ambassador Joan Boer (right) in talks with Krabi Police over high-profile cases that have rocked the tourism province over the past year. Photo: Thawit Bilabdullar two days after the three the public because it might have ambassadors spoke with Phuket affected the victims’ families and death in the police report to the faced problems with communicat- allowing a man charged with the Governor Maitri Inthusut to friends,” the general added. embassy is ‘Unknown’,” Lt Col ing in English. The ambassador said rape of a Dutch model to walk free discuss their chief concerns for The request for police to Jongrak Pimthong of Krabi City he would send officers from the on bail. tourists’ safety in Phuket. respect relatives’ concerns about Police told the Gazette in October. British Embassy [in Bangkok] to Gen Nunthadej explained, Speaking with Krabi Provincial the release of information follows However, Lt Col Jongrak’s help teach English to the police,” however, that some of the “mis- Police Commander Nunthadej a clampdown amid the investiga- statement did not give any indica- Gen Nunthadej added. understandings” about the handling Yoinual, Ambassadors Mark Kent tion into the deaths of Canadian tion as to whether or not other The offer to provide English of the rape case were due to of the UK, Philip Calvert of sisters Noemi and Audrey Belanger members of the public might be tutoring of Krabi Police follows a differences in Thai criminal law and Canada and Joan Boer of the Neth- on Phi Phi in June last year. in danger of coming into contact similar offer from the Tourism criminal law in other countries. erlands highlighted issues with “We have been asked by the with whatever caused the sisters’ Authority of Thailand Krabi office Following their meeting with how several high-profile cases Canadian Embassy and the deaths, which was initially in the aftermath of the police Gen Nunthadej, the ambassadors were handled in the Andaman [Belanger] family to not reveal reported as poisoning. response to the Evil Man From visited Krabi Governor Prasit coast province over the past year. anything about the case. We are “Ambassador Kent also said that Krabi YouTube video, which Osathanon to discuss further tour- “The ambassadors asked standing by that. The cause of in many cases the officers involved accused the Krabi authorities of ist-safety measures in the province.

CLEAN SWEEP: Police confiscate 557,000 baht seized in the arrest of former Phuket maid Ratchanee Klunma. Photos: Kritsada Mueanhawong Maid caught after cleaning out Phuket boss’s bank account POLICE have charged a maid in Phuket with stealing a debit card and using it to take 700,000 baht from the bank account of her female employer. Karon resident Ratchanee Klunma, 43, reported the theft after her 34-year-old housemaid Somjing Chumuang disappeared on the same day the debit card was stolen, Lt Col Sophon Borirak of the Karon Police explained. Ratchanee Klunma After the theft was reported, “We arrested her on the morn- Karon Police contacted officers in ing of January 11 and seized Trang to check whether Somjing 557,000 baht. was hiding at her family home in “She confessed to stealing the Huay Yod District, he added. debit card and to taking 700,000 “On January 10 we were in- baht from the account because of formed by Trang Police that they financial problems,” Col Sophon had found Ms Somjing at her explained. house. – Kritsada Mueanhawong January 19 - 25, 2013 PHUKET NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 5 Bus service ready to roll

From page 1 “The new route operators have expressed their fears in providing on the island who cannot afford the new service. They asked me to keep using taxis and for Phuket what we can do to protect them residents who often need to travel from being attacked. to the airport.” “I will be honest in saying that “We are planning to install bus I fear local taxi operators might stops in Thalang Town, at the act as they have done in the past,” Heroines Monument, in Koh Kaew Mr Teerayut said. and at the Tesco Lotus shopping “However, the situation in mall. There will be only one stop Phuket has changed. We cannot each at Patong, Karon and Kata,” take it anymore. People need Mr Teerayut explained. another option and taxi operators Under the terms of the govern- must accept it.” ment concession, the buses must To allay fears of violent repris- be air conditioned, seat no more als by taxi drivers on the island, than 30 passengers and have the PLTO had to call in support room for travellers’ luggage. from nearly every major govern- “At this stage the buses are set ment office in Phuket. to run every 40 minutes, starting “The work cannot be done by around 6am when the first flight us alone. Therefore, the PLTO is arrives at the airport and ending working with Phuket Governor at around 1am. However, the Maitri Inthusut, police officers and schedule is flexible. It depends on local administration organizations. traveller demand. It is possible the We have even talked to local taxi The operator of the new bus service is expected to set the timetable for the first bus to depart Phuket Airport buses may run every 30 minutes. operators to make this route hap- at 6am each day and continue every 30 or 40 minutes until 1am the next day. Photo: Phuket Land Transport Office We will see,” Mr Teerayut said. pen,” Mr Teerayut explained. is just one big scam and that they reputation for Phuket. With the one – even airport limousine driv- “We are also considering “Phuket needs to prove that it do not even have a choice. new route, we are sure that the ers and taxi operators in Patong allowing higher fares to be charged can provide public transportation “This time the situation is kinds of problems we have had in and Kata-Karon – all want to see for night buses, but they will not for local people and tourists,” he different. People are more aware the past will not happen again. Phuket’s reputation shine,” Mr be much more expensive, only added. of the need to create a good “I personally believe that every- Teerayut said. about 50 baht more,” he added. Gaining investors’ confidence Mr Teerayut stressed that the that they will recoup their initial new bus service will deliver a investment also took time, about breakthrough for public transport three years. in Phuket. “I believe the operators will re- “Think about it: If you had cover their initial investment in 1,000 baht and you were in about 18 months with this new another province, it could pay for route – and they believe so too, your transport, hotel and food. In that is why they applied to pro- Phuket, you need that much for vide the service,” Mr Teerayut the taxi fare alone. explained. “But with the new bus service, “As I said, we are not target- if you have 100 baht in your ing tourists. I believe people who pocket, you can now travel in prefer the convenience of using Phuket,” he said. taxis will still use them, and they will be willing to pay more for MAFIA CONCERNS the extra convenience. Public transportation is just another Critical to getting the company option to support the island’s to launch the bus service was tourism industry. gaining investors’ confidence the “At least tourists will not think route will be safe to operate. that public transport on the island ROUTE MAP 6 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET NEWS January 19 - 25, 2013 Police suspect drug overdose Karon Police: easy on ball sales By Kritsada Mueanhawong suppress drug and tourism- related crime. in Australian THE Karon Police do have balls, “Each beach operator was but heavy-handed tactics in sell- forced to buy five to 10 tickets. tourist death ing the tickets will stop, the Karon Once they bought the tickets, they PATONG Police believe an Aus- acting police chief confirmed to noticed that some of them had tralian tourist who was found dead the Gazette on January 11. numbers on them, and some The news follows a mob of didn’t,” Kamnan Winai said. in his hotel room last Friday died angry residents gathering at Karon Karon Police Deputy Superin- from a drug overdose. Police Station last Thursday. tendent Narong Laksanawimon The 45-year-old, whose name Their complaint: explained that though has yet to be released to the pub- the “strong tactics” ‘If anyone forced the ball is being held by lic by police, was staying at a used to sell tickets you to buy a ticket, the Karon Police, they resort in the Patong beach area. to a policeman’s passed off many Capt Teerasak Boonsang of the charity-ball function you can return it to responsibilities to an Patong Police told that the Gazette to be held in Phuket the organizers event-coordination the man’s body was discovered Town. company. The com- at about 4pm. “Four men claim- and register your pany was responsible Officers attending the scene ing to be ‘assisting’ name with us’ for organizing the believe the man died about two officers of the Karon – Col Narong evening’s entertainment days before his body was discov- Police have been and selling tickets. ered, Capt Boonsang said. selling charity concert tickets to “The organizer will give Karon The police examination of the beach vendors, sunbed rental op- Police Station 300,000 baht room uncovered an empty bottle erators and restaurant owners. after the event to support our of medication for preventing sei- The men said that the tickets are crime and drug-suppression Karon Kamnan Winai Chidchiew holds a ticket (inset) to the Karon Police’s zures and convulsions. being sold under orders from project,” Lt Col Narong said. ball between his fingers. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong “There were also blood stains Karon Police Superintendent However, the organizers have “You can also file a complaint country music singers Sam Sao around his nose,” Capt Boonsang Sirisak Wasasiri, who is now on now been told that they must stop with us against the individual that SilverGold, O Apisit and Thep added. vacation,” Karon Kamnan Winai forcing people to buy tickets. forced you to buy the ticket,” he Thoonjai. Tickets for the ball in- The man’s family, who arrived Chidchiew said. “If anyone forced you to buy a added. clude food and drink. in Phuket last Saturday, confirmed The tickets are being sold for ticket, you can return it to the Tickets for the ball are still up The event will be on January the man had no health issues that 1,000 baht apiece, which the organizers and register your name for grabs for those interested in 25 at 6pm at the Pitak Grand Ball- they were aware of. vendors said would be used in with us before January 16 for a supporting the event, which will room on the third floor of The – Orawin Narabal the Royal Thai Police effort to full refund,” Col Narong said. feature performances by Thai Metropole Hotel in Phuket Town. Locals enforce ‘money tree’ robber-monk defrocking A MONK chose to be defrocked at the main temple in Phuket Town, Wat Wichit Sangkharam, after being caught stealing a temple donation “money tree” and running off with 1,000 baht in cash on Tuesday. Wichit Police were alerted to the theft at 11:30am after local resi- dents near Wat Nakaram reported a monk absconding with a merit- making “tree” from a local mom-and-pop store. “The monk went into the store and asked to use the restroom. When he came out he grabbed the money tree and bolted out of Phra Boonmee handed in his robes to once again be Boonmee Wichaisuek. the shop,” Sub Lt Sakorn Naklert He was ordained as a monk at Wat whether or not Phra Boonmee explained. Potan in Chaiyaphum province in should be disrobed for his conduct. A group of local villagers 1999,” Sub Lt Sakorn said. “At first he denied the allega- caught the 56-year-old in the act “We also found eight empty tions. However, he eventually of discarding the money tree, now donation envelopes and 1,000 baht agreed to leave the monkhood as stripped of its cash-filled envelopes. cash in his bag,” he added. the people who caught him said “After searching his few pos- As Mr Boonmee denied to police they would not let him go until he sessions, we found that the monk that he stole the tree, the officers took was no longer a monk,” Sub Lt was named in his identification him to Wat Wichit Sangkharam, Sakorn said. book as Phra Boonmee Pasanajitto. where senior monks deliberated – Kritsada Mueanhawong Hong Kong tourist ‘mysteriously’ dies A TOURIST from Hong Kong died in Bangkok Hos- known to be suffering from any pre-existing medi- pital Phuket on Tuesday after slipping into uncon- cal condition. sciousness while in the pool of a five-star resort in “[She said] they always have a yearly physical Mai Khao on Monday. checkup and they just had one before coming to Manhoe Lai, 31, was swimming in a pool at the Thailand,” Lt Thanom said. JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa just after midday “At this stage we have no idea what caused the when for an unknown reason he lost conscious- incident.,” he added. ness, Lt Thanom Thongpan of the Tah Chat Chai A staffer at the JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Police told the Gazette. Spa told the Gazette on Tuesday, “Right now we “He was pulled out of the pool by guests who were are working with police to collect more informa- in the water at that time. Hotel staff immediately tion relevant to the case. We will issue a statement reported the incident to police,” Lt Thanom said. later when we have more information.” Mr Lai’s wife reported that her husband was not – Orawin Narabal January 19 - 25, 2013 p h u k e t g a z e t t e 7 8 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET NEWS January 19 - 25, 2013 Health Office digs deep to end the ‘Sweet Life’

Family members had already By Irfarn Jamdukor removed the heart broken man’s body from the noose by the time THE Phuket Public Health Office officers arrived at the scene. (PPHO) is serious about tourists dental health, to the tune of Lovesick sailor 300,000 baht. And it all began with school found hanged children. A PPHO dental health survey in 2010 discovered that almost 40% at family home of 12-year-old students in Phuket A ROYAL Thai Navy sailor was had tooth decay and 48% had gin- found hanged in his Phuket ga- givitis, an inflammation of the rage, just days after he discovered gums, which can lead to periodon- his girlfriend was having an affair. tal disease. The body of Wanchai Srip- Health officials coincidentally angmol, 23, was found hanging found that almost 33% of Thai from a rafter in his Kathu garage primary schools in Phuket sold by his parents on the morning of sodas and that students drank it January 11. on average 2.5 times a week. “He took leave over New Year This prompted the Sweet to visit his girlfriend in Kalasin Enough coalition of medical pro- Province only to find she was see- fessionals, academics, nutritionists ing one of his close friends,” Mr and public health officials formed Wanchai’s father, Teera Srip- in 2011 to launch a public-aware- angmo, said. ness campaign of the dangers of Mr Wanchai returned to Phuket consuming sweets, aiming to re- Nearly 40 per cent of 12-year-olds checked last year had tooth decay, said the provincial Health Office. Photo: PPHO after the discovery. On arrival he duce sweet consumption and went to his mother and went encourage schools in Phuket to children in Phuket is improving,” Royal City Phuket Hotel, Phuket hotels and resorts that participated. down on his hands and knees in a stop selling sodas. PPHO dentist Sathian Sura- Merlin Hotel, Honey Resort, However, Dr Sathian strongly traditional gesture of respect Despite this, the PPHO found visamskul explained. Phuket Simon Cabaret and PN advised parents to take a leading known as “grab”. in its dental health survey last Motivated by the program, the Mountain Resort from Krabi, gath- role in the dental health of their “After that he spent the whole year, checking the dental health PPHO turned its attention to tour- ered at The Phuket Royal City children. “Do not rely on cam- day drinking alcohol in front of his of 3,380 12-year-olds at 58 ists in the Andaman region, Hotel on December 25 at a launch paigns such as this to ensure your house,” Mr Teera said. schools in Phuket, that nearly signing an MOU with Phang Nga event chaired by Phuket Gover- children have good dental health. When police and Kusoldharm 40% of those children had tooth and Krabi provinces for the nor Maitri Inthusut. It also requires parents, teachers rescue workers arrived at the dead decay and more than 40% had 300,000 baht “Less Sweet For Governor Maitri presented and the children themselves to man’s house, his body had already gingivitis. Your Healthy Life” campaign, certificates to the five operators have the right attitude and take a been taken down by his family However, the Sweet Enough which encourages tourists to drink who have agreed to give away the proactive approach,” he said. members, Capt Wittaya of the campaign yielded positive results, water instead of sodas. bottles of water with the campaign “As everyone knows, soft Thung Thong Police said. with 58 schools no longer selling Under the program, tourists will sticker attached. drinks are not good for your “We did not find any wounds soft drinks on campus. receive free bottles of water with Dr Sathian expects the Less health, especially your dental on his body, only bruising around “Many schools in Phuket have a sticker attached, saying: “Less Sweet campaign to have multiple health. Children and adults should his neck from the rope,” Capt stopped selling soft drinks and Sweet for your Healthy Life”. benefits: not only encouraging avoid them because they contrib- Wittaya said. sugary snacks and we have found Officials from the three prov- tourists to improve their diets, but ute to tooth decay, gum disease – Thawit Bilabdullar that overall the dental health of inces, along with operators of The also reflecting positively on the as well as obesity,” he added. Man dies in reservoir after sacrilegious ‘wicky leak’

THE death of a man who appar- to have water blessed by monks ently went insane and dived into a poured on him in a bid to gain for- reservoir is the talk of a village in giveness for his mistake. the province of Roi Et, in the But when they got to the temple, northeast of Thailand. Mr Daorueang suddenly went Villagers of Nonrang, in Muang crazy and started running away District, believe the cause of the towards the reservoir two kilome- strange death of 32-year-old ters away. Daorueang Chaiyahong was his Phaisan Winthachai, told police His family followed him, but sacrilegious antics at a company that his son worked in Bangkok couldn’t keep up, and he managed party on New Year’s Eve when but was back in his hometown to to jump into the deep water. They he reportedly urinated on a spirit celebrate New Year. went in after him, but house. Earlier, he had told couldn’t find him. Mr Daorueang’s lifeless body his parents that dur- ‘He had gotten A local rescue was pulled from Nong Ya Ma Res- ing his company’s drunk and foundation sent in ervoir, close to the village, on the New Year party in urinated on the divers and two days morning of January 13. Bangkok, he had later pulled Mr There was blood coming from gotten drunk and spirit house…’ Daorueang’s lifeless the corpse’s nose, but the body urinated on the spirit body from the deep. didn’t appear decomposed at all – house next to the venue. The family remains convinced strange, considering he’d been in Disturbed by what their son their son had been punished by the the water for two days. had done, on the evening of Janu- spirits for his New Year’s Mr Daorueang’s father, ary 11 they took him to a temple indiscretion. January 19 - 25, 2013 NATIONAL NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 9 Rohingya race for freedom The gang had transported a total of 2,000 Rohingya people in this way before, the police found. The next day, another raid un- covered 307 Rohingya migrants hiding in a warehouse in Dannok, also in Sadao. Maj Thanusilp Duang- MORE than 700 Rohingya kaewngarm, an inspector at the migrants were discovered in the Songkhla Immigration Office, Deep South province of Songkhla said the 307 had travelled to Thai- over the past week, about 400 of land voluntarily and hoped to use whom were reportedly destined to the Kingdom as a transit point to be sold to Malaysian fishing boats a third country. virtually as slaves. The 307 Rohingya – 230 men, On January 10, Thai police 30 women, 22 boys and 25 girls discovered 397 Rohingya being – would be deported because they held by men with guns at a rub- entered Thailand illegally, he said. ber plantation in Sadao District, Rohingya, who originate from The Nation reported. Burma’s Rakhine state on the bor- The Rohingya, who had been der with Bangladesh, are among smuggled into Thailand from the world’s most persecuted Myanmar via Ranong, had been ethnic minorities. kept at the plantation for three Last year saw vicious sectarian months. violence between Rohingya and The gang reportedly planned ethnic Rakhine Buddhists, resulting to traffic the refugees for 60,000 Targets of vicious sectarian violence, many Rohingya are fleeing their homeland. Photo: The Nation in many of the former fleeing the baht per head to clients in Malay- region as refugees. sia to work on fishing boats. cluded five girls and 61 boys and seized a shotgun, a homemade smuggled in 10-wheeled trucks to Neither the Bangladeshi nor The authorities raided the plan- under the age of 15. pistol and a laptop. a temporary shelter on the rubber Myanmar governments are willing tation in Tambon Padang Besar and Police arrested five Rohingya A police investigation found plantation, which reportedly be- to accept the Rohingya as citizens, rescued the Rohingya, who in- men who were minding the group that the Rohingya had been longed to a local politician. leaving them stateless. Deep South violence flares up LAST week insurgents in the Deep South killed two soldiers in a bomb attack, injured three children in another explosion, shot up a karaoke bar and set fire to electricity poles. On January 9, five men opened fire on a karaoke bar in Narathiwat’s Khoke Khian Subdis- trict, injuring two adults, before the gunmen fled. Shortly afterwards, explosives on a motorcycle parked nearby went off, causing injuries to a number of people, including the three minors. Officers inspect the remnants of a blast in the Deep South in March One suspect, Kareeya Pi, 31, last year. Photo: The Nation was subsequently arrested for the attacks, giving up the identities of Police said the insurgents had other suspects whom the police placed explosives in a concrete are now seeking. water pipe under a road and hid- On January 11, two soldiers den in a rubber plantation nearby. were killed and two others They triggered the explosives as the wounded in a bomb attack in military pickup in which soldiers Pattani’s Yarang District as they were travelling passed. headed out to provide protection Then on January 14 in Yala, for teachers and to deliver pre- insurgents set fire to eight elec- sents for children in advance of tric power poles in various National Children’s Day. districts of the province. Activist set for Cambodian release ONE of two Thai nationalist amnesty. activists imprisoned in Cambodia Ms Yingluck added that the since 2010 is to be released fol- Cambodian government had lowing a meeting between Prime informed the Thai foreign minis- Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and try that Mr Veera’s prison term Khmer premier Hun Sen. would be reduced by six months. The other, yellow-shirt leader Mr Veera was sentenced to Veera Somkwamkid, had his eight years in prison and Ms sentence reduced amid high Ratree to six after they were hopes he too would soon be arrested for illegally entering allowed to go home. Cambodia along with five other Earlier this month, Ms Yingluck Thais on December 2010. confirmed that Ratree Pipattan- The group were apparently apaiboon, Mr Veera’s assistant, surveying the area in a bid to prove would be released imminently Thai ownership of disputed after Hun Sen agreed to give her border territory. 10 PHUKET GAZETTE INTERNATIONAL NEWS January 19 - 25, 2013 In brief… Japanese airlines ground Death toll from Syrian university explosions rises Boeing 787s after fright AT LEAST 52 people were killed By Mayumi Negishi and Tim Kelly and dozens wounded on Tuesday Boeing 787 in two explosions that rocked the JAPAN’S two leading airlines university in Aleppo, Syria’s big- grounded their fleets of Boeing incidents in 2013 gest city, the Syrian Observatory 787s on January 9 after one of the for Human Rights said. Dreamliner passenger jets made an January 7 – A parked 787 Two explosions hit the univer- emergency landing, heightening operated by Japan Airlines sity during the day while students safety concerns over a plane many catches fire at Boston Logan were sitting exams. The cause of see as the future of commercial International Airport after a bat- the explosions was not clear, but aviation. tery in an auxiliary power the government and opposition All Nippon Airways (ANA) said system explodes. activists blamed each other. it was grounding all 17 of its 787s January 8 – A second 787 and Japan Airlines Co said it operated by Japan Airlines leaks suspended all 787 flights sched- fuel at Logan, forcing it to can- Indian troops kill uled for January 9. The two cel its takeoff and return to the carriers operate around half of the gate. The plane departs later. Pakistani soldier 50 Dreamliners to date. January 9 – Japan’s All Wednesday’s incident follows INDIAN troops killed a Pakistani Nippon Airways Co cancels a a series of mishaps for the new soldier in a disputed area in Kash- 787 flight scheduled for a do- Dreamliner. The sophisticated mir late on Tuesday, the Pakistani mestic trip within Japan due to plane, the world’s first mainly army said. It was the fifth fatality in brake problems. carbon-composite airliner, has hostilities between the nuclear- January 11 – A cockpit win- suffered fuel leaks, a battery fire, Passengers were evacuated from the damaged Boeing 787, which is the armed neighbors since new year. company’s first new jet in more than a decade. Photo: Reuters dow on an ANA 787 cracks wiring problems, a brake computer during a Japanese domestic glitch and a cracked cockpit recent problems, a charge the lightweight, fuel-efficient aircraft. flight. The plane lands safely window in recent days. company strenuously denies. India’s aviation regulator said it with no injuries. Couple accused of “I think you’re nearing the tip- Both the US Federal Aviation was reviewing the Dreamliner’s A separate ANA 787 springs spying for Russia ping point where they need to Administration and the National safety and would talk to parts an oil leak from its left engine, regard this as a serious crisis,” said Transportation Safety Board said makers, but had no plans to which is discovered after the A MARRIED couple went on trial Richard Aboulafia, a senior they were monitoring the latest ground the planes. State-owned plane lands safely. in on Tuesday accused analyst with the Teal Group. “This Dreamliner incident as part of a Air India has six of the aircraft in January 13 – The Japan Air- of handing hundreds of sensitive is going to change people’s per- comprehensive review of the air- service and more on order. lines 787 that leaked fuel in NATO and European Union docu- ception of the aircraft if they don’t craft announced late last week. United Airlines, the only US Boston on January 8 experiences ments to Russia during a two- act quickly.” Australia’s Qantas Airways said carrier currently flying the 787, another, separate fuel leak while decade spying career. The 787 represented a leap in its order for 15 Dreamliners re- said it was not taking any imme- undergoing checks in Tokyo. Federal prosecutors accuse the the way planes are designed and mained on track, and its Jetstar diate action in response to the January 15 – A 787 operated couple of entering West Germany built, but the project was plagued subsidiary was due to take deliv- latest incident. “We are looking at by ANA makes an emergency in 1988 with forged Austrian pass- by cost overruns and years of ery of the first of the aircraft in the what is happening with ANA and landing at Takamatsu in west- ports and fabricating a suburban delays. Some have suggested second half of this year. Qantas we will have more information ern Japan after smoke appears middle-class existence to cover Boeing’s rush to get planes built declined to comment further on the tomorrow,” a spokeswoman said. in the plane’s cockpit. their espionage. after those delays resulted in the issues that have plagued the new – Reuters to stay, fight in Mali FRANCE pledged on Tuesday to keep troops in Mali until stability returned to the West African coun- try, raising the specter of a long campaign against al Qaeda-linked rebels who held their ground de- spite a fifth day of air strikes. has poured hundreds of soldiers into Mali and carried out 50 bombing raids since last Friday in the Islamist-controlled northern half of the country, which Western and regional states fear could become a base for terrorist attacks in Africa and Europe. Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said that, despite French air support, Malian forces had not been able to dislodge Islamist A still image from video released by the French Army Communications fighters from the central Malian Audiovisual office of French troops in Ndjamena. Photo: Reuters towns of Konna or Diabaly, just 350km northeast of Bamako. initially not expected until Septem- for months to come. A column of French armored ber and has been brought forward “We have one goal. To ensure vehicles rolled northward from the by France’s surprise bombing that when we leave, when we end dusty riverside capital of Bamako campaign aimed at stopping a rebel our intervention, Mali is safe, has towards rebel lines on Tuesday, advance on a strategic town last legitimate authorities, an electoral the first major northward deploy- week. process and there are no more ter- ment of ground troops. A military President Francois Hollande, rorists threatening its territory,” official declined to comment on on a visit to the United Arab Hollande told a news conference. their objective. Emirates during which he sought Paris has said it plans to deploy Thousands of African soldiers Gulf states’ financial backing for 2,500 soldiers to bolster the are due to take over the offensive. the African-led mission, sug- Malian army and work with the Regional armies are scrambling to gested France would retain a intervention force provided by accelerate an operation which was major role in its former colony West African states. January 19 - 25, 2013 BUSINESS PHUKET GAZETTE 11 MICE to bring in ‘the cheese’ With corporate tourism projected to grow, the government reveals its three year plan to cash in By Steven Layne

THE Kingdom’s central planning authority for inbound corporate and organizational tourism expects to generate 180 billion baht from Asian and Oceanic MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Con- ferences and Exhibitions) events over the next three years. The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) recently drafted a three year MICE marketing strategy, and sent a summary to the Gazette. The new strategy effectively replaces last year’s “Seven Won- ders of the Andaman MICE City”, a Phuket-centered campaign that has now been discarded, the Gazette has learned. “The TCEB will not be apply- ENCTICING INCENTIVES: MICE tourists from the ASEAN +6 region are the The graph shows Thailand’s projected income over a five year period from four different types of MICE events. Photo: Gazette Graphics ing the Phuket Andaman MICE prime target group for organizational tourism through to 2015. Photo: TCEB city concept [from] this year and the Andaman Coastal region campaigns that offer considerable forced with a budget of 10 designated two key MICE cities because [sic] we’ll be pursuing a as the centerpiece of Thailand’s incentives to organizers of speci- million baht, will look to promote – Chiang Mai and Pattaya – to new campaign,” TCEB Senior MICE industry, the government fied types of meetings. meetings for associations from take [the fam trip groups] from Public Relations Manager Ms will now broaden its promotional Reinforced with a budget of ASEAN +3 (China, Japan and March to August.” Arisara Thanuplang said. efforts across four “MICE cities”. 90 million baht, the first two South Korea) nations. In addition to sponsoring fam The drafting of the new plan “The TCEB has developed mar- campaigns will look to lure Such meetings must comprise trips, TCEB will be taking follows the government’s decision keting promotions for every corporate and incentives meetings at least 20 members in order to promotion efforts abroad, with last October to shelf Phuket’s [source] market and [Thai] desti- that consist of no less than 1,000 receive sponsorship incentives plans for nine “road show trips decades-old plan to build an nation we want to promote... participants. from the TCEB in the amount of in India, China, Japan, Singapore, International Convention and Ex- including Bangkok, Phuket, The first campaign will focus 1,000 baht per participant. Malaysia, South Korea, England, hibition Center (ICEC) on the Pattaya and Chiang Mai,” on “mega event” corporate meet- For this campaign, the TCEB France and Russia. north of the island. explained Arisara. ings that last at least three days, says it has already selected 30 Moreover, the TCEB will be That ICEC, which had received She added that like last year’s with the TCEB pitching a spon- meetings comprising about 300 attending 10 MICE trade shows tentative approval at a mobile strategy, the new strategy will sorship incentive of a million baht members or more each. These including the IT&CMA 2012 cabinet meeting held on the island continue to target event organiz- per event to potential organizers. Association meetings are expected (Bangkok), IMEX America 2012, early last year, was the primary ers in short-haul source markets. The second campaign will to rake in 800 million baht for EIBTM 2012 (Spain), IME 2012 “wonder” outlined in last year’s However, instead of focusing promote annual stair-step market- Thailand in 2013. (Japan), AIME 2013 (Australia), campaign. solely on Oceania, TCEB’s target ing meetings that will be held in TCEB Acting Director IT&CM China 2013, IMEX 2013 However, since the project was will expand to ASEAN+6 markets, the Kingdom for at least three Thongchai Sridama commented: (Germany) AIBTM 2013 (US), finally shelved – the government she said; in addition to the ten consecutive years, and yield an an- “The TCEB is organizing a KME 2013 (South Korea) and citing the project’s failure to pass Southeast Asian nations of nual participant increase of 10%. number of ‘fam’ [familiarization] CIBTM 2013 (China). its Environmental Impact Assess- ASEAN, +6 includes Japan, China, Target industries for such trips for target groups in Japan, All in for 2013, the TCEB has ment – Phuket’s positioning as a South Korea, India, Australia and meetings include companies re- Malaysia, Russia, Singapore a budget of 870 million baht, regional MICE hub ahead of the New Zealand. lated to direct sales, automobiles, and other target countries, to which includes a marketing pro- 2012 ASEAN Economic Commu- With a three-year target of pharmaceuticals, banking, finance come survey and see the readi- motion budget of 268 million baht. nity, became uncertain. three million MICE tourists, the and insurance. ness for hosting incentives Instead of positioning Phuket strategy consists of three primary The final campaign, to be rein- meetings in Thailand... we’ve For more information, see: tceb.or.th

Mass market tourism Looking for a place to stay? on rise, spending down See more classified ads at ALTHOUGH Phuket hotel business made effective nationwide as of www.phuketgazette.net operators will not be affected in the January 1, 2013. short run by last year’s minimum Phuket’s industries were wage increase, the island’s tour- informed of the wage rise a year in ism industry as a whole will be advance and adjusted their wage negatively impacted in the long run base accordingly, Mr Bhurit said, from slumping tourist spending, the adding that service charges also Phuket Tourist Association (PTA) helped to ensure wages were above has warned. the minimum. PTA Vice President Bhurit However, Mr Bhurit stressed Maswongsa recently told the that even though it seems like the Manager Online that last year’s number of inbound tourists is on the minimum daily wage rise to 300 rise, the per-head spending average baht – made effective first in has decreased. This is because most Phuket and the Bangkok in April, of the tourists are of the “mass last year – would have little im- market” whom have purchased pact here since most Phuket cheaper package tours that have employees in this industry had al- reduced length of stays, he noted. ready been earning more than this Aside from this, the fluctuat- amount before the increase. ing value of the baht will also Mr Bhurit was speaking in cause problems for the (tourism- response to the situation in some dependent) economy in the long other provinces that have started run, and thus everyone should to see businesses moving out prepare to adapt. since the 300 baht daily wage was – Manager Online 12 PHUKET GAZETTE BUSINESS January 19 - 25, 2013 FDI shifting from China to ASEAN RISING costs from higher wages and currency appreciation in China over the last two decades are prompting multinationals to look at expanding elsewhere, with ASEAN countries – particularly Vietnam – poised to benefit most. The graph above shows FDI inflow for eight developing countries, as a A recent report published by percentage of nominal GDP over three decades. Source: UNCIAD, HSBC HSBC Global Research, titled “The great migration – how FDI [Foreign Direct Investment] is moving to ASEAN and India”, outlined this trend. The study highlighted Thailand’s competitive business environment, which it ranked second only to Malaysia, as well MILKING CHEAPER LABOR: Michael Scuse, an American agriculture official, as its advantages over other on a recent tour of a dairy processing plant in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: USDA ASEAN countries in terms of pressure will continue to rise, add- The country’s urbanization having strong links to regional ing to cost pressure. rate is still low at 30% and should markets, decent infrastructure As such, the report projected continue to accelerate in the and high labor skill levels. that Thailand is likely to concen- coming years. And while Thailand is still trate on medium to high end More than 60% of its popula- considered an ideal destination for manufacturing, leaving the low-end tion is under 35, and the labor force Japanese manufacturers, as the market to countries such as is likely to expand in the next two country is already an established Vietnam and Indonesia. decades, meaning more domestic manufacturing hub for investors In addition to India and Indo- demand and less wage pressure. Although it’s easier to start a business in Malaysia; Thailand; India and China, from that country, the report nesia, the report particularly Due to high inflation and ineffi- the wages are higher than in Vietnam. Source: World Bank, JETRO, HSBC warned that such companies are highlighted Vietnam as a country cient management of the economy increasingly looking for ways to poised to continue to lead the re- in the past couple of years, the positive sign for future productiv- Japanese firms investing there. diversify due to risks posed by gion in luring an increased volume country has lost its luster as one ity and growth in manufacturing. The appreciation of the Yen politics and flooding. of FDI in the coming years. of the best-performing countries in In 2011, Japanese FDI made up against the Dong is another Moreover, the report noted that Relative to Gross Domestic the region, the report said. 25% of total inflows to Vietnam and driving incentive for Japanese labor costs in Thailand are higher Product, Vietnam attracts the This has slowed FDI inflows, during the first ten months of 2012, investors, along with the Japanese than in other ASEAN countries, second-highest amount of but they remain robust for a coun- this jumped to 58%. government support for investment although the country excels in FDI after Singapore among try of its size. According to a survey by the in Vietnam. skill levels, as well as ease of ASEAN countries. This has allowed Vietnam to Japan External Trade Organization, The survey suggests that should doing business. The study attributed this to the gain considerable market share in Japanese investors find Vietnam Vietnam keep improving its This means that firms more sen- country’s wages being the lowest low-skilled manufacturing such as attractive because of its low economic structure, FDI inflows sitive to costs, or those which need among major ASEAN members. clothing and footwear. production costs, abundant labor are likely to accelerate. less skilled manufacturing, may be Also, Vietnam’s business Its exports are also increasing force and political stability, consid- Indeed, as production costs rise less attracted to Thailand. environment is more competitive in value, boosted by foreign ering it to be cheaper and more in China and Thailand in the Moreover, Thailand’s working than that of the Philippines investment in electronics by stable than Thailand or China. coming decade, Vietnam looks well population age growth rate will and Indonesia, though it still Korean and Japanese companies. But Vietnam lags behind the other positioned to fill the gap and move begin to decline during this trails significantly behind Thai- Notably, the country has seen a two in terms of its links to regional up the value chain. decade, which means that wage land and Malaysia. rapid rise in Japanese investment, a markets and the performance of – Phuket Gazette Consumers value quick, good value A RECENT study by GfK Global, constantly; while the Asia Pacific Pacific average was 42%, but one of the largest marketing average was 55%, levels were levels were significantly higher in research firms in the world, un- significantly higher in countries such India (66%), Taiwan (53%) and covered two key findings about as India (68%), Indonesia (65%) even Thailand (47%). modern consumers: the growing and China (63%).” “In order to succeed moving importance consumers place on “Technology today is becoming forward, it is important for “instant, convenient access” and very mobile, increasingly person- businesses to realize that consum- “best value” in goods and services. alized and more on-demand, raising ers are becoming more selective in In its latest Roper Reports consumer expectations going their purchases. Worldwide consumer trends study, forward,” said Jodie Roberts, Asia- “They are emphasizing quality GfK polled over 37,500 consum- Pacific (APAC) regional director over quantity, and expecting their ers, aged 15 and above, across 25 for GfK Consumer Trends. products and services to be readily countries about their attitudes, “APAC consumers are expect- available. In 2013, the continued behaviors and values across a range ing to have access to goods, services diffusion of smart phones, tablets of consumerism topics. and entertainment around-the-clock and the 4G network will ensure Among the 25 countries were and on-the-go, delivered wherever that more and more time-pressured eight from the Asia Pacific region – and whenever they dictate and in a consumers everywhere will get to Australia, China, India, Indonesia, format they demand.” enjoy an increased ability to stay Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and According to the study, 58% of informed and in touch [while] on Thailand. Asia Pacific respondents are in the move – and they will conse- Findings from the research agreement that the most important quently demand the products and revealed that over a third (36%) of thing about a brand is that it offers services that they consume to keep the consumers from the Asia good value for money, and 43% said up with their expectations,” con- Pacific region, agreed that they they prefer to own fewer but higher cluded Ms Roberts. want shops and services to be avail- quality items. The GfK Roper Reports World- able at all times. In addition, consumers from wide survey will be expanded to In addition, consumers in this this region are more likely to put cover Malaysia, Singapore and Viet- region also said that those shops and time into researching brands before nam as well in 2013. services need to be reachable making a major purchase – Asia – Phuket Gazette January 19 - 25, 2013 PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 13 Laguna Dusit

SAFE AS HOUSES: Banks will only provide loans for condo projects with minimium pre-sales Thani ready for of 30 per cent. Photo: Chris Fischer. Healthy developers influx of MICE THAILAND’S leading property firms are to ensure long-term growth. maintaining their health by strictly keep- But, such large land banks proved to ing their debt-to-equity ratios below 2:1, be a burden for property firms when they making it unlikely speculators can cause a were hit by the financial crisis. property bubble, experts say. Now, firms buy land in accordance Prasert Taedullayasatit, Pruksa Real with their development plans. This Estate director and chief business officer, reduces their financial burden and pro- said that after the economic crisis in 1997, vides business flexibility. most property firms kept their business “We believe that most property firms growth in check with disciplined cost now are more financially healthy than in THE Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket has management, especially ensuring that their 1997, and the demand to buy homes is re-launched its renovated and revitalized Dusit Thani meeting space. debt covenant ratios did not exceed 2:1. real demand, not speculation,” Srettha said. meeting space in response to an increase in in the main building and offer panoramic Commercial lenders also have a policy He added that although some of Sansiri’s demand for 2013. views and natural sunlight. of holding property as collateral until the customers bought its residential projects for The renovation cost 10 million baht and The Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket also firms show strong financial results. rental, that was investment, not specula- took two months to complete. The 2,408 offers 2,275sqm of flexible outdoor ‘team “Our business is now controlled by tion, because such customers generated square-foot Dusit Laguna Hall can now building’ space at Columbia garden, where commercial banks, which restrict the profit from rental income, not from sale of accommodate up to 300 people in a its lagoon and beach area add to the facility’s provision of loans for us. When a bank pro- the contract or of the home itself. theater-style setting and is able to host 150 ideal location. vides a loan for a condominium project, it According to a survey by The Nation last people for seated banquets. The Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, in has a rule that the project has to show presales June, the top-10 listed property firms had Dusit Laguna Hall now features sophisti- cooperation with Dusit International, of- of at least 50 per cent for small and medium debt-to-equity ratios of not more than 2:1. cated carpeting, antique carvings, textured fers a special MICE program that includes property firms and at least 30 per cent for a For example, Pruksa Real Estate’s ratio fabrics and furnishings complemented by a ‘maximizing meetings’ package that top-10 listed company. This is to keep real- was only 1.36:1 as of September 30, but state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, includ- simplifies the budgeting process, and estate speculators under control,” he said. now is even lower, at 1.21:1. This is ing a 55 inch LED TV, ceiling and mobile allows planners to book the Dusit Best Sansiri president Srettha Thavisin said considerably below its debt covenant of 2:1. projectors and white screen. Free WiFi internet Available Rate at Dusit Thani Laguna that in 1997, most property firms faced a Sansiri’s debt-to-equity ratio of only 1.3:1 is also provided throughout the resort. Phuket and receive 25 per cent off their financial crisis because they had bought land compared with its debt covenant of 2.5:1. The executive boardroom and or first night. This program includes dining, banks sufficient to serve at least three years’ LPN Development managing director breakout rooms have been remodeled, cocktails, delegate packages, team build- worth of new project launches. Opas Sripayak said the Thai property including: Suriyan (Sun), Chantra (Moon) ing activities, spa treatments and an array This was in line with the Stock Exchange market is still stable and based on real and Dara (Star). These rooms are located of other services. – Phuket Gazette of Thailand’s policy that a business needed demand rather than speculation. – Nation 14 PHUKET GAZETTE PROPERTY January 19 - 25, 2013 So near, and yet so far coast near Laem Hin. Elsewhere on the island, Chris What has become a three- Gordon’s ‘The Village at Coco- phase development is located on nut Island’ has been a strong a 14 rai site facing west and pioneering development, which southwards to Phuket. has continued to evolve and grow. AS I write this, I can imagine the A total of 42 rustic cottages, Meanwhile, the owner of the strange look of astonishment on which are suitable as holiday homes upscale Burasari resort in Patong has my editor’s face as this column or residences, have been placed a prime oceanfront plot on the north arrives – one which is actually throughout the project, with sales east tip, which they plan on devel- about property. Perhaps a virtual reaching over 75 per cent. oping into a luxury pool villa resort. high five will be forthcoming. Conceptually, the idea was to The conundrum of the lack of More likely a collective sigh of offer buyers options on sizes and electricity infrastructure to an relief, which can be heard high add-ons, such as extra space and island that sits less than three above the din of rush hour traf- private pools, if they desired. So, kilometers from Phuket’s Provincial fic on Thepkassatri Road. a bit of a ‘buy what you need’ Hall continues to baffle many. For Worse yet would come sweaty and if you didn’t need it, you all of the economic prosperity of its palms, a fast heart beat and the saved money. neighbor, the government has con- inevitable rubbing Again simplicity tinued to cast a blind eye to the East. of hand paddles ‘A few years ago, was at the core, Once Jindarin is complete, Gene that reminds you with added on com- intends to move there full time, of those medical Gene McCain, who ponents clearly electing to raise his family in island dramas. Shouts was one of the original priced at the onset, bliss while his children commute to of “clear” just as not unlike ordering Phuket daily to attend school. one of Phuket’s development partners a sandwich at ‘So near and yet so far away’ electricity in the luxury Cape Yamu Subway. is the best adage that applies to disruptions kicks Standard unit this laid back lifestyle. in. The stress of development, decided pricing for a basic Another popular island real BACK TO BASICS: Water is heated using solar panels. island living can that he wanted to get model is under 2 estate personality, Red Graham, be deadly given back to basics.’ million baht. Prop- has been enlisted to assist on Sansiri Launching Mai the current state erty management property sales for the project. of urbanization. fees have been geared to be afford- If the island traffic starts to get Slowly but surely, we’re seeing able, starting at 7,000 baht a month. to your head one of these days, a Khao Condo Project property developers, and buyers, Owners have the option to live trip over to Coconut Island might PHUKET'S condominium property Composed of nine buildings, pushing the boundaries of Phuket in their home, otherwise Gene be just what the doctor ordered. sector is continuing to gain these are configured into 3 storey proper and going over the fence. provides a full service, resort- If you see a hammock under momentum with news that Thai and 5 storey blocks. Unit types Memories of the late, great style program of facilities, which a tree, you might just find Gene listed development firm Sansiri will kick off with one bedroom units Steve McQueen flick on in the includes a restaurant and pool. McCain. launch a 206 unit project in Mai at 60 square meters, and include mind’s eye with scenes from One of the challenges of Maphrao Khao this March. two bedroom, duplex, 3 bedroom The Great Escape. Island is the lack of an electricity Bill Barnett is Managing Director of Named Baan Mai Khao, the and penthouse units. A few years ago, Gene McCain, connection to the mainland. Hence, C9 Hotelworks and can be contacted medium rise project, which sits Unlike some of their previous who was one of the original devel- the contained footprint of the through C9hotelworks.com. on a 13.2 rai site, is situated Phuket offerings, these units have opment partners in the luxury Cape cottages is able to use green tech- between the Renaissance and been upsized with a two bedroom Yamu development, decided that he nology, such as solar power for ERRATUM: In last week’s Property Holiday Inn resorts. unit ranging from 100 to 120 Watch, a photo caption described wanted to get back to basics. What hot water. There is also a The Naka Phuket as being on the While Sansiri has traditionally square meters. was born is the Jindaran Beach Club generator situated at the resort. East coast. It is of course on the focused on inland properties, this Pricing points go from 7.3 and Resort on Coconut Island. For Transport back and forth is a West coast. The error was made marks the first time in Phuket they million baht up to 35 mn baht. those of you not familiar with the fairly easy affair with a in the Gazette office and is will target a large scale foreign According to market sources, location, the proper name of the regular service boat transporting regretted. market. The oceanfront site will Sansiri has a purchase option on island is Koh Maphrao, located just home owners and guests to the –Chris Hudon, Editor, Phuket command an average price of additional land next to the site for Gazette a few minutes offshore. on the east popular Laem Hin Pier. 120,000 baht per square meter. future expansion. – Bill Barnett January 19 - 25, 2013 PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 15 Singaporeans looking abroad THE number of Singaporeans Brazil, Canada and the Philippines buying overseas property is likely saw substantial numbers of to increase because of significant Singaporean property buyers. property cooling measures Steve Melhuish, co-founder introduced by the government and chief executive officer of of Singapore, according to PropertyGuru, said: “Property PropertyGuru, a leading Asian remains an attractive and secure property website. investment class, and we expect The measures, which came that overseas property purchases into effect on Saturday, January by buyers from Singapore will 12, include an immediate increase increase over the coming days, in stamp duties payable across weeks and months.” the board between three and With Singapore property eight per cent. The government prices at an all-time high, over- said it was introducing these seas property investments seem “road barriers” now to slow the like a good value – even in places property market and avoid a like Australia and . crash in the future. Melhuish added: “The declining These measures are primarily growth in property price rises in designed to quell speculative Singapore, combined with the demand and Singaporeans buying large supply coming into the homes for their own use are market and what is close to largely unaffected. recessionary GDP growth, means Following the introduction of there is a definite downside risk previous cooling measures, there for Singapore property invest- was an immediate increase in ments versus overseas. These inquiries from Singapore buyers at latest measures could well be a Malaysian developments. Over the tipping point for a property following weeks that interest market correction in Singapore.” spread regionally and further afield. Last year, PropertyGuru held Last year saw a record number 15 property exhibitions through- LION STATE: Singaporeans are an important demographic in many foreign markets. Photo: holengsiong of overseas property developers out Southeast Asia and in Hong exhibiting in the city state. Kong. These country-specific and equally strong sales. GDP growth and property price Overseas property purchases Singaporeans were an increas- events featured up to 10 devel- “In Singapore we saw strong outlook for nearby overseas mar- just became even more attrac- ingly important demographic in opers and included informative demand from locals and foreign- kets such as Malaysia, Thailand tive, and we expect the number many overseas markets, espe- speaker sessions. ers at our events, and we suspect and the Philippines,” he added. of overseas developers targeting cially in Malaysia, Thailand, the In Singapore, PropertyGuru’s that interest in overseas proper- “There remains a strong de- Singaporeans and Southeast and Australia. Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines ties from Singaporean buyers is sire from buyers throughout Asian property buyers and inves- Even less traditional property and International Property Show- likely to increase, especially when Southeast Asia, not only in tors to increase during 2013.” investment destinations such as case events saw strong interest you look at the predicted strong Singapore, to invest in property. – Phuket Gazette 16 PHUKET GAZETTE FINANCE January 19 - 25, 2013 Banking in Thailand for expats FOR expats in Thailand who US Bank Wires into intend to stay permanently, or Thailand for most of the year in the coun- Don Freeman try, opening a Thai bank account One frequent question I get from makes financial sense. After all, American clients is how to wire US except for a few ATMs owned works and offer the most secu- dollars from a US bank into their by AEON (a large Japanese rity for depositors. In addition, Thailand Bank. Because the US has conglomerate) and Citibank, major Japanese, European and very tight regulations this is not al- Thai ATMs will charge a 150 American banks have a presence ways easy to do. In fact, last week baht fee per foreign transaction in Thailand, but be aware that my client tried to wire in US dol- and there are additional fees their ATM networks will be more lars from a major US bank and was charged by the overseas bank for limited compared with local told he could not because Thailand using an ATM outside of their banks and not all of them deal is on a restricted country list. network, currency transaction with retail customers. The most efficient way I have costs and daily withdraw restric- found to bring in US dollars is to tions (typically US$500 per day). Special Considerations for open a Bangkok Bank account and In other words, the transaction Expats send the wire to the New costs of not having a Thai bank branch. Within 12 hours your account can quickly add up. Expats need to be aware that money is converted into baht and while there are no restrictions on received into Thailand for a very Who Can Open a Thai minimal fee. Simply then COVERING YOUR BASES: Thai bank deposits are insured by Royal Decree. Bank Account? use your local ATM card to withdraw cash at no charge. In general, expats in Thai- land will need to have either How Much Should a work permit or a long-term Expats Deposit in a Thai visa of some kind to open a Bank Account? bank account. In practice, you may still be able to open Unless you intend to buy a bank account without a property or you need to make visa and only with your pass- a bank deposit for a retirement port and a local address, but A Thai bank account allows longterm expats to visa, expats in Thailand you will likely need a long- avoid excessive fees. Photo: Tim Moffatt should consider keeping term visa to obtain internet enough baht on deposit for at banking access, a credit card and the amount of money brought into least a few months worth of living a checking account. At the very Thailand, there are restrictions on expenses and enough to cover an least, you will need your passport the amount of baht you can take emergency, while staying under and evidence of a local Thai out and these restrictions are the limits for deposit insurance address (a lease or utility bill). subject to change. When dealing in coverage and for taking cash out of cash, bringing in or taking out the country without the need for Thailand Deposit Insurance US$20,000 or the equivalent will special permission. Protection need to be declared to Thai If you are an American citizen, Once you have a Thai bank account you can apply for a credit card. customs, while for baht, 500,000 you may want to keep less than Thailand’s Deposit Protection baht can be taken to countries that US$10,000 in a Thai bank account Don Freeman is president of years experience and provides Agency (DPA) provides deposit border Thailand and 50,000 baht to avoid additional disclosure paper- Freeman Capital Management, a personal financial planning and protection insurance in case of a can be taken to other countries. If work, but you will still need to pay Registered Investment Advisor with wealth management to expatriates. bank default. Currently and until you intend to do a bank transfer, close attention to any changes in IRS the US Securities Exchange Specializing in UK and US pension August 10, 2015, the DPA will you will usually need permission rules regarding the disclosure of Commission (SEC), based in transfers. Call 089-970-5795 or insure accounts worth up to 50 from the Bank of Thailand for foreign accounts. Phuket, Thailand. He has over 15 email: [email protected]. million baht (US$1.6mn), but transfers worth over US$20,000. after that, and until August 10, Finally, and if you are an 2016, the amount will drop to American citizen, be aware that Dawei to boost Thai economy 25mn baht (US$800,000) and if you control any type of then to 1mn baht (US$32,600) foreign financial account(s) THE Dawei mega industrial and Banphu Namron on the after August 11, 2016. with a combined value of over project in Myanmar could boost Myanmar border. $10,000 at any point of the year, Thailand’s economy by 1.9% and The railroad from Dawei to Where Should Expats Bank you will need to report it to the upgrade it from labor-intensive to Map Ta Phut would require in Thailand? Internal Revenue Service (IRS) value-added, according to the about 20bn baht. To facilitate by filing Form TD F 90-22.1, Economic Research Institute for Thai companies’ investment in Thailand’s biggest local banks Report of Foreign Bank and Asean and East Asia. Myanmar, the Board of Invest- are Bangkok Bank, Krung Thai Financial Accounts (FBAR). Thailand would gain closer ment may give special privileges. Bank (state-owned), Siam You may also have other access to natural gas and oil, which A few examples of these projects Commercial Bank, Kasikorn Bank reporting requirements if your are abundant in Myanmar, while are steel and automobile factories. and Bank of Ayudhya. These foreign financial accounts hold Thailand will run out of proved natu- PROGRESS: A model of the Dawei site. Thailand has invested US$9.6bn banks have the biggest ATM net- larger balances. ral gas reserves in nine to 10 years. November, they reaffirmed their in key projects such as natural gas, Italian-Thai Development (ITD) plans to jointly develop the Dawei factories and agriculture since has won the mandate to develop and special economic zone. The Thai 1988. Major Thai players in run this project, which will become PM visited Dawei in December to Myanmar are PTT Exploration and the largest industrial estate in meet Myanmar President Thein Production, Electricity Generating Myanmar. However, ITD appears Sein and finalize details. Following Authority of Thailand, ITD, to need help to finance this mega- the meeting, both governments Charoen Pokphand Group and project, as it will require up to agreed to jointly finance the project, Siam Cement Group. US$8.5 billion just to set up infra- which is in line with the guidance The latest investment plan in structure and US$50bn to complete. provided by the transport minister. Myanmar by Thai companies The Myanmar government The joint committee will final- includes the SCG US$400 million has proposed eight joint ventures ize the plan by next month, before greenfield cement plant. It is to operate the roads, railways, signing the framework agreement waiting for the license. The plant water systems, power industrial by March. Fundraising should is scheduled to be up and estates, the port and telecommu- start in April, followed by running by 2015. nications systems and to relocate construction of the project. Dawei development phases: residents during the initial stage Thailand is expected to spend (0) – basic infrastructure by next of development. about 45bn baht for the construc- year; (1) – ports, roads, water Many meetings of officials from tion of a motorway between Bang systems and transport systems the two countries have been held Yai and Kanchanaburi and 10bn for by 2015; (2) – downstream invest- over the past few months. In a motorway between Kanchanaburi ment by 2020. – The Nation January 19 - 25, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 17 18 PHUKET GAZETTE OPINION January 19 - 25, 2013 Festering sores of ‘public’ transport EFFORTS by the international diplomatic community to pres- sure authorities in Bangkok to tackle festering problems in the Phuket public transport sector and improve Phuket’s reputation as a tourist destination are laudable and have the full support of the Phuket Gazette. No subject has been the topic of more futile editorializing in this space than Phuket’s bizarre patchwork of self-serving fiefdoms that collectively passes for a “public transport system”, one which offers not only the highest fare rates in the Kingdom, but also the lowest quality of service. The abysmal state of affairs has done inestimable damage to the island’s reputation and served as the single greatest impedi- ment to an industry which, in most other regards, thrives under free market forces – offering excellent value for money. The unprecedented recent visit to Phuket and Krabi of not one, but three ambassadors from important tourist source mar- kets shows once again that the issue cannot and will not go away until systemic collusion in the transport sector is tackled by au- thorities. Until it is, tuk-tuk, taxi and passenger van syndicates will continue to hold hostage an entire industry that depends on them: resorts, tourist attractions, food outlets – the list goes on. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the Phuket Gazette would like to point out once again that real public trans- port, of the kind available in every other of Thailand’s 76 provinces and in the capital Bangkok, is the key. The Gazette wholeheartedly supports the brave move of the Trading beyond the Russian bloc company that has stepped up to the plate and dares to defy the well-entrenched syndicates in Patong and Kata-Karon. This Re: Gazette online, Blockade- Phuket definitely needs more company, which has yet to publicly release its name, deserves sparked tour counter blitz, ‘well police. It’s not only about the the full support of agencies such as the Tourist Police, who should received’, January 13 safety of tourists, locals do live step in and make it a safe reality, even if it means having offic- So if I understand this cor- here, too. ers on board the buses. This may sound like a drastic measure, rectly, the tour counters are Do you have an opinion to voice? Placing [CCTV] cameras but compared to the steady stream of violent conflicts resulting owned by Thais, but as their lan- Email [email protected] won’t be the solution, I am afraid. from the status quo, it is well worth considering. guage skills are limited, they hire Lung Manu Much has been said and written about plans by some East Asian staff that speak the language of Gazette forum conglomerates to build a world-class light-rail system, but while their target group. Sounds logical. until they get burned by a bad such a network would undoubtedly benefit local residents it is Now they are no longer allowed choice. Lest we forget our unlikely that it would be of much benefit to tourists arriving at to hire these staff. So what will Suck it up guys, this farang the airport who are unfamiliar with the island and just want to happen? The Russians will book woman just isn’t interested. Phuket road victims get to their accommodations as soon as possible – without having their tours with the likes of Natalie Nancy Carpenter to pay more for a 30-minute taxi ride to their resort than the Tours, Tez, Pegas and so on. Phuket Town Re: Gazette online, Phuket Opin- cost of the room itself. Thais will lose business, Russians ion: Taxis – a decade of blocking At a more fundamental level, what is needed is a paradigm will gain. Soul deep progress, January 13 shift that restores public transport in Phuket to the tradition of SH Good article, Phuket Gazette. I Thai hospitality that is still very much alive and well in the King- Gazette forum Re: Gazette online, A heart lost would add that the ultimate price dom. If tourists fail to find it in Phuket, they will have no lack of in Seoul: an English professor is paid by the many deceased and alternative destinations to consider when planning their next trip. From Russia with love struggles with life after love in those who are disabled for life Phuket, January 13 from using the roads here, mainly Re: Gazette online, Two Russians I have lived here 20 years; I from motorbike accidents. charged over beach assault; have been happily married for 11 Kata to Patong by tuk-tuk dur- search on for two more suspects, years; I was young once. Why do ing the day is 400 baht, and at night January 10 some people assume that all the is 800 baht, and to rent a motor- This is a terrible incident. I re- old men [here] are with some little bike for 24 hours is 300 baht. gret that my countrymen behaved old slapper? I agree there are lots Most tourists choose the motor- inappropriately. [You] cannot beat of old guys like you describe, but bike, many times with serious women under any circumstances. some people’s comments remind consequences. These people should be punished me of some ignorant old hag from The lack of transport is killing to the fullest extent of the law! England who I came across last and injuring people here, literally. However, I ask you to not for- year. Lest we forget the victims of get that “every family has its black My wife had gone to the toilet Phuket’s tuk-tuk cartel. sheep” and please do not compare and the hag said to me, “Do you Lest we forget all Russians with these monsters. really think these people care about Gazette forum Serg you?” Wasting resources on Gazette forum I said, “Yes, she does.” Andre injured dolphins You get the quality Gazette forum Re: Gazette online, Rescued baby you paying for Not enough officers dolphin and mother losing deadly battle at Phuket Marine Biologi- Re: Gazette online, A heart lost taking care of Phuket cal Center, January 10 in Seoul: an English professor I know the PMBC puts in all struggles with life after love in Re: Gazette online, Police rein- the effort and care to help these Phuket, January 13 forcements to bolster Phuket tour- dolphins survive – and sometimes One reason we farang like Thai- ist safety, January 10 it works, albeit not as often as we land is because the rule of law is Last night I caught two burglars would like. However, does it not weaker here, giving us a feeling red handed at my house in Chao seem strange to be pouring this of freedom that we don’t have at Fa. They fled immediately and we much money into individual dol- home. Yet after the honeymoon called the police and they were phins that are dying (like people/ period, it’s precisely that lack of here in less than 30 minutes. The animals do), instead of research standardization that gets endlessly policeman said that there are only that could possible have a real, Volume 20 Issue 3 criticized. four officers and two motorbikes long-term impact? Ditto the availability of women to patrol between Makro and Johnny Turner here – a big draw for farang men Saphan Hin. Kamala January 19 - 25, 2013 OPINION PHUKET GAZETTE 19 Hotels must help water No taxi experience impossible the flames in Patong OUR fire department has a strong team and good equipment, but Chairat Sukban has been there are still ways we can Patong Deputy Mayor and improve our efficiency and chief of the Disaster effectiveness in combating fires, in a large part with the help of Prevention and Mitigation in IMAGINE this headline: “Taxi TOT and area hotels. Patong for nine years. The driver returns money to customer; A very real problem we are 49-year-old Nakhon Sri says she overpaid.” Impossible? By Leslie Porterfield currently facing is how emer- Thammarat native has a It happened to me. gency calls to the fire hotline are All the taxi news seems nega- master’s degree in Public Do you have an opinion to voice? routed. When people in Patong tive recently, what with high fares, Email [email protected] dial 199 on their home phones, Administration and has been delays in getting illegal drivers to the call goes directly to our fire living in Phuket for 33 years. register as legal, and metered cabs Town. Once again, I paid him what department in Patong. However, Here he calls on the TOT phone company and local being pushed out of some mar- I thought was the appropriate price. when they dial 199 on their kets. The problem is apparently so He handed some of the money mobile phones, the call gets routed hotels to join the effort of squelching flames. bad that even the British Ambas- back, saying it was too much. to Phuket City Municipality. sador spoke up, and officials from The last case is about the guy Officers then have to relay the Bangkok have come to Phuket to who drove off with my stuff. information to us, causing a de- lend a hand. That’s only half the story. He had lay of about five minutes. In an I thought I’d put in a plug for picked me up at the downtown emergency situation, five minutes the good taxi guys out there; they market, where I’d bought several may be the difference between life do exist, I’ve met them. But most kilos of fruit. I put my mangoes and death, and a little fire especially, I want to praise the in his basket and held on to the damage and a great deal. motorbike taxi drivers who I’ve rest. When we arrived at the hotel I am in contact with TOT and ridden with during the years I’ve where I was staying, I asked him we are fixing the problem. When lived in Phuket. if the fare was 30 baht, which I it is fixed, 199 calls in Patong, Sure, they’re not all perfect – thought was reasonable for the whether from mobile phones or I’ve had some steep fare requests five-minute ride. He said, “60 land lines, will come directly to us. from drivers near Central Festival, baht.” I got hot and told him that There is also a need for better and there was the older gentleman was way too high, gave him 40, fire training for hotel staff. They who slowed down the trip because and flounced inside. He drove off need to know what to do in case of he had to cuss out everyone on in a huff. a fire. For example, they should the road; there was also guy who When I got to my room I found know where to go to turn off the drove off with my stuff in his bas- I’d left my 140 baht of mangoes electricity at their hotel, which will ket. But they are not all heinous. in his basket. I was shaking my allow the firemen to start to extin- In fact, I’d say most of my expe- head when the phone rang. No one guish the blaze on arrival. riences have been positive. there. It rang again, the same Another way to improve fire Patong firefighters pose outside the station. Photo: Patong DDPM In the interest of balance, here thing. I decided to go downstairs safety in hotels is to make fire us and we will send a team to train spond to a fire, they actually aren’t are a few good stories about mo- to see what the problem was, and hydrants available in them; hotel their staff. an issue at all. In emergencies, we torcycle taxi drivers. on the steps I ran into the taxi staff could attach hoses and start As I said, I have great confi- are able to remove the road barriers One driver who posts himself driver, coming up with my man- putting out the fire before firemen dence in the Patong Fire and take the most direct route to at the Ocean shopping mall in goes. All he said was, “I came even arrive. Water from a hotel Department, not only in handling any emergency. downtown Phuket Town took me back.” That might be the only time pool could also be pumped out and fires, but also other emergencies. Though we do have quality to Chalong once. I pride myself my hand has moved of its own used to hamper the flames from Since the tsunami in 2004, we equipment like I mentioned earlier, on knowing most fares, so I accord to cover my heart. spreading. have planned carefully for other the one item on my wish list for didn’t discuss it with him when I know that it’s the nature of Hotels are required to have disasters. We send out staff to train the department is a mobile crane. we arrived, just handed over the the news media to tell us about their staff trained on a yearly ba- people in how to manage emer- Patong is a crowded area with a money. I must have seen some- problems, bad experiences, disas- sis; it is a prerequisite for getting gency situations. We are aware lot of power cables that can make thing in his eyes, because I decided ters and tragedies. It’s “Man bites their hotel licenses renewed. How- that emergencies can happen at it difficult for our fire trucks to to double-check it later, and found dog”, not “Man pets dog.” But ever, some hotels don’t renew any time, especially in our area, get close to buildings. Currently I’d underpaid him. Later, when I good things happen in our world their licenses, and consequently which is crowded with tourists our staff have to lift the cables up saw him in front of Ocean, I of- too, and if we want our perspec- their staff are not properly trained. and buildings. themselves to create access for fered him the difference. He smiled tives to be balanced – to be We offer basic fire-safety Though with the one-way streets our trucks, which slows us down. and refused it. realistic, I’d even venture to say training. Any hotels in our area that and road blocks it might seem like Nonetheless we are doing our best Another time a driver took me – we’d be wise to pause once in a are interested can send a letter to it would be difficult for us to re- to keep Patong safe. quite a distance from Phuket while to remember this.

Legal: Under where? What legal rights of access to my biological child do I have? In the usual bar-room chatter someone I am a British expat living in Phuket. My not asked me for support of any kind. said they believed it is an offense in Thai- Thai “common-law wife” of seven years, If the child is my daughter, I want to do land not to wear underwear. With idle from whom I have separated, recently gave whatever I can for her, little though that curiosity, and a little bit of humor, could birth to a baby daughter. The mother at first may be. Where do I stand? the appropriate authority clarify the law assured me that I was the father. However, Stephen before one ventures out again in commando I want to be certain and would like to have Wichit attire and risks being fined by the fashion tests performed to determine the paternity police after a thorough inspection? of the child. Friedrich Sam Fauma, Senior Partner, James Marks The mother does not wish the child to Director and Advisor to International Phuket know who her father is. She wants the child Law Office, Patong Beach Co Ltd, replies: to be raised in her sister’s home in Phuket, As you are not legally married to the Chiengsean Panhya, Phuket Provincial and later by the child’s grandmother in the mother of the child, you do not have any Chief Public Prosecutor replies: family home in Khon Kaen. They will raise legal rights as the father. This would be the Not wearing underwear is not an offense the child as they see fit. case even if the mother registered your in Thailand. You can wear it or not, what- The whole family will have access to the name on the birth certificate. you may ask the court to order a DNA test. ever makes you most comfortable. However, child, but the mother and her sister have In this case, your rights can only be With a positive test result, the court will take care not to offend others by exposing told me not to make frequent visits. given to you by a court of law, to which legally record you as the father of the child yourself. The fine for indecent exposure is I am not to handle the baby or attempt you have to apply to register as the father. and you will have all the rights and respon- 1,000 baht or one month in prison. to care for her in any way. The mother has If the mother denies that you are the father, sibilities of a father. 20 PHUKET GAZETTE January 19 - 25, 2013

VR GALLERY LAUNCHES EXHIBITION

SNOOP LION WITH SRI PANWA GM VORASIT “PLA WAN” ISSARA

Snoop Lion, formally known as Snoop Dogg, is spending his time in Phuket at Sri Panwa hotel to relax and prepare his new music video before starting his concert tour, the Together Festival, in January in Bangkok. He will perform together with other famous international artists such as Justice, Max Vangeli, AN21 and Thai artists such as Thaitanium, DJ Buddha and DJ Ono.

THANK YOU

From left: Watcharin Rodnit, artist, and Phuket vice governor, Dr Sommai Preechasilp. PARTY BOAT PLAZA

Mr Boon Yongsakul (right), deputy managing director of Phuket Boat Lagoon, and Mr Panupong Kritchanarat, MD of Boat Plaza (center), received a congratulatory bouquet from a guest at the ‘Thank You Party Night’, an occasion commemorating Boat Plaza’s success.

Coco the Clown captivates kids at the CHILDREN’S annual Children’s Day benefit for underprivileged youngsters at Holland DAY 2013 House in Kathu. MAIKHAO DREAM HOTELS & RESORTS

Mr Surin Maneemas, managing THE NINE WINE director (2nd from left) and Ms Krisana Matzenberger (2nd From left: Mr Jacobo Astray Tudela, executive chef from right), advertising and Ms Aaishah Bohari, director of sales and & DINING manager of PGTV. marketing.

22 PHUKET GAZETTE January 19 - 25, 2013

Properties KHOK KLOY LARGE HOUSE + PHUKET VILLA For Sale 8.5 RAI LAND 1 RAI CONDO PATONG 3 bed, 2 bath with large ga- rage and separate storage room. Nice pond and large SEAVIEW PENTHOUSE garden in Thalang near FOR SALE PIA. 8 million baht. 0% fi- nance available over 5 years. Tel: 076-621200, 080-141 8292 (English & Beautiful land, 1km to Thai). Email: davestacey New condo. 1km to beach, beach, 2km from Sarasin [email protected] near Bangla Rd and Jung- Bridge. 750,000 baht per ceylon, 1 bed, 1 bath, fully rai. From owner. Tel: 083- D CONDO 1, KATHU furnished. 3.9 million baht for 388 8036. 42sqm and 3.8 million baht -29.94sqm, mountain view, for 44.5sqm Tel:081-541 360º panoramic sea view price 1,278,000 baht. and mountain view. 310sqm, 2025. Email: c.junlarat@ -29.70sqm, mountain view, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms KAMALA gmail.com price 1,280,000 baht. with option to convert into 3 NICE HOUSE bedrooms. Spacious living -29.79sqm, pool view, price 1,330,000 baht. FREEHOLD CONDO area. 9.25 million baht.Tel: PATONG 086-278 8300. Email: izzy. -29.70sqm, pool view, price Patong Condotel, 7th floor, [email protected] 1,365,000 baht. 28sqm. Fully furnished, kitchen, Contact Vutdy on 081-892 new bathroom and aircon. Sea- 3709. side, 800m to the beach. Price: RAWAI LAND SALE 1.35 million baht o.b.o. Tel: 084- 1 rai in Soi Suksan, flat land, 844 7693 (English & Thai). freehold, concrete road and For sale. 2 bedrooms (pos- BEACHFRONT Email: [email protected] NEW CONDO: URGENT electric access. Quick sale! LAND FOR SALE Tel: 089-472 9870. Email: sibility for third bedroom), 2 SALE/RENT [email protected] bathrooms, jacuzzi, dining LAND FOR SALE and living room, kitchen, fully Near the main road to Baan furnished, aircon, electric Don-Cherng Talay. 68sq wah. 2 UNITS PATONG gate, all furniture included. 1.1 million baht. Tel: 089-472 PARADISE COMPLEX 800m from beach, very 9118. Email: honda.1437@ Good location, central walkway. quiet. Price: 9.5 million baht. yahoo.co.th Only 19.95 million baht. Con- (nous parlons Francais). Tel: tact William. Tel: 090-153 6720. 086-280 7400, +33-62-448 3630. 30 RAI IN TOWN 2 rai, absolute amazing Special price, modern Flat land near Dowroong HOUSE IN beachfront, few minutes style, 30sqm, 1 bedroom, School in Phuket Town. Tel: VILLA DOWROONG LAND FOR SALE boat ride from Phuket, fac- 1 living room, 1 pantry. In 081-691 2526. Phuket Town. 3 bedrooms, 3 Nai Yang. 2,630sqm. Chanote. ing west to sunset and Kathu, 3km to Patong. bathrooms, 47sq wah. Tel: 089- Price: 9.5 million baht. Tel: 089- views of Phuket. 13 million Full set of built-in furniture. 909 2771. 724 1140. baht per rai. Tel: 086-278 Ready to move in! Contact 8300. Email: izzy.serenity URGENT SALE/ Ya. Tel: 081-797 5138. [email protected] RENT LUXURY 3 GORGEOUS LOTS, PANORAMA SEA & CLEAN TITLES LAND AT ISLAND VIEW For sale or long lease. 2 lots CHERNG TALAY on island beachfront (bungalow/ KAMALA HOUSE LAND NEAR KATA 390sq wah, nice flat land, quiet housing-estate) and 1 big main- FOR SALE CENTER area, Chanote. In Pasak Soi 5 land mountain-property all in Great location, road access, near Laguna Home. Price: 6 mil- very quiet, secure, well main- 5 mins to Kata Beach and lion baht. Tel: 089-472 9118, 086- tained locations, near Krabi. main road, 1,450sqm with title 709 2933. Must see. For further details, deed. Contact Lychee. Tel: please see our website at 081-891 3048 (English & Ger- PRIVATE SALE OF www.sackenheim.net man). HALF A RAI For sale. 3-storey villa, 1 At Ao Makham. Land is located rai, Yamu Hills, 560sqm, HOUSE FOR SALE IN KAMALA LEASEHOLD opposite Port of Phuket and living area, 6 bedrooms, BAAN PROMPHAN Hotel room, no kitchen, 17 next to Bel Air Cape Panwa 3 bathrooms, 2 kitchens, Near Phuket FantaSea. House in Patong. Newly 2.5 floors, 5 mins to town, 2 years left, 30sqm, 2 pools, Resort. Price 4.2 million. For infinity pool. Sale: 34.7 Price: 3.2 million baht. Ne- built 40sq wah, near Sea bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Good jacuzzi, full resort facilities. more information please call: million baht. Tel: 089-582 gotiable. Tel: 081-719 1041. Pearl project, Patong. 2 for stay! 2.85 million baht. Tel: Price: 750,000 baht. Tel: 084- 081-891 5932, 089-035 6702. Email: teddykong0222@ storeys, 3 bedrooms, 3 bath- 8401. Email: pbbronze@ 083-506 9155. Email: sumitra. 7160 502. hotmail.com rooms, fully furnished, 2 gmail.com [email protected] aircon, kitchen with hood, re- LUXURY CONDO CHEAP LAND frigerator, dining room, living FOR SALE room, hot water, cable TV Freehold, 114sqm, in Nai Thon and internet. Tel: 086-476 Beach. 13,950,000 baht. Di- Close to Phuket Interna- 9612. rect from owner. Contact Ben. tional Airport. 4 rai, Chanote Tel: 084-305 4753. title. 3.8 million baht per rai. Tel: 081-868 7676. Email: [email protected]

LAND NEAR MISSION HILLS

Pa Khlok. 2 rai 32sq wah, 60m wide. Chanote. Located on Tha Ruea-Pa Khlok- Muang Mai Rd. 11 km from Heroines' Monument. Price: 7.8 million baht. Tel: 089-472 9118. Email: honda.1437@ hotmail.com January 19 - 25, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 23

HOUSE & FURNITURE 5 RAI THALANG 2.7 PATONG CONDOS Single house, 60sqm. 2 OCEANFRONT MILLION BAHT CHALONG VILLA FOR SALE OCEAN FRONT floors, 3 bedrooms and 3 VILLA Beautiful flat land near PIA, ON 1 RAI Several beautiful modern fur- LAND toilets. In Chaiyapruek Vil- public road access, Chanote nished apartments with sea/ lage at Land & Houses Park, title, 2.7 million baht per rai. Tel: mountain views and swimming Chalong. Good location and 081-737 8624 (English & Thai). pools for sale. 35-67sqm. entrance from bypass road. Email: [email protected] Priced from 2,450-3,650 mil- Built 2 years ago. Tel: 084- lion baht. Tel: 087-819 2162 627 7001. NEW CONDO (English & Thai). Email FOR SALE [email protected] CHALONG HOUSE Prime location, deluxe apart- Detached house with big garden. Luxury brand-new villa, fully ment, pool, gym, sauna, Stunning 4 bed & 3 bath FOR SALE CHALONG 7 rai with 185m of sea Close to sea. Price: 2.2 million furnished and ready to move 43sqm, 3.5 million baht. Free- villa. 1 rai of land in quiet loca- VILLA frontage. Water, electricity, baht. Email me (Paul) for photos in, 3 bedrooms 4 bath- hold. Tel: 087-978 1947. tion. Swimming pool, beau- 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, road, and boat access, and details, or phone me on 088- rooms with 10m long infinity tiful views. 13.5 million baht. large lounge and family room, located 800m from Yacht 493 1327 (for English) or Khun swimming pool and truly RAWAI HOUSE Tel: 084-304 7775. Email: kitchen. 800sqm plot, in very Haven Marina, perfect site Jai on 089-817 4864 (for Thai). beautiful sea view. Located Sale or rent. 3 bedrooms, 2 [email protected] quiet location. Tel: 084-745 for small beachfront devel- Email: [email protected] For in a small developement, bathrooms, big garden, cul 5546 (English). opment. For quick sale: further details, please see our only 50m from the sea and de sac, 668sqm, Chanote. only 5 million baht per rai. Tel: 080-144 7801. Email: website at www.plus.co.th/en/ 3 minutes from Ao Por EXCLUSIVE OFFER PATONG/ KALIM BAY Tel: 081-343 0777. Email: house/SH120124_2.html Grand Marina. For sale: [email protected] CONDO montha_phuket@ yahoo. 19.9 million baht or long- 30m to beach, sea view, sec- com HOUSE WITH POOL term rent: 150,000 baht per ond floor, best location, freehold, month. Tel: 081-343 0777. WOULD YOU LIKE IN RAWAI TO ENJOY? 110sqm, terrace, 2 bedrooms, Large 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom Email: montha_phuket@ 1 bathroom, living room, west- PLOT FOR SALE yahoo.com house in Sai Yuan on private ern kitchen, pool, car park. 9.8 Palai Soi 2, behind Phuket gated estate with 24hr security million baht. Tel: 081-824 1385 Zoo. Tel: 086-375 4884. guard. Private pool, CCTV, fur- (English). Email: jbiwo@cs Email: darunee55@yahoo. nished. 10.5 million baht. Tel: ANANDA HILL VILLAS loxinfo.com com 091-208 4853 (English), 088- 161/42 Moo 10 Chao Fa East Own a top-class luxury 752 4071 (English). Email: Road, Chalong, Phuket. Near studio for 5 million baht and Chalong Homepro, 900m from double your money in 5 [email protected] POOL VILLA ZENITH@CHALONG home (Supermarket in Chalong years! East coast. Janu- NEXT TO PIA Homepro Village), 25 minutes Only 9.8 million baht from ary only promotion. Tel: CONDO IN drive to Patong Beach, 5 min- German private vendor. Tel: 080-882 1377 (English). SUPALAI PARK utes drive to Chalong Bay. 1 089-868 6842. Picture Email: beachprojects1@ aircon, fully furnished, balcony, choices and further infor- gmail.com For further de- garden, internet connection, mation please see www. tails, please see our European kitchen, UBC. Tropi- flickr.com/photos/thai website at www.beach cal modern style, mountain stylevilla projects.com views, freehold, 50sqm. Built in 2005. Villas: 2 bedrooms, 2 SHOPHOUSE IN bathrooms, 20sq wah. Under HOUSE FOR SALE Brand-new, luxury villa with construction. At Chalong Bay GOLDENVILLE 1 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, Phuket. Price: 2.5 million baht. 4-storey shophouse in best 12m swimming pool, guest for sale. Near Sengho Tel: 080-520 5188 (Thai), 081- condition with many extras like bungalow, ready to move solar water-heating system, ex- Bookstore in Phuket 176 8404 (English & Thai). in. Perfectly located in a Detached 2-storey house, haust hood etc. For quick sale. Town. Studio, 30sqm, development with under- 2 beds, 3 baths, 3x7m Only 3.5 million baht. Tel: 086- floor 15, sea view, aircon, ground electricity and secu- swimming pool, parking 091 5150 (English), 087-518 furnished. Price: 1.9 mil- NEARLY 4 RAI rity, only 800m from Mis- for 2 cars, BBQ garden. In 8837 (English & Thai). Email: lion baht. Ready to move Chanote title. Safe area. Sub- sion Hills Golf Course, less Chalong. Tel: 088-168 [email protected] in. For more info call 089- divided into 6 plots (Chanotes) than 10 minutes to airport, 5032, 086-478 0201. 472 9118. each ca. 1,000sqm. Only 6.75 79sq wah, 3 bedrooms, 4 Phuket International Acad- Email: info@thenetwork million baht per rai, negotiable. bathrooms, 1 maidroom, LAND FOR SALE emy and Ao Por Grand property.com www.thenet Tel: 089-647 4875 (English & kitchen, aircon, auto gate. Soi Salika, Rawai, at the top Marina. For sale: 14.9 mil- workproperty.com/ Thai). Email: chanchira.p Tel: 088-768 7054. view of Chalong Bay and the lion baht or long-term rent: phuketproperty-phuket PATONG HOUSE [email protected] Big Buddha. Does not need FOR SALE 100,000 baht per month. agency/Rawai-Detached- landscaping. 477sq wah or Tel: 081-343 0777. Email : house-with-2-bed 1,908sqm. No brokers please. [email protected] rooms.html Tel: 084-745 4132. Classified Advertisements Please use this form to write your classified advertisement. Then hand it to any of our agents.

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110sqm, 2 bedrooms, 2 bath- rooms, living room, kitchen, |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| diner + furniture, restaurant & bar. Plot fully built so foreigner can own. Must see! Ad- dress: 24/7 Pisitkoranee |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Road, Patong. Tel: 081-124 8051. Email: mingrestau [email protected] |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|

Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 120 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. Looking for land to buy? All advertising must be paid for in advance. See more classified ads Deadline for Property Gazette page: Friday 3 pm. at www.phuketgazette.net Deadline for all other ads: Saturday 12 noon. 24 PHUKET GAZETTE January 19 - 25, 2013

NEW CONDO FOR LOVELY APARTMENTS Properties RENT IN KATHU PHUKET VILLA 5 SINGLE HOUSE FOR RENT CONDO HOLIDAY For Rent Fully-furnished condo with VILLAGE FOR RENT/ SALE http://pukeyomefc2.web.fc2. RENT aircon, TV, Fridge, gym & com/phuketcondorent.htm pool 10,000 baht/month. Tel: 081-978 1558. Email: keng. THAI TRADITIONAL NEW FULLY [email protected] FURNISHED HOUSE VILLA 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, pri- PATONG CONDO vate pool villa, fully equipped, PRIVATE RENTAL only 3km to Nai Harn Beach, Fully furnished apartment. 800m available for short or long-term to beach, swimming pool, gym, In Thanapa Park View vil- rental.Tel: 081-141 6515 (En- Holiday or long-term rent WiFi, cable TV, washing ma- lage in Koh Kaew. 57sq glish), 081-606 5604 (English at Kathu area. Fully fur- chine. 1 or 2 beds available on wah, with 2 bedrooms, 2 & Thai). Email: ericvetier@ nished, swimming pool, January 16. Tel: 085-069 0938. bathrooms, a kitchen, a gmail.com http://phuketse fitness, quiet and safe. Email: [email protected] carpark and a garden. renityvillas.com/villa.php? Tel: 081-607 8567. Email: Rent: 11,000 baht per nom=Sirinthara%20Villa [email protected] 2-storey house, 2 bedrooms, month. Sale: 2.25 million 3 bathrooms, 20,000 baht baht. Contact owner. Tel: per month, quiet area. Ao HOUSE AT PRIME For sale. Price: 4.2 million RENT APARTMENT, 083-180 2143. Email: PATONG CONDO 7 BEDROOM GOLF Ma Kham Bay, 4km from PLACE VILLAGE baht. No agents! Not fur- VIEW nished, with 4 aircons, 3 nana1225@ gmail.com Pool, security, 46sqm, fur- town, 2km to beach. Tel: 081- 7 aircon bedrooms with swim- bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, nished. Tel: 089-728 4005. 892 4311. For further details, ming pool, golf view, quiet area, kitchen and car park. Be- Email: [email protected] please see our website at BEACH CONDO, close to all shopping malls hind Kajonkiet International panwagreen.weebly.com 3 MINS FROM BEACH and international school. Price School on Chao Fa West THAI WOODEN HOUSE 2 bedrooms, spacious, fully fur- for long term 65,000 baht per Road, 5 minutes to Central FOR RENT nished, kitchen, large gardens, month and 70,000 baht per Festival. For short or long- fully furnished, WiFi, daily, POOL PENTHOUSE pool, free WiFi, great for families. month for short term. Tel: 081- term rent, 16,000 baht per monthly, yearly. Tel: 086-375 SEA VIEW Email: [email protected] 271 3228. Email: info@pro month. Call to see 087- 4884. Email: darunee55@ Holiday rental, fully furnished, carpentering.com kitchen, pool, 5 minute stroll to Near Heroines’ Monument. 270 9093. yahoo.com 2 beaches + Kata town. Email: Furnished, aircon, 3 bed- RAWAI, NAI HARN [email protected] rooms, cable TV, kitchen. BEACH PATONG CONDO NAI YANG HOUSE Tel: 086-607 7493. THINK INSIDE Nice house for long-term rent, 3 50SQM FOR RENT bedrooms, aircon, 2 bathrooms, HOUSE TO LET THE BOX! Long-term rent, located on Quiet, fully furnished, 2 bed- Unique design office space for kitchen. Just a few minute walk the 9th floor.com Restaurant. room house with ensuite bath- Chaun Chuen Lagoon, near to Nai Harn Beach. 25,000 baht British International School. 3- NICE HOUSE rent. Prime location (Laguna Tel: 088-181 1965. Email: rooms, kitchen, laundry, air- IN CHALONG area). Great exposure in high per month. Tel: 081-397 1835. [email protected] con. 500m to Nai Yang 4 bedrooms, 4 lounges, 3 bath- Email: [email protected] rooms, kitchen, parking, park traffic and easy access. Offer- Beach, 2km to airport. Short area. Tel: 076-239435. ing two months free (3 year con- term 30,000 baht per month, tract). Parking available. Rates: SURIN CONDO TOWNHOUSE long term 12,000 baht per 12,000 baht for 32.5sqm, 1, 2 & 3 bedroom, pool, safe, IN KOH KAEW month. Tel: 081-837 5774 POOL VILLA FOR 16,000 baht for 50sqm, 25,000 300m to beach, low density. (English), 089-667 1844 (En- RENT baht for 94sqm. Tel: 081-823 Emal: [email protected] glish & Thai). Email: slarti@ 4627, 085-782 1200. Fax: 076- onthenet.com.au 264461. Email: ying@phuket pooltables.com Check us out 2-BEDROOM LARGE HOUSE Single house (74sq wah) with now at www.theboxpark.com HOUSE, BANG TAO KAMALA lovely garden for long-term or facebook/TheBoxPark Furnished, 280sqm, 2 bed- rent in Soi Parichart, Land & rooms, 3 bathrooms, office, Houses Park. It has 3 bed- CONDO IN PATONG sundeck, pool, jacuzzi, car- rooms and 2 bathrooms, 24 Large 50sqm studio, nicely port. 25,000 baht per week or hr security + clubhouse facili- furnished, pool and parking. 35,000 baht per month, mini- ties. Price: 25,000 baht per Near Chalong, short or Long term. Tel: 081-892 1621. mum 6-month contract or for month or special price of long-term rent. 3 bed- sale 3.5 million baht leasehold. 20,000 baht per month with- rooms, 4 bahtrooms, Tel: 084-716 0502. fully furnished, European out furniture. Contact the SUPERB 3-BED POOL kitchen. Tel: 081-607 owner. Tel: 081-867 6466 VILLA KATA 2 bedrooms, 2 bath- (English & Thai). Email: Last minute availability 4-18 rooms, kitchen, terrace, 8567. Email: suksavat@ PATONG LUXURY hotmail.com [email protected] Jan only. Email: resortgm@ living room, parking, fully gmail.com furnished, cable TV, APARTMENT internet, 2 aircons, hot wa- For rent, 46sqm, 17th ter. Only 5 mins to Surin floor, beautiful seaview, Beach, Bang Tao Beach Corner unit, 3 bedrooms, 3 kitchen, bathroom, bal- and Lotus Cherng Talay. bathrooms, fully furnished. cony, swimming pool, Tel: 089-470 7488. Email: 3.5 million baht. Tel: 089- parking, security. Tel: 085- [email protected] 472 9118. 788 7352. January 19 - 25, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 25

NAI YANG HOUSE Property Property FOR RENT Holiday Building Products & Services Services Wanted Quiet, fully furnished, 2 bed- Homes & Villa room house with en-suite bath- rooms, kitchen, laundry, air- Rentals VALUATIONS BUYING HOTEL / con. 500m to Nai Yang beach, Siam Real Estate qualified LAND PHUKET 2km to airport. Short term valuer available for profes- - Looking to buy a hotel of 30– 30,000b/m, long term 12,000b/ NAI YANG HOUSE sional property valuations. 50 rooms / 2-3 stars in Phuket m. Tel: 081-837 5774 (English), FOR RENT Professional written report. Tel: on elevated land / level over- 089-667 1844 (English & Thai). Quiet, fully furnished, 2 bedroom 076-288908, 081-271 0496 looking seaview preferably Email: [email protected]. house with en-suite bathrooms, (English). Email: richard@ around Patong, Kalim, Ka- au kitchen, laundry, air-con. 500m siamrealestate.com mala, Karon or Kata. to Nai Yang beach, 2km to air- - Looking to buy a plot of land OCEAN VIEW port. Short term 30,000b/m, PROPERTY / RENTAL 2-4 rai in Phuket on elevated PATONG CONDO long term 12,000b/m. Tel: 081- MANAGEMENT level overlooking seaview pref- Upgraded 54sqm condo. 837 5774 (English), 089-667 By a team of dedicated ex- erably around Patong, Kalim, Cable, WiFi, pool, parking. 1844 (English & Thai). Email: hoteliers, with extensive expe- Kamala, Karon or Kata. Tel: Long term for 18,000 baht per [email protected] rience in pre-opening, mainte- 086-408 1890. Please contact month. Tel: +1-808-283 4188 PHUKET HANDYMAN nance, management, sales Lee. E-mail: noreekattiyaaree (English). Email: mauigreg AVAILABLE RAWAI Household From basic maintenance to and structuring of resorts, es- @hotmail.com @hotmail.com Swimming pool villa, 2 bed- Help custom renovations. We offer tates, mixed use estates and rooms. Short-term rental. Tel: reasonable rates and free condos. Also providing project Accommodation 085-787 3046. Email: patrick quotes.Tel: 089-980 9792. sales by Sr.estate sales pro. Accommodation Wanted [email protected] LIVE IN MAID/ Email: [email protected] Available NANNY NEEDED 2-BED CONDOS NAI A Thai or Fillipina female GARDENER PROPERTY HARN BEACH live-in nanny/maid is re- WANTED MANAGEMENT LONGTERM Spacious 2 bedrooms, 2 quired to start work imme- Live-out gardener, main- CHEAPEST ROOMS RENTAL KAMALA PATONG BEACH bathrooms, kitchen, terrace, diately in Chalong to help tain garden, pool, fish Includes maid service, gar- 'No Worrie Bar' has every- UK resident requires long free WiFi, pool, parking, look after a 2-year-old girl pond and common ar- dening, home maintenance, thing. Tel: 084-053 4365 (En- term rental in Cape beach 3 minutes walk. Great and assist with house du- eas. 6 days a week. 087- guest host services, bill pay- glish & Thai), 090-031 8418. Panwa /Ao Yon area. 2 for families too! Email: resort ties. Salary of 10,000 to 891 7331(English). ing, and a customer first atti- Email: striker_1957@hotmail. beds, kitchen, sitting [email protected] 15,000 baht per month, de- Email: karen_leongsk tude with excellent spoken com room.Tel: +44-7798- pending on experience. Tel: @yahoo.com.sg English. Call for rates on indi- 767237 (English). Email: 086-509 7510 (English & vidual services (such as maid johnnewnham@ RENT APARTMENT SWIMMING Thai). Email: simon@colo service) or year around man- hotmail.co.uk POOL VILLA nial-connection .com Household agement. References upon PATONG Condo: pool, security, 46sqm Rawai, 2 bedrooms, 2 Items request. Contact Veena. Tel: bathrooms. Available on 085-917 1046 (English & studio, fully furnished. Daily/ NEED HOUSES / monthly. Tel: 089-728 4005. VILLAS FOR RENT 17 December 2012. Short- Household Thai). Email: ring_ngo@ term rent: 3,000 baht per Email: thamad17@yahoo. We need urgently from 4 Services hotmail.com day. Tel: 085-787 3046. SOURCE OUTDOOR com weeks till 4 months. This Email: patrickmeo@ KING ALL season and next season. PRO SERVICE gmail.com FARANG HANDYMAN AND RENOVATE Travelsnooper Co.,Ltd. PATONG Clear communication, all types - Water leaks Tel: 082-420 7052. Please of work on time and done right! LUXURY APT send email to stayon - Sanitation KAMALA BEACH Tel: 081-787 9767. Website : Paradise Hotel complex. [email protected] www.farang-handyman.com - Sinks 150m to beach. Large, 1 www. stayonphuket.com Private, quiet, guest house. 2 bedroom apt at - Grease Tanks bedroom, kitchen. Light, PHUKET HOME - Water Heaters airy. Tel: 086-276 7608. 2,600 baht per night, or 1 KARON, APP. OR bedroom house at 1,800 MAINTENANCE - Sprinkler Systems SMALL BUNGALOW baht per night. Kitchen, Renovations, house repairs, Weather Wicker Sofa. - Pressure pumps ROOMS FOR RENT European bathroom, painters, tilers, electricians, Conversation set, 3 months IN KARON Searching in Karon for: an - Water Treatment apartment or small bunga- aircon, cable TV/DVD, plumbers, carpenters, con- old. New: 205,000 baht. Fully furnished, cable TV, - Piping low for at least 1 year, . Fur- ADSL, swimming pool. struction. Fluent English- Sale now: 120,000 baht. aircon, WiFi. Daily/weekly/ nished, clean, air-condition- Tel: 076-385 909, 087-277 speaking boss. Free quotes Patio exclusive outdoor - Deep wells monthly. Tel: 082-270 6385. ing ,internet, shower, toilet. 5216 (English). Fax: 076- given. Tel: 084-193 5124. furniture-sofa. Tel: 089-043 Data Water Work Ltd., Part. Email: tkoschig2000@hot Email: [email protected] 385909. Email: phukethomemain 2954. Tel: 081-396 5050. mail.com [email protected]

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Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 120 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. Looking for land to buy? All advertising must be paid for in advance. Looking for land to buy? Deadline for Property Gazette page: Friday 3 pm. See more classified ads at www.phuketgazette.net 26 PHUKET GAZETTE January 19 - 25, 2013

HEAD OF ENGLISH ACCOUNT MANAGER RUSSIAN STAFF SWEDISH / FINNISH SENIOR ARCHITECT COOK, MAIDS, DRIVER DEPARTMENT Experience as account man- Russian manager requires. Good TOUR GUIDE Phuket-based architectural Villa staff needed. Live in or live We are looking for a Thai ager for over 5 years - native Thai, spoken English. Responsibilities: Swedish/Finnish speaking practice urgently requires a out. Pay negotiable plus good female with teaching skills for and with excellent command of marketing, management, PR, tour guide wanted for cruise senior architect to oversee tips. Tel: 089-005 0700. Email: four English teachers and our English - experience dealing with translating. 25,000 baht per boat. Tel: 087-897 1761. design of luxury villa and hos- [email protected] security guards. Tel: 076-336 foreigners would be helpful. Tel: month+premium. Contact Kiki. Email: [email protected] pitality projects. Proficiency 084, 081-607 6637, Fax: 076- 081-979 9911. Email: vrit@boat Tel: 082-938 7748. Email: phuket in written and spoken English CONSTRUCTION 336 085. Email: pornthip@ lagoonyacht ing .co.th [email protected] required. Please send CV MANAGER sgsphuket.com COOKS, MAIDS, and expected salary to: Or civil engineer with experi- MANAGERS ADMIN MANAGER LOOKING FOR STAFF info@imedge concepts.com ence. Any nationality. Estab- STAFF WANTED FOR Admin at cable ski required (4 POSITIONS) Luxury villas looking for lished company. Tel: 087- BEACH BAR good spoken English, water cooks, maids and man- Phuket Wake Park is look- HOUSEKEEPER 897 0501 (English). Email: All staff needed for new beach sports experience. Good sal- agers. Live -in and live -out ing for Chef of Thai Cuisine, For 6 months in Australia. An [email protected] bar on Surin Beach. Competi- ary. Tel: 082-938 7748. Contact positions available. Tel: Cook / Waiter, Operator of aussie man with 2 young tive wages, good hours and a Kiki. Email: phuketwakepark 080-699 2436. Email: Cable Ski Line, Cashier. Tel: daughters require help of young THAI ADMIN WANTED fun place to work. Please e- @gmail.com [email protected] 084-889 4942 (English). Thai woman to assist house- Organizing paperwork, docu- mail your resume. Everyone Send CV to office@phuket keeping. The candidate must ments and computer-based considered. Email: jessezurn REAL ESTATE REPS wake park.com NEGOTIATOR have an English skills, passport information.Taking care of inven- @hotmail.com NEEDED We are looking for well-quali- preferably, age between 25- tory and stock levels. Providing Phuket Condos & Homes, fied and motivated individuals to 35,enjoy children. Contact Jum secretarial support to the Direc- one of Phuket's leading Real STAFF WANTED EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT join our dynamic Residential Tel: 087-095 9274. tor. Basic accounting. Dealing Estate Agencies, are now Receptionist, good written Experience as executive assis- Sales team in Phuket. with customers. Tel: 085-331 looking for new property con- and spoken English is a tant/PA to MD for over 3 years - The ideal candidate will be: 0295. Email: m.hill@phuket sultants to join our sucess must. Word and accounting MANAGER - native Thai, excellent command soccerschools.com full team. You should have experience is a plus. Must - Female and of the Thai nation- PROPERTY of English, good computer and ality. internet skills, own and drive experience in Sales and have a friendly outgoing per- MANAGEMENT personal car, great administra- have your own car to be able sonality. Salary: 12,000- - A Bachelor’s degree holder. Experienced manager re- ANDAMAN CRUISES tive skills and secretarial work, to apply for this position. 20,000 baht depending on ex- - Fluent in spoken and written quired to manage 30 private COORDINATOR ability to "manage" situations French and Russian speak- perience. English. residence in Krabi. The man- Looking for coordinator who is make decisions. Tel: 081-979 ing is a plus. Tel: 076-341 - Office admin, good computer - Service oriented, with good ager is responsible for manag- responsible for working with 9911 (English & Thai). Email: 045, 081-459 0152 (En- skills, Excel, and accounting communication skills and able ing all teams for maintenance, crew to organize the cruise, [email protected] glish). Email: andres@ is required. Good written and to work with demanding interna- housekeeping, office, rental manage bookings, provide For further details, please see phuket-condos-homes.com spoken english is a must. tional clients. and security. Operate all prop- administrative assistance. Excellent benefits provided. our website at www.boatlagoon Please contact us by mail or 15,000-22,000 baht monthly - Computer literate (MS Word, erty in a 5-star manner for both yachting. co.th call for an appointment depending on experience level. owners and guests. Appli- Tel: 076-316 537, 081-370 Excel, PowerPoint, Office Ac- 5689. Email: hr@twinpalms- - Office manager, must be pro- cess, email and the Internet). cants need to have strong WEBSITE / SOFTWARE ficient in Excel, written and leadership skills, excellent group.com SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMMER - Fast-learning, enthusiastic, command of English, hotel spoken English. Prior experi- hard working and dedicated. LOOKING FOR Bayshore Group is looking for ence required. Salary: 25,000+ and/or property management ESTATE / RENTAL Thai male/female wanted Web or Software Programmer/ baht monthly depending on Candidates must have their experience. Applicants will be MANAGER to work in our office. Must Developer (Java, C) experience. Please send your own transportation and be will- required to have their own car Intira Villas is looking for a Thai have good English (speak- (numbersign).NET) Require- resume to smartbusiness ing to work in the Patong area. and driving licence, and to be person with a happy and posi- ing and spelling) and good ments: [email protected] We offer great opportunities for able to work both in Krabi and tive attitude. Must be able to computer skills. Job in- 1. Have good knowledge of OOP candidates, including new Phuket. Tel: 081-968 3140 communicate in English and volves talking with clients, and RDBMS with past working graduates, who are looking to (English), 081-797 3401 Thai, both in speaking and writ- recording, keeping, and experience. WEBSITE grow with the Company and (English & Thai). Please send ing. Experience in management doing quotations. Univer- 2. Good understanding of current PROGRAMMER develop their skills in sales. CVs to: manager@engchuan. and rentals. Tel: 081-472 4925 (English). Please send CV and sity degree desired, but web and software technology Solid HTML and CSS cod- Qualified applicants please com, www.engchuan.com, salary requirement. Email: not required for right appli- such as HTML5/CSS3, Ajax , ing experience with knowl- send your resume to www.krabisunset.com and [email protected] cant. Thai male wanted to MVC, etc. edge of JavaScript and PHP. [email protected] www.krabihideaway.com work in Phuket. Must have 3. Ability to code in Java or Design and English skills good English (speaking C(numbersign). NET as well as are an advantage. Start im- and spelling). Job involves Ajax, JQuery. mediately. We are located in mechanical/electrical en- 4. Good understanding of frame- Karon. Tel: 085-758 3780 gineer work within the ma- (English). Email your CV to rine industry, preferably works and IDE in Java or C(numbersign).NET shotham.hari8888 @gmail. with experience. 076-239 com For further details, 5. Fluent English. Tel: 081-968 112. Email: damian@ please see our website at 5963 (English). Please send electrical-marine.com www. paroot.com CV to f@bayshoreprojects. com

Gazette Online Classifieds – 10,000 readers every day! January 19 - 25, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 27

STAFF WANTED Rawai Pub requires Thai Bar and Kitchen staff. Tel: 081- 396 8707. Email: kanthasin@ gmail.com

RUSSIAN COOK With experience and knowing English. For more information please contact Maxim. Tel: 089-728 2037.

RESTAURANT MANAGER New restaurant, Surin Beach, needs front of house manager. Must be fluent in English, have experience in managing large restaurant, will be responsible for management of bar and wait staff, including high -level WHITEBOX THAI TEACHER ARCHITECTURE training, recruitment. Good Restaurant manager with Wanted full-time Children's Thai national wanted. Ability salary plus generous incen- strongly experience Thai or Thai Teacher for private resi- to use AutoCAD, Sketch-Up tives. Tel: 076-325 755. foreigner and 2 Russian host- dence. Good salary based on and 3D-Max is a must. Tel: esses. Tel: 076-377961, 081- qualifications and experience. RESERVATIONS 081-788 1639. Email: sec@ 893 4122 (English & Thai). Tel: 081-929 6975. Please call phuketawnings.com ASSISTANT Fax: 076-377962. Email: for more info or send your CV Full time. Western. Must have [email protected] to [email protected] excellent written English, SPA STAFF AND organizational and computer MANGER NEEDED CHEF REQUIRED DISTRIBUTORS / skills. Self motivated / good Newly remodeled spa and Small international restaurant RESELLERS WANTED communicator. Send CV to massage parlor hiring in Kalim Seeks for indepen- [email protected] Thai national. Sales of manufac- staff for immediate Start. dent working kitchen chef with tured modular and customized Competitive salaries and experience in preparing Thai activation, booth, display and accommodation offered! SITE ENGINEER and international dishes. Tel: expo solutions. Network and in- Tel: 083-391 0291. Email: 080-555 2377 (English & Will work for Bayshore frastructure in place. Thai/English kamal.mail2000@ MARKETING REPS Thai). Email: 55inkalim@ speaking. Excellent earning. SALES Projects Co.Ltd. Thai Na- gmail.com NEEDED tionality: Minimum 5 Years gmail.com Email: [email protected] EZYSTAYS looking for mar- CONSULTANT REQUIRED experience in residential keting representative. No ex- development. Must hold perience required, full train- Club Asia Fitness requires a national diploma in civil or ing provided, work permit Sales Consultant. Appli- structural engineering. Tel: and good income. Email: cants should be fluent in 081-968 5963. Email: c@ [email protected] English and a Thai national. bayshoreprojects.com Excellent remuneration offered.Tel: 080-698 5021. LOOKING FOR YACHT SALES STAFF VILLA MANAGER EXECUTIVE Aroi-Corner Restaurant in Experienced Villa Manager re- – Experience dealing Rawai is looking for staff. quired to manage an 8-bedroom with luxury MOTOR Waitress and bartender private residence in Kamala. The YACHTS for at least 3 with experience. Working VM is responsible for managing years hours: 3pm-11:30pm, one an in-house team for mainte- nance, housekeeping and – Fluency in English. Any day off, good salary. Con- other languages would be tact 084-442 8330. Khun F&B. Operate the villa in a 5-star manner for both owners and very helpful (Russian, Peter. Email: hp.sch ranz French, Chinese). [email protected] guests. Applicants need to have strong leadership skills, – Proven track record and excellent command of English, good understanding of STAFF FROM hotel experience. Applicants will motor yachts PHILIPPINES be required to have their own car – Excellence with com- Bayshore Projects Company and driving licence and to be puter and Internet is looking for Filipino staff. Must able to live-in when required. Tel: Tel: 081-979 9911. For fur- be female. Contact Mariane. 076-527633, 087-881 0003. ther details, please see Tel: 081-968 5963 (English). Please send CVs to: hr@ our website at www. Send CV to c@bayshore phuketvillasandhomes.com, boatlagoonyachting. co.th projects.com www.luxuryvillasandhomes.com

Looking for a job? Looking for a better candidate? Find more Recruitment Classifieds at WWW.PhuketGazette.Net! 28 PHUKET GAZETTE January 19 - 25, 2013

Education Business Opportunities

STEP STUDIO RESTAURANT IN KATA BAR FOR SALE NEED A TUTOR FIT & DANCE HOME OFFICE Very busy street food restau- NEW TIGER RESTAURANT IN ENGLISH We invite you to: aerobics, FOR SALE / RENT rant in main street, 10 tables, High Roller Bar. 3rd row from + BAR Need a tutor in English pilates, Latino and club, equipped kitchen, low rent, the front. Two-year contract. and a tutor in Thai for a hip-hop. Tel: 091-042 2944 no key money. Tel: 086-940 Books avaliable. Tel: 085- child, both with experi- (English). Email: andrey_ 4801. Email: marcellospizzi 654 8510. Email: typhoon_ ence working with kids. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Please call: 085-576 9139 (English). Email: GUESTHOUSE, KRABI DIVE SHOP Vanyamordred@gmail. Audio / Video KARON BEACH 3 work permits, registered com Equipment Very nice guesthouse with limited company, 25 school 40/30 seated restaurant 12 rooms and restaurant/bar. sets, retail stock & fixtures, with bar and pool area. 100m to centre, 300m to 600,000 baht. Email: krabi This business is located CHILDREN'S HANDYCAM SONY beach. Fully booked every [email protected] in beautiful setting and ENRICHMENT CLUB HDR PJ760VE year Nov to April. Contract: has every last detail to "Take Care" service, 6 months old. Carl Zeiss 1+3+3 years, running. Rent open next day. Also 3 day-time classes, skill lens + tripod with remote included. Key money 54,000 BAR FOR LEASE bedrooms, and living area development. Birthday control. VCT-50AV + wide- bath per month. Price: 3.9 SURIN BEACH included. Price: 500,000 baht. Contact Steve. Tel: parties. Amusement band circular filter (polarized million baht. Serious specula- Area is about 100sqm 088-097 1200. Park. Tel: 088-819 2526 52mm) + Sony bag. 30,000 Perfect location in com- tors only. Tel: 083-590 3862 internally with patio out (English & Thai). Email: baht. For more information mercial area at The Royal (English). Email: guesthouse front. Prime location on [email protected] please call Rainier. Tel: 084- Place, Tesco Lotus, by- [email protected] Surin Beach, on main 851 1961. pass road. 3 floors for liv- High Street overlooking PATONG BAR ing home and business PATONG RESTAURANT King's Park, just yards FOR SALE office, 2 bedrooms, 2 AND BAR from 5-star resorts and Bulletins bathrooms, 4 aircons. Popular bar, open air. Beer This commercial property restaurants (at Twin bar in busy tourist area, Ground floor install with is located on famous Soi Palms), 100m to the glass frontage, granite fully furnished. Urgent Post Office, 80m from beach. Fully furnished sale: 1.6 million baht. Tel: SPONSOR A CHILD floor and kitchen area. Thaweewong Road. Fully with sofas, pool table, Sale or long-term rental 081-550 7379, 087-893 The Phuket International fitted and equipped, ready to 2 x flat screen TVs, 35,000 baht per month. 1753. Women’s Club is a volun- open. 1.2 million baht key cable and UBC/True Call now. Tel: 084-293 teer organization raising money and 60,000 baht per Vision TV, Hi Quality 7923 (English & Thai), funds for educational monthly rent. Lease for 9 Denon Music System 081-854 0061 (English). HOTEL FOR SALE scholarships. We rely years. Contact landlord for with 8 speakers built Email: mrgeoffcurry@ PATONG BEACH on the goodwill of donors viewing. Tel: 081-271 5811 into ceiling. Rent: 50,000 yahoo.com and sponsors – small (English & Thai). Email: as baht per month. Email: 10 apartments & 14 and large. If you would [email protected] [email protected] rooms, 1km from sea, like to put something good location, 49 million back into the community PATONG RESTAURANT baht. Chanote. For more in which you live, contact Once in a lifetime oppor- RESTAURANT & information please call us to find out more about tunity! One of Patong's first SPORTS BAR RESTAURANT + 076-292596. Email: nc. giving a prize or being a restaurants with more than BAR [email protected] sponsor. Contact Carol. 20 years in service. Now for Phuket Town, 30 seat- Tel: 087-417 8860 or con- sale! Only double unit in Soi ings, TVs, music, fur- tact Sue. Tel: 087-277 Patong Resort, on Bangla nished, living. Rent: RESORT BANG TAO 6948. For more informa- Road. Perfect for big sports 10,000 baht per month. 4 luxury villas, 2 pools, lush tion please email us at bar and etc. For more infor- Sale: 470,000 baht. For tropical setting secluded on [email protected] mation please call: 081-737 more information please 1-rai land. Money maker. 35 5085. contact Phil. Tel: 085- million baht. Tel: 089-594 Newly renovated sports 297 4002. 4067. bar, 45 seats. Newly built kitchen. 5 rooms on 2nd floor. Sale includes all NEW BAR WITH furniture and pool table HOTEL + 4 ROOMS ACCOM and 5 flat-screen TVs. RESTAURANT Next door to 350 rooms Location: Soi Taina 11 For sale. Chanote title, Centara Hotel Resort in (Kata Center). Rent: central position, new Karon Entertainment 30,000 baht per month. building, 4 years old, 20 District. Newly reno- No key money. Contract rooms, reception and vated, 3 storeys, all fully runs until 30 April 2015 restaurant all fully fur- furnished with brand-new (can be renewed after or nished. Price: 38 million bar and furnishings. Ask- already now) - Rent paid baht negotiable. Contact ing 290,000 baht. Walk- until 30 April 2013. Sale: Stefano: 086-279 8175 in, walk-out. Email: 1.1 million baht. Call or (English or Italian). Con- shotham.hari8888@ email for more info and tact Ning: 084-840 1566 gmail.com pictures. Tel: 080-530 (Thai). 5950. Email: allstarkata [email protected] GUESTHOUSE + RESTAURANT GOOD Small guesthouse + restau- RESTAURANT COMMERCIAL rant, 3 years contract, FOR SALE 750,000 baht. Negotiable. 6 years on contract, great Tel: 082-270 6385, 081-891 location, Patong Beach 4019. Email: tkoschig2000 Road, full furniture and @hotmail.com equipment. Tel: 087-075 2166, 090-175 9126. Email: MINIGOLF BAR omaralquraini@hotmail. NAI YANG com 9-hole minigolf and bar with one bedroom, kitchen, and Space for sale at Bang- 2 bathrooms. Ready to move DESIGN RESTAURANT Tao Beach. On main FOR SALE in and you are good to go. road. 156sqm, currently Cheap price for quick sale: Popular restaurant pizzeria set up as a restaurant in excellent location with 500,000 baht. Email: swe and bar. All equipment [email protected] patio. 100 seats on over 300 and furniture included. sqm. Fully equipped, fully Sale: 1,800,000 baht. operating, high volume, high Rent: 15,000 baht per NICE RESTAURANT & profit, low rent. Motivated month for 10 years con- HOUSE FOR RENT seller looking for quick sale. tract. Tel: 081-733 9498, In Kamala. Good furniture. Tel: 082-534 6658. Email: 080-700 3775. Only 15,000 baht per month. [email protected] Tel: 089-289 1508. January 19 - 25, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 29

Business Products & Services Club Dive Gear Pets Memberships Available 20 NEW SCUBA TANKS Unused 12 litre scuba tanks with valves, cheaper than LOCH PALM trade. Sale: 6,000 baht. MEMBERSHIP Please contact Will. Tel: 080- Available at 550,000 baht 595 0458. o.n.o. Tel: 086-277 2691. Email: davidinasia@hotmail. com Fitness Equipment LOCH PALM MEMBERSHIP For sale or trade membership ROWBIKE plus money for Blue Canyon Ultimate exercise bike. Family Membership. Price: 8,000 baht o.n.o. Tel: 089-02 550,000 baht o.n.o. Tel: 081- 0 4331. www.rowbike.com 090 4113. Email: ohmer13@ Personals hotmail.com Miscellaneous BLUE CANYON CC For Sale BACKGAMMON Corporate membership Players wanted. Tel: 081- NEW SUGAR WAXING for 2 persons. Yearly fee 577 8443. Email: phuket At Chalong. Men - Women. DETOX paid for 2 years. Free [email protected] No pain! Tel: 082-456 6791. TO YOUR DOOR transfer. Price: 1.3 mil- SNUFFLERS 9,500 baht for 7 days. Tel: lion baht. Tel: 081-737 Set of five. Rounded BUDS INTERNATIONAL 084-100 6274. www. DATING 5085. edges with alloy spleen FRIENDSHIP KINDERGARTEN clearercleanse.com NICE PEOPLE tables. Only 3 yrs old, no Thai female, aged 50, well Phuket's oldest interna- glinkle. Can be used educated, good job, looking tional child care facility. High- LAGUNA GOLF CLUB without bessors or BRTs for a friend with whom I can quality, time-proven sched- TATTOO REMOVE 24-year family member- but not in tandem with share some good times. ule and curriculum. Now in We remove your tattoo. Tel: ship, free transfer. 750,000 cleester bins. Price new: Must love dogs, aged over 55. brand-new purpose-built 083-362 4144. Please see baht. Tel: 083-680 4041. 4,200 baht each. Will Email: [email protected] school. Experienced native our website at www.tattoo- Email: annedonald13@ sell now at 12,000 baht English teachers to teach remove.info gmail.com for full set. Located ages 1.5-8. Monday-Friday Rawai, pics available. Pool Tables 8am-5pm. Bus service avail- ENGLISH-RUSSIAN The easy way of dating. LOCH PALM Email: jackmartin3@ able from Patong, Karon, TRANSLATION New online dating. GOLF CLUB gmx.com High-quality translation. All Kata, Phuket, Rawai and www.yourhappydate. Family membership. Price: kinds of text. Reasonable Chalong. Tel: 076-384638, com 550,000 baht, free transfer. POOL TABLE price. Contact Julia. Tel: 084- 080-624 7060. www.buds- Tel: 081-970 9764 (English). BILLIARD - GAMES 840 7624. phuket.com Email: [email protected] Personal Pool tables, billiards, Services foot- ball, touch screen, LEGAL TAXATION and air hockey for rent SERVICE GOLF Wanted and profit sharing. All ac- We can arrange and MEMBERSHIP cessories for sell & ser- submit all forms of tax re- vices. Call now. Tel: 081- Loch Palm and Country turn to the Revenue Of- SWEDISH SPEAKING 823 4627, 085-797 0202, Club, 1.1 million baht. No fice. Contact Pondsee. BABYSITTER 085-797 0303. Fax: 076- discount. Buyer pays for Tel: 086-595 2594. Looking for Swedish speak- 264461. Email: ying@ transfer. Tel: 083-388 Email: mem_pondsee@ ing babysitter for a few times phuketpooltables.com yahoo.com 5566. during our holiday from 22 January to 15 February. Email: tilak_24@hotmail. SOCCER / FOOSBALL com SECONDHAND Computers TABLES BOOKSHOP OPEN Brand-new “Heavy duty” In Jungceylon shopping NEED A NANNY, MAID soccer/foosball table for mall. Inside food court on ENGLISH A family needs a live-out rent and sale. Suitable for the basement floor. Tel: COMPUTERMAN SHOP nanny with good English bars and hotels. Call us 089-724 2136 (English & Sales, service, repair, and (20,000 baht per month) and a now. Tel: 081-823 4627, 085- Thai). Email: southwind accessories. Also tuition in maid (15,000 baht per month). 797 0202, 085-797 0303. [email protected] English/Thai. Tel: 076-384 Tel: 085-576 9139. Email: Email: ying@phuketpool 259, 084-625 7744 (English). [email protected] tables.com 30 PHUKET GAZETTE January 19 - 25, 2013

Saloon Cars Motorbikes Rentals

MIRA 65,000 BAHT Daihatsu Mira, in good NISSAN YAMAHA KEEWAY TMX 200 condition, comes with DVD ALMERA 1.2L DRAGSTAR 400CC player, cool aircon, runs good, very economical. Tel: 084-184 1856.

FORD MONDEO 1998 For sale. TMX 200cc. Sale down payment Good condition, location: New guarantee 1 year. 150,000 baht, automatic, Chalong. Sale: 155,000 892km. Inclusive GPS perfect condition, 15,000 baht. Tel: 081-080 0265. and box. Sale: 60,000 km. Tel: 088-765 6756, baht. Tel: 089-971 6799. 081-667 1637. Email: PICK-UPS 12,000 MOTORBIKES FOR [email protected] HONDA WAVE 100 BAHT/MONTH RENT 2,200 BAHT 36,600km. Good condition SALE HONDA CLICK For rent. Mazda 12,000 baht Monthly rental: with green book. 17,500 baht For sale, immaculate, 18,000 BAHT per month, Toyota 11,000 or best offer. Tel: 082-813 1935 Honda Dream: 2,200 baht, automatic, airbags, ABS. 5 years old, white, max baht per month. Good condi- NEW CAMRY 2.0G (English). Email: sdshudson Honda Wave: 2,400 baht, 150,000 baht. Contact wheel, new tires, good con- tion, insurance. Tel: 087-282 @gmail.com Honda Click auto: 3,000 baht, Peter. Tel: 085-253 4429. dition. Green book. Tel: 089- 3724 (English). Email: ta Honda Click I: 3,400 baht. 973 5081 (English & Thai). chibana-hiroki@hotmail. Tel: 086-683 7162 (English & YAMAHA Email: somthawin_pw@ co.jp Thai). Email: yosompetch@ MAJESTY 400 hotmail.com hotmail.com NISSAN TIIDA 2011 CAR FOR RENT FOR SALE HONDA PCX 125 Brand new, insurance and Sedan. Silver color. 1.6L Black 2010. 36,000km. BLACK / BROWN delivery service, special price CAR & VAN RENTAL engine. Automatic trans- Sale: 950,000 baht. Tel: 15,100km. Fully serviced, for long-term rent, expatriate mission. 23,000km mile- 088-768 7054. tax/insurance until June prefered. Tel: 088-768 9411. age approximately. Per- 2013. Sale: 47,500 baht. Tel: Email: maxlivingmanage fect condition. 499,000 [email protected] BMW 523I 090-865 0863 (English & baht. Tel: 089-730 7172 Thai). Email: b.a.internation 2002, one owner, excellent (English). Email: no.an [email protected] [email protected] condition. Well maintained by 2008 model, only 27,000 CHEAP CAR BMW. 65,000 km approxi- km, green book, excellent FOR RENT mately. Sale: only 650,000 condition. Price: 145,000 HONDA STEED 400 baht. Tel: 076-239 423, 081- baht. Tel: 087-893 1753. Short or long-term rent, SALE FORD 893 0272 (English), 081-797 Good condition, black, with insurance and deliv- ESCAPE 495,000 0835 (Thai). Email: info@de comes with beautiful ery service. Tel: 081-538 raniyachts.com plate number one. Ask- 8567. Email: suksavat@ YAMAHA FINO ing 125,000 baht. Call for hotmail.com seeing. Tel: 087-270 9093. 4 x 4s HONDA SHADOW FOR SALE SUZUKI CARIBBEAN Ford Escape 3.0 XLT. FOR SALE 1 lady owner (from new), Year 2004. 140,000km. Available now in Chalong. 4x4. 1,300cc. 2005. Black. Price: 495,000 baht. 2008. Lady owner, ridden Tel: 087-689 9679. Email: Full tax and insurance. Low Contact Noppadol. Tel: only in Phuket Town, with [email protected] 089-589 5453. Email: green book. Asking price mileage. Excellent condi- sopasalon@hotmail. 23,000 baht. Tel: 084-889 tion. Price: 175,000 baht. Tel: com 2676. CHEAP CAR RENT 086-280 2492. Email: mar Brand-new car rental, top [email protected] Honda Shadow Ameri- model, year 2012. Small car, can Classic Edition medium car, family car, first- 2004 ISUZU D-MAX class insurance, delivery, 24hr Wheels Motors 400cc. Green book. 4WD, 4 doors, 3.0 diesel, W & M roadside assistance, GPS, Good condition. Price: excellent condition. Sale: baby seat. Short or long-term 165,000 baht. Tel: 089- 420,000 baht. Tel: 085- rent. Tel: 089-772 7012, 081- 822 7547. 641 2280. 326 3233. Please use this form to write your classified advertisement.

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|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 120 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. All advertising must be paid for in advance. January 19 - 25, 2013 p h u k e t g a z e t t e 31

SACS S-530 RIB FREE 30FT YACHT NEW ALESSANDRO YACHT FOR SALE FOR SALE A STEAL FOR I am willing to give away my MARCHI 2009 POWER SACS S-530 JAMAICA. Ask- A QUICK SALE Thai-registered 10m 30ft. “Carenalunga 21”. Hypalon CATAMARAN ing price : 650,000 baht. Styl- yacht. All books are available RIB (LOA 24’). Composite con- ish and ideal family run about. and in order. It is moored in struction, light and fast. 140hp Made in :1999 (model Ao Chalong. All I ask is that I 4-stroke Suzuki O/B. Bimini and yr 2000). 2004 MERCURY can use it when I am in Phuket trailer. 1,795,000 baht. Now in 115 hp 4-stroke. 2004 TO- 4-5 times per year just for 2 stock at our Boat Lagoon Show- HATSU 9.8 hp 2-stroke in days each time. The boat is room. For details contact Alan good condition. Both engines called Tabata and is located Giles. Andaman Boat Sales. Tel: Beautifully maintained low hours. Trailer included. about 500 meters due east 087-283 1674. Email: boats@ Wauquiez cruising yacht. 2012 GPS Fishfinder, extra 2007. Italian demo yacht. of the yacht club. Tel: 087- andamanboatsales.com 45ft. 4 cabins. Volvo D-4 41ft. Price: US$199,000. fuel tanks, VAT paid. Available Cranchi 47ft. Hard top. 273 8162 (English & Thai). IPS 300. Genset. Aircon. Can be seen in Phuket. near Cherng Talay for viewing. Fully loaded with tropical Email: mmarston@infocon- “Bose” surround. Ray Tel: 081-747 7261, +852-51- technology.com NICE BOAT marine. Low hours. Fully Contact Robert. Tel: 087- aircon, genset, electrical 26 foot center console. Good 070245. Email: skyper330@ loaded. Fast and eco- 632 8259 (English). Email: winches, garage, roof. condition twin outboards, trail- caminata40@hotmail. Ray Marine premium nomical. As new. Bargain. NEW KARNIC 2052 er, and more. Email for more Only 395,000 euros. Tel: com Specs and photos HUNTER 280 navy, BBQ, ice maker, Deep V Hull, 140hp 4-stroke pics and info. Tel: 085-691 at www. wauquiezforsale. (LEGEND) SAILBOAT 3 fridges, “Bose” sound, 089-971 0278. Email: Suzuki O/B. Bimini, trailer and 1837, 076-054 4141. Email: eddyelan@ yahoo.com blog spot.com 1996 Yanmar 2GM20F, Ray neon light. Twin 570hp marine heads. 1,299,950 baht. mangeo [email protected] Marine, windlass, mooring, with reliable shaft drive, Now in stock. For details con- ready. 1.25 million baht or under 300hr. Brand-new tact Alan Giles. Andaman Boat LODESTAR RIB offers. Tel: 087-269 3743. NEAR NEW 55 FT CRUISING 3.8m, 40hp Tohatsu engine, condition. 385,000 euros. Sales. Tel: 087-283 1674. (English). Email: davidrwarbur Tel: 089-971 0278. Email: INFLATABLE TENDER CATAMARAN trailer, skis, tube, lifejack- Email: boats@andamanboat 6 double cabins, 25sqm cen- [email protected] eddyelan@ yahoo.com sales.com West Marine hypalon. 3.5m ets. 140, 000 baht. Tel: 076- RIB + SAIL, with Yamaha ter cockpit, composite, no 271870, 080-073 5371, 087- BOAT PEGASUS 8.2M 15hp 4-stroke outboard. Tel: engine, 380,000 baht. Tel: 079 0650. Email: mlcberg@ 17M CATAMARAN 55FT CRUISING 087-388 3090 (English). 087-461 8089 (English). netvigator. com Fiberglass, 225hp Suzuki 4str 130hrs + 8hp 4str. Jack plate, Built in 2009. No engine, no CATAMARAN Email: penelopewest@ya- Email: [email protected] 6 double cabins, 25sqm cen- HOBIE 17 220L tank. Electric winch an- mast. It is to do something. chor. Perfect condition. Price: 380,000 baht. Tel: 087-461 ter cockpit, composite, no CATAMARAN engine, 380,000 baht. Tel: With wings and new sail. In 750,000 baht. Tel: 081-891 8089. 087-461 8089 (English). SOLUTIONS TO good condition. 155,000 baht, 3095. Email: [email protected] beach + street trailer includ- SAILBOAT FOR SALE THIS WEEK’S ed. Tel: 080-697 4629. Email: KAYAK WANTED Beneteau - Evasion 34 - 1981 Secondhand 2-man kayak. motor sailer located in Phuket. SAILBOAT FOR SALE Tel: 088-381 5725. In very good condition. Only MOONSOON FOR Sunbeam 44ft - 1995. Quality 1.5 million baht. Tel: 086-274 SALE and look likes new. Located NEW ALESSANDRO 6272 (English & Thai). Email: in Phuket. Excellent condition MARCHI nihat_ [email protected] and fully equipped. 136,000 “Carenacorsa 18”. Hypalon euros. Tel: 089-875 5169. RIB, light and fast. 90hp lean- NEW KARNIC 1851 burn, 4-stroke Suzuki O/B. Bi- Deep V Hull, 90hp lean-burn, HYPALON mini and trailer. 999,950 baht. 4-stroke Suzuki O/B. Bimini DINGY 3.3M Now in stock at our Boat La- and trailer. 999,950 baht. Now goon Showroom For details in stock. For details contact Alan 28ft, registered for 15 contact Alan Giles. Andaman Giles. Andaman Boat Sales. passengers. 200hp/ V6 Boat Sales. Tel: 087-283 1674. Tel: 087-283 1674. Email: Mercury motor, only Email: boats@ andamanboat- boats@ andamanboatsales. 240 hours, recently to- tally restored. Perfect for snorkeling, diving trips, island hopping or water taxi. Navigation system + Brand-new with UV cover Looking for a boat? fishfinder. 5hp spare mo- and storage cover, pump, See more classified ads tor. Boat and motor in very oars, kits. Only 125,000 good condition. Located baht. Tel:089-971 0278. at www.phuketgazette.net at Boat Lagoon. Priced Email: eddyelan@yahoo for quick sale at 330.000 . com baht. Tel: 086-747 9292. 32 PHUKET GAZETTE January 19 - 25, 2013

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

TECNAM P-92 - Price: 1.5 million baht - Registration: U-B08 - Year of Manufacture: 2002 - Equipment: Full stan- dard equipment - Engine: Rotax 912- 80HP 350hrs. Please contact for more in- formation. Aircraft is based at Klong 15. Tel: 081-840 8418.

General Aviation • Aircraft for Sale • Aircraft Sharing • Aircraft Wanted • Aircraft Charter • Aviation Services • Flying Lessons

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Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 120 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. All advertising must be paid for in advance. January 19 - 25, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 33 BANANA WALK FIRST 2013 SKY SALSA COUNTDOWN TO YEAR 2013 ON PATONG BEACH More than 100 dancing The “Banana Walk Countdown to 2013” held at Beachfront Terrace. The enthusiasts got into the Latino Piak DJ siam party was organized by , who manages some of the best Indy groove on January 5 and Error 99 Somromband Mocca Garden music bands, including: , , and danced the night away for Miraculous . Hosted were DJ Karn, DJ Tuche’ and MC Andy who the first Sky Salsa party of performed for Thai and foreign tourists at the countdown party. the New Year at the KEE

Sky Lounge in Patong. Dance instructors from the Salsa Club led the colorful party goers in a fun-filled evening fuelled with sensational mojitos and tasty tapas accompanied by Latino beats from DJ Caro.

LA MOON CAFE THANYAPURA & RESTAURANT WELCOMES PARTY PHUKET FC Craig Johns (3rd from right) welcomed Mr Pramuk Achariyachai, president of Phuket From left: Ms Siwaporn Congsawas, FC and KATA Group owner (4th from right) ; owner of La Moon cafe and Mr Tinarat Tephabutra, vice president of restaurant; Ms Panisa Thinkohyao, Phuket FC; Mr Jakapop Su-Ngan, general owner of Beauty Studio; Mr Koenraad manager; Mr Wirool Howtavanich, director Lucia Jozef Scholliers and Mr Waramai of finances and the Phuket FC team at their Wongsarot, owner of Sivara first training trial for 2013 at Thanyapura Development. Sports & Leisure Club’s floodlit Limonta ‘Soccer Pro’ FIFA-standard pitch in Phuket. 34 PHUKET GAZETTE January 19 - 25, 2013 January 19 - 25, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 35

Jan 25, Feb 1; 7 to 11pm: Indian usually falls in either May or early Curry Buffet at Navrang Mahal June. It is a day to commemo- in Karon Sea Sands Resort rate three important incidents: the All you can eat, authentic Indian birth, the enlightenment and the Curry Buffet at 449 baht net per passing away of the Buddha. Mi- person. Come enjoy our cold raculously, these events fell in the Mango and Strawberry Lassi same month and on the same date with our delicious Mutton ary 4. On February 3 there will in the Buddhist era. Vindaloo, Dal Makhani, Bombay be an opening exhibition of paint- Aloo, Mutter Paneer, Butter ings by Mom Tri Devakul at the May 24, Arsarnha Bucha Day Chicken and mouthwatering VR Gallery, and on February 4 This full-moon day of the eighth Chicken Tikka, Samosas, freshly ML Usni and his ensemble will lunar month commemorates the baked Naans and more. For perform a classical music Buddha's first sermon to his first reservations contact Jaspal concert at Villa Royale. Tickets five disciples after attaining Singh on: 66-76-286464. for the concert are 500 baht each. Enlightenment more than 2,500 years ago. Evening candlelit January 26, 10:30am to February 25: Makha Bucha processions are staged in all Thai 11:30pm: Phuket Family & Day (Public Holiday) Buddhist temples. Gourmet Festival at Royal Makha Bucha Day, which falls Phuket Marina on the full moon of the third August 12, Her Majesty the This charity event is the first of lunar month, commemorates the Queen's Birthday its kind, combining a family Buddha's ordaining of 1,250 Her Majesty's Birthday is a fun-packed day out for children monks who had arrived unan- public holiday in the Kingdom. with gourmet dishes prepared by nounced from afar only seven some of Phuket's best chefs months after the Buddha began October 23, Chulalongkorn using the finest ingredients his teachings. It is also the date Memorial Day supplied by Jagota Foods. the Buddha delivered his Funda- Chulalongkorn Day commemo- Activities include Birdman Jari mental Teachings – just months rates the reign of Rama V, who Kuosma dropping in and world before his death. is best remembered for abolish- record breaking stuntman Ian ing slavery in Thailand. Jamieson pulling his stunts. Apr 13 to 15: Songkran Festival In the evening there will be live Songkran is the Thai New Year November 17, Loy Krathong blues and rock with internation- Festival. Also known as the Festival ally renowned Australian Blues ‘Water Festival’. Held during the One of the most beautiful festi- floated in a canal or river. The idea Also marked as Father's Day in band Vdelli, Thai alternative rock driest month in Thailand, vals in Thailand. It is traditionally is to worship the river's Goddess Thailand. band Modern Dog, and Phuket's Songkran is celebrated by Thais performed on the full moon night and at the same time to float away own Legends of Siam. throughout the country pouring of the twelfth lunar month, which any bad luck. Loy Krathong is not December 31, New Years Eve Tickets range from 100 to 3,000 – traditionally only a little, but usually falls in November. A a public holiday. This is a public holiday in Thailand. baht with proceeds going toward these days a lot – of water on Krathong is a banana-leaf cup con- 10 local charities for children. other people to wish them good taining flowers, a candle and December 5, His Majesty the January 1, 2014 New Years Day This event is proudly sponsored by luck for the New Year. incense sticks, which will be King's Birthday (Public Holiday) This is a public holiday in Thailand. the Phuket Gazette and PGTV. Segments of the event will appear May 5, Coronation Day on the Gazette's 'Phuket Today' Coronation Day commemorates show, the island's only national tele- the accession to the throne of vision program, seven times per HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej on week (see below). May 5, 1950. Informal Sunday morning computer clinics February 3-4, 6:30 to 10pm: May 6, Substitution for Coro- Baan Kata Arts Fest at Mom nation Day (Public Holiday) Do you have a question about computers, Windows, or the internet in Phuket? Tri's Villa Royale Need to find out where to get things fixed, or the best places to shop for new You are invited you to join the May 24, Visakha Bucha Day computer stuff? Drop by one of our FREE informal computer clinics. Every Sunday Baan Kata Arts Fest 2013 at Mom Visakha Bucha Day is observed Tri's Villa Royale. Sunday on the day of the full moon morning, starting around 10am or so, a group of computer savvy locals meet for February 3 and Monday Febru- during the 6th lunar month, which breakfast at the Chalong/Fisherman’s Way Sandwich Shoppe, 1 km north of Chalong Circle on Chao Fah East road. Don’t be bashful: introduce yourself to the group at the big table, and ask away. You might even find an iPad/iPhone, Android or Mac guru, if you’re lucky. Sponsored by the Phuket Gazette and Khun Woody’s Sandwich Shoppes.

Contact at 076-282403, [email protected] or visit KhunWoody.com 36 PHUKET GAZETTE January 19 - 25, 2013 A slow boat to China: The loris pet trade By Patrick Campbell Think rhinoceros horn or tiger penises. way, their rainforest habitats have been Asian people consume it to bring good luck Recently, 600 cobras were discovered in systematically destroyed, so they have dif- and ward off evil spirits. A RECENT Phuket Gazette article offered crates in a southern province, destined ficulty in moving between patches of If, in these circumstances, the inevitable some encouraging news for environmen- for the Chinese market. Unusable as pets, woodland. And though they have few fate of the loris is to be killed and eaten, talists. The Deputy Mayor of Patong has they would have ended up in Oriental natural enemies – mainly snakes, oran- you may conclude that being kept as a pet acted to stop touts from charging tour- restaurants as an expensive addition to gutans or eagles – they have fallen foul is a preferable fate. Alas, you would be ists. For what? For having their photo- some rich man’s libido-enhancing lunch. of the ultimate predator – man. wrong. graphs taken with slow lorises. He is on Cobras are not an endangered species Nocturnal by instinct, lorises can Nature has endowed the loris with one record as stating that ten arrests have in Asia. Slow lorises are. be readily discovered by defense mechanism – a toxic bite. The been made, adding: “The crackdown will Hardly surprising. The the light of a powerful poison is produced by a gland on the continue because such activities are loris is a small, cuddly, beam, since their huge animal’s arm: mixed with saliva, it becomes upsetting and annoying to tourists, who ‘teddy-bear’ of an animal, eyes reflect the light. a powerful deterrent to would-be predators. continually complain about them.” adorably cute. Technically And since, like agamid Hardly in keeping with a cuddly pet. So It was not recorded what complaints, if a pre-monkey, it has thick, lizards, they freeze in what do the pet-traders do? any, Thais might have voiced concerning soft, finely marked fur, self-defense, they are They either cut the tiny teeth with nail- the practice. and huge, dark-rimmed easily caught. clippers or, even more barbaric, remove them A step in the right direction? Absolutely. eyes. It moves slowly and In Thailand they are with pliers. Little wonder that between 30 and But kowtowing to tourist reactions, deliberately, and pos- openly sold in 90 per cent of lorises die in captivity – from Tiger parts on sale in Myanmar. protecting Patong’s “good name” is far sesses a quiet nature, Photo: Dan Bennett markets such as infections, an inability to feed properly, from from being the core of the issue. What which makes it seem ideal Chatuchak in Bangkok for diabetes caused by an unsuitable diet or should be everyone’s concern is that this as a pet. Apparently it is much sought af- the pet trade and in neighboring Vietnam simply from stress. And they are often taken activity is only one small symptom of the ter by Japanese ladies. for ‘traditional medicine’ (that phrase when young, snatched from their parents cruel and remorseless Asian trade in wild But consider these facts. There are only again). Folklore has it that the slow loris, before they are capable of grooming and clean- creatures, either for the so-called “pet five dwindling species of slow lorises, maybe because it can use its vice-like grip ing their own thick fur. trade”, or for their use in traditional medi- from the pygmy (which weighs only a few to cling to branches for hours – has super- Worst of all, none of these lorises can cine – usually a euphemism for ingesting ounces) to the Bengal loris, which may tip natural powers. So its flesh is an aphrodisiac be returned to the wild. A lingering death is body parts to boost sexual potency. the scales at four pounds. Scarce any- and associated with sexual prowess. Other the most they can hope for.

A SLOW DEATH: This loris was found on sale in Shan state, Myanmar. Photo: Dan Bennett NOT SO CUTE: Patong touts are occasionally arrested and fined. Photo: Gazette file UN conference is informed of contamination A CIVIC group has submitted to the industrial park in Prachin Buri were large industrial complex in Prachin United Nations a report showing that tainted with mercury at levels that Buri's Sri Maha Pho district. fish in a river in Prachin Buri, and exceeded safety standards,” said The study found 0.53 milligram hair samples taken from villagers Penchom Sae-Tang, director of of mercury per kilogram in living nearby, contain high levels of Ecological Alert and Recovery Thai- snakehead fish samples, which mercury believed to come from an land (EARTH), who led the research exceeds the standard set by the industrial park in the province. team that compiled the report. Public Health Ministry. Under this The group submitted the report The report was submitted to the standard, the level of mercury in to a UN conference on mercury fifth session of the Intergovernmen- food should not exceed 0.02mg/kg. contamination in Geneva last week. tal Negotiating Committee (INC5) The study found that the The conference is aimed at to prepare a global legally binding mercury level in the hair samples encouraging government agencies instrument on mercury, held in was 12mg/kg, which exceeds the around the world to strengthen Geneva from January 13-18. EPA's contamination level of 1mg/ measures to control contamination EARTH researchers collected kg for human hair. The Thai caused by factories. samples of common snakehead fish authorities have yet to establish a “All human-hair and fish samples and hair samples from villagers standard for mercury contamination collected from the site near the living in tambon Tha Tum, near the in human hair. – The Nation January 19 - 25, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 37 Samita Warrit HEADS turn as Lieutenant Samita Thai Navy Intelligence Division in Warrit walks into a room. And Bangkok for three years. rightly so. Any young, attractive Elaborating on her decision to join woman in an officer’s uniform is the Navy, Samita says: “If you want bound to make an impression. to serve your country, the most Samita, 31, is a naval intelli- direct way is to become a soldier. gence officer attached to the In a way I’m an idealist. I want to Third Naval Area Command of serve my country and King.” the Royal Thai Navy, based in Ao study in international relations at the Joining the Navy was not exactly Ma-kham, Phuket. University of . a piece of cake as Samita had to “I am not a spy, of that I can “The University of Bristol was undergo grueling military training, assure you,” says the poised Samita my father’s alma mater and it which included harsh physical lightheartedly, before she goes on came highly recommended by exertion, codes of conduct, naval to explain, for the benefit of the him,” she smiles at the thought of traditions and familiarity with the interviewer,“My job is to gather her father, a retired professor who fleet. And of course there was the and analyze information of mili- studied for his PhD there. use of firearms such as a handgun tary value. We need this – every Studying political science and and an M16, among others. country does – for our security.” international relations, Samita says, “Using weapons is all about Growing up in Phuket, Samita has increased her understanding safety first. If your reflexes are used to accompany her uncle and awareness of the delicate good, the rest is easy – though (Phumisak Hongsyok, then mayor balance that hangs between assembling an M16 is awkward.” of Phuket) to functions in foreign different cultures and groups. She transferred to Phuket two warships that came to dock at the Driving her point, she says: years ago. Though most of her island. She was impressed with the “For example, any shift in work is analyzing intelligence, experience, and working for the relations can happen like that [she Samita’s training in international Royal Thai Navy had become snaps her fingers] at the hands of a relations means she’s always at hand something of a childhood dream. whimsical leader. Political science to receive and support officers from As the Hongsyoks run many is an inherent part of the social sci- visiting foreign warships. From time business ventures in town, Samita ences. You deal with human nature, to time, she also helps coordinate About Thai Gallery did toy with the idea of becoming which is predisposed to being fickle. the Navy’s Search and Rescue a businesswoman and working for Social science, therefore, doesn’t operations on the Andaman coast. The individuals profiled in “Thai Gallery” are chosen on the basis of the family. She studied accountancy provide one single correct answer Her job keeps her on her toes. their contributions to Phuket as an international community, and, for a year but quickly realized it was and cannot be based on theory alone. It’s now 6pm and she has to get often, for having made those contributions through successful social not her true calling. The whole idea fascinates me.” back to work. There’s a meeting and/or working relationships with foreigners. This implies some The path to fulfill her dream was Samita returned to Phuket in scheduled for 7pm and its nature foreign language skills and an interest in interacting with different then set. Having graduated with a 2006. Having declared to the cannot be revealed. cultures. They are people who in our experience, help make the lives of degree in political science at family her intention to be a naval “Intelligence and classified expats far more enjoyable here than might be the case without them. Thammasat University, Samita officer, she received their blessings stuff,” she says smiling, ending went to England for postgraduate and set off to work for the Royal the interview. 38 PHUKET GAZETTE January 19 - 25, 2013

WELL CONNECTED: Finding the right internet connection in Phuket depends on what devices you work with regularly and what your budget is. Photos: William Hook; Jiri Brazovsky Making the right connections IN LAST week’s Live malls, some retailers, a connected to the internet without paying better part of a day. That means you can Wire, I stepped you few restaurants and for a “3G” iPad, and without paying for a stick it in your pocket, and carry your through an exhaustive cafes. Fees vary. 3G account/SIM card for the iPad. WiFi connection around with you, list of the internet pack- You can also set up a Tethering iPhones and Android phones is anywhere 3G is available – which is ages available in Phuket. WiFi network at home, usually easy. I’ll cover it in a future Live Wire. almost all of the island. I say “exhaustive” because, at this point, if you have an internet connection. All of Wait. It gets even more complicated. If Here’s another curve: you don’t need the only way to get a list of all of the internet the major wired internet service provid- you have a laptop, Air, ultrabook, netbook to put a wired connection (ADSL, Fiber, packages is to physically schlep to all of ers will sell or rent (or give away) a box – any computer with a built-in WiFi capa- DOCSIS, etc.) into your house in order to the internet service providers’ offices, pick that sits in your house and offers WiFi, bility – you can almost always connect that get your desktop computer onto the up brochures, and grill the staff on what’s of varying quality, throughout the house. laptop to the internet by using your mobile internet. Your fat old HP or Dell or Mac really available. ISPs in Phuket generally If you pay for a wired internet service – phone. You don’t need to buy an “AirCard” desktop will work just fine with a USB don’t put full lists of services and prices one of the ADSL or Fiber Optic connec- or a USB dongle. As long as you’re carry- WiFi dongle – they’re readily available for on their web sites. tions, for example – it’s quick and easy ing it, all you need to do is figure out how 1,000 baht or even less. So if you think I’m going through this exercise because to get a WiFi network set up in your house. to tether your phone, you’re stuck with I’m in the process of moving from Patong Here’s how to put it all together. and the laptop thinks running wires to (where my wife and I have lived for the Say you have a couple of “3G” mobile it’s found a normal every corner of your past 12 years) to Kathu. For me, the one phones (iPhone, Galaxy, HTC, etc.), a WiFi network. house, you aren’t. key part of moving involves getting a tablet (iPad, Kindle, Nexus, Galaxy Note, In addition, if you To recap: just decent, reliable internet connection. Two, Android) or two, a notebook computer have the right kind of about any computer actually, but I’ll cover that next week. (or Ultrabook, Mac Air, whatever) or three, phone account with – tablet, laptop, This week, I want to go over the kinds of and a desktop. The brand doesn’t matter TOT, for example, desktop – can get internet services available in Phuket, and help – Windows, Apple, Android and Linux all you can connect your to the internet if you narrow down the list. This have basically the same problems and laptop to any TOT you have a suffi- discussion is spurred by a chance encounter opportunities when it comes to connect- WiFi network on the ciently capable with a fellow long-term Phuket resident, who ing to the internet. island. Granted, there mobile phone to act was at the CAT office in Central Almost everybody will want a “3G” pack- aren’t a lot of TOT as a tether, if you Festival, absolutely bewildered by all the age for their mobile phones (in Phuket, 3G is WiFi networks, but buy a MyFi box, or choices, trying to HSPA+), because it’s many of the most if you get a line figure out what’s best ‘The only way to get a list of very handy to have popular locations on installed to your and how much it’ll cost. internet access while the island have TOT, house and have the all of the internet packages is Believe me, even if you’re on the road – not True, AIS or DTAC Your tablet doesn’t have to have 3G if you installer put in a you know the differ- to physically schlep to all of just for maps and shop- WiFi signals. tether it to a 3G phone. Photo: Intel Free Press WiFi access point. ence between HSPA+ ping/price comparisons, For most people, a There are lots of and xDSL and 802.11a the internet service providers’ but also to look up movie 3G account for their phones is a must. But permutations and combinations, but you – very few consumers offices, pick up brochures and schedules, upload shots 3G on a tablet is can save yourself a lot of money, every do – the choices are to Facebook, check entirely optional. If you always carry your month, by experimenting with the equip- confusing. Very confus- grill the staff on what’s really your mail, swear at the phone, 3G on a tablet is an added expense ment you have – or buying new equipment ing. And if you don’t available.’ lottery results, and a that probably isn’t necessary. with a plan firmly in place. understand the alphabet gazillion other reasons. Granted, your phone’s battery will run Next week I’ll step through the vagaries soup, you’re likely to end up with stuff you Next week I’ll talk about the various 3G down faster if it’s tethered, and the data of ordering internet service, both wired and don’t want or need, pay too much, and get vendors and help you choose the right that you download to your iPad or MacBook wireless, and give you some recommenda- lousy service to boot. package. For now, let’s just assume that or Windows ultrabook through the phone tions based on the latest results at our speed Here’s what you need to know about you have at least one 3G phone and it’s counts against your phone’s monthly quota testing web site, phuketinternetspeed.com. connecting to the internet in Phuket. running on a 3G connection – that’s about (more about which next week). There’s a My conclusions may surprise you. Let’s start with the two basic wireless 500 to 900 baht per month. little bit of a hassle factor in connecting your technologies: 3G and WiFi. As you prob- Many people buy tablets with 3G (or, tablet/netbook to your phone. But after We’re running informal computer clinic ably know, 3G is based on mobile phone soon, 4G) connections. You may want to you’ve done it a few times, you’ll see it’s roundtables every Sunday morning at technology and towers; it’s available just consider whether you really need a like falling off a log. Sandwich Shoppe Chalong, located 1 km north about anywhere you can get a phone separate 3G account for your iPad or Now permit me to throw you a curve. of Chalong Circle on Chao Fah East road. If signal. In Phuket, you buy 3G service from Google Nexus, Samsung Galaxy Note 10 In all of those scenarios, you don’t really you have a Windows problem that needs to be TrueMove H, DTAC, AIS, CAT and TOT. or other tablet. Why? need to tether your phone. You can buy a solved, or a question about internet service in WiFi, on the other hand, is a shorter If you usually use the tablet at home, small box – about the size of a deck of Phuket, drop by and ask one of the assembled distance technology that’s baked into you can connect to the WiFi in your house cards – called a MiFi or MyFi unit that gurus. Sponsored by the Phuket Gazette and almost every modern laptop, notebook, (more about which in a minute). If you does the tethering for you. You stick a Khun Woody’s Sandwich Shoppes. netbook, Ultrabook or tablet. always carry your phone with you, and the 3G SIM card in the MyFi box, and it turns Most public places in Phuket have WiFi phone has 3G, you can usually set up a itself into a WiFi hotspot. CAT has MyFi Live Wire is Phuket Gazette columnist Woody networks operated by one of the major connection using a technique called “teth- boxes in stock most of the time, but Leonhard’s weekly snapshot of all things phone companies: if you have a mobile ering” that lets you turn your mobile phone they’re readily available at many of internet in Phuket. Shoot him mail at phone account with TrueMove, for example, into a WiFi hotspot. Many people don’t Phuket’s savvy computer places. The best [email protected], follow him on you can usually get onto True’s WiFi net- realize that they can simply piggyback their MyFi boxes can be charged in a few Twitter, @PhuketLiveWire, or “like” his page at works in most of the major public places – WiFi iPad onto their iPhone and get hours, and they’ll hold a charge for the facebook.com/SandwichShoppe. January 19 - 25, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 39 Airpark to reach new heights By Andrew Scott Phuket Marina, Boat Lagoon and all the golf courses on the island. PILOT Ilco Nijstad flips a few American Pat James, who has switches, checks his dials, over 40 years of experience in mutters something into his head- aviation, including flying as a phones and suddenly his single- pilot during the Vietnam War, says engined plane splutters to life as the airpark hopes to attract people the propeller whirls and the air- who have a shared passion for craft slowly moves away from the aviation and to attract individuals hanger towards the runway. who would like to start businesses, A bigger four-seater Cessna commercial enterprises, tour takes off first and then it’s Ilco’s companies, along with people who turn, in his two-seater Pelican want to maintain aviation products 912s. The plane hurtles along the and anything that surrounds the grassy runway and with a slight peripherals of aviation. move of the control stick, it lifts Pat believes the airpark could off the ground and our flight above store 75-100 planes (only 25-30 on Phuket begins. any given day could use it) with the Heading from the air park, on aim of being a second airport on the Phuket’s northeast coast, we fly island to cater to smaller aircraft that towards Cape Yamu and above are not allowed to use Phuket PILOTS: Suchart ‘Robert’ Raksangob and Pat James at the biannual flying club meet. Photos: Isaac Stone Simonelli Coconut Island. International Airport (HKT). The heat in the plane is stifling, “Our long term vision is that our but the view of the ever-changing runway is doubled in length from landscape below and the experi- its current 500 meters up to one In brief ence of flying in a small airplane kilometer and we plan to pave it, Name: PHUKET AIRPARK – makes it bearable. which could help us become what VTSW Dutchman Ilco has been flying HKT airport needs – a reliever Coordinates: 08*01.1' N x for 15 years and says he enjoys airport. HKT officials have canceled 098*24.2' E the freedom it affords him. “I can any general aviation aircraft from Frequency:122.3 (pattern) fly to Krabi in 20 minutes. That’s using the airport, including private Runway Heading: 31/13 a 4-hour journey by road.” jets from some of the largest cor- Length: 500m (40m wide) The intense heat from the mid- porations in the world. This air park Surface: grass day sun causes a bit of turbulence would be the perfect for many of Slope: 1/2 degree to sea as we fly over Coconut Island and the aircraft that cannot use HKT.” Pattern Altitude: 800' the small plane bobbles about for The community feel in the club- Pattern Frequency: 122.3 a few minutes. After 10 minutes house attracts lovers of aviation Elevation: 20' in the air the plane heads back to along with those who just want Contact Information: the airpark. to have a drink and some food. Khun Suchart on: +66 (0)87- “I have to do ten more runs like “It is a community-friendly 4178399 or that this afternoon,” Ilco says business and the types of activi- email:[email protected] almost begrudgingly. “It’s tough to ties we hope to have would be think of different routes to fly around friendly 100 per cent.” A hot air balloon ride was one of the events at the flying club meet. this area. I can’t fly above the jungle because of the rising heat” The airpark is holding its biannual flying club meet, the first of 2013, and air traffic controllers who have just gradu- ated from the Aerothai Academy in Bangkok are the guests of honor – all receiving a free ride. Suchart ‘Robert’ Raksangob built the airpark on 124 rai of land intending to use it as a real estate development similar to Royal A bird’s eye of the airpark’s runway and surrounding area on the northeast coast of Phuket. Photo: helicam.asia/abovephuket.com 40 PHUKET GAZETTE January 19 - 25, 2013 Facebook and mental health

WE, AS people living in today’s world loaded sion and other psychological disorders, with information and technology, face a as well as making them more susceptible serious challenge from the use of informa- to future health problems. tion technology (IT) at work and in every- Facebook can be distracting and can day life. It is normally assumed to have a negatively impact learning. Studies found beneficial role in people’s lives. that middle school, high school and A researcher has recently warned that college students who checked Facebook instead, children’s overuse of social media at least once during a 15-minute study could affect their physical and mental health. period achieved lower grades. In a recent interview with Thai media, “Thai children aged eight to 18 spend Amornwich Nakhonthap, adviser to the about eight hours daily watching televi- Ramajitti Institute and research chief at the sion, using cellphones or playing on the Child Watch Project, cited a presentation computer, although experts say children, by Larry D Rosen, PhD, professor of especially those in primary school, should psychology at California State University. spend no more than two hours per day At the annual convention of the on any of these activities,” Amornwich American Psychological Association (APA), said, adding that Thailand had not paid Rosen warned that frequent overuse of enough attention to the problem. social media could And, since a lack cause mental illnesses of life skills could lead in young people – ‘Thai children aged eight to 18 to bigger problems for example bipolar spend about eight hours daily watch- when they grow up, disorder, which was ing television, using cellphones or he urged relevant an alternate emotional agencies to take state between mania playing on the computer, although serious action on and depression, a experts say children, especially such vulnerable symptom related to issues. “For years, delusions and halluci- those in primary school, should we’ve heard that Thai nations. spend no more than two hours per children lack life skills, Rosen’s study but agencies have not showed that frequent day on any of these activities.’ coped with this prob- Facebook use among lem seriously,” he said. teens correlates only with narcissism – but According to a survey by his Child Watch for young adults, it can indicate signs of Project, the life skills they lack include many disorders, including narcissism, being wise consumers who read food antisocial personality disorder, bipolar labels before buying or eating; knowing how disorder and borderline personality disorder. to prevent sexually transmitted diseases; Rosen told the convention that teens concern for their own safety by always ALONE IN A CROWD: Over-use of technology can lead to antisocial behavior. Photo: Rich Moore who are more frequent Facebook users wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle; raised by their parents. ticking time-bomb, becoming bad adults often show more narcissistic tendencies, and being able to control their temper. Thailand has around 7 million families and causing bigger problems to society. while young adults who have a strong “This shows us that our families, where children are cared for by a single It is necessary that schools and commu- Facebook presence show more signs of communities and schools are failing to parent and grandparents, which leads to nities pay attention to them and inspire or other psychological disorders, including foster such important awareness in our many childhood problems. Risky and motivate them to study to prevent them antisocial behavior, mania and aggressive children,” said Amornwich. unwanted behavior includes drinking, from becoming risk factors. tendencies. The project’s survey also found that smoking, drug addiction, unwanted “Our project will push forward a The professor also found that daily students with low performance have been pregnancy, gambling, fighting and bullying. campaign encouraging stakeholders to overuse of media and technology has a found to have low self-esteem, leading to “Teachers should not ignore students seriously address such problems. I will negative effect on the health of all chil- risky behavior; and children who are not with low academic achievements – or also propose the government to make the dren, preteens and teenagers, by causing living with their parents are more prone to what we call students at the back of the family its national agenda,” added them to be more prone to anxiety, depres- risky, undesirable behavior than those classroom – otherwise they will be like a Amornwich. – The Nation AEC may increase illness THAILAND will diphtheria is weakest be at risk from in people aged between breakouts of sev- 20 and 50 years old,” eral infectious according to Dr Opart diseases, particu- Karnkawinpong, head larly diphtheria, of the department’s when it enters the Bureau of General ASEAN Economic Communicable Community Diseases. (AEC), an expert Prasert said the in disease control Public Health Ministry warned recently. was now considering When it launches whether to give the in 2015, the AEC diphtheria vaccine to will allow free flow Thais aged 20 years of labor across all and above. ASEAN countries “Vaccinations may including Thailand. be given to medical Renowned workers first,” he More travel may increase infections. Photo: Michael Hashizume virologist Dr added. Prasert Thongcharoen said yester- According to the Disease Other diseases to be on the day that diptheria had disappeared Control Department, 62 people lookout for during the advent of from Thailand for nearly 20 years, caught diphtheria last year, with the AEC, says Dr Prasert, are but breakouts had been detected six deaths as a result. Thais are whooping cough, mumps, polio, recently in many Thai provinces vaccinated against the disease as rubella, measles and Meningo- because of high numbers of babies, but the immunity only coccal disease. These illnesses people traveling to and from neigh- lasts 20 years. are most likely to affect children boring countries. “The immunity level against and the elderly. – The Nation January 19 - 25, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 41

Food, games, music and fun, and all for charity By Baz Daniel musical concert will kick off with addition to great fun, food and en- terrific local and international tertainment all this is being done to ON SATURDAY January 26 bands. The night is headlined by raise funds for some of the Royal Phuket Marina (RPM) will Australian blues band Vdelli who Andaman’s most important kids’ be thronged with an extravaganza have toured with BB King, Buddy charities, orphanages and institu- of fabulous food, fun and games Guy and ZZ Top and who are tions. The funds raised will be for the kids and then later in the visiting Phuket for the first time. distributed in the most transparent evening, superb music from The They will be supported in explosive and openly-publicized way by a Legends of Siam, Moderndog style by alternative Thai band committee comprised of the and the internationally famous Moderndog plus local bands Governor and Vice Governor of bluesmen from Australia Vdelli. Rockin’ Angels and Phuket’s teen- Phuket Province, plus representa- As if all this wasn’t enough to age sensations The Legends of Siam. tives from the Ministry of Tourism make this one of Phuket’s most More gourmet food from the and Sports Authority of Thailand, a exciting, “must go” events ever, the assembled chefs will accompany top local legal firm and ten General whole day is being staged by Jagota the music far into the evening and Managers from Jagota, participat- Foods, RPM and sponsored by the this section of the event will cost ing Hotels plus the Executive Chefs. TAT, Channel 3 and the Phuket 900 baht each, including one free The organizers of this magnifi- Gazette to raise valuable funds for drink, or 3,000 baht for VIP tickets cent event are very concerned that the Andaman region’s less fortunate which includes all food and drink. everyone knows very clearly how kids. What more could you want The cuisine will be a standout much has been raised and how the TOO MANY CHEFS: Food will be prepared by Phuket’s most talented chefs. than to have the greatest day out part of this fabulous day, with a funds are distributed in order to and all for a good cause? It’s the wide selection of fresh oysters, do give best possible help to the ultimate win-win-win situation. cold cuts and cheese, BBQ, a disadvantaged kids of our region. Starting at 10:30am through selection of Thai dishes, hot Hence, the Phuket Gazette will until 5pm, the Family and Gourmet dogs, sausages, Lady Pie pies, publicize the total funds raised and Food Festival will take over the kebabs and wraps and desserts the charities to which they are gorgeous “Boardwalk” at RPM, of bakery and crepes, ice cream being distributed on Friday which surrounds the yacht basin in and candy cup cakes. All this will February 16 and all distributions which million dollar luxury craft are be prepared and served by many and accounting will be handled by moored. Parents and kids will have of Phuket’s top chefs who will a highly placed independent local a whale of a time with fun-packed be on hand throughout the event. accountancy firm. kids’ rides, games, activities and a The kids are going to have a wild This event for everyone is most huge selection of fabulous food sta- time with an exhilarating selection definitely not to be missed! tions all prepared by Phuket’s best of rides and games including the Tickets can be reserved at chefs. Children from orphanages dynamic Euro Bungee Jump, High 082-790 5141, 083-182 8460 will also be picked up and brought Sheep Climbing, Hand Spin Boats, (English speaking) and 076-273 in to enjoy this wonderful day, Giant Rolling Waterballs, Little Girls’ 555 (Thai Speaking) and will also while two well known Phuketians Falls Foam plus wandering clowns, be on sale at the gate. – the famous Birdman with the face painting, jugglers and heaps This event is proudly spon- Flying Suit, Jari Kuosma, and world more to keep even the most sored by the Phuket Gazette, renowned stuntman Ian Jamieson energetic kids entertained all day. PGTV and the nationally televised will be on hand to greet visitors. The day will undoubtedly be one Phuket Today show on UBC/ The admission fee is 100 baht for of the fabulous events in the Phuket True Visions. The half-hour show adults with which you receive 100 calendar whatever your age and runs six times a day, seven days baht worth of redeemable vouch- whether you come just during the a week, on channel 99. ers and all the kids get in for free. day, or turn up for the bands in the Starting at 6pm and running late evening….or stay all throughout the For more information please visit: STUNTMEN: High-flying daredevils will be at the extravaganza. From into the evening a hot rocking day and long into the evening. In thailandcharityevent.com left: Ian Jamieson, Jari Kuosma and organizer George Des.

WORTHY CAUSE: Representatives of the assembled charities meet with organizers Anand Jagota (fourth from left) and George Des (far right). Photos: Marc Mulloy 42 PHUKET GAZETTE January 19 - 25, 2013 The houseguest from Hell Living on this tropical paradise island, as many of us do, we often have to suffer the affliction known as “house guests”. Although many of these guests can be totally charming, here is a cautionary tale about one who is not.

FREELOADER: Everyone has had that guest who just can’t take the hint to go home. Photo: Travis Hornung By Baz Daniel ladyboys trying to avoid it. “That’s enough sitting around... The lovely Honey, who as far let’s hit some bars.” MY so-called “friend” McHound as I am able to discern has He staggers off up Bangla is still here! forgotten to put on any outer Road with Honey and me in his I’ve tried every way I know to garments and is clad only in her wake and leads us through get rid of the mooch, but he has red and black underwear, is the a Fellini-esque sequence of a skin thicker than a rhino’s and first to crack. increasingly degenerate watering the ability to ignore hints to “Honey’s hungry ‘Hound… holes along sois Eric, Gonzo, “shove off” that would put Russell need some ‘nooden’,” she offers Crocodile and Tiger in which, This guy looks the way McHound acts. Photo: Llima Orosa Brand to shame. up as an opening gambit. strangely enough, he seems to be out of the inferno, my hand I always said the man was a So, we were sitting in a bar The ‘Hound scowls and calls well-known and greeted with attempting to cover her eyes, my sexual dinosaur… and now I on Rawai Beach at about beer over a damp waiter. “Bring us open arms and bottles by an last glimpse is of McHound have the proof! o’clock on a Friday evening three bowls of noodles, a red endless array of terrifying having a slow dance with a watching the soft lightning snapper fried with garlic and demimondaines, at least half of Tyrannosaurus Rex and attempt- With grateful thanks to my friend Alan, dance within the rapidly- pepper and a bottle of Johnnie whom are men. ing to thrust his tongue down his/ who provided the original prototype approaching storm clouds Walker Black,” barks the Hound At God knows what hour, he her/its scaly throat. for McHound. across Phang Nga Bay. in a tone that suggests that he decides it’s time to put in an “What day is it?” says the doesn’t agree with ordering so appearance at an infamous ‘Hound, lifting his bleary Patong Disco... a venue that head from the bar, a beer mat ‘Strange, that the louder and resembles a cross Accidental bonding stuck to his cheek, while between Dante’s Inferno taking an enormous swig of more obnoxious my male and Hunter S Thompson’s his ‘voddie’. friends are in the bar, the Fear and Loathing in Las “You know very well that Vegas. it’s Friday because you’re less able they seem to be I have to rub my eyes to supposed to be meeting that to conduct normal human make sure I am not halluci- little honey…. ‘Honey’… discourse away from it.’ nating as we stagger into and taking her out for a pizza. the darkened maelstrom to She’s waiting for you right be confronted by a scene now and I suggest you get over much food to interfere with the that brings to mind that painting there quick smart if you know ongoing consumption of booze. of The Last Judgment by what’s good for you.” The requested bottle of whisky Hieronymus Bosch. “Look, I can’t do this alone. I is unquestionably excessive in In the center of the neon-lit need moral support. Come with light of the fact that we’ve been dance floor, a clutch of Jurassic AWESTRUCK: Some accidents were meant to be. Photo:G Dub me and I’ll spring for a tuk-tuk drinking all day… hell, we’ve Park raptors are moving in slow A WOMAN and man get into a car accident. Both of their to take us all over to Patong and been drinking all week in fact. unison, their frilled necks and cars are totally demolished, but amazingly neither one of we’ll have dinner at that Savoey Me, because it’s the only way I scaly tales lashing in time to the them is hurt. Seafood place near Bangla Road.” can endure the ‘Hound’s continu- endless pulse of Acid House. After they crawl out of the wreckage, the woman says, Strange, that the louder and ing diatribes and McHound There seems to be no rational “Wow, look at our cars – there’s nothing left! This must be more obnoxious my male friends because... well... because drink- explanation for this, until some- a sign from Him that we should be friends and not try to are in the bar, the less able they ing is what he does. one explains that it’s the weekend pin the blame on each other.” seem to be to conduct normal Honey sets about the snapper of the Phuket Rugby Tens com- The man replies, “Oh yes, I agree with you completely.” human discourse away from it. and her plate of noodles with aban- petition and the assembled The woman points to a bottle on the ground and says, And of course, McHound don, while I nurse a cold beer and Cretaceous-era reptiles are in fact “Somehow this bottle of Scotch from my back seat didn’t possesses all sorts of advanced de- watch the Hound attack the JW the Bloemfontein ‘Old Buggers’ break. Surely God wants us to drink this Scotch and grees in being loud and obnoxious with the ferocity of a man just Rugby Team in party regalia. celebrate our good fortune.” in bars. released from a detox center. McHound’s reaction is alarm- She hands the bottle to the man. The man nods his head An hour later the three of At around midnight the JW is ing, although (having known the in agreement, opens it, and chugs about a third of the bottle us are encamped under the gone, ‘Hound is ranting about man for almost forty years) to calm his nerves. The woman takes the bottle, immedi- Savoey’s awning near the Beach wasting money on snapper and entirely predictable. He makes a ately puts the cap back on, and hands it back to the man. Road watching the monsoonal other denizens of the deep and bee-line for the group of The man asks, “Aren’t you having any?” rains batter the sidewalk, and the Honey is asleep, her head resting dinosaurs and starts bopping The woman replies, “No. I think I’ll just wait for the passing parade of drunken foot- upon my knee. with them in gay abandon. police.” ball hooligans and tattooed “Right,” says McHound, As I lead the delectable Honey January 19 - 25, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 43

Vital Signs

OUT OF THE OFFICE: I guess that’s the problem with being too passive. Photos (above and left): Bob Mott

YOUR TURN: This may be Phuket’s safest toilet, but how do you get out? A SIGHT FOR SORE EYES: Gosh, that’s almost 52 per cent. Photo: Marc Mulloy 44 PHUKET GAZETTE January 19 - 25, 2013 From weird to wondrous

MAJESTIC: Tamarinds are dissappearing in the Kingdom. Photo: additya sood Impressive foxtail palms line roadsides in Phuket, but we need more mature trees. Photo: George Hatcher NOBODY rattles on about the red foliage. Imagine a line of these weather with as much relish as giants flanking a tropical highway. the British. But in 2012, only one At the end of the day however, word was needed – weird. The the responsibility for providing year, rated the second wettest oases of greenery and havens for since the advent of records, directly attributable to mans’ wildlife – especially birds, butter- began as it started. inhumanity towards Mother flies and bees – lies with the The Christmas skies in London, Nature, has now accelerated humble gardener. traditionally one of the drier spots wildly, especially in Phuket. A few Consider this example. A friend in the UK, were permanently grey, stately sator trees and Indian has a roof garden. Happily there and early risers were greeted laurels still grace the roadsides. are more and more of them as every morning by incessant, driz- There are isolated specimens space at ground level is eaten up. zling rain. There were flood alerts of dipterocarpus, one of But this is a wondrous example, everywhere. Not as cataclysmic Thailand’s tallest trees, though it not just because it is beautifully as Thailand’s recent tropical inun- is less in evidence here than in maintained, with an array of dations, but more than enough to the North of the Kingdom. Tropi- shrubs and climbers, but because dampen the spirits. The nation’s cal almond trees with their it is home to maybe thirty pairs of manicured lawns are, at this beautiful red foliage, still thrive nesting birds – sun birds, spider moment, more moss than grass, near the island’s beaches. hunters, bulbuls. the trunks of trees are green with But tamarinds, despite their No predators, no floods, no lichen. Even winter shrubs, attuned commercial value, have suffered disease. And the human contribu- to low levels of light, are unable to from the march of concrete, and tion is entirely benevolent. flower in such gloom. There are real I have lost count of the number A blueprint, perhaps a green- fears for the insect population and of trees, especially mangoes, print for the future of Phuket? especially those key pollinators – that have been chopped back butterflies and bees. ruthlessly by the apparent need If you have a question or a garden To add to these dire prognosti- to keep sagging power lines that you would like featured, cations, Britain has the equivalent visible. Road-widening schemes you can email me anytime at: of Thailand’s palm tree wipe-out. are another hazard: In Phang Nga [email protected] Roof gardens can provide much needed green space. Photo: Michael Henley Not palms in this case but the ash, a few years ago, hundreds of a tree much lauded by poets. When huge and venerable trees were I was young, its jet black buds sacrificed to progress. were brought home, an attractive Perhaps that is what stops Tip of the Week harbinger of spring. A hospitable authorities from planting grand colonies and make their nests tree, other plants seem to enjoy trees. Certainly there have been Garden Pests: underground. Hence their depre- growing around it. municipal plantings, especially of Termites dations are rapid and often unseen Now the ash is headed for palms to line roadsides or median until it is too late. extinction. The culprit is ash-die- strips. In some cases, especially TERMITES are small, social, Pre-treat timber with oil-based back, caused not by a beetle and where foxtail palms have been ant-like insects, usually whitish in preservatives, avoid putting wood its grubs’ appetite for young palm used, the results are impressive. color, related to the cockroach. directly into the soil, and use shoots, but by a fungal infection, But it does seem a pity that majes- More of a problem in homes with Termites. Photo: Malcolm Tattersall resistant timber such as syncarpia brought in from . Years ago, tic trees are rarely introduced into timbers, where they can cause (turpentine tree) or teak Eucalyp- our elms caught Dutch elm disease; urban landscapes. Take the sentol massive structural damage, stakes for supporting plants, even tus wood. Though oily, it won’t now it is the turn of the ash. or krathon. A fast growing and termites are nonetheless a tool handles. last long; two of my trellises were Chances are the tree will virtually shapely tree, grown here mainly for problem in the garden or Why? Because they feed on cel- destroyed in less than a year. As vanish from Western Europe. its delicious edible fruits, the wherever you have anything lulose, the main ingredient in dead detritivores, termites are valuable Here in Thailand, mature trees sandoricum can reach 150 feet. made of wood: for example, a organic material, especially wood. recyclers. No consolation when have been disappearing for Massive. The red variety is espe- trellis, a summer house (sala), They live in huge, concealed you’ve suffered an infestation. generations, but the process, cially eye-catching, with attractive January 19 - 25, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 45

of the narrator’s bar mitzvah in pre-war admitted to work as a foreign agent of the are meticulously detailed. Riga was a CIA. We learned that he had been hung in cosmopolitan city of Latvians, Russian, the beginning of 1945, with the benedic- Germans and Jews, each with their own tion of his friend, Goebbels.” social and sporting clubs. This introduc- This is an impressive achievement since tory section plays to Dr Chabrier’s strengths the CIA was not founded until 1947. The of academic research and legwork. details of the camps are familiar: the three- George Schwabe’s parents are journal- tiered bunks, three to a bed, the sadistic ists. While he is raised in his mother’s kapos or barracks chiefs, often long-term Jewish religion, his father is a German hardened criminals, the meager meals of gentile, a family friend of Joseph Goebbels, soup and bread, the endless roll calls and the Nazi propaganda chief. The second casual beatings – all presided over by the section veers into Germany and is deter- black-uniformed SS. mined to demonstrate in plodding academic “I was amazed how many of the prose for 45 interminable pages that Adolf inmates, yes, the Jewish inmates, really aped Hitler was a very bad man. I the SS,” Schwabe observes. think we all know that. Again, “The Jewish men in my the descriptions of Nazi barracks did everything and rallies and the celebrations anything they could to around the 1936 Olympic become a carbon copy of the Games in are lavish SS. They not only adopted The rest of the story the same goals, values and FORGOTTEN: Around 70,000 Latvian Jews died during the Holocaust. Photo: Rob Smith follows a familiar downward attitudes, but even tried to arc as the Nazis take over look like them. . . I was . George Schwabe is sickened and alarmed to learn thirteen at the time. Shops and to what extent my fellow synagogues are destroyed. barracks mates had been Hell in Latvia Jews are forced to wear brainwashed and manipu- yellow stars and herded into lated by those odious DR GWENDOLYN The book purports ghettos. Then they are Germans.” Chabrier’s novel Behind to be a conversation shipped off to concentration On the last day of the the Barbed Wire (Orchid between Mr George camps. Schwabe and his war, Schwabe is aboard a Press, Hong Kong, 2011, Schwabe, a Latvian Holo- family are first housed in the sinking prison barge as 203pp) is about the caust survivor, and his Kaiserwald labor camp and Jews are tossed into the Holocaust. It is not true to say that book- shrink. The narrative is adorned with foot- then the Stutthop extermination camp. ocean by German overseers and Polish shelves groan under the weight of books notes and a seven-page bibliography dedicated Schwabe has a mother, a brother, a sister and Ukrainian convicts. His liberation is written about the Holocaust – whole librar- to the 70,000 Latvian Jews who lost their and a girlfriend. Who will die and who will confined to a single sentence: “Those ies do. Amazon lists more than 5,000 titles lives in the Holocaust. The book does not read survive? The deaths are recorded mechani- happy few who were spared, myself on the subject. In comparison, the many as a work of fiction. There is almost no cally, with a curious lack of emotion. among them, were saved by a nearby more millions of Russians and Chinese characterization, no dialogue, no drama, no The father, meanwhile, has been British ship and taken to Stettin.” who were killed by Stalin and Mao have humor – just page-long paragraphs of wordy repatriated to Germany. “Initially, he was Again, no drama, no emotion – a clas- passed away in relative silence. One nice exposition that lumber on endlessly. The prose arrested by the Germans, who suspected sic example of anemic prose: telling and thing about Behind the Barbed Wire is that is fussy, formal and dull. him of spying against them, but was finally not showing. it doesn’t lend much weight, only 203 One thing that Dr Chabeir is very good released,” Schwabe reports. “Then, after The 70,000 Latvian dead may deserve a pages, to the overload. at is description. The food and furnishings his second arrest, under torture, father worthy memorial, but it is not this book. An evening with Mr Zubin Metha HE MADE many heads turn in 1981 when, Zubin Mehta did not know what to make as the conductor-for-life of the Israel of the idea or what to expect. It had never Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO), Zubin been done before, and it could be said that Mehta announced that he would play an the performers were up against all odds, excerpt of Richard Wagner’s “Tristan und acoustically and otherwise. Isolde” as an encore piece at the end of a But Mehta, who has played outdoor subscription concert. The music of Wagner, concerts elsewhere, did not disappoint. His a German composer, had been banned in choice of compositions – that by now he Israel since in 1948. Despite passing away and his musicians have played a thousand half a century before Adolf Hitler and the times – was able to make the audience Nazis took control of Germany, Wagner has forget about the surrounding traffic noise been perceived, even today, as greatly and the hum of giant air-conditioner influencing that regime. It was well known compressors that kept the temperature that he was Hitler’s favorite composer. pleasantly cool in the small enclave where Before playing Wagner, Maestro Zubin the music was performed. Mehta – a much heralded and appreciated This was not the first performance by conductor in Israel, as he had braved Mehta and the IPO in Thailand. He and his bullets and bombing to perform in the coun- musicians came to play in Bangkok for the Above: Pramane or Sanam Luang grounds, Below: Jewish conductor Zubin Metha. Photos: try over the years – made a short speech to first time in 2008, at the Thailand Cultural Martha de Jong Lantink and Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. the audience. He spoke of Israel as a Centre. At that time he had to change the democracy, in which all music should be programme of music due to certain played. He added that if anyone was constraints of the hall, which was built as a offended by the performance, they could gift from Japan to Thailand. It was meant leave the auditorium. Some of his orches- primarily as a venue for events for school- tra members did, as did some older members children. The physical configuration of the of the audience. The performance was hall and the seats were not meant for adult halted only when a Holocaust survivor music, and did not lend themselves well to jumped onto the stage and opened his shirt the intricate and delicate sounds of a and showed a scar on his stomach inflicted classical music orchestra. in a Nazi concentration camp. The audience was overjoyed to see Her Outdoor symphony performances are Royal Highness in public for the first time not new in the West, but in Thailand? Paris since her release from hospital. Mehta is known as the “city of light”, but Bangkok passed his baton to her as he asked for her really should be called “the city of noise”. autograph on the playbill. It was a simple And to play at the Pramane Ground or act of mutual appreciation and respect. And Sanam Luang with cacophanous traffic on over the hazy Bangkok sky, Jupiter all sides? Many people invited to the managed to shine brightly through. performance of the IPO under the baton of – The Nation 46 PHUKET GAZETTE January 19 - 25, 2013

SUDOKU: Each row, column and 3x3 sub-grid must contain the number 1-9 once only. © Kevin Stone (brainbashers.com) 21. Turn to right, run at moderate pace (4) 24. Check remaining wet weather (8) 26. Clever traders take note of renewed tires (8) Across: 28. Signs skin carefully (4) 9. Squeezing out is our next 29. Can be unusual, nothing in move (9) signal (6) 10. Aquarium fish go new four 31. Take notice until the end Down: 11. Nowadays turn overdue praise crop run riot (8) sided shape (8) our heat is under revision (4,3) 1. Restless fever lot of in excess (7) 31. Be boss of pain from 12. Poet may be moved to drink 34. Topic, possible weight in remainder (4,4) 16. Con fashionable friend (6) migraine, for example (8) to excess (4) graph depicted by drawings (9) 2. Good man, pour out in a daze (6) 19. Grand smell from inhabitant 32. Render it crazy, more 13. Spare strange East Indian (6) 36. Next to the circuit, follow 3. Action it as laid out in official of Mediteranean country (5) fashionable (8) 14. North, a thousand twice team (9) commendation (8) 20. Forbid graduate Nationalist (3) 33. Extent of care of Military changing red in Phuket hills (7) 38. Destroy paper at barrier (7) 4. Noun is mis-spelt in 22. Or aid adaptation to wireless (5) Police donkey (7) 15. I’m on liver transplant, thus 39. May be afar at holy agreement (6) 23. Packer arranged to parcel up 35. Possibly crave right sort of orange colored (9) mountain (6) 5. Highlighted the desserts coming again (6) chair (6) 17. Excellent dish, an American 40. Grand youth delighted (4) up (8) 25. Bear out allocation in departure 36. Trails the lines (6) football game! (5,4) 41. Jewel, maybe get some 6. Rise, indicate opinion (10) from the norm (10) 37. Carefully lays in inserted 18. Set of rules about soldier around the North (8) 7. Financial supporters in 26. Break urn, leg it (3) pieces (6) men (7) 42. Ha! Keep yon higgledy- reverse? (7) 27. I lie, pop out to see the fuel 20. Thick! Needle person, piggledy Muslim settlement in 8. Old Boy turns, changes role in supply line (3,4) Cryptic crossword compiled by ancestral stock (6) Phang Nga Bay (3,6) dance (6) 30. Noted similarity that made Patong Bill. Answers on page 31.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21-Feb 19): would be a stale weekend, but those VIRGO (Aug 23-Sept 23): chance is not recommended. Your suspicions that a with a partner could be put in an Virgoans will be tempted Where personal relationships are situation has been awkward situation. Finances are to retreat into the shadows concerned, another water sign will brewing at work are auspicious midweek – if you are in during the coming days appreciate knowing they can count confirmed this week. The stars the position of selling something, you and the stars advise that this is a on you this weekend. Focus on advise waiting for more facts to should not accept the first offer. good thing. Your need for solitude finances can reveal that you have emerge before reacting. Where Dazzling days for romance are might not be understood by been spending more than necessary money is concerned, your intuition Wednesday and Thursday. everyone – a fire sign romantic on essential items. is strong during the second half of CANCER (June 22-July 23): partner won’t appreciate being let January and investments made TAURUS (April 21-May 21): Cancerians are advised down this weekend. Money SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23-Dec 21): before the end of the month should Looking at the bigger to take an honest look at matters are well starred during the After a trying start to the be successful. Those with a picture can help those personal relationships second half of January and there New Year, the outlook birthday during the coming days will born under the sign of during the second half of January. are signs you will end the month becomes brighter for see romance from a more practical Taurus to see more clearly where There are hints that you have been better off than anticipated. Sagittarians. Those who have been perspective in the year ahead. they are heading. A fire sign friend taking too much for granted and caught up in an emotionally charged has the right ideas where a work it would be wise to develop more LIBRA (Sept 24-Oct 23): situation relating to close friends or PISCES (Feb 20-March 20): dilemma is concerned, but advice sensitivity. The spotlight shines The stars indicate that family will find the right moment to An edgy mood at the from a water sign could confuse on your domestic situation, with many Librans will be back away with dignity. Where start of the week could your situation even more. Your signs that relocation will become making serious choices work is concerned, your ability to mean that Pisceans say romantic outlook is strong during a valid option before too long. before the end of January. Infor- stay on the ball while others are the wrong thing at a sensitive the second half of January – this Events this weekend can show mation received this week should distracted ensures that problems are moment. The stars advise commu- is an auspicious time to make the that a fire sign has what it takes make it easier to decide what to do, solved before they get out of hand. nicating with caution, particularly first move. to spark your interest. but there are signs that something where working relationships are you learn from a water sign can be CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 20): concerned. The astral atmosphere GEMINI (May 22-June 21): LEO (July 24-Aug 22): misleading. A family member’s idea Your diplomatic skills can supports your aim of a more The balance of power at The stars suggest that of fun this weekend probably won’t be called upon this week. serious approach to personal work is set to change this this may be a week of match yours, but showing willing The stars suggest that it finances; this is an auspicious time week and this should confusion for those born is the easiest way out. Lucky days might be necessary to pour oil on to seek professional advice. mean easier times for those born under the sign of Leo. Where for love are Sunday and Monday. troubled waters at work and Romance with an air sign can be under the sign of Gemini. However, work is concerned, an earth sign Capricorns will know exactly how rocked when a secret spills out. the stars advise that an earth sign you thought could be counted on SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 22): and when to do this. Vague could be hard to convince. is likely to show that their loyalty Your energy stays strong suggestions of promotion can ARIES (March 21-April 20): Tuesday is the most favorable day lies elsewhere. In the realm of during the second half of become reality if you display enough The social scene is exciting for persuading people to come romance, mixed signals could bring January, but the stars motivation. Those who have been for Arians this week, with round to your way of thinking. In embarrassment this weekend. Leos show that Scorpios should avoid hoping for romance with a fire sign focus on old friends the realm of romance, a water are advised to keep their cool until being sidetracked. A work-related should see positive developments turning up unexpectedly. An air sign sign’s gesture could leave you lost the end of this month when the issue will demand concentration this weekend. Fortunate days for can spice up what you thought for words this weekend. astral atmosphere calms down. this week – leaving anything to finances are Monday and Tuesday. January 19 - 25, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 47 Armstrong may face jail

By Julian Linden Anti-Doping Agency report last taxpayer money he earned during year described him as the ringmas- his career and might be willing to LANCE Armstrong could be jailed ter of the “most sophisticated, testify against others involved in and cycling could be dropped from professionalized and successful illegal doping. the Olympics as a result of the doping program that sport has That could open up the possibil- disgraced American athlete’s ever seen.” ity of a reduction in his lifetime ban reported admission that he had But he had always denied the but only if he owned up to the World used performance-enhancing accusations made against him, Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). drugs during his racing career. which involved anabolic steroids, “Only when Mr Armstrong USA Today and other media said human growth hormone, blood makes a full confession under oath on Monday that Armstrong transfusions and other doping. – and tells the anti-doping authori- confessed to doping in an inter- Andrew Stoltmann, a Chicago ties all he knows about doping view with Oprah Winfrey aired attorney, said an admission that he activities – can any legal and January 17. The talk show host lied and cheated his way to the top proper process for him to seek any confirmed the reports on Tuesday could have serious legal implica- reopening or reconsideration of his in an appearance on the CBS This PRIME TIME: Lance Armstrong is interviewed by Oprah. Photo: Reuters tions for Armstrong. lifetime ban commence,” WADA Morning show. agreed to the interview with tant questions and the answers that “Having previously testified Director General David Howman “I’m sitting here now because Winfrey, it was widely expected people around the world have been under oath and denying the said in a statement. it’s already been confirmed,” that the 41-year-old cancer survi- waiting to hear were answered.” doping allegations, Armstrong’s Cycling, one of the showcase Winfrey, who interviewed the vor would make some sort of If a damning confession admissions would make perjury or sports at the Olympics, also could Texan for more than two hours confession but even Winfrey was emerges, Armstrong faces the obstruction of justice charges a possibly be kicked out of the Games on Monday in a hotel in Austin, surprised by what he said. prospect of jail time, according relatively easy charge for pros- if the sport’s officials are implicated, Texas, told CBS. “He did not come clean in the to at least one lawyer, and the ecutors,” Stoltmann said. International Olympic Committee It will not come as a great manner that I expected,” she return of millions of dollars in re- “His past sponsors, including (IOC) member Dick Pound told surprise that Armstrong admitted said, without elaborating on the payments for lying about his Nike, Anheuser-Busch and even Reuters. he cheated his way to the top. The specifics. alleged use of performance en- smaller brands like FRS and “The only way it is going to mountain of evidence against him “For myself, my team, all of us hancing drugs during his career. Honey Stinger, could potentially clean up is if all these people say was already overwhelming and the in the room, we were mesmerized Armstrong had already been sue him for brand damages asso- ‘hey, we’re no longer in the pressure to confess was building. and riveted by some of his answers. banned for life and stripped of his ciated with his admission.” Olympics and that’s where we From the moment it was “I didn’t get all the questions race wins, including seven Tour CBS reported Armstrong was want to be, so let’s earn our way announced last week that he had asked, but I think the most impor- de France victories, after a US in talks about repaying part of the back into it.’” – Reuters European football roundup ANOTHER goal from the prolific up without knowing much about a free kick, which was deflected Olympique Marseille are third on Lionel Messi helped Barcelona to it then substitute Daniel Sturridge in by Jonathan Biabiany but Nicola 38 after their four-game winning a 3-1 victory over Malaga in La gave Liverpool a lifeline and nearly Sansone kept Parma’s unbeaten run in all competitions ended with a Liga as the leaders ended the first snatched an undeserved draw. home record intact with a 77th 3-1 defeat at 17th-placed Sochaux. half of the season with a record Second-placed City minute equalizer. Girondins Bordeaux moved up to points haul. won 2-0 at Arsenal, their first Lazio took advantage of the fourth with a 2-0 win at Stade Robin van Persie was on target league win there since 1975, thanks result by beating Atlanta 2-0 with a Rennes, who fell to sixth. Both as Premier League table-toppers to Laurent Koscielny’s 10th-minute controversial second-half goal from clubs are on 32 points, along with Manchester United got the better red card and goals from James Sergio Floccari, who appeared to Nice who were inspired by striker of Liverpool but Juventus’s lead Milner and Edin Dzeko. control the ball with his hand, and Dario Cvitanich’s brace in their 5-0 in Serie A was cut once again City captain Vincent Kompany an own goal by Davide Brivio. home hammering of Valenciennes. after they were held 1-1 at Parma. was also harshly dismissed in the Napoli stayed two points behind Benfica and Porto scored twice Unbeaten leaders Barcelona second half. Lazio in third with a 3-0 win over each in a goal-filled opening 20 ended the first half of the season Chelsea are third after a 4-0 Palermo while Cagliari’s 2-1 win minutes of a match that ended 2- with a record 55 of a possible 57 triumph at Stoke City’s usual for- at home to Genoa lifted them out 2 at the Luz stadium to keep the points when Messi scored one tress after two Jon Walters own of the relegation zone. Portuguese Premier League title goal and had a hand in two more goals while fourth-placed Olympique Lyon reclaimed the chase wide open. in a 3-1 win at Malaga on Sunday. Tottenham Hotspur drew 0-0 at Ligue 1 top spot with a 2-1 win at The Lisbon club lead the table An 18th victory in 19 games for former boss Harry Redknapp’s struggling Troyes thanks to center with 36 points from 14 matches, Tito Vilanova’s side restored their bottom side Queens Park Rangers. back Samuel Umtiti’s first league goal. three ahead of Porto who have a 11-point lead over second-placed Juventus, eight points clear at the Lyon are on 41 points from 20 game in hand. Atletico Madrid, who earlier se- top of Serie A before Christmas, had games, two ahead of Paris St Third-placed Braga missed the cured a 10th win in 10 home their lead cut to three by Lazio after Germain who could only manage opportunity to close in on the matches this term with a 2-0 they were held 1-1 at Parma. a 0-0 home draw against lowly pace-setters, losing 3-2 at success against Real Zaragoza. Andrea Pirlo put Juventus Ajaccio after Thiago Motta was Nacional, and are 10 points behind Barca’s win also extended their ahead early in the second half with sent off on the stroke of half time. Benfica. – Reuters Tevez in action. Photo AFP advantage over arch rivals Real Madrid to 18 points after the stuttering champions, mired in third, were held to a 0-0 draw at bottom side Osasuna on Saturday. Messi’s goal was the World Player of the Year’s 28th in the league this season and the ninth straight game he has scored, a personal best and one short of the La Liga record last achieved in the 1996-97 season by former Barca striker Ronaldo. Manchester United maintained their seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League with a 2-1 home win over Liverpool where hotshot Van Persie opened the scoring before a nervous finish. Nemanja Vidic put United 2-0 48 PHUKET GAZETTE January 19 - 25, 2013 NFL: expecting the unexpected

By Mark Reynolds have been three if not for Flacco’s errant pass. The Ravens deserved AFTER a regular season filled with this win, whether you predicted it the unforeseen, I decided to expect or not. And I know you didn’t. the unexpected while watching the How about Atlanta allowing Division Playoffs and that’s exactly Rookie of the Year candidate, what I got. Predicting exactly how Russell Wilson, to lead his Seattle it would play out was not part of Justin Tucker, to split the uprights Seahawks to fight back from a the equation, foreseeing that I from 47 yards in double overtime 20-0 half time deficit and hold on would continue to bare witness to for the win) and simply had no to win, right? Wrong. the amazement of the NFL’s 2012 answer against the oldest starting Atlanta did not fall apart in the season was a guarantee. defense in the NFL. closing moments and captured their Baltimore beating the #1 seed Expected? Not really. first playoff win since 2004, with Denver Broncos, and Las Vegas’s Not after what Manning did dur- Matty “Ice” Ryan completing 9 point favorites, 38-35 on a 47 ing the regular season and not with passes to the ageless Tony Gonzalez yard field goal in double over time Joe Flacco and a Ravens offense to set up a Matt Bryant field goal (yeah, go ahead and try to tell me who only five weeks ago fired their with 0:08 seconds left. Yes, shock- your uncle in Oxford Maryland offensive coordinator. You want ingly, the Falcons held on to win predicted a Ravens win), was as- unpredictable? How about this: this battle of the birds 30-28. But tonishing. Denver’s All-Pro starting Denver stayed alive in this game you predicted that, right? quarterback Peyton Manning (who and forced overtime when 165cm Lets move on to San Francisco will also most likely pick up NFL Trinden Holliday returned a kick and discuss Alex Smith. You MVP and Come Back Player of the off and a punt each for a touch- remember him? The same start- Year awards) was, well you down in the same game. ing quarterback whose head guessed it, mediocre at best. Yup, never been done before, a coach, Jim Harbaugh, told him: This was foreseen. Manning new NFL record. How about Joe “No son, you won’t lose your job GROUND BREAKING: Kaepernick (red) rushed 181 yards. Photo: AFP has never been “great” in playoff Flacco? Surely you pegged him for for suffering a concussion.” Yes, four baht bet in Vegas picking Now New England can stay right games, he’s tied with Brett Favre 331 yards and three touchdowns you guessed it, he remained on the Kaepernick to perform as well as in Foxboro after this 41-28 victory, on 11 losses (9-11). He fumbled, without an interception? No? bench and the starter from week he did. You didnt? and wait for Sunday’s rematch of threw two interceptions (one a 39 Of course, you must have had 9, rookie Colin Kaepernick, was How about them Patriots? My last years AFC Championship with yard pick by the Ravens’ Corey Tory Smith beating All World under center. Here’s the part you friend thought I was crazy, but I had Ray Lewis and the Ravens. Yeah, Graham, the other in overtime set- Cornerback Champ Bailey, twice, did not predict correctly: Rob Gronkowski to re-break his arm you definitely predicted that. ting up Baltimore’s rookie kicker, for touchdowns, right? It would Kaepernick would go on to run on the 7th play of the game. In fact, So, lets look ahead. We’ve got wild like Roger Craig, picking up he called me nuts when I predicted the 49ers visiting Atlanta. Baltimore 181 yards rushing (two touch- Danny Woodhead would go down heading to New England. I’ll go on downs, including one for 56 yards after the first play of the game. He the record as saying this: Bill untouched) and pass the ball as laughed uncontrollably when I told Bellichick will lineup next to Vince well as, yup... heard it here first, him Shane Vareen, the third string Wilfork in the 4-3 and sack Tyrod Steve Young. running back on the depth chart Taylor twice. Ray Lewis will return The 49ers decimated the healthy would step in for both players and a punt for a touch down and shoot again Green Bay packers 45-31, score three touchdowns. The South himself in the foot while wrestling perfect spiral after perfect spiral Boston native told me to “jump in away a musket from the Minute beating the Packer defense. Michael my cah, go to the liquoh stohe and Men Militia. In the NFC I like At- Crabtree hauled in nine passes for buy anotheh beeh”. lanta honoring Joe Montana at half 119 yards and two touchdowns. Arguably, the worst defense re- time and the Falcons actually going Kaepernick finished the day with maining in the playoffs held All Pro to the Superbowl. Yes, the unex- 444 yards of total offense, four Arian Foster and the NFL’s # 8 pected is all we as fans can expect touchdowns and a tattoo that says rushing attack to a measly 91 from this years NFL season. This “I’m the Man”. The 49ers defense yards. The Swiss cheese New fan would not want it any other way. was stout. Aaron Rogers did double England secondary held the Hous- Any of this expected? Russell Wil- check after double check to find an ton passing attack to two garbage son, Coach of the Year Candidate open receiver and oh, that old run- time touchdown receptions. This Pete Carroll (my vote), the Seattle ning back that lost a step, Frank game was over by the end of the Seahawks defense, a team that beat Gore, punished the Packer defend- 3rd quarter. JJ Watt, candidate for the best all year (Packers, 49ers, ers and picked up 5.2 yards per the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Patriots, Bears) however, somehow carry, 119 total yards and a touch- Year had half a sack. He hit Tom lost a game they were favored to Trindon Holliday returns a kickoff 104 yards for a touchdown. Photo: AFP down. I won a zillion dollars on a Brady once. He deflected one pass. win, in Atlanta. New Ryder Cup captain named Nadal returns FRENCH tennis Open champion NEW Ryder Cup captain Paul “I would also like to have a Seve Europe’s most inspirational Rafael Nadal will make his long- McGinley plans to commemorate theme to what we are going to do. performers in the biennial team awaited comeback from injury at the late Seve Ballesteros and pay a One of the things I want to do as competition. next month’s Brazil Open, the special tribute to the ‘Home of Golf’ captain is continue the Seve legacy. The Spaniard compiled an im- Paul McGinley with the Ryder Cup. ATP confirmed last Tuesday. when he leads holders Europe “I don’t know how I’m going pressive 20-12-5 record as a player The former world number against the United States at to go about that yet. I’ll leave that and formed an outstanding part- McGinley led Britain and Ire- one has been sidelined with a Gleneagles next year. for discussions later but I will be nership with fellow countryman land to seven Trophy victories knee injury since last year’s “I can assure all of the people continuing that legacy,” said Jose Maria Olazabal. over Continental Europe in 2009 Wimbledon tournament. in Scotland that I’ll have very McGinley after being appointed the Ballesteros also played an indirect and 2011 and he said team golf It will be Nadal’s first appear- much a Scottish theme to what first Irish skipper in Ryder Cup role in McGinley’s appointment as had always brought out something ance on the tour in South America I’m going to do at Gleneagles,” the history on Tuesday. Olazabal’s successor as Ryder Cup extra in him. since 2005. 46-year-old Irishman told report- Ballesteros, who died in 2011 skipper as it was in his Seve “I certainly went to another The tournament is staged in- ers ahead of this week’s Abu Dhabi at the age of 54 after a long battle Trophy event that the Irishman first level when I played in team golf,” doors in Sao Paulo. Championship. with brain cancer, was one of cut his captaincy teeth. said the Irishman – Reuters January 19 - 25, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 49 Buakaw draws thousands to Patong fight

READY TO RUMBLE: Buakaw and Kathu Mayor Chaianan Sutthikul. Photos: Chaichana Keowkaow Buakaw vs Khaokanlek at the Patong Boxing Stadium. By Chaichana Keowkaow name Sombat Banchamek, but he also goes veteran fighter. coming back again,” he added. by his ring name Dam Dot Com. After the show, Buakaw greeted fans, Kathu Municiplaity Mayor Chaianan BUAKAW ‘Dam Dot Com’ performed an He is a two-times Thai Fight champion, signed autographs and took photos with those Sutthikul, who is also the owner of the artistic demonstration of ancient Muay two-times K1 World Max Champion and in attendance. Patong Boxing Stadium, said, “The stadium Thai against two opponents at once, at holds a professional record of 208 Wins (54 Buakaw, or Dam Dot Com said, “I am has been open for 10 years now and this the Patong Boxing Stadium on Monday (T)KOs), 21 Losses and 12 Draws. impressed to see so many Muay Thai fans, fight can be considered historic because January, 14, in front of thousands of Buakaw took on opponents Khun be they Thai or foreigners. Thank you all Buakaw was here to perform Muay Thai for cheering fans. Kaokanlek and Khun Paochee Khaovijit in a for the warm welcome you’ve given me,” the fans.” Buakaw’s demonstration began at mock fight after performing the ancient Wai “Phuket is a world class tourist attrac- “The fight was stunning even though it 10:45pm, after a number of opening fights Kru Ram Muay dance, a Nok Muay’s tion and has a lot of Muay Thai training was just a show, not a real fight with featuring local fighters. (fighter’s) salute to their teachers and camps, which support the sport and help violence. The stadium was crowded with Formerly known as ‘Buakaw Por ancestors. to make it better known around the world. Thais and foreigners alike,” said Mr Chaianan. Pramuk’, before a longstanding dispute with Tourists were impressed by the perfor- “I personally love Phuket because there “We collected two million baht in ticket his former gym forced his early retirement mance and the demonstration drew are a lot of beautiful beaches and tourists sales so Buakaw will definitely have another last year, Buakaw has reclaimed his given thunderous applause an adulation for the with happy expressions. I look forward to fight in Phuket in the future,” he added. Thanyapura welcomes the world’s elite swimmers THANYAPURA Sports and Leisure Club (TSLC) has sprinted into 2013 at world record pace, with three visits lined up in January and February, by a galaxy of swim- ming stars from the Dutch, Hungarian and British national swim teams. Olympic hero of the Sydney and Athens games, and one of the greatest swimmers of all time, Pieter van den Hoogenband, headed up an elite group from the Dutch national team and participated in a high performance training camp at TSLC on January 13. Also in attendance were fellow gold medalists Ranomi Kromowidjojo and Femke Heemskerk, with Dutch national team coach Jacco Verhaeren and Royal Dutch Swim- ming Federation Elite Swimming Team MAKING A SPLASH: Elite European swim teams converge on Thanyapura for a series of high performance training camps. Manager Aadvan Groningen. pic gold medallists. Both swimmers have a the first female to break the four minute as one of the world’s leading venues for Van den Hoogenband’s credentials as one cavalcade of world records and gold barrier for the 400m freestyle and Italy’s elite athletes seeking an extra edge in per- of the greats of the pool are unquestioned: medals to their names, and the Italian pair first female swimming gold medallist. formance. the 2000 World Swimmer of the Year caused a stir when they posed naked for Filippo Magnani is a four times World “It’s such a thrill to see great champions began his gold rush at the 2000 Olympics in the cover of Vanity Fair in 2012. Champion, twice in the 100m freestyle, and like Pieter van den Hoogenband lined up to Sydney, where he faced world record holder Ranomi Kromowidjojo, whose exotic in the 100m and 200m freestyle relays. He is visit us here and train, as well as more Ian Thorpe in the 200 meter freestyle and name attests to her Dutch-Javanese- also an Olympic bronze medallist from the recent stars like the Dutch women,” Mr beat the home crowd favorite in world record Surinamese heritage is a triple Olympic 2004 games. Johns said. “So far, every elite athlete who time, while in the 100m freestyle he set a world champion with gold medals in the 4X100m Following the Dutch team’s high perfor- has trained here at TSLC has come away record in the semifinals before beating the freestyle relay at the 2008 Beijing Olym- mance sessions, next out of the blocks is wowed with the facilities and the entire great Alexander Popov to win a gold medal. pics and in the 50m freestyle and 100m the Hungarian national team training camp project. The next two months will cement At the 2004 Olympics in Athens, he again freestyle at the 2012 Olympics in London. starting January 22, followed by the our place as a serious force in sport and won gold in the 100m freestyle and Femke Heemskerk is another freestyle Liaoning Swim Team from China starting we expect the stars of world swimming finished ahead of Michael Phelps in both specialist who also excels in backstroke and January 27 for an intensive coaching camp will continue to shine at Thanyapura.” the 200m freestyle for the silver and also in medley, and is part of the world record- with Australian legend Stephan Widmer. Mr Van Groningen also said he was “very the 4x100m freestyle relay, he became the holding Dutch 4x100m freestyle relay team, Then the British national team arrive at happy” Van den Hoogenband had agreed to only swimmer ever to beat Phelps twice in as well as part of the Dutch team that holds Thanyapura for a high performance train- travel to Phuket with the Dutch elite swim Olympic competition. the 4x200m freestyle relay world record. ing camp starting from February 4. team. “This will be a great promotion all Two Italian swimmers, Filippo Magnini Federica Pellegrini, meanwhile, is a Craig Johns, Thanyapura’s director of over the world in swimming,” he said. “At and Federica Pellegrini, along with coach former world record holder in the 200m Sports Academies, said the stellar line up this stage, it looks like a major Dutch news- Matteo Guinta, have also announced they and 400m freestyle, 200m freestyle gold was a brilliant start to 2013 and continuing paper and a Dutch television channel are will drop in to “jam” with their fellow Olym- medallist at the 2008 Olympics, as well as evidence of Thanyapura assuming its place coming to cover the trip.” 50 PHUKET GAZETTE January 19 - 25, 2013 Laguna continue to dominate cricket IN A hotly contested fifth match the PCC bowlers. of his willow to leather, Bill of the Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels While Stahmer prevailed, Shaw Stahmer lost his wicket on 83. A League on January 13, reigning lost his wicket in the 8th over. Youth cameo appearance by Stuart league champions Laguna Cricket and experience partnered up next Reading, 27 runs of 11 balls, fur- Club faced early league contend- when Valentine Guiraud came out ther aided Laguna to set an ers Patong Cricket Club (PCC). to bat. Putting the PCC under the intimidating total of 244 for Patong Dominance seesawed through- cosh, Stahmer mentored young to chase. out both innings and it was only Guiraud (32) as they put on a 92 Patong has never skulked away fitting for the winner to be decided run partnership. The 3rd wicket from a challenge and Laguna were in the last over of the second in- partnership of 53 runs between under no doubts that the match ning. Despite a determined effort Sameer Khan (36) and Stahmer sig- was yet to be secured. The PCC by PCC, Laguna showed their naled the inevitability of a big score batting line up has proven to be class and walked away with the being accumulated by Laguna. rather resilient this season and they spoils. Manish Sadarangani, 1 for 25, would have been quietly confident. The ever important toss was together with Raju Seemant, 2 for Buoyed by the performance of won by Laguna, who elected to bat 36, were the stand out bowlers for their batsmen, the Laguna bowlers first. Evergreen opener Bill Stahmer PCC. After delivering a master came out guns blazing, the final SPECTATE: Action in front of the pavilion from the PCC vs Laguna game. and batting partner Darren Shaw class in batting, and tormenting bowling figures of Sami Ulla, 2 for anticipated a full blown attack from the PCC bowlers with the slash 41 and Valentine Guiraud, 1 for 34 Patong needed 30 runs for a win. proving the point. By the 14th over, When the captain lost his wicket with the score on 62, four PCC for 40, the fat lady started to warm batsmen had hit the showers. up her voice and by the end of the A 5th wicket stand of 87 runs over, it was Laguna who undoubt- between Preston Smith (48) and edly enjoyed her sweet song. Paddy Morton (68), showing that The match once again has he was just as comfortable with the proven the competitive nature of bat as he is with ball in hand, this season’s league and although brought some stability to the PCC Laguna had won this game, they run chase. With the score on 149 are under no doubts that there will after 26 overs, Smith lost his wicket. be a multitude of challengers Captain Van Blerk came to the vying for the Phuket cricket throne. crease looking to guide his team On January 20, TNT will play to victory. With some swash against the Village at the Alan Cooke buckling hits by the captain it was ground at 9am. Both teams are well game on. The match was far from renowned for their good spirit on decided going into the final over. and off the pitch and spectators are HOW’S THAT? Patong Cricket Club bowling to Laguna at the ACG. Odds were in favor of Laguna as in for a treat. – Phuket Gazette SuperSuper SixSix KicksKicks offoff

Russia United (green top) against Crown Plaza Panwa. SEASON four of the Super Six secured a 3-6 opening day victory League started last week at Soccer for Morning Star. Island at HeadStart School, and the The two newly promoted popularity of the league means there teams, Pita Bar Phuketeers and will be three divisions this season. Banana FC (formerly Puensil FC), Division 1 continues to exude a high played against each other in their level of performance; the first first game in the top division. Pita week’s results from Division 2 in- Bar, repeating what they did last dicate that it could be a very tight season, put in a strong perfor- league and Division 3 is waiting for mance and won 4-2. a team to lay down an early marker Aniel Debie’s Nanai Boys were of intent. up against Holiday Inn, with both The first match in Division 1 teams showing the high level of kicked off with old rivals Shakers competition Division 1 is known FC and Morning Star vying for for. Nanai Boys took the lead, but early bragging rights. Morning Holiday Inn pushed back for an Star started the better and took the equalizer and a share of points. lead through two early goals from The game finished 3-3. Andrew Knightly and Simon In Divison 2, Atmanjai, who Smith respectively. Morning Star didn’t do as well as expected last went into half time leading 3-1. In season, caused the shock of the the second half, Shakers picked day beating PSV 4-3. up the pace and started to make a Rose United look like they may match of it, trailing by a goal at be early favorites in division 03, 3-4 before a goal a piece from with an impressive 8-1 win against James Saunders and Karl Ward Banana FC B. – Phuket Gazette January 19 - 25, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 51 Chonburi outclass Phuket United

By Andrew Scott and Wisuwat Romin

TOP of the table Chonburi GH Bank ABAC were too strong for a spirited Phuket United, with the Andaman Pearl losing 3-2 last Saturday night The high tempo match was played in front of 1,200 vocal supporters at the Saphan Hin In- door Sports Complex in Phuket Town. Leading up to the match, RESPECT: Players and coaches thank the fans after the game. Jardel celebrates scoring his second of the game. Photos: Wisuwat Romin Phuket United won their last three games, against Lampang United, Royal Navy and CAT FC. The players and supporters were hoping the teams’ improved run of form would continue against Chonburi, who were led by the four Thai international players – Suphawut Thueanklang, Kritsada Wongkaew, Apiwat Chaemcharoen and Kiatiyot Chalarmkhet – who had headlined the national squad’s campaign in the Futsal World Cup Manager Patt Srivijit gives his half time talk. Suphawut Thueanklang injured. Akkadet Chuayklay clears the ball. last November. The first half was played at a chance to deny Chonburi’s threaten more as they searched for Chonburi’s goalkeeper made a blistering pace, and it was Chonburi second of the game, just after half an equalizer. Jackson Santos brilliant double save to deny the who broke the deadlock when time. placed his header wide of an open Andaman Pearl. Sarawut Jaipet turned a Phuket The ball was laid off for Thai goal after Jardel had out jumped After the match Patt Srivijit told defender on the edge of the box international sensation, Kritsada the Chonburi keeper to knock the the Phuket Gazette: “Our team and placed the ball into the bottom Wongkaeo, who, just outside the ball towards his fellow Brazilian. played well against Chonburi but left corner of the goal. area, smashed it into the top Jardel eventually equalized for were unlucky with the score. I The score remained 1-0 going corner past a helpless Pundee. Phuket in the 32nd minute but a lack hope fans come to cheer at our into half time. Jardel managed to bring Phuket of concentration allowed Kritsada next home match.” Phuket United’s goalkeeper, United back into the game pounc- Wongkaeo to score the winning goal The defeat made Phuket drop Parinya Pundee, pulled off a ing on a goalkeeping error to bring in the 35th minute for Chonburi. two places to seventh. Phuket FC number of excellent saves to keep the score to 2-1 in the 22nd minute. Phuket United missed a number played Sripatum Sunrise Sisaket the score line down, but he had no Phuket United started to of chances in the final minutes and on January 16 at Saphan Hin. Signing spree continues

Youth team players: l-r: Thawatchai Kong-in, Aran Kaewnet, Ekkawit Permjan, Siripong Pukkawet, Prasittichai Patkor and Ekkalark Senewong.

Pamuke Achariyachay (c) unveils Geoffrey Doumeng (l) and Chana Sonwiset Kampon Phatomakkakul. PHUKET FC has signed 33-year every month,” he said. The team has been training at old French midfielder, Geoffrey Phuket FC have reached their Thanyapura Sports and Leisure Doumeng, from Chonburi FC. The quota of foreign players but Mr Club (TPSLC) every Tuesday and midfielder has played in France’s Pamuke says he still hopes to bring Thursday since January 10. This is Ligue 1 for Montpellier HSC, AS in 2-3 more Thai players. only a temporary solution, as plans Nancy, Valenciennes FC and Kampon Phatomakkakul, a are afoot for a training pitch to be France’s Ligue 2 for RC Lens and former pupil of Sartree Phuket built next to the TOT service cen- Tours FC. Doumang also repre- School, has been called up to ter on Chaofa West Road in Chalong. sented France at U16 and U17 level. represent Thailand’s football team – Wisuwat Romin Chana Sonwiset. Photos: Phuket FC Adisak Doungsri. The Islanders also signed Thai in the 27th SEA Games to be held player Chana Sonwiset from E- in Burma. Kampol played for San United and six youth players, Phuket FC last season and was who Mr Pamuke Achariyachay, part of SCG Muang Thong Phuket FC president, hopes will United’s youth team. help the development of the club’s Phuket FC has signed a third youth policy. goalkeeper, Adisak Doungsri, to “We aim to present the chance challenge their two current keepers: for local players to join our team, Kampon Phatomakkakul and and youth players will get a salary Ninurrudin Nide–ha. Phuket FC training at Thanyapura Sports and Leisure Club. 52 PHUKET GAZETTE January 19 - 25, 2013