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August 27 - September 2, 2016 Now inside THE NAT I ON every Saturday 56 Pages / 20 Baht

‘THEY WILL DARE TO DO ANYTHING TO GET WHAT THEY WANT’ Island tourist security call center promised IN THE wake of the Au- gust 12 Mother’s Day at- tacks, provincial officials have promised to establish an emergency call center for the island’s tourists. Officials, social Full story Page 3 workers struggle for BUSINESS answers to escalation of youth violence

By Kongleaphy Keam

THE director of the Phuket Juvenile Ob- servation and Protection Center (JOPC) said she believes teenagers across Phuket are becoming more aggressive. Business owners appeal to Rawee Kuhamooka told the Gazette that retain the current Phuket every year JOPC staff have to work harder governor. to control their detainees. Ms Rawee’s Page 11 comments come after a riot at the center earlier this month left the building’s PROPERTY grounds, cafeteria, therapy and treatment rooms in disarray. Thirty-five juvenile delinquents tore apart furniture and discharged fire extin- guishers in a riot that was only quelled after A detainee looks through the bars of the JOPC. Photo: Kongleaphy Keam provincial police were called in. “We can prove that [detainees] are more “Every day, we have around 30 to 40 Ms Rawee said she believes the empha- aggressive from how hard we have to work teens in the center, who are overseen by sis on treatment is not enough to deter those to control them,” Ms Rawee said. “Over the about 10 officers,” she said. “The teens detainees deemed a ‘higher-risk,’ from re- past several years we’ve worked harder than are divided into different correctional edu- cidivism. Supicha targets locals with ever, even though the number of juveniles cation classes based on the crimes they’ve “From my experience, I believe that sino-style architecture in coming in the center is the same. Teenag- family, society and our weak laws are the Koh Kaew. committed.” Page 19 ers’ behavior today is characteristic of older Ms Rawee said the detainees meet with three main reasons our detainees are be- criminals. Yet we still use the same soft laws a multidisciplinary team of psychologists, coming more and more troublesome,” Ms and the same out-of-date methods to deal doctors, social workers and specialists Rawee said. LIFE&STYLE with them. This is why they’re never afraid within the first week of their arrival. Af- of detention and are more likely to commit terward, each detainee is categorized into FAMILY crimes over and over again.” low, medium and high risk groups, follow- Every year, the Phuket juvenile center ing a mandatory drug test and physical JOPC staff psychologist Phetcharat processes between 400 and 500 cases in- examination. Each detainee may spend no Phromphet told the Gazette that teenagers volving 15-17 year-olds who were longer than 90 days at the facility. from divorced parents or troubled house- convicted of committing a crime. Ms “For teenagers, courts almost always holds are more likely to become aggressive, Rawee said the majority of the cases that give them the chance to come here first both at the center and out in society. are referred to the center involve posses- and almost never send them directly to “It’s called imitation theory,” Ms sion of the category 5 narcotic kratom, prison,” Ms Rawee said. “More than 80 Phetcharat explained. “If the kid is… The real cost of incarcera- followed by cases involving violent as- percent of our detainees are judged to be tion outweighs the benefits. saults and the illegal possession of a gun. able to return to society,” Continued on Page 5 Page 17 2 PHUKET GAZETTE August 27 - September 2, 2016

Mr Nantapol was not in- jured, but the car suffered damage to the engine, bat- Tractor topple kills tery and the front-left wing, which was melted by the heat of the flames. Earlier the same week, a Krabi school worker dentist in Krabi escaped Child finds serious injury when her car mysteriously burst into hanged father flames while she was driving home from town. A FOUR-year-old girl found – Kritsada Mueanhawong her dead father hanging by his neck from a tree in Koh Kaew on the morning of Au- Driver flees bus gust 19. The 43-year-old man, named crash after Wirot Jadsang, used to work as a hotel cook. He reportedly tourists injured died about two hours before his daughter found his body on her MORE than 30 Chinese tour- way to school. ists were injured when their Lt Col Sanich Nookon of tour bus crashed into the temple Thalang Police arrived at the wall at the bottom of Patong scene to find that Mr Wirot’s Hill on the night of August 22. body had been cut down and The driver fled after plough- moved to his house by his ing into the wall of Wat Suwan family. Kiriwong around 8:30pm. “After discovering her Police later confirmed that father’s body, the girl called out the drievr surrendered to police to her mother, Rassamee later that night. Jadsang, who called others for A total of 31 people suffered help to cut the rope to remove minor injuries. They were in a state of shock and taken to the body,” said Col Sanich. A man working to level a field behind a school in Krabi was crushed to death after his tractor toppled “Ms Rassamee said that her over on August 23. Police identified the 29-year-old’s body as that of Weerayut Raksakij. Mr Weerayut Patong Hospital, said Pattapee husband had been depressed was found pinned underneath the upside down tractor, which had to be righted with an excavator in Srichai of the Patong Police. and didn’t share any of his order to retrieve the body. Mr Weerayut’s body was examined at Krabi Hospital, where it was discovered “The bus was making its problems with her.” that he had broken his neck, skull, facial bones and several ribs. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong way downhill into Patong and – Winai Sarot was at the last bend in front stopped traffic near the Tesco the foundation. “Other rescuers it was too late to save her. She of the temple when the driver Lotus Express to make its way helped free him from the py- was pronounced dead-on-ar- lost control, hitting a car and Python slithers across Maharat Road in Krabi thon and controlled the rival at Thalang Hospital. a van before crashing into the Town and into Kunya Coffee situation in 10 minutes.” “It’s monsoon season and we wall,” said Maj Pattapee. into Krabi shop Shop. Mr Manit also explained that want to warn all tourists and The driver has been A THREE and a half meter Krabi Pitak Pracha Founda- the surrounding area used to be residents not to swim in the red- charged with reckless driving long python slithered into a tion received reports from locals a jungle before it was turned flag zones. causing injury and damage coffee shop in Krabi in search at about 10am and arrived at the into a building area, which is “ If you want to swim, please property. of sustenance on the morning scene to rope up the reptile. why snakes have no small ani- make sure you do so in the des- – Winai Sarot of August 18. “The python wrapped itself mals to hunt. “A few days ago, ignated safe zones where the Panrin Kongprom, a staff around a rescuer’s arm and re- three snakes were captured and lifeguards are on patrol,” he 4 bodies wash member at the eatery, said that fused to let go,” said Manit released into nature.” added. the 20-kilogram python had Salee, one of the rescuers from – Kritsada Mueanhawong – Winai Sarot ashore in Krabi French tourist POLICE suspect that four bod- ‘Random’ fires ies that washed ashore in Krabi drowns after last weekend could be those of gut third car crew members who went miss- swimming in ing when their fishing boat this month sank on August 15. “All of the bodies have been red flag zone THE driver of a Honda Accord transferred to Krabi Hospital A FRENCH woman drowned had to make an emergency stop for DNA testing,” said Krabi after swimming in a red-flag when his car burst into flames Marine Police chief Anurak zone at Nai Thon Beach on the on the night of August 18. Parinyasathiragul. “The miss- afternoon of August 20. The car’s owner, Nantapol ing crewmen’s relatives and Anne Sophie Marie Torrijos- Saelim, 34, said he was driv- employer arrived in Krabi, but Faisant, 23, reportedly drowned ing from his house in Koh were unable to identify the bod- as her friends looked on help- Kaew and heading into town ies, which were badly lessly. They were unable to help about 10pm, when he smelled disfigured after a long period as she was dragged out to sea burning and promptly pulled in of time in the water.” by a rip current. to the Merlin Hotel car park on Two bodies washed ashore “We were told that Ms Yaowarat Road, police told the at Jum and Phi Phi islands on Torrijos-Faisant was swimming Gazette on the morning of August 21. Two more bodies with her friends when she was August 19. were found on Koh Lanta and dragged 30 meters offshore,” Mr Nantapol parked his car Phi Phi the following day. said Sakoo Police Lt Thanakan and leaped out to call for help. Police would not estimate Utchanarassamee. A hotel security guard how long it would take to iden- “It took about 20 minutes for rushed to put out the blaze with tify the bodies. the lifeguards to find her, and a fire extinguisher. – Chutharat Plerin August 27 - September 2, 2016 PHUKET GAZETTE 3 Police, officials seek to reassure Cost of visa on arrival tourism sector after bombings to double THE Royal Thai Police an- THE fee for visa on arrival in nounced on the morning of Thailand, enjoyed by citizens August 19 that new safety mea- of 18 countries around the sures will be taken by Provin- world, is to double from 1,000 cial Police to ‘boost tourist con- to 2,000 baht, with effect from fidence’ in light of the August September 27. 12 Mother’s Day bombings. Visa on arrival is available At a meeting between local at many points of entry officials and consular represen- throughout Thailand and is tatives, the police responded valid for a single use. positively to requests by 15 The 18 countries on the list consuls to assign officers to a are Bulgaria, Bhutan, China, contact and information center Cyprus, Ethiopia, India, in case of emergency situations Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, on the island. Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, “We would like to announce Romania, San Marino, Saudi four safety measures,” said Arabia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan Phuket Provincial Police and Taiwan. Commander Teerapol Thip- Officials across the province said that security would be stepped up in response to the Mother’s Day The Foreign Ministry said in jaroen. “Firstly, we plan to get bombings that hit downtown Patong, as well as provinces across the south. Photo: Kongleaphy Keam its announcement that the de- updated news and information cision to hike the charge for this on crime related to tourists for POLIS, CRIMES, PDC, I-PO- In response, Gen Teerapool wat, as well as officers from class of visa was based on the analysis, so we can be on top LICE, CCOC and agreed with the suggestion and the Region 8 Police, Provin- amount Thai embassies and of things at all times. Sec- Home-Guard as soon as pos- said that he will work with rel- cial Police, and members of consulates collect, to make the ondly, we have come up with sible. evant officers to get the center the Phuket Tourist Associa- fee more comparable to what a prevention plan under which “We really need information set up as soon as possible, and tion and Phuket Hotel Thais pay when they travel to we will have more officers pa- to report to our embassy, but that the consuls could “call in Association attended the other countries. trolling tourist areas in cars, have no one to ask,” said directly in case no one else gets meeting. Tourists from the aforemen- motorbikes, bicycles, ATVs Pornphan Sittichaivijit, the in contact.” Also present at the meeting tioned countries applying for the and also on foot.” Royal Norwegian honorary As of press time, officials in were consular representatives visa on arrival must be entering “Next, we will ask for local consul to Phuket. “We need Phuket had not begun setting from Australia, China, Nor- Thailand for tourism and must businesses, such as hotel opera- facts and not rumors, and it up the emergency call center, way, Finland, Estonia, possess a return ticket within 15 tors, to cooperate with us by would be great to have a con- nor could they say when it Germany, the Republic of days of arrival. They must also 'keeping an eye' on their areas. tact center that we can call would be operational. Korea, the Netherlands, Aus- arrive in the country with a Lastly, we will use Information and ask. The other option is Royal Thai Police Deputy tria, the Czech Republic, standalone passport photo and Technology (IT) to boost secu- to have officers call and in- Commissioner General Wuthi Switzerland, France, the UK notify immigration of where rity. We will be importing form us during emergency Liptapallop, along with Vice and the US. they are staying in Thailand. security systems, such as situations.” Governor Chokdee Amorn- – Kongleaphy Keam – The Nation After-hours bars fined in Phuket Town police raids PROPRIETORS of two bars in person said. Phuket Town were charged on However, inspectors discov- the morning of August 18 for ered a receipt for alcohol sales selling alcohol after-hours in with a 0:41 time stamp. raids conducted by police and The manager, Chanu Jitman, public health officials. could not contact Mr Suchart At 12:30am, the officers so the licence holder was paid a visit to the venue charged in his absence for trad- ‘Harem,’ located on Phang Nga ing after-hours, witnessed by Road in Talad Yai, where they Mr Chanu. found alcohol still being served Dr Prapa Nakara, director of to customers. the Phuket Provincial Health Regulations allow entertain- Officers raided Harem in Phuket Office’s Non-communicable Town. Photo: Phuket City Police ment venues to open until 1am Diseases Division, who took but forbid them from selling the police told the Gazette. part in the raids, said she was alcohol after midnight. Later, at 1:15am, the offic- concerned about after-hours “Sayampoo Seeyotha ers raided a bar called Duzz, trading and illegally promoting claimed to be the venue's man- located on Mae Luan Road, at smoking at nightlife venues. ager, but when we asked to see the foot of Rang Hill. “As well as clamping down the business licence, he could “The Duzz bar had a proper on after-hours alcohol trading, not produce it. He was charged licence, which was registered we want to ensure entertain- for operating a bar without a by 76-year-old Suchart ment venues are not allowing licence and selling alcohol af- Limpanon, allowing it to open smoking,” said Dr Prapa. ter-hours,” a spokesperson for from 6pm to 1am," the spokes- – Chutharat Plerin 4 PHUKET GAZETTE August 27 - September 2, 2016 Krabi village threatened Task force busts drug gang AUTHORITIES arrested six members of an alleged by sinkhole krathom drug distribution net- A SINKHOLE that appeared on work on August 16. The gang the night of August 17 in a vil- is charged with possession of lage in Krabi is threatening to 326 kilograms of the category swallow up a road and nearby 5 narcotic. Police estimate the houses if it gets any larger. contraband has a street value District officials went to in- of 300,000 baht. spect the 3.5-meter deep hole A joint task force com- that opened up on a roadside in prised of Thalang admin- Lam Tab district after heavy istrative officers, Khok Kloi rainfall. Inspectors climbed into police and civil defense vol- the 1.5-meter-wide hole, and unteers reportedly detained found that it extends at least two suspects after stopping a four meters under the road. suspicious car entering the “Villagers have been warned Phuket Tah Chat Chai check against going near the hole and point on August 21. The suspects are made to pose with their alleged haul of krathom leaves. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong a portion of the road has been “We found a suspicious car closed off,” said Krabi admin- with two suspects inside at- six hours until they confessed.” waiting in Phang Nga. said. “This is the third time he’s istrative president, Wuttichai tempting to transit through the “The driver, named “We seized 326kg of done this.” Pedthong, who accompanied check point entering Phuket,” Bookaree Maanraden, 19, krathom and eight mobile Officers refused to name the officials to inspect the sinkhole said Thalang Chief Adminis- confessed that he was sup- phones, near Baiyang Resort in other suspects besides Mr on August 17. trative Officer Siripong posed to check if the route Khok Kloi,” Mr Siripong said. Bookaree, as he was the only Mr Wuttichai said the De- Leeprasit. “However, our in- was clear for another vehicle, “Mr Bookaree confessed one to confess to the crime. partment of Mineral Resources spection turned up nothing, so that would transport the drugs that he had bought krathom However, all six were charged Surat Thani would assess the we asked them to come down to Phuket.” from Malaysia in Hat Yai, and with illegal possession of a cat- risks to the village “soon.” to the Thalang District office, This led to the arrests of the intended to sell it in Phuket for egory 5 drug. – Kritsada Mueanhawong where they were questioned for other four suspects, who were 1,000 baht per kilogramme,” he – Kritsada Mueanhawong Power out for 11 days in Krabi

Mr Ekwit shows off his generator. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong HOTEL business operators in of the Peace Laguna Resort and Krabi are relying on generators Spa in Ao Nang, who has kept for sporadic blackouts sched- his 250-kilowatt spare genera- uled from August 20-31, due to tor handy for the blackouts. a halt in the Malaysia-Thailand “We face them quite often, Joint Authority’s gas supply. even on normal days,” he added. That gas is used by power Hotel operators are also ar- plants to generate electricity for ranging more outdoor activities the region. to encourage guests to stay out The interruption in supply is of their rooms in case of power reportedly due to annual main- cuts. tenance. “Even though we have our Business operators are rely- own generator, it may not be ing on their own generators in enought to provide power to all order to maintain services dur- the rooms,” said Mr Ekwit. ing the blackouts. “We also have to raise the tem- “Even though the Electric- perature in the lobby by ity Generating Authority of adjusting the air conditioning to Thailand (EGAT) has an- 25 degrees.” nounced that they have “We want this 12-day main- reserved power for that period, tenance period to have minimal we still have to be prepared,” impact on tourism,” he added. said Ekwit Pinyotham, owner – Kritsada Mueanhawong August 27 - September 2, 2016 PHUKET GAZETTE 5 Teenage rage on the Phuketrise stud From Page 1 taken here, but might go to jail. They she said. “We can see that teenagers are commit a crime again after I leave here. gave me one chance already, so I have moving here by themselves from other I think I’ve learned a lot here.” …living with a violent or volatile fam- to be better.” provinces to study, and that group is ily, they’ll internalize and imitate that Ms Phetcharat said it doesn’t always hugely vulnerable.” LAW behavior.” take a volatile household or a pushover “A high fluency in technologies like “Teenage years are a time of change, parent for teenagers to end up at the social media, also means that teenagers Ms Rawee said she believes the teen- and during that period they need a ra- JOPC. Sometimes parents have no time can access nearly anything at any time, agers under her charge are becoming tional voice giving them advice, to take care of their children, or they which is another big issue,” Ms bolder with each passing year. For her, otherwise they will turn into their sur- live far away from their kids. Phetcharat said. “This is part of the rea- changes need to be made in order to en- roundings. If their family has problems, “Teenagers are at that age where son that they’re acting older than their sure that the JOPC can adequately focus they’ll turn to their friends,” Ms they’re still learning new things,” Ms age and more unexpectedly.” on treatment and reducing recidivism. Phetcharat said. Phetcharat said. “It’s the age of trying Ms Phetcharat said that social media “The most important part of this “On the other hand, if the family something new, the age of wanting to gives teenagers access to new friend problem is that our laws are weak,” Ms spoils their children, if the kids always win or to be the best at something. Kids groups, allowing them to try new things Rawee said. “If the law is strict, people get want they want, they’ll expect that want to be recognized and appreciated and access illegal substances or weapons. are deterred from crime, particularly in real society. They will dare to do any- by others, particularly by their peers.” Another 17-year-old who agreed to teenagers. If we punish them harshly thing to get what they want.” “Therefore, if they don’t live with speak with the Gazette, said that he met when they do wrong, they’ll be afraid A 17-year-old at the detention cen- their family, or if their family isn’t his friends online and that they intro- of the consequences of doing it again.” ter, arrested for possession of marijuana around to redirect them right away, the duced him to drugs for the first time. “Thailand’s laws give teenagers sev- and a gun, echoed Ms Phetcharat’s chances are greater that they’ll end up “I was arrested for krathom,” he said. eral chances,” she said. “The statements. The Gazette is withholding off-course,” she added. “My parents work a lot, so I spend most punishments are mostly just going to the his name, as he is a minor. of my time with friends. At first, I didn’t JOPC, which isn’t much of a deterrent.” “Actually, my mom knew that I was SOCIETY drink krathom, but when I started hang- But Phuket’s Provincial Police Com- playing around with marijuana,” he ing out with them more often, I just mander Teerapol Thipjaroen disagrees. said. “She tried to stop me, but I didn’t After the family, society as a whole wanted to try it.” “Laws and how we enforce them are listen to her, I think because I’ve always has large role in affecting teenagers’ “The first time I was arrested and at the end of the equation,” General been a little spoiled by my mom. I’m behavior, Ms Phetcharat said. taken to the JOPC, I was very worried,” Teerapol said. “The law gives teenag- not afraid of her. And since she’s not “Phuket is a very diverse place, and he said. “I heard from people outside ers multiple chances, as they are not old always around, I still get to smoke.” there are a lot of foreigners and Thais that there’s a lot of hazing and pressure enough to think like an adult. This is an “My mom was very disappointed at moving here from other provinces to from the older generation inside and that international standard and we cannot me after my arrest,” he said. “I think, work and live. While that’s good for the the punishments were really harsh, but punish teenagers harshly.” after I leave here, I will never do it again. economy, growing villages into cities the JOPC is not like that. They teach us “Arresting teens isn’t our goal,” he If I do it again, next time I might not be means there’s more likely to be crime,” and change our minds a lot. I will never said. “The real goal is to help them.” 6 PHUKET GAZETTE August 27 - September 2, 2016 Boss on the run after Mother still fights for justice employee in neglected Samui cold case THE mother of a German man slaying who was killed two years ago POLICE are hunting for the in a bloody altercation in Koh owner of a car detailing shop Samui has written a letter in Krabi, on the run after shoot- pleading with Thai authorities ing dead an employee found to try those responsible for her drinking kratom juice at work son’s death, while bemoaning on the afternoon of August 20. a lack of progress made in the Krabi City Police Major case. Supat Hemjinda said the Volker Schwartges was 46 shooting occurred just 100 years old when he was brutally meters from a police box, on stabbed, allegedly by a group Phet Kasem Road in Krabi of teenage Thai nationals Town. armed with broken beer bottles “The shop owner, Thawat- and a knife, during a dispute on chai Suannuch, reportedly Soi Green Mango in Chaweng shot Wichan Sangwan, 20, on August 20, 2014. The letter by Gisela several times with a 9mm pis- Mr Schwartges funeral procession in 2014, attended by his wife. Photo: Gazette file tol after the employee pulled Schwartges, dated August 1, a knife on the owners,” said states that back in 2014 she was public prosecutor’s office in if the murderers are freely cessed at our end,” he said. Maj Supat. informed of her son’s death in time, and for the first 84 days roaming the streets?” A clerk at the prosecutor’s Police said they believe the Thailand by two police officers after the incident, the official Lt Col Jaru Phetpan, In- office confirmed with the Ga- shop owner caught his em- from the Dusseldorf Criminal investigation report read ‘dead’ spection Department chief of zette on August 24 that the ployee drinking an illegal Investigation Department. instead of ‘murdered’,” she Bo Phut Police, confirmed case had already been through stimulant known as ‘4x100’ Mrs Schwartges added in her wrote. that police had already the court and that judgement and an argument ensued. letter that she has spent the past The letter continues: “My handed the case files to the had been passed. The clerk was The 4x100 stimulant is a two years collecting media clip- son will never come back, but public prosecutor’s office a not able to confirm the outcome concoction of kratom leaf juice pings and investigative reports I hope that his killers will be long time ago. However, he of the case nor give any further and cough syrup, and is classi- regarding her son’s murder. brought to justice. How do we could not recall exactly when details as this edition of the fied as a category 5 substance. “Police have deliberately know that an incident such as that was. Gazette went to press. Mr Wichan was shot three failed to submit the case to the this one will not happen again, “The case has been pro- – Chutharat Plerin times: in the head, neck and shoulder. Mr Thawatchai re- mains at large. – Kritsada Mueanhawong 5-hour police stand off ends with Workers Samui murder-suicide in bar electrocuted THE manager of a popular bar ONE man was killed and three near Chaweng Beach on Koh others hospitalized on the night Samui reportedly shot dead of August 20, after they were his friend on the night of Au- electrocuted while working in gust 17 before turning the gun a wastewater retention pond at on himself after a shootout a hotel on Koh Samui. with police and a five-hour The men were using a pump standoff. to drain water from the pond at Bo Phut Police officers ar- a hotel in Bo Phut, when the rived at Bar Solo around pump became submerged in the 1:30am to find the body of water, electrocuting them. Chulit Somakert lying on the Police reported that a ho- floor. His alleged killer, tel staff member spotted the Samroeng Thongpan, report- unconscious men in the pond edly shot at the officers before and pulled the plug on the fleeing to the 2nd floor, where pump. he barricaded himself in. “Anucha Pompetch, 37, Police cordoned off the area was taken to Bangkok Hospi- and attempted to persuade Mr tal Samui, but later died from Samroeng to surrender. his injuries,” said Captain “We tried to contact Mr Kantapol Srisuksai of the Bo Samroeng on his phone and we Phut Police. used a megaphone, but he did As of press time, two of the not respond,” Bo Phut Police Police stormed the building after a five-hour stand off with the gunman. Photo: Suchat Hankij men had been discharged, but superintendent Thewet another remains in hospital. Pluemsut told the Gazette on cade, to find Mr Samroeng dead sharing scheme and that Mr opened fire on his friend, let- Police declined to reveal August 18. from a gun shot to the head. Samroeng owed Mr Chulit ting off several rounds, and the name of the hotel while At about 6am, two teams of A witness said the men were money. they had to take cover,” said investigations are underway. armed police with bullet-proof friends but they had fallen out “There were customers in Col Thewet. – Suchat Hankij shields broke down the barri- over a million-baht money the bar when Mr Samroeng – Suchat Hankij August 27 - September 2, 2016 PHUKET GAZETTE 7 Beaten brits Pokemon Go paid for their ‘busters’ team troubles stationed in THAI bouncers caught on video in Khao San Road beating up BKK arrest 12 British tourists on August 15 TRAFFIC POLICE arrested 12 have lost their jobs and received motorists on Bangkok’s roads suspended jail sentences. on August 22 as part of their The four British tourists “Pokemon Traffic No Go” have since received 10,000 campaign. baht compensation each from Launched on August 6 their hotel, it was reported. across Thailand, Pokemon Go Tourist Police officer has quickly attracted a huge Nithithorn Jintakanon said the number of fans. tourists had beer in hand and Metropolitan Police com- tried to get into the hotel bar. missioner Lt-General Sanit When denied entry because of Mahathavorn said two drivers a no-drinks policy, they gained were nabbed on Rama IV, eight access to the toilets and threw on Sukhumvit Road, and two beer around, annoying other on Ramkhamhaeng Road for tourists present. An argument using their cell phone while led to the attack in the street. driving – a violation of Article One of the bouncers in the 43(9) of the Land Traffic Act. video is heard saying “He started Pol Lt-Col Bowornphob the fight. He picked on me first”. Soonthornraekha, deputy su- The tourists reported the incident perintendent at the Phayathai and the two bouncers involved found out that 21 of the ATMs Police Station, said the cam- were rounded up. Both appeared Gov’t doles out had been hacked with the use of paign was being implemented in court and were fined 2,000 malware. on 10 major roads in baht each and sentenced to two millions in The hackers withdrew Bangkok. months in prison. Both of the 40,000 baht each time from six “It not only [targets] any- bouncers were sacked by the victim pay outs NCR ATMs in Phuket, twice in body using phones while hotel. Surat Thani, Chumpon, driving, but also the pedestri- VICTIMS of the bomb and ar- Prachuab Khiri Khan and ans who are chasing Pokemon True Corp son attacks that rocked the Klongchan Credit Union Coop- Petchaburi and five in carelessly that can cause traf- southern region from August 10 erative (KCUC) embezzlement Bangkok. fic accidents,” he said. under fire for to 12 are to get compensation scandal. Mr Chartchai said the bank “If officers spot anyone us- from the government. Mr Samphan and three oth- had notified the Bank of Thai- ing phones while driving, they aid in fraud The violence claimed four ers were accused of acting as a land about the electronic thefts will take photos as evidence lives and wounded 37, includ- proxy for KCUC chairman so that commercial banks to impose a 400 to 1000 baht CHANGES have come thick ing 11 foreigners. One of the Supachai Srisupa-aksorn in which have similar brands of fine, while pedestrians not and fast in the wake of the case foreigners was still in hospital holding shares of M-Home Co, ATMs can be warned and take walking on footpaths will be of a Bangkok man who suffered on August 22. which Supachai allegedly appropriate preventive mea- warned according to the Traf- a 900,000 baht loss from his Deputy Prime Minister bought with money siphoned sures. fic Act.” bank account after a thief man- Wissanu Krea-ngam said that from the cooperative’s ac- He said that the stolen money Between August 10 and 20, aged to get a replacement sim the compensation payouts were counts, before later transferring belonged to the bank, not the 243 motorists were caught us- card from True Corporation. on top of what the victims the shares back to Supachai. customers, so GSB would de- ing their cellphone in the The sim – fraudulently ob- would get from insurance. “For Department of Special Inves- mand compensation from the capital, with many of them ap- tained after the thief pretended injured victims, the compensa- tigation (DSI) Bureau of Special manufacturer of the machines. parently playing Pokemon. he had lost it – was used to get tion amount will vary Crime 3 director, Pol Lt Colo- a one-time password and empty depending on the severity of nel Bantoon Chimgra, notified the account of Phansuthee their injuries,” he explained. the accused of the charges and Meeleukit, a car detailer who Mr Wissanu was speaking af- carried out an initial interroga- thought he was selling mer- ter he chaired a meeting on tion. He said the suspects chandise to the thief, it was remedial actions for the victims. acknowledged the charges, but reported. He said relevant authorities Samphan denied the allegations Kasikorn Bank already an- such as the Social Development and said he would only testify nounced that they would and Human Security Ministry in court. reimburse Phansuthee, but True as well as the Justice Ministry refused to do so. would also provide other forms Now True is under investi- of assistance to victims of the B12.29mn gation by communications attacks. authorities for their role in the stolen at ATMs matter and have already admit- Temple money ted that their procedures were nationwide not properly followed by a staff launderers member. They have offered the THE thefts have forced the victim of the crime a phone and charged Government Savings Bank free calls for a year. (GSB) to suspend indefinitely A new sim was issued to the DHAMMAKAYA Temple law- the services of about 4,000 thief despite neither a Thai ID yer Samphan Sermcheep and NCR-branded ATMs. card nor a proxy authority being two board members of M-Home GSB director Mr Chartchai presented according to their own Co met police on August 22, to Payuhanaveechai said on August regulations. The government hear charges of money-launder- 23 that the bank had suspended wants to know what True will do ing and conspiracy to launder the services of the Scottish-made to ensure future incidents. money in relation to the ATMs on August 8 after officials 8 PHUKET GAZETTE August 27 - September 2, 2016

A second chance THE rioting by inmates at the Phuket Juvenile Observation and Protection Center (JOPC) earlier this month [see page one] is a reminder of the need to try and steer troubled youth back onto the right track before they reach adulthood. The body of scientific research on what leads youths astray is enormous. But, like most social science research, there always remains that confounding unresolved issue of ‘nature versus nurture’ when it comes understanding hu- man behavior. It is well established, however, that there are strong corre- lations between delinquency and certain, easily-measurable factors – most notably, whether or not youths were raised in a stable family with two parents. In most cases, youths that end up in these facilities come from broken or dysfunctional homes. As a result, they all too often fail to develop a true sense of social responsibility. Increasingly shunned by civil society, they react by join- ing peer groups of like-minded individuals with similar anti-social behavior, such as the youth gangs that are now prevalent in most parts of this island. Social workers at facilities like the JOPC often serve as society’s last line of defense to save troubled youths from lives of crime, often with drug-addiction and other forms of anti- Tour companies need to step up social behavior thrown into the misery mixture. Re: Bus driver flees after Chi- This assumption has since Just as importantly, successful intervention at this crucial nese tourists injured in crash, been validated by DNA evi- developmental stage also protects society from all of the nega- Aug 23 dence from the unexploded tive impacts of these behaviors, which now include millennial Is it not about time that the devices. This was done by threats such as terrorism and mass shootings. Unfortunately, owners of the company are also Do you have an opinion to voice? Thais. Increasingly xenophobic in the vast majority of cases, rehabilitation is no easy task. fined or prosecuted for not en- Email [email protected] measures by immigration will By their very nature, these euphemistically-named centers suring that the buses are in good only further deter foreign tour- tend to do just the opposite. It is therefore of utmost impor- working order and that the per- have 3-core cable, one strand of ists from coming here. tance that their workers identify and weed out the worst son driving is competent and is which is the earth ground. Not CaptainJack instigators before events like the recent riot occur. forced to follow driving laws? required on many electronic Gazette forum Thailand has long maintained separate legal and penal How many buses have items, but sure is needed on systems for youth offenders. Drawing a dividing line between crashed on Patong Hill because pumps, washing machines, USDA guidelines minors and adults at the age of 18 years is obviously arbi- of bad brakes? The owner of fridges, and so on. Standardiza- trary. Although scientific evidence claims that the human the company has a responsibil- tion of plugs and outlets also keep changing brain doesn’t fully mature until one hits the mid-twenties, ity to ensure his equipment and needs urgent attention. the line needs to be drawn somewhere. staff are fit for the purpose. Masuk Re: Excuse Buster: The flaws All of us who survived our teenage years can no doubt MGB Gazette forum of nutritional science, Aug 19 cringe at some of the indiscretions of our own youth – so we Gazette forum Your article is spot on. As should all be willing to give young people a second chance. Need signs in all someone who worked at USDA Show some integrity in America, I know full well the major languages influence the commercial food and compassion industry had on USDA nutri- Re: French tourist drowns at tional guidance. Re: Mother of man killed in Nai Thon, Aug 22 It was and still is heavily in- Samui cries for justice two Well, if the lifeguards are like fluenced by the dairy and grain years on, Aug 19 the two lifeguards at Kamala, one industries. Greatest myth is their An absolute disgrace. Words sleeping behind the tent, the belief that fats make you fat. fail me; the officer cannot re- other on the phone, who worries They do not, carbohydrates do. member when he sent off the about another life lost? GMOs are inherent in the paperwork. Look at your Maybe the signs should be grain industry, which is why records and show some integ- 6x6 feet and written in four even ‘whole wheat foods’ are rity and compassion. major languages, so all can see. ‘processed’. Harry Bazza Sinjin MacLeod Gazette forum Gazette forum Gazette forum No foresight behind Need better safety Phuket xenophobia visa fee increase standards has to stop Re: Visa-on-arrival fee to Re: Four electrocuted in hotel Re: Opinion: Reassessing pri- double from Sept 27, Aug 19 water treatment pond, Aug 22 orities to maximize national I agree entirely, it’s a ridicu- Sadly, another case of security, Aug 21 lous decision with no foresight. ‘never-colonized’ Thailand There was indeed much Central will become slightly adopting Western ideas and speculation at the time as to more bearable with fewer Chi- technology, and then only half who was responsible for the nese tourists shouting at each Volume 23 Issue 35 doing the job. bombings, but mostly it was as- other. To point out the obvious, sumed that it was the work of Matt most, if not all, Western countries southern Thai separatists. Gazette forum August 27 - September 2, 2016 PHUKET GAZETTE 9 Promoting local sports

Sirawee Waloh, originally a native of Pattani, was appointed as the new director FIRST of all, I would like to congratulate all the participants of the Ministry of Tourism and The big bike bug hit me after about a year. Photo: Dennis Bratland and medal winners of the 2016 Sports Phuket Office (MOTS) Rio Olympics. I would particu- on July 25, 2016. She had Over to the dark side larly like to commend the previously been working as a weightlifting medal winners, as AFTER about a year and a half this sport is not very popular human resource developer of living in Phuket, I have fi- with Phuketians currently and and nurse at Pattani nally taken the leap and up- we don’t have many national Provincial Public Health Office for 18 years. She is a graded from a scooter to the By Zohaib Sikander weightlifting champions. loud, notorious ‘big bike’. graduate of the College of Nursing, Songkhla. Do you have an opinion to voice? However, I hope that these Cruising on my new ride, Email [email protected] wins and other victories in im- Here, she talks about sporting trends in Phuket with an ear to ear grin plastered portant regional matches can and areas that need improvement. on my face, I felt an overwhelm- help develop weightlifting into ing sense of good fortune. The drive the bike without crashing an outstanding sport in Phuket loud hum of the Yokishima ex- in front of the owner. and Thailand in the near future. class sailing races, such as Cape We are also lucky that there are haust did muffle my train of I swallowed my pride and This will motivate the younger Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek private sector organizations thought, but didn’t stop me from called up my ‘taxi-guy’, who generation to pay more atten- and the King’s Cup Regatta, that ready to support and sponsor thinking how mammoth a task hooked me up with his ‘me- tion to weightlifting. are immensely popular every our teams all the time. it was to shift to something with chanic-guy’ to check out the bike The trend of sports in Phuket year. The King’s Cup is Asia’s However, there are some ar- a bigger engine. and test drive it. Since my self- is extraordinary. Sports are an biggest and most popular re- eas we need to improve and It all started on the Bypass esteem had already hit important factor in attracting gatta, a one-week event held focus on to further develop Road when my scooter hit a rock-bottom, I called up the tourists to the island. For ex- annually in Phuket. It was inau- Phuket as a world-class sports series of consistent, consecu- owner and told him that I wanted ample, world class intern- gurated in 1987 to celebrate the tourism destination. tive bumps that hurt my his bike, but didn’t know how to ationally renowned golf tourna- 60th birthday of HM King First of all, we need bigger backside and left me wishing ride one. He was obviously taken ments are one of the biggest Bhumibol Adulyadej. It was and better venues, such as sta- that the tyres were just a little aback, but politely told me in his sports tourism attractions. Golf also awarded the ‘Best Asian diums, to host both domestic bigger and wider. thick, Russian accent to come players, along with their staff Regatta’ at the at the 12th Asia and international matches. We “I almost died,” I told my over the next morning. and families, come to the island Boating Awards held in May, or- also need to improve facilities, boss when I reached work. He Next morning, my new ‘me- for golf tournaments, which is ganized by Asia-Pacific Boating such as toilets and old equip- suggested I get a car and I chanic-guy’ picked me up and a huge income boost for locals. and China Boating magazines. ment, at existing venues. sniggered, recalling my grim we drove to Rawai silently, the Another upcoming trend is For locals, football is still the Another area of focus is im- financial situation. So, I started language barrier hanging thick Muay Thai training. This is a most popular sport, both in proving the quality of our saving up and researching. between us. When we got there, blend of sports tourism and Phuket and other provinces. We athletes through more rigorous I researched for months be- I chatted with the owner while beach holiday, for those who have centralized different kinds professional training. We aim fore taking the leap. I joined the mechanic assessed the bike. want to develop their boxing of sport in the Saphan Hin area, to train our athletes in sports dozens of groups and forums While waiting for his approval, technique and take their train- which is an ideal location, sur- tactics, such as how to play on Facebook, related to buy- I had a nice long chat with the ing to a new level, and also rounded by the relaxing sea with the least amount of exer- ing and selling anything on seller, who was surprised when want to enjoy the island life. atmosphere. Additionally, tion and injury, how to deal wheels in Phuket. I clicked I told him that he didn’t hear me Modern, high standard boxing strong cooperation between with injuries and how to en- through hundreds of bikes, that incorrectly over the phone and camps are rapidly opening up provincial authorities – both hance strength and stamina. were either way too expensive that I actually didn’t even know and gaining popularity on the is- private and public – helps boost Our aim is to host major in- or too big for me to ride (did I how to ride it out of his street. land. People from all over the the sports industry in Thailand. ternational sporting events, such mention that I’ve never driven Regardless, the bike was ap- world come to train in Phuket at We also have several training as the 2014 Asean Beach a manual bike before?). proved, money, telephone camps such as Tiger Muay Thai institutes for athletes, such as Games. If Phuket has a chance I initially decided on a numbers and papers were ex- and MMA Training Camp, Thanyapura Sports & Leisure to host big sporting events like Phantom, then a Keeway, then changed and I wobbled out on Dragon Muay Thai Camp, Siam Club, one of the finest Asian this, it would provide a much- a homemade Harley Davidson the street, with a supportive, Muay Thai Academy and Phuket sport, fitness and health havens, needed boost to our sports and finally settled on a Honda happy-with-the-quick-transac- Muay Thai Training Camp. that features the best sports fa- facilities and venues, and will CBR. This brought me to my tion Russian shouting “You can Additionally, we have world- cilities and coaching expertise. surely benefit locals as well. next problem – how do I test do it” behind me. Words from the Wise

“For the past 33 years, I have looked in When will Kathu construction end? the mirror every morning and asked I WAS recently driving from Suriya Nuanjan of the The construction is being done myself: If today were the last day of my Loch Palm Golf Course toward Kathu Municipality Office to build a wall to prevent land- Kathu when I saw some ongo- replies: slides. It has already been life, would I want to do what I am about ing construction work on the Thank you for your query. ongoing for a while, and we ex- to do today?” road, making it much narrower pect to be finished in about five – Steve Jobs and difficult to pass through. months. There are many big trucks and For safety purposes, we have “ ‘I am’ is reportedly the shortest sen- buses crossing that way, which already installed a sign and light results in long tailbacks on that there. Officers will also be there tence in the English language. Could it be road. Can you please update to redirect cars. Please drive that ‘I do’ is the longest sentence?” when the work is expected to with caution and slow down – George Carlin be completed? when you arrive at the site. We Sahar apologize for any inconve- Kathu nience. 10 PHUKET GAZETTE August 27 - September 2, 2016 Alibaba proves naysayers wrong closer than ever to break-even). Moving forward, Alibaba’s technical chart could see fur- ther consolidation at present levels, while a pullback would IT’S not been an easy market be perfectly normal. Shares for many individual stocks over could still end up retesting the the last few years. Take the case previous resistance level, of Chinese internet and e-com- which will then become a new merce giant Alibaba Group support level. However, we will Holding Ltd (NYSE: BABA) only know for sure by watch- – a stock I have been watching ing the share price action over closely since its debut, when a the coming weeks. client wanted to buy some And even if you don’t want shares. to invest in individual stocks Many western investors do like Alibaba, watching the per- not appreciate just how big of formance of growth stocks like a global internet and e-com- BABA (that are also bellweth- merce bellwether Alibaba truly In 2014, Alibaba had the biggest IPO in history with shares opening at US$92.70. Photo: Kevin Hutchinson ers) is important at this stage is. For starters, Alibaba.com is of the market, because its the world’s largest online busi- Alibaba’s technical chart shows a post-IPO high. Counterfeit goods appearing on growth stocks that always pro- ness-to-business (B2B) trading a solid bottoming formation in Mobile monthly active users Alibaba sites also remains a vide the main source of fuel for platform for small businesses. the form of a triple bottom, surged 39 per cent to 427 mil- serious problem, while how the bull markets. Likewise, many There’s also consumer-to-con- roughly from last summer until lion and mobile revenue company calculates some key skeptics continue to believe this sumer (C2C) portal Taobao, this spring, followed by a con- increased 119 per cent year-on- business metrics along with market cannot move higher – which is similar to ebay.com, solidation, until more recently -year – accounting for 75 per some murkiness in its leaving it up to growth stocks while Alipay is China’s version when shares broke out about 19 cent of Alibaba’s total China financials remain concerns for like Alibaba to prove them ei- of Paypal. Other business inter- per cent to the US$97 level. retail revenue compared to 51 US regulators and investors ther right or wrong. ests range from numerous On August 11, Alibaba eas- per cent in the same quarter a alike (BABA is, after all, a Chi- Does a growth stock like e-commerce related websites, ily beat earnings and revenue year earlier. nese company). Alibaba fit into your portfolio? cloud computing, instant mes- expectations for its fiscal first Annual active buyers on Like Google, Alibaba’s core saging and online music quarter, which bodes well for Alibaba websites rose 18 per business has allowed the com- Don Freeman, BSME, is president services to the newspaper the rest of the year’s perfor- cent to US$434 million for a net pany to splurge on more wildcard of Freeman Capital Management, a South China Morning Post. mance. Some key financial or addition of US$11mn from the investments – many of which Registered Investment Adviser with In September 2014, Alibaba business metrics from the quar- prior quarter. Alibaba bought continue to lose money and may the US Securities Exchange had the biggest IPO in history ter include: back US$2bn worth of shares. or may not ever bear fruit. The Commission (SEC), based in (US$25 billion) as shares were Sales grew 59 per cent to On the other hand, Alibaba promising cloud computing busi- Phuket. He has over 15 years priced at US$68, but opened at US$4.84 billion, the fastest continues to face its share of ness did grow 156 per cent last experience working with expat-riates, US$92.70. Shares then surged growth since the 2014 IPO, unique challenges, that include quarter, but it’s still relatively specializing in portfolio management, to an all-time high of US$115 thanks to revenue from acqui- currency headwinds hitting the small (US$187 million in rev- US tax preparation, financial planning in subsequent months, only to sitions earlier this year; while top-and bottom-lines as China enues) compared to Amazon and UK pension transfers. He can be crushed by the market to as the core China e-commerce depreciates the Yuan and the Web Services and is still losing be reached at 089-970 5795 or low as US$59. Right now, business grew 47 per cent, also US dollar remains strong. money (albeit, the business is email: freeman [email protected] Petrol prices hiked nationwide Pricing your products right

THE second element of the ‘4 Ps’ of marketing is price. Price is what your customer pays you in exchange for goods and ser- vices received by them. There are many aspects to this deceptively simple element. In setting your price, you must Price should reflect the value of the product to customers. Photo: pixabay first decide what is the value of the product or service to the price sensitivity. This means ber of purchases made. Many buyer. If you set your price considering whether a small successful companies offer loy- higher than what your target change in price will affect your alty points – Makro, The market is willing to pay, you’re market share and profits. If the 1-Card and Starbucks are just likely going to lose out on busi- benefits of a price increase out- a few examples in Phuket. ness. On the other hand, if you weigh the loss in customers, it Finally, carefully consider set your price too low, you are makes sense to do it. If not, you how your pricing compares not maximizing returns to your will lose out on market share with your competitors. There business, and your product may and profits. are several pricing strategies even be valued as ‘inferior’. Another interesting ele- you can employ, which is a sub- Another important point to ments of pricing is offering ject I will explore in more detail consider is your customers’ loyalty points for a certain num- in my next column. August 27 - September 2, 2016 PHUKET GAZETTE 11 Chevron Biz: Save our Gov committed By Chutharat Plerin to Thailand EIGHT of the island’s major CHEVRON is committed to its private business organizations Thailand investments, despite have appealed to the central job cuts that have spurred ru- government to reconsider mov- mors of the US oil major’s exit, ing the Phuket governor a and may keep a Myanmar gas month from now. field stake if no attractive offer The statement, issued in is made for the asset, a Chev- Thai, was released on August ron executive said this week. 22, after the announcement to As one of America’s largest oil transfer Phuket Governor and gas producers – supplying Chamroen Tipayapongtada to more than one-third of the Nakhon Sri Thammarat effec- country’s natural gas demand – tive October 1 was officially the oil giant operates several ex- announced on August 17 by the ploration and production blocks Prime Minister’s Office in the Gulf of Thailand. spokesman Maj Gen Sansern “The assets we operate in the Kaewkamnerd. Gulf of Thailand are a core part Governor Chamroen is be- of Chevron's portfolio. We are The statement referred to the growth and tourism figures of Phuket in that tourism income for the country ing transferred as part of the was continually growing and amounted to billions of baht a year. Photo: Jeremie Schatz intent on them remaining so. We cabinet’s decision to transfer 19 are not leaving Thailand,” said officers of the Ministry of In- come for the country was con- four years. This affects the de- important. Chevron Asia Pacific Explora- terior in an annual reshuffle. tinually growing and amounted velopment of Phuket as “Phuket is unique and re- tion and Production President The organizations that is- to billions of baht a year. The management cannot continue quires someone who suits the Stephen Green. sued the plea to keep the number of tourists has also properly when a new governor island well. It is a dynamic The Thai government earlier governor include the Phuket been increasing constantly, is selected. It takes time to un- place and whoever is chosen as this year put up for auction oil and Chamber of Commerce, the from 6 million in 2007 to 12.5 derstand Phuket and get to the governor must understand gas contracts expiring in 2022/ Federation of Phuket Indus- million in 2015. know all the officials who work the needs of locals, investors 2023, after activists had protested tries, the Tourism Council of Additionally, Phuket has for the island. If Phuket gover- and foreigners, and have a great a proposal to extend the conces- Phuket, the Phuket Real Estate been chosen by the central gov- nors are changed in a short vision to drive Phuket forward sions with existing operators. Association, Phuket Tourist ernment to be a model province period of time, Phuket will properly. The Phuket governor Chevron and other licence hold- Association, Thai Hotels Asso- for several projects, such as likely lose its chance for con- must be one who really loves ers will be able to participate in ciation Southern Chapter, MICE city, marina hub, medi- tinuous development, which Phuket and will work to con- the sales, and if no other bidders Patong Hotel Association and cal hub, maritime and yacht will also affect investor confi- tinually expand growth in every surface, then Bangkok will nego- Kata Karon Hotel Business hub, and as a smart city. Phuket dence,” the statement read. area, so that islanders can have tiate extensions of the concessions Association. was also named as a city of gas- The organizations called on a sustainable means of living. with them. Chevron aim to invest The statement referred to the tronomy by UNESCO. the central government to real- Only then can Phuket aim to be more than 100 billion baht growth and tourism figures of “Three Phuket governors ize that the period of time to an Asian and regional eco- (US$2.9bn) in Thailand in 2016. Phuket, saying that tourism in- have been reshuffled in the past reshuffle the governor is very nomic hub,” the statement read. – The Nation Thailand ranked 20th Looking for a place to stay? in fixed broadband use See more classified ads at THAILAND is ranked 20th in China’s 18.6 (excluding Hong fixed-broadband adoption with Kong and Macau). 9.2 per cent subscribing to the The report titled ‘State of ICT www.phuketgazette.net service in 2015, according a in Asia and the Pacific 2016: new study by the United Na- Uncovering the Widening tions Economic and Social Broadband Divide’ covers 53 Commission for Asia and the countries in the Asia-Pacific re- Pacific (Escap). gion. The report showed that Among countries in South- Thailand’s fixed-broadband sub- east Asia, Singapore ranks scriptions remained low despite seventh with 26.5 per cent a sharp increase in the past 15 subscribing to the service; years. Thailand had an average Malaysia is 21st with 9 per annual growth rate of 159 per cent; Vietnam is 22nd with cent during the period. 8.1; Brunei is 23rd with 8; the The study found a varied Philippines is 30th with 3.4; level of costs for internet tran- Indonesia is 41st with 1.1; sit connectivity, which is Cambodia is 44th with 0.5; correlated with the cost of Laos is 45th, also with 0.5; fixed-broadband subscriptions. and Myanmar is 46th with 0.3 Subscribers in Thailand and the per cent. Philippines pay more than The world’s average was 11.2 2,700 baht per month for the subscriptions per cent in 2015. service, against less than 350 Leading in Asia and Pacific is baht in Singapore and about South Korea, at 40.2. Japan’s 1050 baht in Malaysia. subscription rate is 30.5, against – The Nation 12 PHUKET GAZETTE August 27 - September 2

Local chefs to shine Laguna Phuket golf challenge gives back to the community at Phuket Tasty Fest Laguna Golf Phuket recently hosted its inaugural charity golf tournament, the Laguna Phuket Hospitality Challenge, which gathered professionals from the hos- Local officials gathered at Limelight Avenue to announce that the Phuket Tasty pitality industry around the island for a fun-filled Friday, replete with a round of Fest 2016 and Andaman Hotelier and Tourism Fair 2016’ will take place from golf, various on-course challenges and refreshment/massage stops. The network- September 9-11 at the venue (see page 14). ing event also raised 138,000 baht for Laguna Phuket Foundation’s Community Learning Centre program.

Phuket City Mayor Somjai Suwansupana (2nd left) talks about the importance of promoting (From L-R) Kannika Janjampa, Assistant Club Manager, Laguna Golf Phuket; Saowanee local food and traditions, while TAT Phuket Director Anoma Wongyai (left), Vice-Governor Akkasintawangkul, Assistant Sales & Events Manager of Laguna Golf Phuket; Prae Prajiad Aksornthammakul (3rd left) and show organisers look on during the announcement Sunantaraks, Director of CSR & Community Relations of Laguna Phuket; and Peera of the festival. Poomsok, CSR Manager of Laguna Phuket, with some of the kids. August 27 - September 2 PHUKET GAZETTE 13

Ikea Phuket drops in for Israeli Ambassador visits a visit with the Gazette Bangkok Hospital Phuket Representatives of Ikea Pick-up and Order Point visited Phuket recently to pro- Bangkok Hospital Phuket gave a warm welcome to a delegation led by HE Simon mote new home furniture and decor products in their September 2016 catalog. Roded, Israel’s Ambassador to Thailand, on August 17. The visit included a spe- cial screening of ‘Brave Miss World’, an award-winning movie that shines a light on violence against women and children. The movie was screened to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Her Majesty the Queen’s 84th Birthday.

Natthira Susangrat, Phuket Gazette's GM (2nd left) greets Ikea Phuket representatives (from L-R) Kamonporn Srisoontorn, Marketing Assistant of Ikano (Thailand) Limited; Jittranuch Lertchaiworakul, Assistant Marketing Manager of IKEA Thailand; and Rungrat Dr Somrit Jantarapratin (right), Hospital Director of Bangkok Hospital Phuket presents a Chodchoy, Media Relations Specialist of Aziam Burson-Marstellers. gift to Israel’s ambassador, HE Simon Roded, to thank him for visiting the hospital. 14 PHUKET GAZETTE August 27 - September 2, 2016 Phuket to host Indonesian yacht to kick off culinary fest, Asia Superyacht Rendezvous tourism fair INDONESIAN charter yacht S/Y Dunia Baru will help kick off the 16th annual Asia Superyacht Rendezvous for the first time this year. The 51m phinisi-style sailing yacht will be hosting the opening cocktail reception. Running from 16-18 December in Phuket, the Asia V/Gov Prajiad at the event launch. Superyacht Rendezvous is one Photo: Sukawin Tanthavanich of the largest gatherings of ex- tra-large sailing and motor- MARK your calendars for two yachts in the region, bringing fun festivals coming to Phuket together Asia’s yachting com- next month. The Tourism Au- munity for three days of thority of Thailand (TAT) friendly competition. Phuket Office is hosting the “We are thrilled to be taking ‘Phuket Tasty Fest 2016’ and part in the Asia Superyacht ‘Andaman Hotelier and Tour- Rendezvous for the first time ism Fair 2016’ from September this year and to be hosting the 9-11 at Limelight Avenue. opening cocktail party on board The tasty fest will include Dunia Baru,” says the yacht’s live cooking demonstrations, as The 51m phinisi-style sailing yacht Dunia Baru will host the opening cocktail reception at the 16th annual owner, Mark Robba. “For me Asia Superyacht Rendezvous. Photo: AlbatrossPR well as celebrity chefs creating as a superyacht owner, there are their own menus with local few cruising grounds in the SALA Phuket Resort & Spa, a Baru has agreed to be the host Rendezvous host hotel, SALA Phuket ingredients. world as beautiful as those in five-star resort situated on Mai yacht for this year’s opening Phuket Resort & Spa.” The tourism fair will feature Southeast Asia. Every day is an Khao Beach. Highlights over cocktail party,” says Gordon The opening party will be a flower, wood and ice carving adventure and an opportunity the three days will include the Fernandes, one of the event’s precursor to the start of the fol- competitions, as well as semi- to escape and experience some- opening cocktail party on board longtime organizers, alongside lowing morning’s superyacht nars on marketing, branding thing new. I’m glad we can join Dunia Baru – a chance for Captain Charlie Dwyer. sailing races, which will be on and service design from indus- the other yachts, owners, VIP guests to participate in the “All phinisi yachts offer a course marked by participat- try experts. A bus service will guests and crew at the Rendez- ‘Rendezvous Challenge’ of guests an unrivalled experience ing motoryachts. be available at Limelight Av- vous in its celebration of model boat building and races, due to the charm of their tradi- Following the Rendezvous, enue, the dragon statue in yachting in this region before the ‘Pirate’s Booty’ treasure tional build, but Dunia Baru Dunia Baru will make her way Queen Sirikit Park, Phuket Mu- we make our way to Myanmar hunt and a VIP Gala Dinner on takes this to the next level. to the cruising grounds of nicipality, Wat Klang and for some new adventures and the final evening. We’re very happy the invited Myanmar, where she will be opposite Vanich Plaza building. charter.” “As the organizers of the guests will have the chance to available for charter through For more information, visit This year’s Rendezvous will Asia Superyacht Rendezvous, view Dunia Baru in all of her 37 South. www.andamanhotelier.com. be hosted at the award-winning we are very excited that Dunia glory while at anchor outside – Phuket Gazette – Sukawin Tanthavanich Young chefs shine at New services, expat card launched PHUKET International Hospi- tal announced the launch of Junior Master Chef three new departments, as well YOUNG chefs donned their as its ‘Expat Privilege Card’, on toques for the Phuket Provincial August 20. Administration Organization’s Wassana Tipayapongtada, Phuket Junior Master Chef 2016 chairwoman of the Provincial event held on August 20-21 at Red Cross Phuket Chapter , pre- Phuket Vocational College. sided over the grand opening The event was chaired by event, that was held under the Theera Jiasakul, chief of the theme ‘We’re Family’. BDMS PPAO council, and included Southern Group management Young chefs along with officials both training and competitions. at the event. Photo: PPAO and staff, Thai and foreign dig- “We wanted to provide an nitaries, local authorities and opportunity for students aged work toward it.” local business representatives 12-15 years, who love cooking, Students who pass the were also in attendance. to be trained by experienced course will be given the oppor- The three new departments The Expat Privilege Card is intended to provide healthcare and medical chefs from the Phuket Thai tunity to learn more about food include the Children’s Clinic, privileges for expatriates. Photo: Phuket International Hospital Chef’s Association,” said techniques if they wish to pur- Phuket International Dermatol- Charin Rattanachawee, deputy sue it as a career. ogy Institute (PDI), and diseases, boasting internation- was launched to provide director of Phuket Vocational Mr Theera said he hoped to Ayuravadhana Geriatric Clinic. ally qualified dermatologists on healthcare and medical privi- College. see the students further develop The newly revamped its panel. The Ayuravadhana leges for expatriates in Phuket “The aim of this project is their knowledge and skills. He children’s clinic is inspired by Geriatric Clinic aims to deliver and nearby provinces. It can be to encourage students to ex- added that it was a valuable Lego Thailand, with the aim of comprehensive elderly care, used at all BDMS Southern plore food techniques and skill to help people make a liv- promoting children’s learning, with the Phuket Vaccine Clinic Group hospitals – Bangkok decoration. Age does not mat- ing and support their families imagination and creativity. The in tandem offering protection Hospital, Phuket International ter if you have an interest in as well. dermatology institute caters to against diseases at all ages. Hospital and Dibuk Hospital. something and are willing to – Chutharat Plerin both cosmetic skin care and skin The Expat Privilege Card – Sahar Aftab Paliwala August 27 - September 2, 2016 PHUKET GAZETTE 15 Olympians welcomed by Phuket Vegetarian Festival fans, families announced, security beefed up By Chutharat Plerin

PHUKET Vice Governor Prajiad Aksornthammakul an- nounced the dates of this year’s Vegetarian Festival, as well as a special prayer ceremony to honor HM King Bhumibol Athletes arrive at Suvarnabhumi Adulyadej, last week. Airport. Photo: The Nation The nine-day festival is slated to take place from Octo- THAILAND’S Olympic medal- ber 1-9. The event attracts ists returned home on August 17 thousands of visitors to Phuket to a hero’s welcome, with over to witness the festivities, which 1,000 people, including family include fire-walking, bladed- members, fans and the media, ladder climbing, hundreds of mobbing them at Bangkok’s stalls fully stocked with vegan Suvarnabhumi Airport. foods and processions at loca- Gold medalists Sopita tions throughout the island. Tanasan and Sukanya Srisurat, “I have urged all relevant silver medalist Pimsiri Sirikaew officials to make sure public and bronze medalist Sinphet safety comes first, and espe- Kruaithong, arrived at the airport, cially to keep an eye on which echoed to the cheers and dangerous firecrackers and il- music of thousands who were legal activities during the waiting to welcome their heroes. festival,” said Vice Governor Representatives of the Met- Prajiad. ropolitan Electricity Authority, “We will be especially vigi- The nine-day festival, scheduled to take place from October 1-9, attracts thousands of visitors, who come the main sponsor of the lant on October 2, when a to Phuket to witness the festivities. Photo: Gazette file weightlifting team, and family special prayer ceremony will be members carried banners and held at Saphan Hin for the good opera company (called ngiu in was that ritual vegetarianism, stalls around all participating placards with welcome mes- fortune of His Majesty.” Thai or pua-hee in the Hokkien with its attendant ceremonies, shrines will begin preparing veg- sages. Bouquets of flowers and The Vegetarian Festival, or dialect) came from China to per- had been the remedy, and as a etarian fare, which will be garlands were handed over to jia chai as it is known in local form for the miners. result, people embraced the provided throughout the festival. all the Olympians, while some Hokkien Chinese, began in When the whole company faith enthusiastically. Festival goers must adhere family members brought along 1825, when the governor of fell sick from an unnamed As the sun sets on the first to certain rules, including main- their favorite foods. Thalang, Praya Jerm, moved malady, they kept a vegetarian night, all Chinese shrines tak- taining polite behavior, wearing Taekwondo athletes – silver the island’s principal town from fast to honor two of the em- ing part in the annual white, abstaining from alcohol medalist Tawin Hanprab and Tah Rua in Thalang district to peror gods, Kiew Ong Tai Teh Vegetarian Festival will raise consumption and refraining bronze medalist Panipak Get-Hoe in Kathu district, and Yok Ong Sone Teh. The their go-teng poles so that the from sexual activities. Addi- Wongpattanakit – received a where there were many tin sickness afflicting the opera jade emperor, among the nine tionally, pregnant and similarly welcome from fami- mines and Chinese miners. troupe then disappeared. emperor gods, can descend menstruating women, as well as lies, media and fans upon their Kathu at that time was still This greatly interested the from the heavens, heralding the people in mourning, must re- arrival on August 23. covered in jungle and fever was people of Kathu, who asked beginning of this year’s event. frain from watching the – The Nation rife. It happened that a travelling how it was done. The answer Meanwhile, cooks at food festivities. New roundabout helps lower road accidents THE construction of a round- about at Phuket Provincial Hall has reduced traffic accidents in the area, Phuket City Traffic Police reported last week. “The Narisorn-Surin intersec- tion roundabout funded by the Safer Road Foundation has sig- nificantly reduced the number of The new roundabout at Phuket accidents in the area,” said Lt Provincial Hall. Photo: Gazette file Col Padungpong Duksukaew of Phuket City Traffic Police. ported accident at the site. Col Padungpong stated that “Most accidents occurs be- in 2015, there were 36 acci- cause commuters ignore the dents at this intersection, or an traffic light. Now they see the average of three accidents per roundabout and slow down, month. Since the new round- which has led to fewer acci- about was finished in May, dents,” Col Padungpong added. there has only been one re- – Sukawin Tanthavanich 16 PHUKET GAZETTE August 27 - September 2, 2016 Small boats Giving back on Mother’s Day in second TYS line up

THOUGH irreparable damage has been done to many of the reef systems along the Andaman, especially those near major tourist destinations such as Phuket, dive sites in the region continue to offer ex- traordinary experiences to The demo platform was popular at rookie and veteran divers. the first TYS. Photo: Zohaib Sikander Within the Phi Phi archi- pelago, a popular day-trip ORGANIZERS of the second destination for dive companies edition of the Thailand Yacht out of Phuket, as well as those Show (TYS) at Ao Po Grand based on Phi Phi Don, the lo- Marina from December 15-18 cal community is coming are looking to add new features together to protect and rebuild to attract different visitors. marine systems. In honor of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s 84th birthday on August 12, hundreds of volunteers came together One of these, the ‘Premier In honor of Her Majesty to clean Phi Phi’s beaches and reefs. Photo: Gazette file Display’ is intended to give visi- Queen Sirikit’s 84th birthday tors the opportunity to view the on August 12, hundreds of vol- safely we used wire cages, Phuket, are less likely to have damage what it was placed latest small boats and water- unteers came together to clean which were placed over the an immediate impact on the there to protect. crafts on offer in Southeast Asia. Phi Phi’s beaches and reefs anemones as a temporary mea- ecology of the reefs. Once the fish were out of the “At the first edition of the while promoting environmen- sure to prevent larger fish from “However, it is my belief bags – so to speak – the moor- show we didn’t anticipate such tally sustainable practices and feeding on the young that the more frequently local ing moved and the underwater a high level of interest in the awareness. clownfish,” said Mr Hewett. communities participate in cleanup at Saam Hart complete, latest runarounds and tenders, “As part of the Phi Phi ma- “The turtles were released projects such as this, the more the dive teams returned to especially boats in the 10-40ft rine team’s tasks, we invited from the beach at Viking Cave aware they become of the fra- Tonsai Bay to clean up under range. This show will see a divers from all of the dive cen- and the bamboo sharks were re- gility of coral reefs,” Mr the pier. great line-up of smaller boats, ters on Phi Phi Island to leased in 1-2 meters of water, Hewett said. “We removed a tonne of rub- enabling newcomers to step participate in fish and turtle re- where they could immediately “By reducing the destruction bish in less than two hours,” into the yachting lifestyle,” says leases,” explained Andrew find refuge in coral reef. Two of coastal resources we may said Mr Hewett. event director Wade Pearce. Hewett from the Phi Phi Island days later, one of our staff give the coral reefs and marine But there is always more Mr Pearce believes that this Conservation and Preservation found one of the bamboo diversity an opportunity to re- trash in the sea. new element will perfectly Group. sharks 16 meters further down cover to a point of self The diving communities complement the highly popular A total of 40 volunteer divers the reef on Pileh Wall.” sustainability.” along the Andaman coast must ‘Demo Platform’ which was managed the release of five Mr Hewett admitted that ani- In addition to the animal re- continue to bolster their efforts popular at the first TYS, as hawksbill turtles, 10 bamboo mal releases, which are lease, a team of divers moved to self-educate, as well as edu- crowds gathered to watch and sharks, 50 anemonefish common during Buddhist holi- a three tonne mooring that had cate the local communities on test the latest jet ski, FlyBoard (clownfish) and 200 mullet. days and as public relations been installed too close to an how to protect the wonders just and Lampuga exhibits. “To release the anemonefish stunts by large companies in artificial reef, threatening to below the surface. – Phuket Gazette Gazette Crossword Across 01. Used to store items 03. Provide fresh air 05. Chef’s second in command 06. Small restaurant 09. Festival held annually in Phuket, includes fire walking 13. Take turns 16. Old name of Thailand 19. Motorcycle adjunct 20. Horseback sport

Down 02. Person on a pension 04. Person showing tourists around 07. Lustrous fabric 08. King’s Cup, for instance 10. Relating to or measured in numbers 11. False or assumed identity 12. Armed hold-up 14. Do not ignore these beach warning signs 15. A severe flood 17. ‘The Godfather’ organization 18. Marine formation at the bottom of the sea

Solution on opposite page. August 27 - September 2, 2016 PHUKET GAZETTE 17 The cost of incarceration of the social and financial costs of incarceration. Until the law changes, for- eigners visiting or living in Thailand should not consume LAST month, Justice Minister illegal narcotics or be in situa- Paiboon Koomchaya’s an- tions where they can be a nounced that methamphet- victim of a drug scam. There amine will be removed from the are multiple cases of foreign- list of Category 1 hard narcot- ers claiming that they have had ics. It was met with controversy drugs planted on them for ex- but it is a welcome change to a tortion purposes. We personally policy that has devastated Thai know of an Australian man who society. was in a hotel room with a girl According to the Correc- at a red light area when the po- tions Department, Thailand has lice entered the room. The a prison population of 371,347 police claimed that he was in which is the 8th largest prison possession of illegal drugs, population in the world and which they found hidden in the accounts for about 40 per cent room. of the those incarcerated in The threat of incarceration in Southeast Asia. About 70 per Thailand’s overcrowded jails is cent of the Thai prison popula- an easy tool for extortion. My tion is in for drug related advice for foreigners is to stay crimes. away from using illegal drugs, The most commonly used excessive drinking and red light illegal methamphetamine is ya areas. bah. It is generally taken orally, For foreigners who ignore but can also be inhaled or in- this advice, they should keep According to the Corrections Department, Thailand has the 8th largest prison population in the world and jected. The drug is addictive accounts for about 40 per cent of those incarcerated in Southeast Asia. Photo: Gazette file the phone number of a trusted and habit forming. It is a stimu- local English-speaking crimi- lant that can keep users awake incarceration. With hundreds of results in a social void. Fami- Thailand should get rid of nal attorney and the number of for days and generate halluci- thousands of individuals locked lies are disrupted. Children are jails or prisons. However, the their local embassy with them. nations. The drug is harmful, up, the public is required to without their parents. Men and law should take into account Following an arrest, signing but being found guilty of pos- expend large amounts of finan- women are without their the social and economic costs documents or making pleas session of ya bah can be more cial resources to house, feed spouses or loved ones. Parents of incarcerating non-violent without understanding the lan- destructive. When ya bah was and supervise them, as well as are left without their children. drug offenders. Community guage or consequences can categorized as a hard narcotic, provide health services. These Without the family unit, there service and treatment is a bet- result in long-term imprison- a finding of guilt could result financial resources should be is a reduction in household in- ter alternative for those ment. in up to 10 years in prison. redirected to preventing serious come, as well as an increase in convicted of the use of narcot- It is generally accepted that crimes like violence, theft, em- poverty, parentless children and ics. Justice Minister Paiboon Robert R Virasin is a licenced US incarceration is required by a bezzlement, and other crimes unsupported elderly. In addi- Koomchaya has moved in the attorney and managing director of civil society to maintain order with victims. tion, the fear of incarceration right direction. Virasin & Partners. Yutthachai and protection from individu- There is also a social cost to prevents some drug abusers There should be examina- Sangsirisap is a licenced Thai als whose release could be incarceration. Men and women from seeking assistance for tion of other prohibited drugs Attorney at Virasin & Partners. They dangerous to the general pub- are taken away from their com- their addiction. to see if alternative penalties can be reached at [email protected] lic. But there is a cost to munity, friends and family, that We are not saying that would be a better option in light or at www.virasin.com. Crossword Solution Turn the page upside down to read the answers. 18 PHUKET GAZETTE August 27 - September 2, 2016 Americans ain’t misbehavin’ HOTEL guests in the US can’t letries to take home; 11 per cent agree on whether to tip or not have let multiple people sleep but they all agree that free Wi- in their room without notifying Fi is a must, according to the the hotel; and 10 per cent have latest Expedia Hotel Etiquette taken items from their hotel Study. room without permission. The study asked 1,018 When it comes to sl;ightly Americans to identify features more illicit activities, Ameri- and amenities they prioritized cans appear to be largely when booking a hotel, as well well-behaved. Only four per as guest behavior they found cent have smoked in a non- most aggravating. smoking room. It concluded that Americans, Three per cent have ‘delib- who have stayed in a hotel at erately eavesdropped on a least once in the past two years, neighboring room.’ disagree about the protocol of Two per cent have attended tipping hotel employees, but a hotel party that left the room agree on the importance of in disarray, and the same per- complimentary Wi-Fi. centage of Americans admit to Price was the top consider- Americans are divided on whether to tip housekeeping – or whether to tip at all. 30 per cent claimed not to having been locked out of their ation chosen by 73 per cent of tip any of the staff during a hotel stay. Photo: Ed Gregory hotel room wearing just a bath- respondents. tel visitors, respectively. bors. Americans are divided on robe. Complimentary Wi-Fi ranked Top of the list of bad behav- Expedia.com vice president whether to tip housekeeping The study was commis- second (63%) followed by ‘lo- ior by other guests were and general manager John – or whether to tip at all. sioned by Expedia and cation’ (61%), ‘reviews’ (43%) ‘inattentive parents’ and ‘hall- Morrey noted that thoughtful Thirty per cent claimed not executed by GfK, an indepen- and ‘parking options’ (38%). way hell-raisers’. the others behavior is paramount in an to tip any of the staff during a dent global market research Wi-Fi was also selected as were: environment like a hotel. hotel stay. company. an essential amenity, deemed In-Room Revellers 59% “The hotel experience is Among those who do tip, The study was conducted ‘very important’ by 88 per cent Complainers 53% one that many people love. the most-tipped hotel employ- online using the GfK of respondents, and 97 per cent Bickerers 35% Fresh towels, a comfortable ees are housekeepers (46%), KnowledgePanel – an online of respondents said Wi-Fi The Loudly Amorous 29% made bed, room service at the followed by room service probability-based panel de- should be free of charge. Poolside Partiers 28% ready. It can be a deeply en- (40%) and the valet (30%). signed to be representative of An in-room fridge (81%), Hot Tub Canoodlers 22% joyable experience but it’s Only 20 per cent said they the US general population, not complimentary toiletries (80%) Business Bar Boozers 17% vital to remember that you’re tip the porter and just 10 per just the online population. and a pool (59%) were among Elevator Chatterbox 9%. not staying there by yourself. cent tip the concierge. The study consisted of 1,018 the top four amenities desired. You are surrounded by hun- Americans were also asked interviews of randomly se- Earning hotel rewards points The study revealed that 18 dreds of people who have paid about temptations to misbehave lected US ad ult residents, and the hotel brand itself were per cent of study respondents to share that space. Conscien- during a hotel stay. conducted in July among adults considered ‘very important’ by have asked to switch hotel tiousness makes all the In response, 24 per cent of aged 18 and over. only 20 and 18 per cent of ho- rooms because of noisy neigh- difference,” he said. them admited to ‘hoarding’ toi- – Phuket Gazette Brexit fallout: More Thais Recharge devices investing in London luxury with a power plant CENTRE POINT, an exclusive it a world-class city. Since the residential and retail develop- appointment of a new prime ment in the heart of London, minister, London has stabilized has grown in popularity with politically and financially, she buyers from Thailand. claimed. The number of apartments In the past two months, the sold to Thai nationals has Centre Point apartments have doubled since the June ‘Brexit’ become even more popular vote to leave the European with Thai citizens because of Union. their design, the unique fea- Originally built in 1966, tures of the building, its prime the 34-storey landmark build- location and the favorable ex- The Bioo Lite Plant Pot provides up to three charges a day using the ing is protected by the change rate, she said. power of photosynthessis. government service Historic Centre Point’s renovation is England because of the ex- due for completion next year, NOW you can really go green provide you with two to three ceptional and pioneering in time for the arrival of in your home by installing an full smartphone charges per design of the building. Crossrail, a new high-speed actual power plant in your liv- day, the makers claim. Centre Point is one of railway that will start running ing room. Bioo Lite can be used with London’s most famous sky- in London in 2018. The Bioo Lite Plant Pot any plant, soil, or irrigation as scrapers and is being Centre Point’s appeal to Thai Charger is a plant pot with a it only requires photosynthesis. extensively refurbished by the nationals has been the service USB charger for smartphones, Use the USB charger included Thais feel at home at the luxurious tablets and other devices pow- with your tablet, smartphone, owners and developers of the Centre Point in the heart of that will be available to resi- building, Almacantar. London. Photo: Mike Peel dents, its desirable location and ered only by photosynthesis. or any other device to conve- Tracy Hughes, residential the spectacular views across The plant pots are available niently plug into the concealed sales director, said the lifestyle, and educational opportunities London. in a variety of colors and can port at the top of the planter. language, healthcare services in London continued to make – The Nation be used with any plant and will – Phuket Gazette August 27 - September 2, 2016 PHUKET GAZETTE 19 Supicha targets locals with sino style By Sukawin Tanthavanich “We are confident the Phuket Town style concept LOCAL developer Supicha will be a hit with local buy- Property is set to begin con- ers, especially given the struction of a mixed-use com- location near the international mercial and residential devel- school but at reasonable opment near the British Inter- prices,” said the project’s national School (BIS) in Koh sales manager Hathaitip Kaew in December. Koysomwong. The construction company Construction is set to begin has sunk 300 million baht into in December and expected to the Supicha Sino Khokaew be completed around the first project, situated on eight rai quarter of 2018,” said Ms opposite the international Hathitip. school in Koh Kaew and back- The properties are aimed at ing on to a lake. mainly Thai buyers, said The project comprises a total Supicha Property Managing of 65 units in three different cat- Director Supicha Yorsaengrat egories: 32 ‘Home Office’ units; – also the managing director 11 ‘Single Family House’ units; of Isayaporn Co Ltd., which and 22 ‘Twin House’ units. was established in 2010 and Fronting the development owns the land on which the along the roadside are the 22 project is to be built. Twin House units, each with a Supicha Sino Khokaew is a mixed commercial-residential development aimed at Thai buyers. Units include shop houses and family homes Photo: Supicha Property “Demand is high for these total floor area of 160 square kinds of units. The price and meters – the smallest units in project are the 32 Home Office center and priced at just under each has a total area of 175sqm mixed commercial-residential the development – priced at just units, each covering an area of 4.5 million baht. and backs on to the lake. These concept are suitable for local under 4 million baht. 165sqm, divided into rows The more exclusive two- have a price tag closer to the 5 investors. We have already Clustered in the center of the similar to backstreets in a town storey single family houses million baht mark. sold 13 units,” she said. Iconic Indigo Pearl renamed

The Slate Resort is one of 50 boutique properties world wide operated under the Design Hotels group. Photo: The Slate Resort

PHUKET’s iconic Indigo Pearl remain under the operation of Resort at Nai Yang Beach has its original owners, the ‘Na- been rebranded as ‘The Slate’ Ranong’ Family, as ‘one of in a tribute to the area’s tin min- the finest hotels in Phuket’. ing heritage. The resort features 177 The resort, designed by decadent accommodation award-winning architect Bill suites, eight restaurants and Bensley, is one of 280 boutique bars, three outdoor swim- and luxury independently ming pools, tennis courts, a owned hotels in over 50 coun- kids club, a private beach tries operated under the Design club and the Coqoon Spa Hotels Group. with a tree-house style treat- Relaunched earlier this ment enclave. month, The Slate Resort is to – Phuket Gazette 20 PHUKET GAZETTE August 27 - September 2, 2016 PROPERTY FOR SALE

BEAUTIFUL KARON ART@PATONG NOTICE OF SALE 2-STOREY POOL VILLA 1 BEDROOM LAND NEAR Notification of sale. The com- SINGLE HOUSE This very beautiful modern villa has Furnished, pool side garden BIG BUDDHA pany known as Canvas Cre- FOR SALE it all – sparkling salt water pool, 3 views, big pool, 24hr security, ations Co Ltd, trading at Phuket huge bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, gym, quiet. 2.6 million baht. Tel: Boat Lagoon, ID number 08355 maid quarters. Fully furnished, 094-706 7671. Email: mark 43002257, will be transferred to secure estate close to the beach. [email protected] new owners on 1st September G4S alarm system. Relax and 2016. All creditors of the com- enjoy all the hard work that has pany are hereby notified to ren- been done. A must see. Price: 12.5 PA KHLOK HOUSE der in their demands to the un- million baht. Tel: 081-719 4688 FOR SALE - 2.4MB dersigned prior to the transfer (Thai). Email: [email protected] date, and all persons indebted to Over 3 rai. 6.5 million baht the company are required to Burasiri Village. Koh Kaew. make immediate payment. Any Next to BIS. 3 bedrooms TWIN HOUSE FOR SALE per rai. Or smaller plots from 1.7 million baht. Tel: 081-538 claim submitted after the notice (master bedroom with en- 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living 4588. Email: info@purimas date will not be accepted by the suite and walk-in closet), 3 room, kitchen, laundry room, car property.com new owners. Muzza Nordstrand, bathrooms. Fully furnished, parking, garden with covered Managing Director. Tel: 081-370 4 aircons, kitchen with se- balcony & BBQ station. Price: 1600. Email: canvasphuket@ parate pantry. Parking for 2 2.8 million baht. Tel: 081-979 gmail.com cars. Communal swimming 9825 (English). Email: stefans THE ROYAL PLACE pool, garden and fitness. [email protected] U-domsuk Village: 112/101, CONDO - PHUKET Soi 6. Hot water, 2 aircons, 45sqm. Freehold. Corner room, 5th floor, 2 balconies (great view), BEACHFRONT BAN KHAO THONG 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, POOL VILLA 56sqw, Western kitchen, 1 bedroom, living room, 2 air- KRABI cons, fully furnished, swimming FOR SALE / RENT 1.2 rai land plot, 15 min from Ao car park, 24hr security, 1.2km from Heroine’s Monu- pool, gym. Price: 2.3 million Nang. Road access, water sup- baht. Tel: 084-249 0526 (English ply, electricity. Chanote Title. 2.5 ment. Email: pratup@hot mail.com or LINE ID: h.pra & Thai). Email: h.jabary@gmail. million baht. Tel: 088-435 2742 com (English & Thai). Email: saran tup For sale: 6.6 million baht or [email protected] sell down payment: 400,000 HOUSE FOR SALE baht. Long-term rent:45,000 PA KHLOK HOUSE baht monthly, 520,000 baht TOP LAND VILLAGE 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, west- HOT SALE yearly. ern kitchen, large living area, HOUSE IN RAWAI Chalong. 1 rai. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. For more in- Tel: 089-840 5290 (Thai), large garden, laundry area, furni- formation, please call 089- 094-579 5666 (Thai / Eng.) ture and sound system with 14 speakers included. Quiet gated 649 9939. Email: siri_phu area near Mission Hill Golf Club, [email protected] airport and BIS. 4.5 million baht. Tel: 061-238 0155 (English). Email: paulajlaydon@hotmail. com 45sqw. 5 million baht, 2 bed- BUY DIRECTLY rooms with big living room. FROM OWNER BUNGALOW FOR SALE 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Convenient area close to Apartments at Kata Beach. NAI YANG BEACH no pool. Price: 3.9 million Bangkok Hospital, Phuket Pay 30% and move in. Flex- baht. Tel: 085-873 0117. 6 bungalows, fully furnished. International Hospital and ible payment plan available. Home office. Restaurant. Car Tesco Lotus Samkong. For Tel: 081-618 7295 (English). KAMALA PROPERTY parking. 922sqm. For sale: 7 house inspection please Email: tvanhole@yahoo. com 3-house property with 520sqm million baht. Tel: 086-691 7858, FIRE SALE PROPERTIES call 086-198 1869. for quick sale at 8 million baht. 086-593 4946 (English & Thai). We have a number of Fire Sale Tel: 098-736 9588 (English & Email: [email protected] Properties for urgent sale at Thai). bargain price from 1.5 million HOUSE FOR SALE baht. Most are in Rawai and NEW KAMALA HOUSE Chalong. 36sqw, fully furnished, Nai Harn. Condos, houses and For sale new 60sqm house, fully 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom bunga- villas. Rawai. Tel: 080-124 1245. furnished with internet, TV and low. 3 million baht only. Tel: 076- Email: kay@phuketandaman cable. 2.5 million baht. Chanote 288988, 093-749 2277. Email: realestate.com title. Tel: 098-736 9588. [email protected] NAI YANG LAND QUICK SALE PROPERTY SERVICES Great investment. 8 rai. Prime piece. Nai Yang. Near airport. Road frontage. Chanote. 25 mil- lion baht/rai. Tel: 093-624 7487 (Thai). Email: supha2007@hot mail.com

CONDO FOR SALE THE BEST OFFER! By owner. 50sqm, freehold, sea view. Fully renovated, smartly decorated. Excellent condo- minium, safe, quiet, very well maintained. Close to everything and only 600m from Patong Beach. Tel: 093-663 2658 (En- glish), 088-036 3497 (Thai). August 27 - September 2, 2016 PHUKET GAZETTE 21 PROPERTY FOR RENT

APT FOR RENT HOUSE FOR RENT HOUSE FOR RENT NAI HARN BEACH Boat Lagoon Phuket. 2 bed- PROPERTY SERVICES 10MIN TO AIRPORT 125sqm. 2 bedrooms, 2 bath- rooms, fully furnished. Email: rooms, swimming pool. 55,000 [email protected] baht/month for long term. For more details, please contact Nok. Tel: 081-746 2777. KRABI POOL VILLA FOR RENT New 200sqm villa, fully fur- CHALONG AREA nished, pool, European HOUSE kitchen. 25,000 baht/month. 1-3 bedroom. Quiet area. Ao Nang. For more informa- 2 bedrooms, living room, big Fully furnished. Tel: 081-892 tion, please call 081-720 sala, garage, aircon, fast 4311. http://palaigreen.weeb 5119. Email: camnet@y internet. 20,000 baht/month. ly.com mail.com Tel: 081-719 7015. Email: jy [email protected]

TOWNHOUSE FOR RENT / SALE ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE Phuket townhouse, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 aircons, car park. Furnished, quiet locality. Near Central Festival. Long term: BRAND NEW VILLA STUDIO THALANG 15,000 baht / month. Tel: 081- 2 BEDROOMS + POOL 719 7015 (English & Thai). 5-bedroom 5-bathroom 2-storey Email: [email protected] Special rates in March/April villa, pool area, quiet location, for studio, 2-bed apart- near PIA International School / ments. Shared pool, WiFi, Thanyapura Hotel, long or short VILLA, 5 MIN FROM maid service included. Start- term. Negotiable. Tel: 081-538 MARINA ing 9,000 baht/month. Also 2110 (English), 096-975 9628 2-bedroom villa for rent with 2 2-bed pool villa available. (English & Thai). Email: karelyn1 ensuite, covered car park, new Chalong. Tel: 086-282 6221 @optusnet.com.au kitchen, fresh painted ward- (English). robes, new fridge. Available for rent also as 4-bedroom house. Located in Ao Po. Tel: 081-537 LARGE LUXURY ROOM 1356 (English), 090-868 0695 (Thai). Email: clem@wdrace. RAWAI SEA VIEW com CONDOMINIUM

SEAVIEW 2-BED APT Patong. Fully furnished, pool, kitchen, WiFi. 16,000 baht/ month. Email: bricothailand@ hotmail.com KAMALA CONDO PATONG TOWER CONDO The Windmill Phuket Hotel is FOR SALE OR RENT For rent, only 1,000 baht/day. offering rooms for monthly 1 bedroom, fully furnished, 2 2 beds, 3 swimming pools, Pa- rent. 50sqm with ensuite 3-BEDROOM HOUSE swimming pools, gym, restau- tong Beach. Tel: 084-630 1770. Short / long-term rental. 1 & marble bathroom. Electricity, FOR RENT rant, tennis court, sauna, shuttle 2 bedroom apts, fully fur- hot water, gym, swimming 40,000 baht. Quiet location bus to beach and town, parking, nished. Stunning sea view, pool, daily breakfast and near Wat Chalong. 3 bed- 24hr security. Rent: 18,000 baht large swimming pool, lift. room cleaning is all included rooms. 4 bathrooms. Se- per month. Sale: foreign free- RAWAI - NAI HARN Please call 093-574 2533. for 30,000 baht / month. cure small estate. Uninter- hold, 3.9 million baht. Size 77.86 VILLAS Email: reservation@alma Rawai / Nai Harn-Yanui rupted lake and mountain sqm. Please call 061-238 0155 liresidence.com Beach. Tel: 076-613860. views. Parking for three cars. (English). Email: paulajlaydon@ Swimming pool. Internet, hotmail.com cable TV, pool maintenance, gardener all included in price. Available until Novem- ber 30th, 2016. Tel: 093-793 HOUSE FOR RENT 4258 (English), 085-696 0078 (Thai). Rent & sale. 1-6 bedroom, suites for all budgets. Tel: GREAT CONDO LOCATION 081-538 4588. Email: info@ Long-term rent. DCondo Mine, purimasproperty.com, www. 6th floor, new fully furnished, 2- purimasproperty.com bedroom, 2-bathroom condo with kitchen. 100m swimming pool, gym, internet, 2 cable TVs, Quiet location on Chao Fa 3 aircons, washing machine, West Road. Short / long- parking, security. Close to all term rental. 2 bedrooms, 2 BEACHFRONT shopping malls. 28,000 baht/ bathrooms, shared pool, HUGE VILLA month. Located in Kathu. For cable TV, security camera. Cape Yamu project. 250,000 more information, please call Tel: 089-724 3669. Email: baht/month. Long term. Tel: 081-893 9127 (English), 087-886 [email protected] 086-279 6283. 7895 (Thai). 22 PHUKET GAZETTE August 27 - September 2, 2016 GENERAL JOBS / RECRUITMENT CLASSIFIEDS MATH TUTOR Seeking a math tutor for a Year 8 student to improve for UK pri- BUSINESS PRODUCTS & SERVICES vate school admission stan- dards. Expected 6-12 months work, 2x hours per week, 1.5 hour per session. Home tuition in Kathu. Must be employed within educational institution, with ref- erences and teaching qualifica- tion. English speaking, both Thai & expat can apply. Supply hourly rate; travel expenses also con- sidered. Email: morganiain@hot mail.com

PART-TIME ACCOUNTANT WANTED We are a busy online golf busi- ness and need accounting sup- port. Duties include: Issue VAT invoices & WT certificates. Pre- pare supplier payments. Follow up with suppliers for VAT re- ceipts. Other accounting tasks. Flexible working hours and can also work from home. Reason- able English skills. Tel: 081-988 0600 (English). Email: david [email protected] For further details on the company, please see our website at www.golfsavers.com/thailand/ phuket-golf-courses

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES TEACHER WANTED Home schooling, native En- WANTED: DEPARTMENT STORE glish, female, Monday-Fri- LIGHTING BUSINESS FOR SALE US$65 MILLION day, 9.00-2.30pm, 3 chil- dren, 7-9 years old. Salary Relocating to Phuket and seri- We are the official brokers. One 40,000 baht. Tel: 081-343 ously looking for an existing of the oldest department store 0777. Email: montha_ phu lighting, electrical, lamps busi- in Bangkok for sale. Area is more [email protected] ness – supply, wholesale and than 5,616sqw (14 Rai). Total us- retail. Any existing such business age space is more than 30,000 owner willing to sell, please sqm. Tel: 093-539 6665. contact us in Kenya. Tel: +254- RESTAURANT / EVENT 20-374 9559, +254-733-424 SALES MANAGER 013, +254-724-255 786. Email: BULLETINS Bachelor's degree. 5 years expe- karim@powerinnovationsltd. rience in sales/events. Excellent com, www.powerinnovations communication skills. Excellent ltd.com selling skills. Mom Tri's Villa Royale, Phuket. Tel: 076-333 BAR & RESTAURANT 568. Fax: 076-333001. Email: FOR SALE [email protected] Amigo Bar & Restaurant for sale! Soi Nanai, Patong. Fully refurbished. Large bar and kit- MOTOR YACHT chen with terrace. Rent: 45,000 STEWARDESS baht / month. Sale: 1.8 million Phuket-based charter yacht baht. For more information, looking for an experienced please call 061-662 7071 (En- stewardess. Ideally a Thai glish & Thai). Email: robbieab national but will consider [email protected] other nationalities. Must be able to speak English and LAUNDRY SERVICE have service experience. FOR SALE Email: [email protected] Fully equipped. Very busy oper- ating laundry. Established cus- tomer clients. Located near REAL ESTATE AGENT / Bangkok Phuket Hospital. Good PROPERTY CONSULTANT cash flow. Good return on We are looking for real estate 170,000 baht investment. Ideal agent/property consultant with for single or family business. Bed- good English to join our real es- room and bathroom included. tate company (Chinese national Current owner will help and train. only). Tel: 093-575 5566. Please Tel: 081-633 6149. Email: jaymur send your resume to tati@the [email protected] houseproject.info August 27 - September 2, 2016 PHUKET GAZETTE 23 WHEELS BOATS & MARINE & MOTORS

CARS FOR RENT

Cars for rent + delivery ser- vice. Please call 081-607 8567. Email: suksavat@ hotmail.com, www.phuket- carrent.net

CAR RENT AT FAIR PRICES Low season price, starts at 10,000 baht monthly. Daily rental: 500 baht. Thalang. Tel: 084-847 4377 (English), 093-760 6016 (English & Thai).

GENERAL AVIATION 24 PHUKET GAZETTE August 27 - September 2, 2016 Around the world and back By Zohaib Sikander chosen as a server – and thus Backstreet Boys, George Fore- Koko moved to “It has been an began his life of adventure and man, Jeb Bush and the Miami Heat Isarn, where he interesting jour- MITR Kokapan, or ‘Koko’, as travel. basketball team,” he recalls. and his wife ney, but after all he is better known to his friends “I was very excited when Despite the glamour of travel- owned and oper- these years, I and family, may look like your they first recruited me. My ling the world and the fact that he ated three motels. have decided I run-of-the-mill Phuket restau- whole family came to see me was making much more money After that the don’t want to rant owner, but his life has been off at the airport as I was the than he could have imagined back couple moved work for anyone far from ordinary. Born in first one in my family to move home, Koko says it hasn’t been an to Phuket and anymore,” Koko Isarn, he is the second of eight abroad. When I reached there, easy journey for him. worked in hospi- smiles. siblings. After moving to I had to undergo rigorous train- “I worked up to 14 hours a day, tality. Now he is Bangkok at an early age, Koko ing to learn about different seven days a week. The work it- running his third Photo: Zo Sikander started working at hotels to sup- types of food at culinary school self was very demanding. We had restaurant, which is port himself and further his and wine training at Nappa Val- to walk back and forth from the in Kathu. education. ley, California,” says Koko. kitchen – which was no mean dis- “I studied political science at He settled into his role on tance – with two dozen loaded Ramkhamhaeng University in board the cruise ship, going all dinner plates, wearing back sup- Bangkok and worked in hospi- over Europe, the Mediterra- ports to carry the weight around. tality for 15 years. I’ve worked nean, the United States and the The money was great, I made at Hilton, Sheraton, Shangrila, Caribbean. many extra tips as well and could Grand Hyatt – you name it. I “We changed ships every six afford anything I wanted. I was started as a bus boy in the fine to eight months. The ships we able to buy my own house, a car dining room, then moved up to worked on were massive – the and everything my family and I be a waiter, captain, supervisor largest was a 4,500 passenger needed. But I only got to see them and so on,” he says. ship with about 2,000 crew once a year for about six to eight In 1992, he met a guest stay- members. There were at least weeks,” says Koko. ing at the Grand Hyatt who told 40 nationalities of guests and Koko worked on cruise ships him that American cruise ship crew members on board. for almost 20 years. It was there company Carnival Cruise Lines I met and worked with Aus- that he met his wife Kassama, who was looking to recruit crew tralians, Europeans from many was also working for the same members. He sat for a TOEFL countries, Americans, Filipi- company at the time. The couple exam, which he passed, and nos, Jamaicans, Japanese, also helped rehabilitate victims of later met with the company rep- Mauritians, Indians… The list Hurricane Katrina when it struck resentatives when they came to is endless. I even met many the US coast in 2005. interview new recruits. He was VIPs and celebrities such as the Since retiring from a life at sea,