ANDAMAN Edition PHUKET’S LEADING NEWSPAPER... SINCE 1993 Now NATIONWIDE Navy ships take final plunge Three ships scuttled to boost diving tourism in Krabi INSIDE TODAY

June 22 - 28, 2013 PhuketGazette.Net In partnership with The Nation 25 Baht

Special Report F1 race track debate feels island’s heat Phuket’s Formula One guru, the Digby, takes an in-depth look at the cancellation of the proposed 2015 F1 Grand Prix in Bangkok’s historic Rattanakosin district, which forced race organizers to look outside the capital, and put Phuket in pole position. Full story on Page 47 EU Ambassador leads delegation on tourist woes EU AMBASSADOR to Thailand David Lipman led the discussion among 17 other EU Ambassadors and local government officials. After the closed-door meeting, ambassadors highlighted four wor- risome issues facing tourist in Phuket. High on the list was the island’s marine safety measures. Full story on Page 6 MULTI-MILLION BAHT SEA GYPSY CENTER DESERTED Masked protests continue despite ing the millennia-old culture of the Urak Lawoi A takraw court has been set up on the grass By Saran Mitrarat sea gypsies now living on Koh Sireh never at the entrance. unruly weather arrived. Instead, there are mattresses for those The center never opened because it was PROTESTERS hiding behind the THE long-awaited Sea Gypsy Cultural Cen- still sleeping under the stars. not completed when it was transferred to the iconic Guy Fakwes masks that have ter, slated to open at the end of 2012 at a Located on a small nondescript soi at Laem Rassada Municipality in May last year, said become synonymous with anti- budget that ballooned from 2 million to 5.4 Tukkae, out of sight from the beach where Dachakanee Leelanon , Rassada Municipality Pheu Thai sentiment in Thailand million baht, has deteriorated into a derelict tourists board speedboats for day trips to the Chief Administrative Officer. stood unwavering in their dedication shell of a building that has become a shelter islands, the unoccupied multi-million baht cen- “It was transferred to us before it was fin- to the cause last weekend, despite the for the homeless. ter has fallen into disrepair: roof panels have ished and we don’t have enough money… wild weather that lashed the island. The promised library, exhibition spaces and fallen off, a mattress lies under a supporting native handiwork demonstrations highlight- structure and another floats in a pond. Continued on Page 2 Full story on Page 4 2 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET NEWS June 22 - 28, 2013 Officials rush to plug

Property Patong and Phuket notorious Patong hole Town top roadside real estate. Page 14 By Orawin Narabal OFFICIALS rushed to barricade Property a giant hole in Phang Muang Sai Kor Road in Patong this week af- Connext Condo will ter two motorbike riders found transform “downtown” themselves over their heads in Phuket. Page 15 water and their motorbikes Page 17 submerged at the bottom of a pit about two meters deep. Tech Unknown to the unlucky NSA scandal threatens motorists, the hole was part of the works in progress to install large Asian governments’ storm drains under the road, the cyber security. Page 34 entire 2km length of which remains under construction. The “pit” – marked with one Food Reduce Speed sign and one free- Slice off a taste of standing steel rail barrier – Brazil at Rodizio measured at least two meters deep, several meters across and about MAIN: Officials raced to install more drains and barricade the hole. Photo: restaurant. Page 40 10 meters long. Saran Mitrarat. INSET: A motorbike is recovered from the bottom of the “After hearing what happened water-filled crater. Image: Richard Brandes/YouTube In Focus. to the two motorcyclists on Sun- By Wednesday, more sections Phang Muang Sai Kor Road are day, I called in the relevant officers of the large storm drains had been far behind schedule. Happy, healthy, hobby and the construction company [re- lifted into the trench and the large “The road was scheduled to be of hydroponics for local sponsible for installing the drains gaps beside the drains had been paved by December 19 [last year], business. Page 44 and resurfacing the road]. filled in with earth. but the work is only 40 per cent Page 41 “I reiterated the need to install The entire hazard was also complete. It should be 60 to 70 more safety features, such as blocked off by a battery of con- per cent complete by now,” he Sport lights and signs. I apologize for crete barriers and safety signs to said. Look ahead to two this problem, which has caused ensure no other unsuspecting “On June 28, Kosin Pittayavest- physical and property damage,” motorists fell into the same prob- soonthon, the Director of the weeks of tennis at said Teeraporn Jirarattanakorn, lem. Bureau of Road Construction, will Wimbledon. PagePage 4748 Director of the Department of Mr Teeraporn pointed out that come from Bangkok to inspect the Rural Roads Phuket office. the long-awaited improvements to progress made,” he added. Sea gypsy cultural center cast adrift by development plans From page 1 wants to develop Koh Sireh into an impor- nancial stimulus package launched under tant tourist attraction,” he said at the time. the government of Prime Minister Abhisit …to complete it,” he said. Now, however, it appears that the cul- Vejjajiva. “It needs to be landscaped. That will tural center will not be leading the way One local resident who declined to be cost two to three million baht, and we don’t towards development but instead will need named expressed her disappointment. have the money. to wait for other development in the area to “It was supposed to open last year but it “The Department of Public Works has rise before it can open. seems like it will never be finished, it just agreed to finish the project. Right now, we “We are waiting for the renovation of stays there without any further construc- are just looking after the structure. We have the Baan Laem Tukkae area and will offi- tion. a security guard who keeps the place tidy,” cially open the whole area at the same time “The officers said that will be exhibitions he said. to promote Koh Sireh as an important and tourist attractions in Koh Sireh, but that There is one other major obstacle to Phuket attraction,” Mr Dachakanee told the seems like an imagination project,” she said. opening the cultural center: the rate of de- Gazette. “You can see teenagers using the car velopment in the area. On the mayor’s list of developments as park of the cultural center to play takraw in In May 2012, the center was described stated last year were an artificial beach, a The incomplete cultural center has fallen into the evening. by Mr Dachakanee as one attraction among musical fountain in the sea and a viewpoint disrepair. Photo: Saran Mitrarat “At the entrance of the building, you can many that would contribute to the develop- on the hill behind Koh Sireh temple. Lawoi sea gypsies. see a mattress under the cover, it is turning ment of Koh Sireh. The proposal for the center – said to be Two million baht was provided for the into a shelter for the homeless already” she “Koh Sireh has been neglected for so the first of its kind in Asia – was first an- construction of the center by the Phuket added. long, but Mayor Phudit Raksaraj has a plan nounced in 2009 as part of a plan to preserve Provincial Public Works Office, and the “Is this how the Sea Gypsy Cultural Cen- to bring this part of town back to life. He and exhibit the life and culture of Urak remaining 3.4 million baht came from a fi- ter should be?” June 22 - 28, 2013 PHUKET NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 3 DJ Doris out of ICU after motorbike fall PAUL Norris, Phuket’s renowned “DJ tal Phuket,” Byron Jones of 91.5FM re- released to continue his recovery at home Doris” on Phuket Island Radio 91.5FM, is ported on Facebook on Tuesday. by Thursday,” Mr Jones told the Gazette. out of intensive care after suffering a head “He looked so much better and was sit- When the rescue crew recovered Mr injury in what is believed to have been a ting up in bed. He is in a lot of pain with Norris from Phang Muang Sai Kor Road, motorbike accident in Patong early last fractured ribs and a broken collar bone. The he had no identification on him. Saturday morning. ear specialist is due to see him today,” Mr Capt Pathapee Srichai of the Patong He was rushed to Patong Hospital by res- Jones said. Police told the Gazette that police were not cue workers. However, he remained “Thank you everyone for all your kind treating the incident as suspicious. unconscious and was transferred to the wishes, text messages, etc. We have been “It seems no other vehicles were in- better equipped Vachira Phuket Hospital in reading them out to him each day,” he volved in the accident. We received a report Phuket Town, and then later moved to added. that a man was injured after falling off his Bangkok Hospital Phuket. Mr Norris was due to undergo a physi- bike… and we called the Kusoldharm Paul ‘DJ Doris’ Norris, sustained head “The great news is he is out of ICU and cal assessment on Wednesday. Foundation,” Capt Pathapee said. injuries in what is believed to have been a now is in his own room at Bangkok Hospi- “If all goes well, he could even be – Chutharat Plerin motorbike accident in Patong. Photo: 91.5FM Raid halts hotel room abortion By Kritsada Mueanhawong vice through word of mouth. I do not have a clinic,” he said. Newborn dumped, POLICE raided a hotel in Krabi “I charged 1,500 baht per province last week and arrested a month of the fetus’s gestational found dead in trash former nurse who was about to age. In the abortion I was about A NEWBORN boy with a rub- perform an abortion. to conduct before I was arrested, ber band twisted tightly around Officers apprehended Prapak the fetus was four months old, so his neck was found dead in a pile Thiparat, 67. The woman had al- I charged them 6,000 baht,” Mr of rubbish in Rawai on June 14. ready been prepared by Mr Prapak Prapak said. The baby, estimated to have to undergo the procedure. Her Mr Prapak was charged with been dead for over 24 hours, male companion was standing illegally operating a medical cen- was spotted by municipality beside her. ter, dispensing medication without trash truck driver Sutham “I have been performing illegal a license and attempting to per- Kansuwan on Soi Suksan 1. abortions for over two years,” Mr form an abortion. “We noticed a black plastic Prapak told the press at Ao Luek “The suspect accepted all bag covered by a red shirt that Police Station. He admitted to per- charges,” Col Sukkasem said. smelled foul… We opened the forming more than 20 abortions “At this stage, we can only bag and were shocked to see the in that time. charge him with attempting to tiny hand of a dead newborn “When police entered the hotel perform an abortion. We are still baby – we immediately called room, they found Mr Prapak in Prapak Thiparat, 67, confessed to performing more than 20 illegal abortions investigating the other abortions he the police,” he said. over the past two years. possession of 26 syringes of vary- confessed to,” he added. “We believe the mother was ing sizes, three used syringes, a Mr Prapak, 67, said he had came back to Krabi and I used the Police questioned the couple. not ready to raise the child, so jar of Vaseline, 11 vials of liquid worked as a male nurse at a hos- knowledge I had gained to per- “They said they were not ready she dumped it,” said Pol Lt Col antibiotics, five bags of antibiotic pital in Nakhon Sri Thammarat for form abortions,” he said. to have the baby, so they decided Jumroon Plaiduang. tablets and other equipment used many years. Mr Prapak explained that he to have an abortion. However, “We are now searching for for performing abortions,” said Ao “I have seen doctors perform performed many of the abortions they were both released as they the mother,” he added. Luek Police Deputy Superinten- curettage and sterilization as com- in hotel rooms or at guesthouses. have not broken any laws,” Col – Kritsada Mueanhawong dent Sukkasem Nakornwilai. mon practice. After I retired, I “People learned about my ser- Sukkasem said. Police warn of Man crushed as storm topples attacks, violent stage marquee at Saphan Hin teenage gang PHUKET Town motorbike taxi Meanwhile, across town at a driver Muhammad Poksakul, 62, housing estate on Palien Road, bike thieves died of head trauma after strong strong wind brought a large tree wind toppled a marquee covering down onto eight units of terraced POLICE are urging motorists to the stage at Saphan Hin on Mon- houses. exercise caution when travelling day night. No injuries were reported in the alone late at night in the Thalang “A strong gust of wind pulled incident. area after a man was kicked off down the awning covering the “Residents were evacuated to his motorbike while in motion by stage. As it collapsed, scaffolding safe houses and we will send of- a gang of youths who then stole knocked a large stack of speakers ficers to inspect the damage and the bike late on June 14. about 10 meters high onto Mr to estimate what repairs need to Chatmongkol Sukmak, 17, was Muhammad, knocking him to the be made,” explained Tawatchai riding home from Phuket Town ground,” said Capt Udom Petcharat Thongmung, the chief adminis- at about 11pm when a gang of of Phuket City Police. trative officer at Phuket City youths on three motorbikes rode “It seems he died instantly,” he Municipality. up alongside, said Capt Patiwat said. – Kritsada Mueanhawong Yodkwan of the Thalang Police. “As he was passing Wat Tha Ruea, they surrounded him and blocked him in… “Two of them kicked Mr Chatmongkol’s motorbike, knock- ing him to the ground. They grabbed his bag, which had his wallet and his phone inside, and took his bike,” he said. Mr Chatmongkol suffered only slight injuries in the fall. “We are checking CCTV foot- age in the hope we can gain some clues in order to catch the perpe- trators,” he added. – Thawit Bilabdullar 4 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET NEWS June 22 - 28, 2013 V-Phuket protesters brave stormy weekend weather Scuttled HUNDREDS of V-Phuket protest- ers, wearing their iconic Guy Fawkes masks, braved the strong THREE Royal Thai Navy vessels have wind and lashing rain in Phuket Town last Saturday to continue been scuttled in Krabi Province to provide their protest against the Pheu Thai superstructures for artificial reefs as part government under Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. of the province’s bid to create underwater The rally in Phuket was held in concert with other “V for Thai- learning centers for divers and boost the land” protests in at least 22 Andaman province’s tourism industry. provinces, as well as in Bangkok. While several hundred protest- The Gazette’s Irfarn Jamdukor reports. ers found seats in the covered area provided, many others braved the THE ships are designed to func- Mayor of Krabi Provincial Munici- elements outside. tion as both artificial reefs – pality explained. The protest held at Saphan Hin human-made underwater struc- The ships took part in many followed protests the week be- Though some protesters found seats in the covered area, others faced tures usually created to promote natural disaster rescue missions, as fore, sparked by Deputy Prime the wild monsoon weather to participate in the anti-government rally. marine life – and marine learning well as efforts to help the Ameri- Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi’s centers. can Navy quell pirate activity off comments that Phuket would not Phuket. The province earns a lot I have no idea what he was think- “We expect to establish a the Gulf of Aden in 2010 and 2011, receive an international convention of money for Thailand and helps ing… Not building an ICEC in museum about the wrecks and lo- Paitoon Panchaiyaphum, director and exhibition center (ICEC) un- a lot of Thais make a living. Many Phuket would cost Thailand a lot cal marine environment onshore. of the Phuket-based southern re- less islanders voted for Pheu Thai. people from across the country of revenue,” he said. However, there are no educational gional office of the Marine and Keeping a close eye on the pro- come to Phuket to work,” said well- Jittakorn Bushaba, who joined a signs set up yet,” said Boonnam Coastal Resources Conservation test was Phuket City Police known anti-Pheu Thai government V-Phuket rally on June 9, urged Chuyradom, an assistant chief of Department, said. Superintendent Sermphan and anti-Thaksin spokesperson Phuket people to maintain pressure Hat Noppharat Thara – Mu Ko Phi The fleet the ships were part Sirikong and fellow officers. Kaewsan Atipo. on the government in order to have Phi National Park. of most notably provided service Many popular figures were on “Deputy PM Plodprasop made Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop The promotion of marine during Typhoon Gay in the Phil- stage to present their opinions. a comment that ‘he was not in the removed from office. diversity is ippines and also “An ICEC is very important to mood’ to build an ICEC in Phuket. – Kritsada Mueanhawong expected to carried rice and encourage basic necessi- people of all ties to the walks of life people in Soma- and all ages lia, as well as to have a those facing greater aware- flooding in Sri ness of marine Lanka. resources and To reach to pursue their final rest- out-of-water ing place near learning oppor- Koh Yawasam tunities about in Krabi, the Thailand’s ma- retired ships rine systems, he were stripped of said. their armaments “We believe and towed along the project will the coast of increase our The bridge will be a major attraction Thailand from for tourists diving the site. Photo: current visitor Krabi Provincial Education Council Ao Udom rate by 5,000 in Chonburi, tourists per year and will bring in around Singapore and back up to an additional revenue of 10 mil- Krabi, Mr Kiratisak explained. lion baht per year,” he added. A forth ship, the 382-ton Luangkladkaew, will also be sunk, ARTIFICIAL REEFS near the famous day-trip diving destination of Koh Phi Phi. Artificial reefs tend to develop in relatively predictable stages. DIVE SITES First, where an ocean current encounters a vertical structure, it The ships’ hulls, resting on the can create a plankton-rich up- sandy sea floor at 20 to 25 meters, welling that provides a reliable were aligned so as not to be feeding spot for smaller fish, broadsided by any currents, which draw in pelagic predators. which could potentially topple or Quickly following are other crea- move the ships from their current tures seeking protection within the locations, said Mr Boonnam. reef or wreck. Shortly thereafter, “The current can flow natu- opportunistic predators such as rally and will not affect the ships. barracuda appear. Over the years, Also the sheer weight of these coral frags begin to take hold and ships will ensure they remain eventually the site will hit an steady and don’t cause any harm equilibrium point with the to marine resources already es- environment. tablished in the bay,” Mr Boonnam said. THE SHIPS “The underwater learning cen- ter is special in that all the doors The three Navy transport ships of the large ship have been left Talibong HSZP 766; Varee HSZB open to provide fish and other 762; and Kolam HSZO 765 had marine animals protection,” he been in service for more than 48 explained. years before they were sunk on Though there is currently no April 20, Kiratisak Phugaoluan dive site map of the wrecks, Mr June 22 - 28, 2013 PHUKET NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 5 for fishy passengers

Boonnam assured the Gazette that there were plans to accu- rately map the ships, highlighting points of interest and providing necessary information to dive tourists.

TOURISM IMPACT

A major selling point in the project has been the hope of increasing tourist numbers by about 5,000 people a year explained Mr Boonnam. Malene Jensen, General- Manger of Kon Tiki Diving and Snorkeling Center in Ao Nang, believed Mr Boonnam was right – the wrecks will help put Krabi diving on the map. “For sure, being here in Ao Nang most people know that we are not a diving destination just like Phuket, Khao Lak and Koh Lanta. I mean we are struggling to get ourselves on the map so having these decommissioned warships After being gutted, one of the three decommissioned Navy vessels heads towards its final resting ground. Photo: Krabi Provincial Education Council here is going to give us more attention. current sites, which are a short “By adding new dive sites there ing and protecting the artificial “We will frequently do biologi- Ms Jensen pointed out that the boat ride from shore. The rela- are other places for the corals to reefs will fall onto the shoulders cal diversity checkups at the site presence of wrecks at depths tively shallow existing sites near grow, so I definitely think it’s go- of the Marine and Coastal and ensure that the system is within recreational dive limits is a the mainland suffer from shrimp ing to help,” she said. Resources Conservation Depart- growing and thriving,” Mr Paitoon major draw to dive destinations farming practices, which cause ment; Hat Noppharat Thara – Mu said. around the world. a fine layer of sediment to be de- PROTECTION Ko Phi Phi National Park; and The additional sites will help re- posited on the corals, explained Krabi Provincial Administrative Additional reporting by Kritsada duce the pressure on the 15 Ms Jensen. The responsibilities of maintain- Organization. Mueanhawong 6 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET NEWS June 22 - 28, 2013 European ambassadors focus on marine safety By Orawin Narabal A representative (right) from the Chinese tour company that Ms Yuan AMBASSADORS from 17 Euro- travelled with receives the cheque pean nations highlighted marine for one million baht. safety problems in addition to three other critical issues plagu- ing Phuket’s tourism industry in Compensation their meeting with the governor of Phuket on June 14. paid to family At a press conference after the closed-door meeting, Phuket Gov- of a drowning ernor Maitri Inthusut explained that an “incremental” approach was being taken to addressing the victim in 2012 issues. REPRESENTATIVES from “The meeting today was held Phuket’s tourism industry stepped to identify several key issues af- forward last week to provide one fecting European tourists to million baht in compensation to the Thailand and to come up with so- family of a Chinese tourist who lutions to these problems,” said drowned while swimming off European Union (EU) Ambassador Racha Yai Island last year. to Thailand David Lipman, who Yuan Dingrong, 56, drowned led the 18-ambassador delegation. after getting into difficulties while A key factor in improving tour- snorkeling off La Bay at Racha Yai ists’ safety while in or on the Island on November 20 last year. water around Phuket is having Tan Chee Kiong, Vice President tourists understand the warnings of the Thai Hotels Association – and safety information provided, Southern Chapter, praised insur- Italian Ambassador Michelangelo ance provider AIG for making the Pipan pointed out. compensation available. “Having the same flag out all “This is a good example for the time [indicating whether or not other insurance companies in that it is safe to swim] during the mon- EU Ambassador Lipman led the delegation of 17 European ambassadors in examining issues plaguing Phuket. they are taking responsibility for soon period, doesn’t help. People make it safer,” the ambassador ter activities while on holiday, we will share these concerns with their customers,” Mr Tan said. disregard it,” Amb Pipan said. said. sometimes at their own jeopardy. other ambassadors and govern- “This helps develop a good im- “Also, having beach guards is- “We are working with all the “Many tourists come to Phuket ment officials in Bangkok to work age for Phuket and for Thailand,” sue inappropriate warnings causes appropriate authorities in having specifically to enjoy the beaches together to come up with solu- he added. problems of their own,” he added. the right agencies giving the right or to go out on a boat. This can tions,” Amb Lipman said. Methasit Anansiriphan, manager However, Amb Pipan said the warnings to tourists, posting the be problematic,” Amb Pipan said. “We will also be meeting the Tour- of the AIG Insurance Phuket Governor has assured him that his right flags and making sure the Asked what confirmed action ism Minister [Somsak Pureesrisak] office, handed over the cheque to office had called on local govern- right personnel are on the will follow the meeting, EU Am- on about June 28,” he added. the victim’s family. ment agencies to boost maritime beaches,” he said. “Hopefully, bassador Lipman said the quarterly Governor Maitri urged any tour- Present for the handing over of safety. this will result in less deaths in meetings between the honorary ists who find themselves in need the cheque at the Provincial Hall “The maritime authorities, in- the future.” consuls on the island and Phuket’s of urgent assistance to call the was Phuket Vice Governor cluding the Marine Police, have Amb Pipan did recognize the top officials will resume in the near Governor’s Office directly. Somkiet Sangkaosuttirak. been alerted to this problem [boat Governor’s comment that tourists future. The Governor’s Office can be – Kritsada Mueanhawong safety] and are taking action to are often determined to enjoy wa- “Also, after this meeting today, contacted at 076-211001. Chinese tourist drowns on daytrip to Koh Racha Yai A CHINESE tourist on holiday with friends in Phuket drowned on Tuesday while on a day trip to Koh Racha Yai, about 25 kilome- ters south of Phuket. Capt Wuttiwat Liang-boonjinda of the Chalong Police named the victim as Li Ran, 28. Ms Li was travelling with five friends who joined about 40 other tourists for the trip to Racha Yai Island, a popular tourist day-trip destination. “The tour guide said he warned the tourists not to go swimming after eating lunch, but many of them went swimming anyway,” he said. Ms Li was soon experiencing Li Ran, 28, died while swimming after having lunch on an island beach. difficulties due to the large waves and was dragged out into deeper The guide grabbed a wave board back to Phuket. water. and paddled out to get her, but it Her friends, in tears, accompa- “When the tour guide saw her, was too late,” Capt Wuttiwat said. nied her body during the journey. she was already far from shore. Ms Li’s body was brought – Kritsada Mueanhawong June 22 - 28, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 7 8 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET NEWS June 22 - 28, 2013 Bluebottles found washed ashore at Surin Beach THE Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC) in the sand. They are currently being depos- has confirmed that the stingers found washed ited at the high tide line,” he added. ashore at Surin Beach this week are bluebottles, PMBC marine biologist Charatsee Aungtonya also known as Portuguese man o’ war. said bluebottles are also often found at Kata, The stingers found so far are juveniles, re- Karon, Nai Harn and Nai Thon beaches. ported Gazette reader Daren Jenner. “Unlike with jellyfish stings, people stung “The presence of these bluebottles on the by bluebottles should not pour vinegar on the west coast started about five days ago with wound. This can make it worse,” she said. the onset of strong southwest monsoon winds “Instead, immediately wash the wound with blowing them in from the Indian Ocean,” he lots of seawater followed by lots of very warm said. water. And seek medical assistance,” she urged. “Beachgoers should watch where they walk – Auntika Sivasen Stingers at Surin Beach. Photo: Daren Jenner

What’s your weapon of choice? Photo: Sarah Cairncross Illegal elephants snuck past Cops nab Tah Chat Chai checkpoint ‘OJ’ thief By Kritsada Mueanhawong WHILE guns may be the weapon of choice for most bank robbers, THREE elephants were illegally one resourceful criminal managed smuggled into Phuket on June 17, to steal more than 200,000 baht making it across the Sarasin Bridge from a branch of Bangkok Bank and through Tah Chat Chai check- using something a little more in- point before finally being stopped nocuous: a bottle of orange juice. in front of the Thalang Police Sta- Cops announced the arrest of tion. Kittisak Rueankon, 42, on June 16 All nine men accompanying the after they found him hiding out in animals were arrested. a house in Phitsanulok. The two trucks transporting Mr Kittisak had carefully cho- the elephants were stopped after sen his moment to rob the branch, police received a 4am tip-off, said located at a Tesco Lotus in Muang Thalang police case investigator Phitsanulok, waiting until there Chatree Chuwichian. were only two members of staff “After we received the report present before going in. from our informant, we set up a On entering the bank, he pre- checkpoint in front of the police tended to be an ordinary customer, station and got in touch with the taking out a withdrawal slip and Phuket Livestock Office,” he said. writing on it. “Sure enough, two trucks car- With a bottle of orange juice in rying three elephants came by, so his hand, he then walked up to one we stopped them and investi- of the cashiers and handed her the gated,” he said. slip. Thanaruk Wanpoo, one of the On the paper, he had written nine men subsequently arrested, “Sorry. Give me money. I’ll spray lives in Phuket. acid [on you].” Then he opened “I was hired by someone The three elephants are currently being held at a camp near Big Buddha Hill in Chalong. Photo: Thalang Police the bottle and splashed the con- named Mr Kao [Police did not re- tents all over the terrified veal Mr Kao’s full name] who is to the place Mr Kao told me to go and then Phuket,” Mr Sa-ngad correct permits needed to bring employee. the owner of an elephant camp to, put the elephants on the trucks said. the animals into Phuket in accor- In the confusion, Mr Kittisak near Phuket’s Big Buddha Hill. He with their three mahouts and drove “Me and my family live in Surin dance with the Animal Epidemic leaned over and grabbed 210,000 paid me to go get three elephants to Phuket,” Mr Thanaruk said. and work at an elephant show. We Act BE 2499. baht in cash from the counter be- in Phang Nga and bring them to Sa-ngad Khadphai, one of the earn about 8,000 baht a month, They have also been charged fore running out of the bank. Phuket,” Mr Thanaruk said. mahouts, said that his father-in- which is not enough for our fam- with forging the ‘Guarantor of A civilian and a Lotus security “I asked my relatives to ac- law owned the elephants and that ily. So when Mr Kao offered me Animal Habitat’ document, which guard gave chase, but failed to company me to Phang Nga and each elephant had a “legal ticket” 15,000 baht per month to bring guarantees the animals have a catch him. help me get the elephants. We (identification document). our elephants down to Phuket, I place to stay at their destination, He was later found by police were hired for 12,000 baht,” he “I don’t understand why I was agreed,” he said. said Capt Chatree. and arrested. He will be charged said. arrested. I informed the relevant The men have been charged with armed robbery. “I don’t know where the three officers that we would transfer the with smuggling elephants into the Additional reporting by Orawin – Kom Chad Luek elephants came from. I just went elephants from Surin to Phang Nga province as they did not have the Narabal Patong Police: New CCTV control rooms will boost tourist safety THE push by Phuket authorities to increase nicipality office,” Lt Col Akanit said. tourist safety across the island has received The police CCTV cameras were installed a much welcome boost with Patong CCTV in crowded areas and places considered to control rooms now up and running. be crime-prone, such as Soi Bangla, The new system, launched as part of the Sainamyen Road, Nanai Road and Kalim Patong Safety Zone initiative, displays foot- Road. age from 32 high-quality police CCTV “We are now asking private entities to cameras and 300 private CCTV systems at provide us with access to any new CCTV three central locations, Patong Police Deputy cameras installed so we can all work to- Superintendent Akanit Danpitaksat con- gether to ensure the safety of the public,” firmed. Col Akanit said. “They are all connected to three control “If anyone is even considering commit- rooms in Patong: one at the Patong Police ting a crime in Patong, know that you are station, one at the Patong Municipality build- being watched by us and our citizens – you ing and one at the Department of Disaster cannot hide from us,” he warned. Prevention and Mitigation at the Patong Mu- – Chutharat Plerin BIG BROTHER: Patong CCTV control rooms are now fully operational, says Lt Col Akanit. June 22 - 28, 2013 PHUKET NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 9 Mass tourism takes bullet Senate Standing Committee blames island’s rapid development for tourist woes

By Kritsada Mueanhawong tain a clean and beautiful marine environment to support the activi- THE Senate Standing Committee ties and main attractions for on Tourism on June 13 highlighted tourists visiting Phuket,” Gen a series of issues plaguing Phuket Pichit said. due to the rapid development of In an effort to reduce pressure the province into a major center on the island, Tourism and Sports for mass tourism in Thailand. Minister Somsak Pureesrisak said “The growth of the tourism in- that the government needed to dustry in Phuket is the source of shift its tourism goals. many problems at its natural tour- “The current government poli- ist attractions. Land and beach cies have been focusing on encroachment, as well as air and enhancing tourism by making water pollution, are all serious con- tourist attractions more popular. cerns that affect the tourism image However, that needs to change. of the island,” Senate Standing Thailand needs to promote some Committee on Tourism 2nd Vice- areas, such as Phuket, for high- Chairman Pichit Kuandachakupt end tourism instead,” he said. said. The Tourism Minister went on Gen Pichit went on to point out to point out that the dramatic in- that vendors harassing and taking crease in the number of tourists advantage of tourists, as well as over the years, reaching nearly 10 excessive numbers of beach million last year, was putting pres- chairs and umbrellas were also sure on the island, which does not having a negative impact on tour- have adequate facilities and tourist ists’ experiences. services to provide for the rapidly Nonetheless, Gen Pichit spoke Mr Somsak sees the Phuket’s booming tourism industry as the source of many of its own problems. growing number of visitors. highly of the province as a whole. The Minister rattled off a list “Phuket has many beautiful said Gen Pichit. “Organize Phuket tourist attrac- private sector to barnstorm solu- of issues caused by the increase natural tourist attractions. It is The need to maintain and im- tions for a sustainable tourism tions to the plethora of issues in numbers. like a dream destination for both prove the experience offered to industry”. highlighted by the committee, ex- Nonetheless, Mr Somsak was domestic and foreign tourists. tourists in the province was why The seminar was designed to plained Phuket Senator Tunyaratt sure that solutions could be imple- Every year it generates a great the Senate Standing Committee on gather invested parties, govern- Achariyachai. mented to create a sustainable deal of revenue for Thailand,” Tourism dubbed their seminar ment agencies and members of the “We need to find a way to main- tourism industry on Phuket. Security guard steps away from ledge Immigration service center A SECURITY guard sacked after used to be in the monkhood in two days on the job in Phuket was Kalasin province. He left the opens doors to all in Patong talked down from a four-storey monkhood in April, so we sug- building in Phuket Town on June gested he come to Phuket to work PHUKET Immigration’s Tourist 13 after he threatened to jump. as a security guard. Service Point in Patong re-opened Police arrived at the Phoonphol “He worked there for only two on June 12 to a flurry of activity, Night Plaza just before 4pm. days. He called in sick, and was with about 20 expats and tourists Officers were dispatched to the then fired,” Ms Pennapa said. taking advantage of the immigra- rooftop to begin talks with the “I got a call from the police at tion services provided. man, 50-year-old Singha Noratat, about 5pm telling me he was “Most of them came to do their while an air mattress was quickly threatening to jump from the top 90-day resident reporting and for set up below. of a building, so I rushed here,” extensions to permits-to-stay,” said Phuket Immigration Superintendent After two hours of talks, Mr Ms Pennapa said. Patong Immigration’s Capt Sunchai cuts the ribbons. Singha agreed to safely come Mr Singha was escorted to Angkarn Yasanop, who now heads reporting and permit-to-stay exten- down from the rooftop. Vachira Phuket Hospital, where he the office with a staff of five. sions, and we receive notifications “He had been in Phuket only was examined before being re- The office is open 10am to 3pm, of foreigners committing offenses four days,” Pennapa Kansan, a leased into the care of Ms Pennapa. Monday to Friday. in the area,” Capt Angkarn said. relative of Mr Singha, said. “He – Kritsada Mueanhawong Mr Singha was talked out of jumping “We provide 90-day resident – Auntika Sivasen 10 PHUKET GAZETTE NATIONAL NEWS June 22 - 28, 2013 Insurgent names names of masterminds in Deep South conflict A SUSPECTED insurgent has named some plex, the robbery of a security van carry- The breakthrough came as talks between of the masterminds behind the bloody cam- ing 5.8 baht million in cash for a bank, and the Thai government and the Barisan paign of violence in the Deep South. an attack on a grocery store in which six Revolusi Nasional (BRN), one of the groups Sakariya Tohtayong, who was arrested people, including a baby, were killed. engaged in the conflict, entered their third by security forces in Pattani earlier this “His answers during the interrogation round in Kuala Lumpur. month, reportedly gave useful information have allowed us to know who are the mas- The BRN agreed to suspend attacks dur- about some of the most high-profile at- terminds and who are members of the ing the holy month of Ramadan. tacks in the troubled region in recent years. movement,” Colonel Komkrit Rattanachaya, But despite the previous two rounds of They included the bombings at the CS head of the 47th Paramilitary Regimental dialogue, the unrest in the Deep South has Pattani Hotel and the Diana shopping com- Taskforce, said. continued. Sakariya Tohtayong Photo: The Nation Foreign ministry forced to defend ‘crazy’ diplomat Business tycoon murder THE FOREIGN Ministry has been forced to issue a statement de- fending the first secretary of the Thai Embassy in Egypt after the investigation under fire female diplomat was accused of ferociously attacking an Egyptian GOVERNMENT critics are ques- woman in a Cairo hotel. tioning the police investigation into Thai Foreign Ministry deputy the murder of business tycoon spokesman Jakkrit Srivali said Akeyuth Anchanbutr, whose body Kakanang Amaranand had acted in was found in Phatthalung earlier “self-defence”. this month. The alleged victim, Rana Mr Akeyuth was a prominent Ashraf, has filed a police com- opponent of former prime minis- plaint against Mrs Kakanang, Daily ter Thaksin Shinawatra, leading News Egypt reported. some to suspect his murder was Introduced through an Em- carried out for political reasons, bassy colleague to a party of not merely financial gain, as po- Egyptians in the Kempinski Hotel, lice claim. Mrs Kakanang was allegedly very The Senate panel on human drunk and rude to the group from rights has called on the Royal Thai the start. Police to remove Metropolitan Mrs Ashraf’s husband claims Police Commissioner Lt Gen the “drunken lunatic diplomat” Kamronwit Thupkrajang as chief said Egypt was a “horrible place investigator on the case, pointing with horrible people”. out that the officer was known to Mrs Kakanang allegedly kicked have had conflicts with Mr Mrs Ashraf, angering her husband, Akeyuth in the past. who knocked her phone out of her Gen Kamronwit is also known hand. to have close ties to Mr Thaksin. Santiparb Pengduang led police to where they dumped Mr Akeyuth’s body. Photo: The Nation Mrs Kakanang then attacked Mr Akeyuth was abducted Mrs Ashraf’s husband before from his Bangkok home on the strangled, according to police. Mr Akeyuth’s lawyer, Suwat launching a brutal attack on the night of June 6, after being seen On June 14, a fourth suspect Apaipak, has told ASTV that he and woman, the man claims. alive for the last time at a restau- handed himself in. Suthipong the late businessman’s family were “She pushed her on the couch, rant in the Saphan Khwai “Berm” Pimpisai denied killing the certain the motivation was not theft kicked her over 5 times in the face neighborhood. businessman, claiming he was al- as it has been made out to be. They and head with her heels, pulled her His naked body was found bur- ready dead when he entered the believe the murder involved pro- hair out, bit her until she bled and ied in an orchard in Phatthalung’s van in which he was being held. fessional killers and included a through all of this, my wife had Muang district on the afternoon Police insist Mr Akeyuth was “high-ranking military man who let go. Whenever we tried to pull of June 12. Kuathong, 19, led police to the killed for 5 million baht, which he plotted the assassination”. her off, she would bite or pull His 25-year-old chauffeur location where they had allegedly was reportedly forced to withdraw Mr Suwat said he did not be- harder,” said the husband. Santiparb Pengduang and sus- buried the body. from a bank in Bangkok, some of lieve that Mr Santiparb could have The embassy has said it will in- pected accomplices Chavalit There were marks on the which was later found in Mr contrived or carried out the elabo- vestigate the incident. Wunchum, 23, and Thiwakorn victim’s neck showing he had been Santiparb’s possession. rate plan alone. Luxury car mastermind suspects told to come in THE Department of Special Inves- tigation (DSI) called for two businessmen allegedly involved in the transport of six luxury cars that caught fire and sparked a na- tionwide investigation into a tax avoidance scheme to turn them- selves in. Director-general Tarit Pengdith said the identity of the two men A burned luxury car. Photo: The Nation was known among law-enforce- blaze – may have been smuggled ment officials and they still had into Thailand from Malaysia. time to surrender to the DSI. The two men are known to be The DSI claims to have proof key figures in the importing of verifying transactions overseas luxury cars, he said, adding that the involving tens of millions of baht DSI had obtained security camera by the pair, and that the six ve- footage showing links between the hicles with suspect registration – pair and a suspect called Nathee four of which were gutted by the Rewthong, who is on the run. June 22 - 28, 2013 REGIONAL NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 11 In brief… Gas prices spark riots Myanmar coalition

By Kanupriya Kapoor with Suu Kyi likely and Adriana Nina Kusuma after 2015 elections INDONESIA’s parliament paved THE leader of Myanmar’s ruling the way on Monday for a jump in party has said a coalition govern- gasoline and diesel prices after ment with Aung San Suu Kyi’s months of delay that have under- National League for Democracy mined confidence in the is likely after the elections in 2015. government and the ability of “The matter will be decided by Southeast Asia’s biggest economy the time. But the important thing to continue growing rapidly. is to have trust between Suu Kyi The price rises – 44 per cent and us,” Ruling Union Solidarity for ordinary gasoline and 22 per and Development Party chairman cent for diesel – will cut the Thura Shwe Mann told AP during government’s costly fuel subsidies his visit to the US last week. and could give support to the – Eleven Media Group struggling rupiah after the central bank scrambled last week to prop Filipina free after 5 up the currency as it was caught in an emerging market selloff. years on remand After a 12-hour, often noisy THE Philippine Court of Appeals session, parliament voted 65 per- has directed Justice Secretary Leila cent in favor of a revised budget Riot police detain a demonstrator during a protest against the plan to raise fuel prices. Photo: Reuters de Lima to investigate the incar- for the year, which includes cash ceration of a woman for five years compensation for the poor to help “We reject the proposed cash The mob, armed with sling- without charges. them cope with the higher fuel handouts because it doesn’t shots, attacked police officers Joanne Urbina was arrested on costs. President Susilo Bambang address the real issue of poverty,” who responded by shooting rub- drug charges in 2007, but, for rea- Yudhoyono had demanded aid for head of the largest labor union, ber bullets. sons not clear to the court, the poor before he would sign off Said Iqbal, told reporters. “Six police were injured. There prosecutors failed to bring charges on higher prices. National Police spokesperson were also six civilians who sus- against her until May 9 this year. The surge in fuel prices, which Snr Cdr Agus Rianto said five pro- tained injuries from rubber bullets. Associate Justice Noel Tijam will boost inflation and in turn testers, six police and two among them was a journalist from called the incident “shockingly could spark labor union wage de- Outside parliament, police used journalists were injured in rallies local daily Mata Publik,” Agus said unimaginable”. mands, is testing Yudhoyono’s water cannons to disperse dem- in Ternate, North Maluku and in a press conference on Monday – Philippine Daily Inquirer already uneasy ruling coalition of onstrators, among thousands Jambi. In Ternate, around 2,000 in Jakarta. political parties, which are increas- holding protests in cities across protesters clashed with local po- – Reuters ingly focused on next year’s the giant archipelago. There were lice as they tried to occupy the Singapore haze is general and presidential elections. scattered reports of violence. Baabulah Airport. Additional reporting by Jakarta Post worst in 16 years THE haze that shrouded Singapore early this week was the worst in Ancient Angkor Wat city ‘known since 1900s’: researcher 16 years, with Environment and THE lead archaeologist in a project studying Mahendraparvata on Phnom Kulen plateau, near “It is an exaggeration to say a lost city has Water Resources Minister Vivian medieval ruins in Siem Reap has issued a state- Angkor Wat. been found because if you’re working in Cam- Balakrishnan “deeply concerned” ment to clarify media coverage proclaiming However, Jean-Baptiste Chevance, director bodia you know it’s been there since the 1900s.” that 113 hot spots detected over the “discovery” of a lost city in the area, as of the Archaeology and Development Founda- What was exciting about the project, Mr Sumatra had caused air quality to researchers have known about the existence tion and the project’s lead archaeologist, said, Chevance said, was that by using Lidar tech- plummet. of the centuries-old city for decades. “The way they put it together can make it feel nology – an airborne laser technology used to “Commercial interests in Indo- The Sydney Morning Herald ran a “World very, very sensational.” map features that may be indistinguishable on nesia have been allowed to override Exclusive” last Saturday claiming that archae- “To be honest, it’s not totally new – the the ground – his team could clearly see a whole environmental concerns” for too ologists had, “in a stunning discovery,” technology was new – but most of the monu- urban network linking the temples. long, he posted on Facebook. uncovered an ancient buried city known as ments were well-known,” he said. – The Cambodia Daily – The Straits Times 12 PHUKET GAZETTE INTERNATIONAL NEWS June 22 - 28, 2013 In brief… Opposition leader: Turkish UN: Insecurity in Congo copper region concerning protests expose hostilities SECURITY in Congo’s copper- By Ayla Jean Yackley mining heartland of Katanga is a and Asli Kandemir “very serious concern” that must be tackled politically and militarily, PRIME Minister Tayyip Erdogan’s the outgoing head of the UN peace- handling of Turkey’s fiercest anti- keeping mission said on Monday. government protests in more than The Katanga province sits on 30 years has exposed the extent some of the world’s largest cop- of his authoritarianism and only per reserves. entrenched hostility to his rule, the In March, hundreds of rebel head of the main opposition party fighters attacked the Katangan said. capital of Lubumbashi and then The protests mark a “turning surrendered following bloody point” for Turkey and show the clashes with security forces. ruling AK Party is out of touch with a new “democratic generation” that makes up the bulk of the activists, Obama sees Iran’s Kemal Kilicdaroglu, chairman of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), recently elected said in an interview with Reuters at the weekend. as a hopeful sign An effort to block government PRESIDENT Barack Obama said plans to develop Gezi Park, a small on Monday that Iran’s election of green space in central Istanbul, a moderate as its next president is began peacefully three weeks ago, a sign that Iranians want to move but flared into running street in a different direction, but he was battles. Riot police at the week- uncertain whether it would lead to end used water cannon and tear a breakthrough over Tehran’s gas to clear the park, where thou- nuclear ambitions. sands had camped out. A riot policeman fires tear gas during an anti-government protest in Istanbul on June 15. Photo: Reuters Mr Obama has said the United “The intervention is a reflection States and its allies would be will- on the street of the authoritarian CHP of stoking the confrontation Per capita income has tripled in ing to hold talks with Iran over its state structure created by the at Gezi to achieve what it has failed nominal terms and business nuclear program, as long as AKP,” said Mr Kilicdaroglu, 64, a to do at the ballot box. The cen- boomed. But critics say his style, Tehran recognized that interna- bespectacled former accountant ter-left CHP has been largely always forceful and emotional, has tional sanctions would not be lifted whom the Turkish press once sidelined from government since become authoritarian. He takes the unless Iran proved it is not build- nicknamed Gandhi for his pass- the 1970s and now has just 134 current unrest as a personal affront. ing a nuclear weapon. ing resemblance. seats in the 550-seat parliament. Such large-scale protests in “The use of excessive force has Four people have died and more western Turkey have been rare created resentment in society… than 5,000 have been wounded, since a brutal military coup in 1980 Saudi prince eyes (and) shows the demands for de- proportionate force to disperse according to Turkey’s Medical ended years of political strife that mocracy and freedom are Gezi Park ahead of his meeting in Association, in protests that have killed thousands. world’s big cities legitimate. If Erdogan continues Istanbul was to show power,” Mr spread across the country and Now protests threaten to pit with this conduct, the call for Kilicdaroglu said. “This is the have rocked financial markets in secular, Western-oriented Turks for tallest tower greater freedoms will grow.” mindset of a dictator.” this EU candidate nation. against PM Erdogan’s more reli- SAUDI billionaire Prince Alwaleed The evacuation of Gezi Park PM Erdogan has rejected accu- PM Erdogan has made many gious, conservative supporters. bin Talal says he is looking at the was followed by a ruling party sations of authoritarianism, saying democratic reforms, taming a mili- Only 15 per cent in a survey of world’s largest cities, including rally attended by hundreds of he met protesters and offered to tary that toppled four governments 4,411 Gezi protesters by pollster Shanghai, Moscow, London and thousands of PM Erdogan’s sup- hold a referendum on the park’s in four decades, starting entry Konda said they had joined the New York, as possible locations porters, a show of strength seen future as a compromise. He has negotiations with the European movement to protect the park’s to build a mile-high skyscraper as a response to weeks of street said the environmental protest has Union, and forging peace talks with trees. Almost two-thirds of respon- that would be the world’s tallest protests by his opponents. been manipulated by “terrorists”. Kurdish rebels to end a three- dents said they were seeking greater building by far. “The underlying reason for dis- PM Erdogan also accused the decade war. protection of rights and freedoms. Brazilians question status quo Defense cuts ‘hollowing out’ AS MANY as 200,000 demonstra- European armies: US envoy tors marched through the streets MOST European allies are “hollow- of Brazil’s biggest cities on Mon- ing out” their armies as they slash day in a swelling wave of protest defense spending, casting doubt on tapping into widespread anger at whether Europe can remain a poor public services, police vio- viable military partner of the United lence and government corruption. States, the outgoing US ambassa- The marches, organized mostly dor to NATO said on Monday. through snowballing social media Many Western European coun- campaigns, blocked streets and tries have slashed defense spending halted traffic in more than a half- in response to austerity induced by dozen cities, including Sao Paulo, the 2008 financial crisis and the Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte and United States now accounts for Brasilia, where demonstrators nearly three-quarters of total NATO climbed onto the roof of Brazil’s defense spending, Ivo Daalder Ivo Daalder notes the lack of EU Demonstrators shout anti-government slogans. Photo: Reuters Congress building and then said. investment. Photo: Cherie Cullen stormed it. folded as a festive display of dis- waved Brazilian flags and chanted “Most European allies are hol- American and European contribu- Monday’s demonstrations were sent, some demonstrators in Rio slogans. lowing out their militaries, tions to the alliance is widening to the latest in a flurry of protests in threw rocks at police, set fire to a The demonstrations are the first jettisoning capabilities, and failing an unsustainable level,” he said. the past two weeks that have added parked car and vandalized the state time that Brazilians, since a recent to spend their existing budgets “The trends need to be reversed.” to growing unease over Brazil’s assembly building. Vandals also decade of steady economic wisely,” he said in a farewell “Today, Europe’s ability to serve sluggish economy, high inflation destroyed property in the south- growth, are collectively question- speech, hosted by the think-tank as America’s partner of first resort and a spurt in violent crime. ern city of Porto Alegre. ing the status quo. Carnegie Europe. is diminishing,” Mr Daalder said While most of the protests un- Around the country, protesters – Reuters “As a result, the gap between – Reuters June 22 - 28, 2013 PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 13 Organic living at Saiyuan Estates

THE Two Villas Group, who own Saiyuan Estate, are trying to reduce the environmental impact their developments have on Phuket. Saiyuan Estate is a new luxury boutique pool villa development nestled among the hills in Saiyuan, one kilometer south of Chalong Representing an investment of circle. The Oriental Essence and more than 400 million baht, Onyx Essence villas have been built Saiyuan Estate is built on just over with an environmental awareness 8.5 rai and 36 sq wah (13,852 that gives its customers an organic sqm) plot of land in Saiyuan. lifestyle in a nature-friendly environ- Each unit is fitted with a waste ment, without compromising style, water treatment outlet and a sepa- comfort and convenience. rate waste outlet. The waste water The Onyx Style villas are from each villa is filtered until it is uniquely designed, compact, yet clean enough – no dangerous spacious single-storey two-bed- chemicals – to be drained in the ORGANIC PASSION: Each villa comes with an eight-meter long swimming pool that uses salt instead of chlorine. room private pool villas with a public drain without harming the traditional tropical appeal, rang- environment. ing in size from 154 to 183 The landscape architecture square meters. reflects natural materials and The villas have an open plan reduces the destruction of kitchen, dining, living room and a resources by using wood from swimming pool off the master bed- an industrial park. room enclosed in a private garden. The villas have also been designed The larger Oriental Style villas to optimize the use of energy are also single storey two-bed- through natural light and ventilation room private pool villas, with plot from the sea breeze. To illustrate, sizes from 255sqm to the largest the developer designed the villas with at 393 sqm. large windows to allow more Each villa comes with an sunlight, which helps reduce the use eight-meter long swimming pool of electricity. With this wise design, and hardwood pool deck which when customers open the doors or is raised above the large garden. windows, the ventilation from the The Onyx villas are single-storey two-bedroom private pool villas with a traditional tropical appeal. This type of villa is perfect for sea breeze cools down the house benefit for the island, and Phuket Onyx Style Villas start from 8.4 there are only nine units available. customers looking for a main without using an air conditioner. will be a beautiful place to live for- million baht and there are only – Phuket Gazette residence or second home, with the “In the long term it [reduction of ever!” Wirachai Pranveerapaiboon seven units available. Oriental Style For more information on the project, added value of the rental program. environmental impact] will be a great CEO of The Twovillas Group said. Villas start at 10.2 million baht and visit: Saiyuanestate.com 14 PHUKET GAZETTE PROPERTY June 22 - 28, 2013 Patong beachfront most expensive land

CHANGE: Phuket Town’s skyline is in transformation. Photo: Steven Layne

By Kanyawarat Pramprasert treasury department as well as the and Steven Layne land registration office for “tax purposes”. THE beachfront in Patong Bay com- The purpose of the list is to try prises Phuket’s highest valued road- and provide land title registration side real estate, while the most applicants with a consistent Photo: Gazette file expensive land plots in Phuket standard, the official said. Town are valued only 7% less. However, the official clarified Patong’s beach road land is more expensive than other areas in Phuket. According to Phuket’s official that the prices do not necessarily road and street-access land value reflect actual land market prices 35,000 baht per sqm. that anything priced below 50,000 summary covering 2012-2016, for any specific plots, and that the The land official proposed that baht/ sqm for a 1.5mn baht 30 plots along Taweewong Road in list only focused on public street one primary reason Phuket Town square-meter condo, for example, Patong (the beach road), had been side areas. land prices are relatively higher would generally be classified as a valued from 70,500 to 150,000 After Patong, the next four than other parts of the island, is “low to lower-middle income” baht per square wa (sqw), which most highest valued roadside because of its central location for segment property. equates to 17,625 and 37,500 areas on the island are all in Phuket business, history and culture. And despite the higher price/ baht per square meter (sqm), Town – off Rassada, Phang Nga, To little surprise, Phuket’s low- sqm for “shoe-box” units, it is not respectively. Yaowarat and Ranong roads, with est valued public road access real to say that buyers cannot find An official at the Phuket Land plots along these roads valued estate is in Thalang district, cov- larger plots of one rai and up Office told the Gazette that the list- between 60,000 to 140,000 baht ering most of Phuket’s north, but (1,600 sqm+) that actually do fall ing is utilized by the Phuket per sqw, or a mere 15,000 to not including Kamala, which is within the Land Department and part of Kathu district. Treasury valuation ranges – Namely, all along the main drag namely, 3.4 to 10mn baht per rai of Thepkrasattri Road (highway in Thalang, or up to 56-60mn baht 402), plot values range from 8,000- per rai in Phuket Town and 25,000 baht per sqw – or just 2,000 Patong, respectively. to 6,250 baht per sqm. A quick search on the internet Although these rates are only a revealed that a plot of land with small fraction (about 11-14%) of access to Jungceylon shopping baht, which can be broken down those assigned to beachside prop- complex and Soi Bangla, sized just to about 4,300 baht/ sqm. erty in Patong, land prices in over 1 rai, is on the market for An empty plot on Soi San Suk, Thalang are expected to continue 25mn baht (15,600 baht/ sqm) near the Bang Nieo intersection in to rise rapidly as main roads in the Meanwhile, on the hill-top historical Phuket Town, is asking district become increasingly at- overlooking Kalim beach, a 1.6mn baht for 33 sqw (132 tractive to hotel and condo slightly-larger-than-one-rai plot sqm), or 12,121 baht/ sqm. developers. with a sea view is going for about Also, a small dormatory with a As for actual market prices, 28mn baht (17,000 baht/ sqm) land title for 60 sqw (240 sqm) particularly in the island’s rapidly Another search found that there on Phuket Town’s Poon Pon Road IDENTITY: Property values in the historical district of Phuket Town are higher expanding condominium market, is a 36-rai plot of land along the is on the market for 4.5mn baht, than those along most beachfronts on the island. Photo: Atchaa Khamlo the Gazette’s property desk notes bypass road hill for sale for 250mn or 18,750 baht/ sqm. Siam Square most expensive for 8th straight year: AREA THE Thailand Real Estate Infor- BTS skytrain stations. per sq wa (337,500bt / sqm) by mation Center recently published The second most expensive the end of the year, Silom will a report about Thailand’s most area in Thailand is the central busi- be Thailand’s second most expensively valued urban, com- ness district around Silom Road, expensive area for the 6th straight mercial zones, which as usual, which is followed by the bustling year since it matched Yaowarat were all in the central part of Bangkok China Town’s Yaowarat in 2008, and then surpassed it Thailand’s capital, Bangkok. Road in third. the following year. Published by the Agency for With land values of Siam The decades-old cultural and Real Estate Affairs (AREA), top- Square (and vicinity) plots this traditional hotspot of Yaowarat ping the list were plots in the year expected to rise as high as road, is steadily in third with plots shopping district that is centered 1.7mn baht per sq wa (425,000bt expected to be worth as much as around Siam Square. / sqm) by the year’s end, the 1,050,000 baht per sq wa, or The report notes that the famous shopping district will be 262,500 baht / sqm. survey zone for Siam Square also Thailand’s most expensive area The AREA report anticipates land BUSTLING: A view of the congested Phaya Thai, Pratunam and covers adjacent areas, including for the 8th straight year since values around the central shopping Ratchathewee neighborhoods, near Bangkok’s central shopping district. Mahboonkrong or MBK, Siam Dis- surpassing China Town’s district with access to the Siam, Improved mass transit is cited per year. This is compared to other covery and Siam Paragon shopping Yaowarat Road in 2006. Chit Lom and Ploen Chit BTS sta- as the main reason for the appre- areas that are appreciating at only malls, as well as the nearby zones With plots expected to be tions, to rise up to 2 million baht ciation, sky-train access plots 3-5% per year. next to the Chit Lom and Ploen Chit valued as high as 1.35mn baht per sqm by the end of 2015. appreciating on average of 10% – Phuket Gazette June 22 - 28, 2013 PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 15 Connect to work, life, play downtown LOCAL developer Phuket Thanee Co Ltd, Touted as the “most practical downtown launched Connext Condo this week in its living space yet”, the sensible room arrange- latest drive to transform “downtown” Phuket ment puts the kitchen and bathroom on the into a thriving residential community. outer edge with a balcony for ventilation, When finished in December 2015, Connext while the living room and bedrooms can be Condo and Fit Sports Club will be part of the transformed into an open-plan arrangement skyline on Sakdidet Road, near Sapan Hin and with sliding glass partition that concertinas Suan Luang Park, giving the area a commu- all the way into the wall. nity feel. The development will be right next “Connext condo will be at the heart of a to a residential housing estate also under con- fun, upbeat community with excellent struction by the same developer, Phuket facilities nearby,” said Managing Director Thanee Sakdidet Muang Phuket. Ms Lakkana Teowattankul, who is part of Covering a total land area of 4.10 rai (1.6 the second-generation team of the family- acres), Connext Condo is aimed at offering run Phuket Thanee company, which has a affordable “downtown” accommodation for strong track record of three large mixed- young, first-time home buyers with very use Phuket Thanee residential estates in the stylish one and two-bedroom condo units past decade under the presidency of Mr in two eight-storey blocks connected to the Tawat Teowattanakul – a well-known separately operated Fit Sports Club and Lions Club member. swimming pool, which is scheduled for “Everything is nearby. Surrounding the Construction of the 361 units is scheduled to begin in January 2014. Photos: Phuket Thanee Co completion by December 2015. Olympic-length 50-meter swimming pool and The pre sales event of the well-appointed children’s play pool is extensive landscaped units officially launches this weekend (June green space, as well as the Fit Sports Club, a 22-23) with starter prices on offer at Central coffee shop, restaurants and meeting places. Festival Phuket and “Operated sepa- at the Connext rately as a leisure and Condo showroom business oriented and sales office complex, Fit Sports inside the Phuket Club is equipped Thanee Sakdidet with professional Muang Phuket estate exercise equipment on Sakdidet Road. and classrooms for Priced for first- yoga and other time buyers, with group activities,” A computer generated image of how one of the bedrooms will look once completed. standard units from Connext Condo will be on Sakdidet Road. said Ms Lakkana. “Connext Condo and the surrounding – Phuket Gazette 1.43 million baht, Construction of green space is planned as a self-sustaining Connext Condo one and two-bedroom the two eight-storey blocks of single-bedroom hang-out and meeting place that offers For more information about Phuket Thanee’s units will come fully furnished with and two-bedroom condos, 361 in total, is something for every taste, mixing conve- latest projects visit connextcondo.com. Tel: 076- ModernForm and Ikea furniture designed scheduled to begin in January 2014 and ex- nience, function and style for work and 219912, 082 222 6803-4. facebook.com/ for multi-purpose living. pected to be completed by December 2015. play,” said Ms Lakkana. connextcondo. 16 PHUKET GAZETTE BUSINESS June 22 - 28, 2013 Big bang of luxury WELCOME to rainy season in Phuket. It’s But dammit, I’m here to talk about Asia’s Friday morning as I ponder the sound of big bang of luxury and the tidal wave of rain pelting down on the roof and it feels “conspicuous consumption”. A long time almost as if I’m in Syria taking ago in the 19th century, economist Thorstein DRIVEN TO EXCLUSIVITY: The Lexus-LFA costs about 43 million baht. Thailand has two quotas incoming fire. My life is that of a minimalist. Veblen coined the term in his tome The out of 500 in the whole world to import it. Photo: James Stegbauer Give me a black t-shirt, Theory of the Leisure episode is Steve Jobs, buy at higher prices, condo hotels gather steam, alongside shorts and a well worn Class. He somehow buy more and buy often. luxurious multi-million dollar ultra- pair of Sanuks. No peaked behind the curtain Create the perception and feed the beast villas – can we see a merge of the tribes watch, no jewelry, just an of time to see what of consumerism. It’s abjectly brilliant and I here and cater to the rich, the want to outdated Blackberry, would evolve later in the have to admit to owning an Apple MacBook be rich and those on a budget? Tricky which I make no apologies for. 20th century and beyond into the burgeon- Air, and yes my iTunes account is very business. I spoke to someone who attended At times though, I long for more. My ing middle class, or as those more cynically active. the trendy global chic travel show LE wife always berates me for not bringing inclined would call it; the consumer class. Phuket has its own class warfare, the Miami and the feedback from the jet set is: an umbrella outside on rainy days. Like Though when Veblen coined the term ultra wealthy with their villas, mega yachts that despite our Aman/Trisara/Andara/Sri today, as I sit here in my office after the conspicuous consumption his critique was and private jets, and the aspirational Panwa foursome, the aisles were buzzing heavens opened up and doused me like aimed more directly at the upper crust emerging consumer class who love those about Samui. Smaller, more exclusive, less a water cannon on the mean streets of world of the “haves”. For those with Cs – cars, condos, country clubs, credit crowded. Will the rich and famous leave us Istanbul. I’ve changed my status on money, suddenly objects of desire become cards and smart cellphones. in our hour of need? Facebook to “Soggy”. Is more better? Or cars, houses, second houses, travel and Yet luxury remains a fickle giant, and Probably not, as we have a mighty wind is more just more? the finer things in life. Sure there was a though the island has garnered a massive of new luxury brands opening hotels on Asia remains out of step with the larger blip in the 1960s and certainly Mao, Lenin, inventory of high net worth individuals, the the island over the next few years and world. It always has, and probably always Castro and Uncle Ho tried to derail the battle to stay on top is never an easy one. Phuket is just such a strategic location. will. Maybe the date line has something gravy train, but the wall of consumerism So much is being written about sagging Yet on a broader canvas, conspicuous to do with it, pulling an all-nighter is never was built on solid foundations well before infrastructure, mass tourism and chaos at consumption now represents so much a bad thing. Keeps you edgy, like playing the new millennium and there has been no the beaches. While the government and more than just real estate and travel – it’s with broken glass. Over in Hong Kong, looking back. tourism leaders talk the talk of wanting an insatiable appetite for more, faster, Edward Snowden is doing long stretches Here in Thailand, the surge of the upper high-end travelers; the changing world is newer and glossier. without sleep, though, sadly, Gitmo looks class and a groundswell in the middle class seeing more a shift to smaller and less pricy. It’s a different world we live in and I’m to be on his horizon. Silence the lambs in has changed the world we live in forever. To say Phuket has a split personality or not entirely sure it’s a better place. Except a nutshell. Without doubt the poster boy for this is conflicted is a given. Cheap shoebox for iTunes of course; and MacBooks. One rotten apple can spoil the whole barrel second quarter. Bedsides Apple, benchmarks, it makes much more the hedge funds have also found sense to just invest in ETFs track- themselves saddled with portfo- ing indices. lios concentrated in low-returning With that said, there will still be a discretionary and information considerable amount of onus AS OF the middle of June, the technology stocks rather than on you to have an investment port- portfolios of many active manag- cyclicals which started to perform folio with a properly diversified asset ers of both mutual funds and hedge better in late spring. allocation between different types funds alike were badly under-per- In other words, the “smart of investments (equities, bonds and forming the benchmark Standard money” crowd bet too many chips cash) and sectors. This is much & Poor’s 500 index. In fact and on Apple as well as on the wrong easier to do with ETFs or individual despite a bull market that had seen sectors. While you or I can stocks or bonds than with actively the S&P index climb about 16% easily move in or out of invest- managed funds. Why? Consider since the start of the year, over ments, because we aren’t managing this: If the managers of all the two-thirds of active managers billion-dollar portfolios or actively managed funds you own were missing their benchmarks positions, it’s very difficult for a big are overweight in Apple, plus you while active managers in general fund to add to or unload a sizable own shares, then you are over- have had their worst performance (e.g. one million share) position in weight in Apple and your portfolio since 1998. The major culprit? the wrong stock or sector without has probably been suffering since Apple. seriously impacting share prices. last September. In other words, you Apple hit the US$700 level This is another reason active fund may have knowingly or unknow- around the middle of September managers are lagging and will prob- BAD APPLES: If you’ve invested in actively managed funds with large ingly followed the herd and are now 2012 amid talk that shares would ably continue to lag major indices holdings in Apple, your entire portfolio may be suffering. Photo: Bjorn Olsson paying a price with diminished reach $1,000 by the end of the for some months as they try to after year since the market attack its detractors, only to investment returns all because of year or sooner. By the middle of adjust their portfolios. bottomed after the financial crisis. do a sudden u-turn when the stock one stock. June 2013, Apple had sunk to the What are the lessons we can Likewise, be very careful about or the company itself started to $430 level and was sinking the per- learn from the recent mistakes buying into media or Wall Street stumble. Don Freeman is president of formance of many active fund made by the smart money crowd? hype surrounding any one particu- However, unlike the managers of Freeman Capital Management, a managers along with it because For starters, do no blindly follow lar stock, investment or sector, as actively managed funds, the man- Registered Investment Advisor with they were overweight in its shares. the herd but don’t try and stand in the bulls can quickly turn into bears agers of exchange-traded funds the US Securities Exchange Moreover, of the 30 most- front of it either. For example, any or vice versa. Case in point: do you (ETF) are not swayed one way or Commission (SEC), based in owned stocks by hedge funds, short seller who bet against the remember all those bullish stories the other by hype because these Phuket, Thailand. He has over 15 Apple was the only one to have herd by shorting Apple before last about Apple up until early autumn funds are designed to track specific years experience and provides delivered a negative performance September likely found themselves or so? When Apple’s share price indices by having the same stock personal financial planning and for the first quarter, and as of on the losing side of a “short- was rising and kept rising, the allocation as the indices they track. wealth management to expatriates. mid-June, it looked set to be one squeeze” while investors in funds media and much of the investment So instead of placing a bet on Specializing in UK and US pension of only several to deliver a that short the market have been community kept singing the whether a manager of an actively transfers. Call 089-970-5795 or negative performance for the consistently loosing money year company’s praises and tended to managed fund can beat their index email: [email protected]. June 22 - 28, 2013 BUSINESS PHUKET GAZETTE 17 Jaguar, Land Rover get new dealership By Kanyawarat Pramprasert importing premium cars to Bangkok. LUXURY car importer GB Auto- “So we decided to come to mobile Co Ltd was recently invest in a dealership in Phuket appointed to be the sole, official because we are confident in the authorized dealer for Land Rover strength of brands such as Land and Jaguar cars in Phuket and the Rover, the ‘king of off-road’, and rest of Southern Thailand. Jaguar which has a long tradition The official grand opening of in building fine premium cars. the new showroom is set for next “I think we will do well in month. Phuket,” he said, adding, “We Meanwhile, GB Auto is under- want to create a long term rela- going an extensive renovation of tionship with our customers by their showroom, which is adja- New Jaguars will be roaring into providing excellent service, the Phuket showroom. cent to the Benz Ramkhamhaeng starting from the sales experience Group (BRG) showroom located Central Festival Phuket from and throughout the whole post- on the busy Thepkrasattri Road June 6-12, GB Automobile Gen- sales service [period] for the entire in Rassada. eral Manager Dominic Cheung ownership of the car. To feature a full line of Land revealed details about the “In other words, the key for Rover and Jaguar models, with a development of the new show- our business is to keep customers complete post-sales service room and the range of cars that happy, [and] to treat our custom- department, the new showroom will now be available in Phuket. ers like friends.” will be serviced by a professional “I think Phuket is a beautiful sales team, with factory-trained city with a high standard of living The GB Automobiles dealership is service advisers and technicians for some, so I think our brands located on 9/17 Moo 6, Thepkrasattri on hand to ensure full support for Land Rover and Jaguar are a very Road, Rassada Phuket; Tel: 07 652 customers. good match for Phuket. 3032. Further product and technical Speaking to the Gazette at a “We have about 30 years of information is available at www. NOW AVAILABLE: A model shows off the latest model Land Rover. recent car exhibition held at highly successful experience in LandRoverThailand.com AP Superyachts berths new office in Patong LUXURY boating firm Asia Asia Pacific Superyachts is an in Phuket for the season, APS Pacific Superyachts (APS) Phuket established company with a Phuket sets forth an itinerary with is “growing”, reports General worldwide reputation as the provisioning and all arrangements Manager Gordon Fernandes. leading yacht agency for South- for superyachts cruising to areas “We’re pleased to announce east Asia and the general South such as Myanmar, the Andaman our headquarters have moved to Pacific region. Representing Islands and beyond. a brand-new, purpose-built office superyacht service and guidance While in Phuket, which cur- in preparation of the exciting times in Phuket and Myanmar, the rently boasts three marinas where ahead as more yachts discover the Phuket office has over 20 years superyachts can berth along with amazing cruising available in combined experience in the numerous anchorages, owners and Southeast Asia,” he says. superyacht industry led by the their guests, captains and crew can While the new offices offer highly experienced GM Gordon enjoy the island’s crystal clear blue increased facilities and staff to ser- with Thai owner, JoJo, providing waters, stunning beaches, lush vice their clients, Gordon notes a special relationship link with tropical ambience and world-class the company will continue to keep Phuket Customs, Immigration and onshore entertainment. their APS office at the Yacht Harbor departments. The new Asia Pacific Super- Haven Marina, central to all the Phuket is renowned as a great yachts Phuket headquarters will yachting activities in Phuket, year-round destination with support the growing number of vis- Thailand. SUPER TEAM: The staff of Asia Pacific Superyacht Phuket office. amazing cruising and sailing iting yachts and new marinas being Recently relocated from Patong offices will allow the company to has been designed to feature extra opportunities to the many wonders built to meet the increased interest to the new larger premises, also in grow; we were running out of conference, meeting and video of Southeast Asia. Superyachts of from the yachting industry. Patong, the purpose-built main space in the old Patong office and conference facilities – all of which various sizes have been coming to – Phuket Gazette office provides extra facilities and we need to expand our charter and will make it easier for our clients Phuket for over 15 years, a major the finest of services to visiting and crew placement services. to communicate to us and for our destination for yachts visiting the For more information email gordon@ resident superyachts. “New staff are being recruited company to support our clients’ Indian Ocean. asia-pacific-superyachts.com and “Our brand-new expanded to support our new office which needs,” explains Gordon. For owners basing their yacht visit asia-pacific-superyachts.com TAT, Visa, AirAsia: Grand Sale AIR ASIA has joined with the Tourism Authority of flights, starting from 790 baht, and international Thailand (TAT) and Visa to launch the flights from 1,290 baht – not includ- “Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2013”. ing taxes, insurance and other related This year’s sale celebrates a booking fees. 15-year cooperation between TAT Booking can be made through the and Visa, and will offer Visa custom- AirAsia.com website until June 23, ers various discounts, some touted for travel periods from now until to be more than 80% off select pur- August 15, 2013. chases, as well as other special Under the promotion, for every 500 privileges with more than 500 par- baht spent at participating merchants, ticipating merchants in Phuket, customers will receive a prize Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Haad voucher, and a chance to win one mil- Yai, Koh Samui and Hua Hin. lion baht in cash (for Thai nationals The sale will end August 15, 2013. only), as well as a number of travel Air Asia is also offering promo- packages under a campaign themed tional ticket prices for domestic “Amazing 30 Days in Thailand”. 18 PHUKET GAZETTE OPINION June 22 - 28, 2013 Culture of neglect holds steady path FAILURE of local authorities to complete the multi-million baht “Sea Gypsy Cultural Center” on Koh Sireh in Rassada is just the latest in a long string of long-delayed projects on the island that highlights the inefficient use of taxpayer money and failings of bureaucracy – all at the teetering altar of “tourism promotion”. Millions of baht in funding for the project was justified on lofty objectives that few could dispute: to create a center where visi- tors could come to understand and appreciate what is known about the history and way of life of one sea gypsy tribe, the Urak Lawoi people, who have a seaside village at Laem Tukkae on Koh Sireh. Inevitably, and as usual, the project was touted as a way to attract tourists to the area. Beautiful and largely unknown, even to many long-time Phuket expats, Koh Sireh is perhaps the least promoted part of the province in terms of tourism. This is the result of an unfor- tunate geographic reality – the island is separated from the mainland by Klong Tah Jeen and what remains of the once ex- tensive mangrove forests along its banks. In our “rich man, poor man” reality, encroachment generally tends to create ei- ther luxurious resorts and mansions or slums. In this case, unfortunately, it is the latter. Access to Koh Sireh is by the bridge along Sri Suthat Road, which extends from the gritty and economically depressed east side of Phuket Town, home to derelict buildings, slum housing communities and the largest public housing estate on the island. In its current state, this “island within an island” seems to lack anything resembling a coherent tourism promotion theme: Honest advertising saves lives it has beaches, but they are not as nice as their west coast coun- Re: Gazette online, Video Report: ing ever seems to get fixed. terparts; it has a nice temple, but not nice enough to attract European Union tackles Phuket I wish more time was spent on many tourists; it has a macaque colony “viewpoint”, but not nearly tourism woes, June 14 fixing problems and less time on as nice as the one on Toh Seh Hill. It is also home to a number of Let’s get real. If a campaign talking about fixing problems. disparate organizations: an orphanage for HIV-positive kids and was initiated to improve maritime Me Do you have an opinion to voice? an “international” dog training school, among others. Gazette forum and beach security by informing Email [email protected] In short, despite being well worth a visit, most explorers will the world that swimming and boat- do a u-turn before they cross far enough over the bridge to real- ing in Phuket six months of the ize that the island actually has something to offer. year was extremely dangerous – counting to finish the so-called ...and don’t go soft It is only after passing through this area of urban decay and which is true – what would hap- new road behind Jungceylon. The when punishing the fishing port area that Koh Sireh’s real charms can begin to pen to the tourism industry? state of the roads and drainage be appreciated. Some private investors, most notably the owners systems in Patong is a total and Have you ever seen a brochure Re: Gazette online, One dead as of the Westin Koh Siray Bay Resort, are spearheading real about Phuket mentioning this fact? absolute disgrace. efforts to develop the area. Wyn Phuket pickup slams into tree, Steve Rubenstein June 15 It seems to be an uphill battle, however. Sadly, the current Gazette forum Gazette forum state of the museum-cum-homeless shelter serves not as a tour- The occasional (unannounced) ist attraction, but rather as a reminder of how indigenous people roadside check would help. Real continue to suffer at the hands of successive governments that ...but at the airport, it penalties for drunk driving, not pay lip service to their needs while denying them the most basic Eating in is healthier sitting on the curb for a bit, would of rights, such as land title deeds for plots of lands they and their deserves kudos help even more. My condolences ancestors have occupied for decades. Re: Gazette online, Phuket Opin- to the families. ion: Why not to cook, June 15 I was very pleased to see a posi- Bill When I first came to Thailand, tive change at the airport recently. Gazette forum I ate out all the time until I noticed When I went to Singapore in how unhealthily Thai food is March, I was met with a chaotic cooked. scene – security was so backed Responsible tour Even healthy dishes such as up that the area right behind the operators veggies are fried and then doused immigration officers was a solid with sweet sauce adding unneeded wall of people. It made me doubt Re: Gazette online, Phuket pay- calories. the efficacy of security, where out for Chinese tourist drowning I do eat out here and there, but staff were desperately pushing victim, June 15 it’s much cheaper to shop and people through. As a former TAT-licensed tour cook for yourself. On the trip I took last week, I operator, I can say that it is nec- And anytime you eat out, you saw a different scene entirely – essary to insure your passengers. never know what goes into your the security station had been I’m happy to see that AIG food. For sure there will be MSG, moved in front of immigration, (American Insurance Group) has palm oil, sugar. and was running smoothly. honored this claim, and it once Cooks Daily Well done, Phuket Airport. again stresses that all tour opera- Gazette forum Traveler tors should be licensed and insured. Thalang Pete In Patong, effort is Gazette forum not good enough... Here’s how to solve It’s up to the woman problems: just do it... Re: Gazette online, Video Report: Re: Gazette online, Former male Phuket officials unveil ‘drive- Re: Gazette online, Mass tourism nurse confesses to at least 20 ho- thru’ preview of Patong Tunnel, market blamed for degradation of tel room abortions, June 14 June 12 Phuket, June 14 Easy to change this kind of dan- The mayor says, “I have spent Thailand’s officials are great at gerous operation: Change the law more than 10 years trying to im- developing fantastic slogans to so abortions will be legal and can prove Route 4029” over Patong Hill. bring attention to a problem that is be done in hospitals. Let women What a sad and pathetic com- obvious to one and all, but their decide themselves whether they ment. If that is his best effort, then inability to develop a well thought- want to carry on the pregnancy Volume 20 Issue 25 perhaps he should let someone out plan of action to fix the problem, or not. else try. along with strategic execution, Richard It took him five years and still seems to be the reason that noth- Gazette forum June 22 - 28, 2013 OPINION PHUKET GAZETTE 19 Promoting Islam for Exceptions, all of us AS CHILDREN we were told that we were special, unique – excep- tional. Those of us who have By Alex Stone flocked to this little island have youths and tourists taken our parents’ words in stride Do you have an opinion to voice? and to heart. Individuals of every Email [email protected] nationality in Phuket believe that Maroj Thongyon, a 66-year- they are an exception – an excep- tion to everything: laws, moral old Phuket native, has been creeds and consequences. I am a member of the committee without a doubt, and somewhat PHUKET is a very popular desti- of the Phuket Islamic Council ironically, not an exception to this nation for tourists from around the since 1990 and is president singular belief that runs so ram- world. Our island needs to pro- pant in paradise. mote its Muslim heritage by of the Foundation Nurul It was 3am on a Sunday morn- promoting halal food shops, Islamiah. Two years ago he ing – the damage of a long marking sites important to Mus- took the position of Imam at Saturday night carrying through. lim history on the island and by the Nurulislam mosque in Volunteering to give a teacher noting mosques on guide books friend a ride home, I sped off from and maps. Patong. Kamala, up and down the windy Thai-Muslims compose Here, he talks about the loss hills, and through the dark. about 30 per cent of Phuket’s of cultural identity among Phuket Muslim youth and the The flashing triangle and cones population. Many Muslim com- set up at the bottom of a long hill munities on the island are opportunity to market Phuket as a halal-tourist destination. north of Patong signaled a police historically located in Cherng checkpoint. Talay, Kamala, Rawai, Baan Ko I didn’t have a driver’s license En and more isolated areas Hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrim- I think youths are not aware on me, but it was too late to across the island. age to Mecca, which is one of the enough of the importance of the attempt any criminal maneuvers The members of these commu- most significant religious obser- rules, rituals and practices that in an attempt to dodge the Rules are for others. Image: Mike Kline nities traditionally were fishermen vances in Islam. For those who compose religion. checkpoint and I didn’t have the or orchard gardeners, and unlike are unable to go to Mecca, there They lack the understanding, motivation it takes to blow Though there had been a most of the Thai- are morning knowledge and education about through one, as I have seen oth- vague feeling that I, in this Muslims in Yala, prayers held here religion and its importance. In ers do from time to time. So, exceptionalist way, was not Narathiwat, and ‘The fact that we in Phuket. many ways society is now push- waved to the side of the road, I alone – based solely on the be- Pattani, Phuket’s celebrate In Phuket, we ing them away from religious pulled over – sifting through my havior of so many non-native population speaks maintain halal. understanding. empty wallet for the driver’s li- islanders, Thai and foreign – it Thai, not Malay. Eid al-Fitr and The term “halal” is I am worried that one day cense that wasn’t there. wasn’t until this weekend that I There are many Eid al-Adha, as used to designate they may look at religions and Eventually, the officer believed heard it verbalized. cultural Muslim tra- any object or ac- cultures and see nothing of value it was time to take me down to A friend was asked not to drink ditions kept alive in well as many other tion that is in them – it is a very serious the station, to test me for drunk on a privately rented bus, and he Phuket, with cel- holidays, allows permissible to use problem. driving – he had the driving part was recounting the story polish- ebrations being Muslims around or engage in ac- Islamic education needs to be already pinned down and just ing the tiny tale off with, “I didn’t observed regularly. cording to Islamic instilled in educational institutions. needed to establish the drunk part come to Thailand to follow the The fact that we the world to come Law. The term We have received very positive – when it happened, an unthink- rules.” celebrate Eid al-Fitr to a tropical does not cover just feedback when discussing this able utterance back home, but And though many of us, be- and Eid al-Adha, as food and drink, but idea with educational institutions. something extraordinarily Phuket lieving we are the exception to well as many other paradise and feel all matters of daily It also must be presented to in nature: I told him, “No”. this rule may flinch in horror at holidays, allows welcomed.’ life. young people by members of their It wasn’t an abusive or hard no, such a statement, think about Muslims around – Maroj Thongyon These tradi- family, religious leaders and rel- but it was clearly a “there must how many illegal u-turns you the world to come tions and our evant organizations. be some sort of mistake I am an take, how many red lights you to a tropical paradise and feel culture need to be preserved and I hope in the future the new exception to the law” sort of no. run, how many beers you buy welcomed into communities that advertised because they can at- generation of Phuket Muslims With a little more conversation and at bars when no alcohol should understand their needs and can tract tourists but mainly because will be more aware of their no money changing hands, as I be sold – think about all the rules cater to them. we need to re-inforce the val- Islamic heritage and be stricter was giving a teacher a ride home, of law that you feel should not For example, Eid al-Adha is the ues of our culture in the youth in their observations of halal we were set free to continue our apply to you, and therefore, here holiday observed at the end of the of today. customs. journey. in Phuket, do not.

How to get through Hospital Phuket, replies: The process you describe is to Mission Hospital correct – administrative officers Getting some air at the beach forward emails to the relevant In November 2012 I asked why departments. Can anybody kitesurf at Karon Mission hospital does not answer However, staff are often very Beach now during the low season? emails. busy and may not have time to There is very good wind and I was told: “We have adminis- respond to all emails. not many swimmers. And what trative officers deal with hospital The best way to make an about other beaches? emails Monday to Friday from 8am appointment with a doctor is to call Bjorn to 5pm. They check emails and us during office hours. We can be Chalong forward them to relevant depart- reached at 076-237220-6. ments. Please tell us what You can also stop by the hospi- An officer at Kata-Karon Mu- department you would like to con- tal to make an appointment in nicipality replies: tact and what the subject of your person. Yes, kitesurfing is permitted at email is and we will follow up.” Kata and Karon beaches. Five days ago I sent an email However, visitors should be asking for an appointment with a aware that conditions in Thailand surgeon and I have had no re- may not be the same as in their sponse. Why not? What is the home countries and should take point of having an email address special care, especially during the if no one bothers to check it? [southwest] monsoon season. Just be sure that you are up to the conditions. Photo: Willtron Swerv Always obey the safety flags Harn Beach, replies: smaller there. Phuket set up on the beach and don’t go Kitesurfing is better at Kata than You should always check with in the water if the flag is red. at Karon. a lifeguard first to make sure the Orasa Tunkasem, Human Re- Nai Harn is the safest place to area is safe, and observe the source Assistant, Mission Jula Nonsee, a lifeguard at Nai kitesurf because the waves are safety flags. 20 PHUKET GAZETTE June 22 - 28, 2013

On the occasion of the Official Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. A Reception at Royal Phuket Marina

From left: Ms, Oranee Hidebrand, Ms. Kanjana From left: Mr. Mark Kent, Ambassador at the British Embassy, Bangkok; Mr. Maitri Inthusut, Phuket Governor; Ms, Martine Delogne. Sriboonsom.

Martin Carpenter, British Honorary Consul for Phuket. From left: Ms. Janpen Arno, Arjarn Pranee Sakulpipat, Mr. John Magee.

From left: Supranee Murphy; Piyanuch Hongsyok; Glen Dunkly. From left: Boom Ydmark; Lars Ydmark; Jeanette Skelton.

22 PHUKET GAZETTE June 22 - 28, 2013

LAM RU VALLEY HOUSE FOR SALE IN Properties PHANG NGA BAAN PROMPHAN THIDA HOUSE For Sale 14 rai of prime land bordering the 2.5 floors, 5 mins to town, 2 SALE 27 MILLION mountainous region of Khao bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Good Lak and Lam Ru National Park for stay! 2.85 million baht. Tel: where tourism is a major indus- 083-506 9155. Email: sumitra. HOUSE IN PHUKET try. The land is an ideal location [email protected] VILLA 5 FOR SALE to develop a high end Eco Re- sort. Nor Sor 3 Kor Land Title. AMAZING SEA VIEW Tel: 088-768 3944 (English), Karon apartment, 4th floor, free- 081-893 3646 (Thai). Email: hold, 130sqm, 2 bedrooms, 2 [email protected] For fur- bathrooms, fitness center, 2 Thai-style modern town- ther details, please see our pools, 600m to sea. 10 million house with land. Size: website at www.rightmove.co. baht. No agents. Tel: 086-131 10.50m x 10.85m. 2 bed- uk/overseas-property/property- 5458. rooms, 2 bathrooms with 39265192.html living room, dining room, PRIVATE SALE OF kitchen and car park. Single 46sq wah, furnished, 3 LAND AT HALF A RAI house on land size: 15m by bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, CHERNG TALAY At Ao Makham. Land is located 10.85m. 2 bedrooms, 2 bath- 3 aircons, carpark. Only 1 Ngarn, nice flat land, quiet opposite Port of Phuket and rooms with living room, din- 3.5 million baht. Tel: 081- area, Chanote. In Pasak Soi 5. next to Bel Air Cape Panwa ing area/kitchen, terrace and 787 7675. Price: 2 million baht. Tel: 089- Resort. Price 4.2 million. For HOUSE FOR SALE car park. Soi Mountain View 472 9118. NICE PLOT more information please call: Koh Kaew, Ideal Home, 4 bed- Kathu Waterfall. Tel: 081- FOR SALE 081-891 5932, 089-035 6702. rooms, study, playroom and 535 7585, 084-119 4262, 1.5 RAI NEAR HOUSE & FURNITURE maid’s room, large garden, 081-356 9754. Email: pee [email protected] LAGUNA PHUKET Single house, 60sqm. 2 pool. USD $550,000 o.n.o. 2,400sqm in Cherng Talay, floors, 3 bedrooms and 3 HOT DEAL - CONDO Email: [email protected] Chanote title, gentle slope, high- toilets. In Chaiyapruek Vil- AT THE POINT HOUSE IN est point of Pasak 8, access via lage at Land & Houses Park, LAND NEAR KATA VILLA DOWROONG public dead-end road. Can be Chalong. Good location and CENTER Phuket Town. 3 bedrooms, 3 divided. Agents welcome. 8.5 entrance from bypass road. Great location, road access, bathrooms, 47sq wah. Tel: 089- million baht. Tel: 089-875 9609 Built 2 years ago. Tel: 084- 5 mins to Kata Beach and 909 2771. (English), 087-418 5924. Email: 627 7001. main road, 1,450sqm with title [email protected] Near Layan Hill Estate. deed. Contact Lychee. Tel: (Manik-Bang Jo area). SEAVIEW KARON 081-891 3048 (English & Ger- 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 Ready to build housing/ man). AO PO LAND 1.5 RAI PHUKET VILLA 5 pool villas. 1,400sqm. pools, fitness room. Sale: SEA VIEW VILLAGE 10.5 million baht. Or rent. No Chanote title. Price: 7.2 ALLAMANDA (LAGUNA) Chanote title. Private access from million baht. Neg. Contact agents. Tel: 086-131 5458. Residences/ Phuket Condo beach front road. 400m from Ao owner on 080-520 2989. unit, half of a deluxe twin Por Grand Marina. 10 million Email: edc9designs@ BEACH FRONT LAND house, fully furnished and baht. Tel: 080-698 0141 (En- gmail.com SALE glish), 082-277 5971 (English & equipped, set direct on the pic- On-beach land of 600sqm at Thai). Email: roscomclean@ Opposite to Big C, one turesque lagoon with balcony Naka Island, just 10 mins by yahoo.com.au D CONDO 1, KATHU bedroom with nice view in- right over it. 3 bedrooms each boat from Ao Por Pier, Phuket. -29.94sqm, mountain view, cludes furniture. 55sqm. with shower/ bathroom roof ter- Price: 10,xxx baht per sqm. price 1,278,000 baht. Price: 3.5 million. Nego- race. Long-term rent or sale. Tel: 081-691 2446, 081-677 Tel: 090-487 8084. Email: LAND NEAR tiable. Tel: 082-276 1817, 7914 (English). Email: wut@ -29.70sqm, mountain view, 081-614 5372. [email protected] MISSION HILLS price 1,280,000 baht. tarntaraspa.com -29.79sqm, pool view, price 1,330,000 baht. SINGLE HOUSE URGENT SALE! -29.70sqm, pool view, price QUICK SALE 4 BED FOR SALE/ RENT 3-storey shophouse. Permsab 1,365,000 baht. IN KATHU Village ( Manik). Tel: 092-129 7292. For sale. Price 4.5 million Contact Vutdy on 081-892 baht. No agents, no fur- 3709. nished, with 4 aircons, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, CHEAP LAND Pa Khlok. 2 rai 32sq wah, kitchen and car park. Be- 1-BEDROOM NEW FOR SALE 60m wide. Chanote. Located hind Kajonkiet International PATONG TOWER Close to Phuket Interna- on Tha Ruea-Pa Khlok- School on Chao Fa West Newly renovated spacious 1 tional Airport. 4 rai, Chanote Muang Mai Rd. 11 km from Road, 5 minutes to Central bedroom apartment on the title. 3.8 million baht per rai. Beach Road, central Patong. In Thanapa Park View vil- Heroines' Monument. Price: Festival. For short or long- 10 minutes to BIS and HIS. Tel: 081-868 7676. Email: 7th floor. Good rental possi- lage in Koh Kaew. 57sq 7.8 million baht. Tel: 089-472 term rent, 16,000 baht per 15 minutes to Patong and [email protected] bility. 4.4 million baht. Tel: wah, with 2 bedrooms, 2 9118. Email: honda.1437@ month. Call to see 087- Central. Located in secure +45-5239 3777. Email: deher bathrooms, a kitchen, a hotmail.com 270 9093. Baan Suan Loch Palm es- [email protected] carpark and a garden. tate. Selling price 12.75 mil- Sale: 2.25 million baht. CONDO AT lion baht. Tel: +61-43-592 Rent: 11,000 baht per ROYAL PLACE 2900, +61-46-831 5377. month. Contact owner. Email: donmountford@ Tel: 089-615 9719. Email: gmail.com [email protected]

Condo at Royal Place Project, bypass road, oppo- site Tesco Lotus. 37sqm, 2fl, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, kitchen, fully furnished (2 aircons, washing machine, refrigerator, TV, microwave, cable TV, 24 security with key card etc). Pls contact for more details. Tel: 086-476 9612. Email: annanoi1@ hotmail.com June 22 - 28, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 23

LARGE HOUSE 4 RAI CHANOTE TITLE HOUSE IN KAMALA HABITIA KOH KAEW KAMALA CONDO IN KAMALA HOUSE CHALONG Furnished, 280sqm, 2 bed- SUPALAI PARK FOR SALE Land situated just off Chao Fa rooms, 3 bathrooms, office, East Road in residential area. sundeck, 2 pools, jacuzzi, No brokers or agents. Please carport. Sale: 3.4 million baht. email [email protected] for 18 years left on lease. Or rent: details. 32,000 baht per month, mini- mum 6 month contract period. Located within Condo Com- TOP FLOOR CONDO plex. Tel: 084-716 0502. Freehold, 3 bedrooms, 5.95 Modern style, Chino-Por- million baht + PCC golf 6.45 tuguese, area: 36.50sq For sale. Near Sengho Near Phuket FantaSea. million baht. Owner will be here wah with 118sqm living Bookstore in Phuket Price: 3.2 million baht. Ne- on July 2. Tel: 081-676 0740. space approx. 3 bed- VILLA FOR SALE Town. Studio, 30sqm, gotiable. Tel: 081-719 1041. Email: [email protected] rooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 House in Cherng Talay, floor 15, sea view, aircon, Email: teddykong0222@ www.PhuketGolfCondo.com car park. Sale down pay- this beautiful two-storey furnished. Price: 1.55 mil- hotmail.com ment 500,000 baht. Tel: villa has a Mediterranean lion baht. Ready to move For sale. 2 houses on land. 087-270 9093. air with wrap around bal- in. For more info call 089- NEW HOUSE conies and red tiled roof 472 9118. Selling a new house at Siri Vil- 1 ngan 89sq wah. Chanote HOUSE URGENT title, near mountain, peace- with 5 bedrooms, 5 bath- lage, Pa Khlok. 2 floors, 3 bed- 7 BEACHFRONT SALE rooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, ful and safe, 10 minutes CONDOS 18MB rooms, swimming pool, from the beach. 5.5 million office and children’s play living room, garden and car park. Outstanding investment op- SEA VIEW LAND 2 aircons, curtains and 1 fur- baht direct from owner. Tel: portunity! 7 studio apart- area, movie room, dinning FOR SALE 089-615 9719. Email: room for 8, maid’s room nished bedroom. Tel: 088-760 ments within beach front de- Amazing sea view building [email protected] and laundry. This is the 6083 (English & Thai). Email: velopment. All 7 apartments plot on Andaman Mountain. theeighthcat@ hotmail.com are being offered at a dis- ideal family home. Internal area: 472sqm, total area: 1,048sqm with concrete counted price to a total price road, water and electricity. 9 URGENT SALE/ of 18 million baht for all of 1,920sqm. Tel: 081-892 0534 (English), 081-597 million baht. Email: crane RENT them. Tel: 089-839 8255 (En- [email protected] For fur- 30 RAI IN TOWN 6911 (English & Thai). Single house with 2 storeys, glish & Thai). Email: info@ ther details, please see our Flat land near Dowroong Fax: 076-238493. Email: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, lantaestate.net website at www. property- School in Phuket Town. Tel: barrett.damian@gmail. 440sqm, fully furnished, in com land-phuket-thailand.co.uk 081-691 2526. BEAUTIFUL HOUSE Chalong. For sale: 7.3 mil- FOR SALE lion baht. Please call 081-607 Full landscape, 3 aircons, 3 TOWNHOUSE - KATHU 8567 or email to suksavat@ bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, tele- FULLY FURNISHED Low selling price, very conve- hotmail.com For further de- URGENT SALE phone, internet, kitchen. Lo- HOUSE FOR SALE nient location. For more informa- tails, please see our website cated near the Heroines tion, please call 081-990 1844. at www.phuket-condo.net Monument towards Pa Khlok. 53sq wah land. Price: 3.3 million baht (negotiable). NEW CONDO: URGENT PRICE REDUCED, Tel: 089-646 4786. Email: SALE/RENT NEAR BIS [email protected] 4 bedrooms+maid room, House in Patong. Newly 500sqm, corner unit, energy built 40sq wah, near Sea saving. 22.5 million baht. Tel: Pearl project, Patong. 2 KRABI, AO NANG 076-239887, 087-465 8883 storeys, 3 bedrooms, 3 bath- 3 rai. 3 million baht per rai. 2km Chao Fah Garden Home 3 (English & Thai). Email: info@ rooms, fully furnished, 2 to Ao Nang Beach. Email: mindproperties.net aircons, kitchen with hood, [email protected] in Koh Kaew near BIS, 10 refrigerator, dining room, liv- mins to Lotus. 2 beds, 2 baths, 2 aircons. Nice living ing room, hot water, cable NAI HARN, REAL 180 STUNNING & kitchen room, car park, SEAVIEW LAND TV and internet. Tel: 086- SEA VIEW LAND Special price, modern fully furnished. Ready to Real 180º stunning seaview 476 9612. Soi Mangosteen, 20x10m, style, 30sqm, 1 bedroom, 2-storey house with pool, move in. 2.85 million baht land, unobstructed, east side, Chanote, sea view, 2.5 million 1 living room, 1 pantry. In Bang Tao area, access to near Boat Lagoon. Tel: 081- Yamu Hill development. 2 plots LAND FOR SALE baht, negotiable. Tel: 082-806 Kathu, 3km to Patong. Surin Beach. 3 bathrooms, 541 2025. Email: c.junlarat of 1 rai each. Chanote title. Price: (CHERNG TALAY) 8843 (English), 081-894 2295 Full set of built-in furniture. 3 bedrooms, nice garden. @gmail.com 5.5 million baht per rai. Tel: 084- Approx 1,200sqm located (English & Thai). Ready to move in! Contact 16.8 million baht. Nego- 625 5090. Email: phuket. about 2 km from Laguna hotels Ya. Tel: 081-797 5138. tiable. Tel: 081-536 7985. [email protected] (off Soi Pa Sak 8). You can purchase my P/L company name which has a chanote land title deed attached to it, or Classified Advertisements buy the land itself. This is a good block of land in a built-up Please use this form to write your classified advertisement. residential area. Good roads, Then hand it to any of our agents. power and fresh water bore. Ready to build on. Must sell. 6 million baht (negotiable) to the |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| (heading) right person. Tel: 075-451818, 090-710 4757 (English & Thai), +61-43-741 0512 (En- |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| glish). Email: garyvegar@ hotmail.com |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| APARTMENTS FOR SALE, FREEHOLD 2 and 3 bedrooms large ensuite |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| apartments in Royal Phuket Marina, directly on private 25m pool and marina front, elevator to private parking, superb con- |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| dition and location. Private sale: 19.5 and 23.5 million baht. Tel: 081-787 9774. Email: [email protected] |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|

Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 120 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. Looking for land to buy? All advertising must be paid for in advance. See more classified ads Deadline for Property Gazette page: Friday 3 pm. at www.phuketgazette.net Deadline for all other ads: Saturday 12 noon. 24 PHUKET GAZETTE June 22 - 28, 2013

CONDO FOR RENT KATA OCEAN VIEW Properties IN TOWN APARTMENTS & CONDO HOUSE WITH POOL COZY HOUSE NEAR For Rent Fully furnished condo with VILLAS FOR RENT Fully furnished, seaview and IN PA KHLOK NAI HARN aircon, TV, fridge. Gym and non-seaview apartments, avail- pool. 10,000 baht per month. able for long-term rental. From Tel: 081-978 1558 (English & 19,000 to 40,000 baht per THE HERITAGE Thai). Email: keng.na.ranong@ month. Located on Kata Hill. SUITES hotmail.com Tel: 076-330641. For further de- Great value accommoda- tails, please see our website at tion, available for short and www.oceanic-global.com ONE BEDROOM LAYAN long term. Daily from 900 Quiet ground-floor unit, private baht or 14,000 baht per patio, share pool, tennis, quality A high-grade built house, fur- month. Contact us for your KATHU GOLF VIEW 2-bedroom furnished house estate. Weekly: 9,000 baht. nished and conveniently lo- enquiry by: PENTHOUSE with large pool including Monthly: 18,000 baht. Available For rent, 2 and 3 bedrooms monthly pool/garden main- cated minutes from Rawai now. Tel: 090-071 7163 (English). [email protected] on top of a private hill, secure, tenance. 40,000 baht per and Nai Harn Beaches. 2 www.resavaholidays.com 190sqm and 330sqm, grand month long term. Tel: +1- spacious bedrooms with en Luxury fully furnished at Kathu, 3-BEDROOM HOUSE view on Loch Palm Golf, Valley 604-542 2520, 081-719 suite bathrooms. 1 guest toi- 2 bedrooms, 161sqm. 40,000 Fully furnished, WiFi, cable Lake, big pool, fully furnished, 7015 (English & Thai), +1- let. Aircons. Large living-din- – 45,000 bath per month. Tel: TV, car park, 13,000 baht per NEW CONDO maid, long term: 32,000 baht 613-743 5335 (English). ing room. Telephone line with 081-895 1400. Email: info@ month for long term rental. Tel: FOR RENT and 65,000 baht. Contact Email: adesmot@gmail. ADSL. Free water supply theheritagesuites.com 089-373 0455 (English & Noi. Tel: 087-269 8492. com and garbage removal ser- Thai), 084-051 1955 (English vice. 22,000 baht per month. Tel: 087-383 0936 (Khun Nui). & Thai). Email: sornin_s@ HOUSE FOR RENT B.L. APARTMENT yahoo.com NEW APARTMENTS Email: hunt17@hotmail. At Kathu, 1 bedroom, 1 living WITH SEAVIEW 2 bedrooms, 1bathroom, 1 air com conditioning unit, fully furnished, room, aircon, cable TV, ADSL, New 1- and 2-bedroom apart- hot shower, swimming pool, 1-BEDROOM near monument. Tel: 090-865 APARTMENT PATONG ments. Long and short term. 6251 (English & Thai), 081-477 KATA HILL-1 BEDROOM garden and car park. Rent: Sea view, huge balcony, TV Luxury apartment, pool, WiFi, 6323 (English & Thai). Email: Fully furnished: terrace, 7,000 baht per month. Tel: 081- panels, WiFi, free parking. cable. 20,000 baht per month. Short or long-term rent at [email protected] kitchen, bath, aircon, internet 692 3163. Pools, gym, expensive furni- Tel: 088-413 8122 (English). Kathu, fully furnished, swim- and cable TV. Price: 9,000 ture inside. The best choice Email: [email protected] ming pool, fitness, quiet and SAVE 5-STAR VILLA baht per month. Tel: 081-606 KATA BEACH for living! Email: osa.com@ secure. Tel: 081-607 8567. Has all, 28,000 baht per month, 2827 (English & Thai). Email: OCEANFRONT APT me.com Email: suksavat@hotmail. 5 months on lease, private [email protected] Luxury 5-star 1-bedroom URGENT RENT/ com pool, near Laguna, quiet luxury apartment, pools, gardens, SALE resort living. Tel: 089-594 4067. THALANG LUXURY gym. Very quiet area. Availiable PHUKET VILLA 5 now for long term. Email: 1 OR 2-BED APTS POOL HOUSE VILLAGE PLAYBOY'S Long-term rent: 45,000 baht [email protected] For fur- PATONG PENTHOUSE BANGLA ther details, please see our per month. Tel: 081-606 WiFi. Aircon. Pool. Kitchen. Playboy's only apply. Noctur- website at www.katasala.com 2827 (English & Thai). Email: Full luxury furnishings. 18,000 nal hunters required to tenant baht. Email: bricothailand@ [email protected] For fur- this spacious 2-level play pen, ther details, please see our hotmail.com in the heart of Patong’s wildlife HOUSE AT PRIME website at www.rentpool area, Bangla. 1,500 baht a houseinphuket.com PLACE VILLAGE CHALONG BEACH day + electricity. Minimum 1 POOL VILLA year contract. Tel: 087-881 Furnished, 3 bedrooms, 3 bath- 7600. Email: cocodiorster@ 3-BEDROOM HOUSE rooms, 2 garages. 25,000 baht gmail.com IN TOWN per month. Tel: 089-470 6104. Dowroong Villa, newly fully fur- www.houserentalsphuket.com nished, clean and pleasant. House in Patong. Newly LUXURY VILLA 25,000 baht per month. Tel: 081- built 40sq wah, near Sea FOR RENT 326 1350 (English & Thai). Pearl project, Patong. 2 BRAND-NEW POOL Magnificent 4-bedroom pool villa Email: [email protected] storeys, 3 bedrooms, 3 bath- VILLA FOR RENT on the west coast of Phuket, Near Heroines’ Monument. rooms, fully furnished, 2 Rawai. 11m private swimming above prestigious Kata Beach. For sale. Price: 4.2 million Furnished, aircon, 3 bed- aircon, kitchen with hood, pool with jacuzzi. 3 bedrooms, Exceptional opulence through- baht. No agents! Not fur- LUXURY POOL VILLA rooms, cable TV, kitchen. refrigerator, dining room, liv- 3 bathrooms, full aircon, fully out. Long & short-term rental. nished, with 4 aircons, 3 FOR RENT 25,000 baht per month ing room, hot water, cable equipped kitchen, WiFi, cable Please call 080-690 5248, 087- bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, with 30,000 baht deposit. TV and internet. Tel: 086- TV. Located in secured estate. 283 8884 for enquiries. Email: 3-bedroom pool villa for long- kitchen and car park. Be- Tel: 086-607 7493. 476 9612. Long term: 45,000 baht per [email protected] term rent, located just outside month. Tel: 087-893 8747. hind Kajonkiet International Laguna and 4km from Layan School on Chao Fa West Beach. Tel: 081-891 1826 (En- Road, 5 minutes to Central LOVELY APARTMENTS glish), 081-891 2926 (Thai). Festival. For short or long- FOR RENT Email: [email protected] term rent, 16,000 baht per http://pukeyomefc2.web. For further details, please see month. Call to see 087- fc2.com/phuketcondo our website at www.baanboo 270 9093. rent.htm sakorn.com June 22 - 28, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 25

NEW SEAVIEW CONDO KATHU, 3 BED Property Property Accommodation New units, not studios, all sea UNFURNISHED HOUSE Household Services Services Available view, all extras, pools, parking, Three-bedroom unfurnished Help Wanted Internet, etc. For both long and house to rent on popular estate short-term rental. Mail us (as near Soi Namtok. Many more PROFESSIONAL VILLA VILLA CHEF NEW APARTMENTS above) for details. Email: available. Tel: 076-615905, 090- MANAGEMENT [email protected] 875 3683 (English). Email: Experienced chef required for Sales. Rentals. Farang-run WITH SEAVIEW ELECTRICIAN sdm@ wmalexander.com For Surin villa. Must speak En- company and mentality. Sales New 1- and 2-bedroom RENT APARTMENT AND further details, please see our glish. International food to a staff also required - best com- Electrician needed to apartments. Long and short ROOMS website at www.wmalexan high standard (5-star). Open missions in Phuket. Tel: 081-787 check and determine prop- term. Sea view, huge bal- Patong. Fully furnished. der.com to Thai and other nationalities. 9767. www.farang-living.com / erty power, need to install cony, TV panels, WiFi, free Price: 9,000-18,000 baht per Tel: 086-266 7032 (English) www.farang-handyman.com generator and hook up. parking. Pools, gym, ex- month. Tel: 089-728 4005. Send CV to rebecca@phuket Tel: 087-884 8972. pensive furniture inside. The oceanvillas.com best choice for living! Email: Email: thamad17@yahoo. Holiday FINANCE FOR [email protected] com Homes & Villa EXPATS Property Rentals Household Property financing for for- BANGTAO BEACH eigners. Tel: 081-536 5550. Wanted HOUSE FOR RENT APARTMENT Items For further details, please Close to the Heroines Baan Puri 2 bed, pool, see our website at www. LOOKING FOR Monument. Single new internet, fitness centre. KATA NOI HOLIDAY hamptonsadvance.com KITCHEN WAREHOUSE house: 60 sq wah, 2 bed- phuketapart ment bang RENT CONDO Space 300-1,000sqm to rent rooms and 2 bathrooms, [email protected] further EQUIPMENT 2 bedrooms, 2 ½bath- in long term (1 year). Please Western kitchen, large details, please see our Gas deep fryer, Tristar, HOME RENOVATION rooms, terrace, total contact Sasa. Tel: 083-174 living room, 3 air condi- website at http://phuket USA, 20 litre, like new. Sale: We provide services: home seaview, beach 3 min- 7067. tioners, internet connec- apartment.webs. com 20,000 baht. Tiers plain and pool renovation, sauna utes walk. Email: resort tion, fully furnished. Tel: shelves, 230x150x50cm. and steam room construc- [email protected] tion. Tel: 084-191 1288. For HOUSE WANTED, CASH 089-737 9104 (English & Sale: 11,000 baht. Tel: 084- further details, please see BUYER Thai). Email: p_pong NAI HARN 845 4743. our website at www.homere Your property sold, free listing. [email protected] BUNGALOW novationphuket.com Tel: 083-914 2939. Email: Nice bungalow for long-term 1 OR 2 BED ROOMS HOUSES [email protected] 8 PAX VILLA & rent, quiet location, fully fur- Household HOSPITALITY MGR. For further details, please see SWIMMING POOL nished, 2 beds, 2 baths, Fully furnished, WiFi, cable Services AVAILABLE our website at www.thailand Private 4-Bedroom villa with aircon/fans, cable TV, WiFi TV, pool. From 13,000 baht Hospitality GM for all types of propertys.com very large swimming pool. Safe internet. 15,000 baht per per month. Tel: 089-475 pre-openings from A-Z, also tranquil location at Land & month. Tel: 087-891 7408, 1200 (English & Thai). management of resorts, es- OFFICE/RETAIL SPACE 087-292 5309 (English & Email: info@welcome-inn. PHUKET UK Houses Park Chalong. Short ELECTRICIAN tates, condos, marketing, in- WANTED holiday daily or long term Thai). Email: gillies18567 com terim management, feasibility Office/Retail space wanted monthly rent. Ask for details & @hotmail.com UK electricians, making studies. Email: resortgm@ asap. Approx 20 Sqm. In Ka- pictures. Tel: 076-378361. 081- your house safe. Electri- gmail.com mala/Surin area. Tel: 082-521 676 4849 (English & Thai), SEAVIEW 2-BED cal problems solved. New 7745 (English). Email: 081-772 2300 (English). Fax: Accommodation CONDO KATA work carried out. Earthing. mrcraig [email protected] 076-263717. Email: william. 160sq, 2½bathrooms, kitchen, Energy saving solutions. LOW PRICES IN THE [email protected] Wanted generous terrace, sea views, 3 Tel: 084-839 2727 (En- OFF SEASON minutes walk to beach. Book glish). Email: thebritscott APARTMENT / now! Email: resortgm@gmail. @hotmail.com HOUSE NEEDED POOL VILLA POOL VILLA com Our customers need ur- FOR RENT WANTED gently apartment rentals 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Wanted in Rawai/Nai PHUKET HOME up to 25,000 baht per garden, swimming pool, in Harn area: 3 bedroom, VILLA NAI HARN MAINTENANCE month, and house rentals a very peaceful and secure fully furnished, secure FOR RENT Renovations, hous repairs, up to 40,000 baht per compound. Long-tern rental villa with western kitchen 3-bedroom Thai style villa painters, tilers, electri- Are you looking for a house month. For long and short- only. 45,000 baht per and pool. Must be in a for rent in Nai Harn. Tel: cians, plumbers, carpen- in the off season? Ask for low term contracts. Only Kata, month. This Price includes quiet area. THB 40,000- 081-416 5151 (English), ters, built-in, construction. season price. Tel: 083-388 Karon, Rawai, Nai Harn, Internet, maid once a week, 50,000 per month, 1 081-606 5604 (English & Fluent English-speaking 8036. For further details, Chalong. Tel: 082-420 pool service every 2 weeks, month bond, 2 year con- Thai). For more details boss. Free quotes given. please see our website at 7052. Please call or visit and gardening once a tract. Tel: 088-760 5003 see http://phuketserenity Tel: 084-193 5124. Email: www.phuketqualityhouse. our website at www. stay month. Email: aom.phong (English). Email: collette villas.com/villa.php?nom phukethomemainte com onphuket.com [email protected] [email protected] =Sirin thara% 20Villa [email protected]

Classified Advertisements Please use this form to write your classified advertisement. Then hand it to any of our agents.

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Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 120 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. Looking for land to buy? All advertising must be paid for in advance. Looking for land to buy? Deadline for Property Gazette page: Friday 3 pm. SeeSee moremore classifiedclassified ads atat wwwwww.phuketgazette.net.phuketgazette.net Deadline for all other ads: Saturday 12 noon. 26 PHUKET GAZETTE June 22 - 28, 2013, 2013

HOTEL RECEPTIONIST RUSSIAN SALES WANTED CONSULTANT Thai citizen, aged 21-40, basic Experienced Russian Sales computer skills, good spoken Representative needed for Real English. Salary is 12,000 baht Estate. Good command of En- + big commissions on sales. glish and Russian required. Tel: Tel: 076-333079. 080-698 081-968 5963 (English). Send 8335, 082-417 9299. Email: CV to c@bayshorepro jects.com GYM ATTENDANT TEFL QUALIFIED STAFF WANTED ASSISTANT CHEF & [email protected] WANTED TEACHERS WANTED Cashier, Waiters, Thai cook, WAITRESS COORDINATOR To sit in gym and bill customers. Full-time/part-time positions Cleaner. Location: Kata- ASSISTANT CHEF: must have WANTED Sell protein shakes. Some En- available for native English Karon.Tel: 081-895 5852 experience. WAITRESS: must MARKETING & GUEST To generate appointments for have experience and speak RELATIONS glish skills required. 12-9pm work speakers. Tel: 081-083 5735. (English) , 089-401 8506. investments, savings, pen- hours. Thai National. Tel: 085- English. Thai nationals only. Tel: Apex Asia Group are now recruit- Email: michael@mistereng Email: vladim1r @me.com sions and tax planning in 783 0141. Email: info@thailand 085-783 0141. Email: info@ ing for its marketing & guest rela- lishschool.com Phuket. Contact Montpelier camp.com thailandcamp.com tions department to work at one Wealth Management. Tel: of three hotels in Patong and PERSONAL 087-417 8715. TEACHERS WANTED KG & P1-3 VACANCIES ASSISTANT Karon. Enthusiastic and of smart ELT Phuket International is ACCOUNTANT NEEDED Chalermprakiat is looking for Thai lady with fluent writ- appearance with good English NEED COOK (FEMALE) looking to appoint 2 qualified, Japanese wedding company native English speakers to ten and spoken English. A (written/spoken). Full training will URGENT enthusiastic and experienced Sa-mer Wedding at Boat La- teach English. A degree and lady that wants a chal- be provided, excellent earning Female cook, breakfast, Thai teachers to start immediately. goon. is seeking an experi- TEFL are required. Tel: 085- lenge where rewards will potential. Email Kevin Baker at food and Euro. Urgently Applicants must have a mini- enced accountant. require- 781 9162. Please email your be exciting. Good com- [email protected] needed. Contact me on my mum of a bachelor’s degree ments: over 3 years experience cover letter and CV to puter and social skills. mobile (as above). Tel: 076- plus a recognised teaching in accounts . Good command [email protected] For Based out of Chalong. 396075, 082-270 6385. Email: certificate such as TESOL/ of spoken and written English. FITNESS INSTRUCTOR info please contact Clarke. Tel: 080-695 3933. Email: [email protected] TEFL. Please email a letter of Good salary based on experi- / SALES Beachsando1@gmail. application and CV. Email: ence. Please contact us by Club Asia Fitness requires 2 com Fitness Instructors and 1 EVENT/PR MANAGER OAK MEADOW eltor [email protected] email: [email protected] Sales Consultant. Thai Na- The Asia Superyacht Rendez- INTERNATIONAL tional who must be able to vous is looking for a Thai/foreign The following positions communicate in English. Tel: national. Successful candidate are open in our school: 080-698 5021, 087-275 3614 will have strong written and verbal – Qualified Thai Teacher (English), 089-126 5671 English skills. Position can be – Cook (Thai). Email: coco_ivy@ full or part time, based in Patong. – Cleaning lady hotmail.com For further de- Tel: 076-346927. Fax: 076- tails, please see our website 346927. Email: gordon @asia- Tel: 084-847 0732. Email: at www.clubasiaphuket.com pacific-superyachts.com [email protected]

Gazette Online Classifieds – 10,000 readers every day! June 22 - 28, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 27

VILLA MANAGER ( LIVE IN ) Manage house team, house- keeping, F&B, repair, excellent in English, leadership, service minded, own car with license. Tel: 087-881 0003. Send CV to [email protected]

OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR Experience in villa manage- ment, guest relations, mainte- nance, housekeeping & staff supervision, own car with li- cense, Thai only. Tel: 087-881 0003. Email: hr@luxuryvillas andhomes.com

FRONT DESK STAFF - SAMUI Plus WELLNESS MAN- AGER required by Detox re- sort. Tel: 077-602096. Send CV and photo to fasthealing @yahoo.com

DETOX CONSULTANT WORK WANTED 2 WAITRESSES WANTED Thai lady, speaks English, WANTED English speaking. Nutrition & experienced, cook, maid, Two waitresses to work in Detox experience required. Will babysitter, can live in, looking restaurant in Rawai. Good be trained by us. All nationalities for part-time job. Contact English speaking.Thai Na- may apply. Start immediately. Taew. Tel: 081-084 2708. tional. Good Pay. Tel: 085-783 Good salary + benefits. Tel: 0141. Email: info@thailand 085-783 0141. Email: info@thai DRIVER 16,000+, camp.com landcamp.com COOK 15,000+ Private villa. Thailand area. Thai WEB MASTER/ GRAPHIC DESIGNER MAID / HOUSEKEEPER national only. Basic English. Contact Todd. Tel: 089-005 Must speak/write English, cod- Expat (American) requires an ing and social media is an advan- experienced housekeeper/ 0700. Email:toddplay@hot mail.com tage. Tel: 086-690 0444 (En- maid with good English and Thai glish). Email: alyona @princess speaking ability. Cooking expe- yachtsthailand.com rience a plus and can be live in HOUSEKEEPER or live out. Experience letters WANTED WORK CS @ and recommendations from pre- Thai trainee housekeeper, HOLYCLOTHING! vious employers are a must. Top English speaking, start from Customer Service Agents notch salary will be paid for the 10,000 baht, nice increase needed for internet fashion re- right person! Contact Robert. and work place. Tel: 081-787 tailer. Are you CS experienced, BAR MANAGER & ESTATE / RENTAL PROMOTERS WANTED Tel: 089-765 3126. 9774. Email: phukettreasure Thai, hard working, computer ACCOUNTS CLERK MANAGER Popular bar for young "Farangs" @gmail.com savvy and fluent in English? Seeking an experienced Bar Intira Villas is looking for a Thai looking for dynamic people to do 25K+ Per Month. 5-day work Manager. Must posses fluent person with a happy and posi- promotion. Residents and trav- CHINESE-SPEAKING week. Work on Macs. Tel: 076- F&B MANAGER STAFF English / Thai skills. Position tive attitude. Must be able to ellers welcome to apply. Tel: 081- 289472. Email: grahamkay based in Patong. Also seek- communicate in English and 958 5394 (English). Email: Chinese/Thai-to-English @mac.com For full details : ing Accounting Clerk. Tel: Thai, both in speaking and writ- collinniemi @gmail.com translators and salespeople www.holyclothing.com/htmlx/ 085-475 8030. (English). ing. Experience in manage- needed. Must have excellent work.html Email: brucebenjamintho ment and rentals. Tel: 081-472 NATIVE ENGLISH spoken and written Chinese [email protected] 4925 (English). Please send TEACHER skills. Apply with CV and ex- CV and salary requirement. Need experienced preschool pected salary. Email: dreams SALES & ADMIN Email: jonas@intiravillas. teacher 10-14 children, start Serenity Resort & Resi- [email protected] JUNIOR dences Phuket is a lead- DESIGN STUDIO com immediately, Chalong, 40hr a ing upmarket resort in week, send resume to phuket Rawai with 65 rooms, YACHT SALES [email protected] suites and pool resi- BROKER ASSISTANT MANAGER dences. We are now look- What we are looking for is a great OAK MEADOW Experience with luxury SCHOOL ing for a Food & Beverage motoryacht sales and bro- all-rounder as this job has mul- tiple roles. You will need excel- Qualified Thai teacher needed. Manager (Thai or expatri- kerage of over 3 years; has We are looking for young lent computer skills to manage Must speak English. Mon- ate) to oversee our East 88 good knowledge of motor and energetic sales & operations and you will be as- Fri.Tel: 076-521550. Please Beach Lounge. Candi- yachts and including admin staff. 20 to 25 years sisting with the sales and mar- email cv to Info@oakmeadow dates must have hotel some technical back- old. Good computer skills Looking for an ambitious keting activities of the company. phuket.com F&B management experi- ground of various brands; & English command a and organised person to Thai nationality 30 years old with ence. Tel: Tel: 076-371900, good computer skills (ex- must. Thai national only. join our team.Successful an excellent command of En- SALES STAFF WANTED 081-846 9981 (English). cel, word, internet); Call for an appointment applicant will help with gen- glish. University degree or proven Can assist with visas & per- Send application with CV, speaks English fluently, now! Tel: 076-325419, 085- eral office administration experience. People manage- mits. All nationalities. No ex- recent photograph and and any other languages 619 0380 (English & Thai), and the planning of photog- ment skills. Outgoing, committed perience necessary but a cover letter to: Urs Aebi, would be useful. Tel: 081- 081-400 4678 (English & raphy shoot. Applicant and energetic. Prepared to work good idea. Must be very well General Manager at 979 991. Email: vrit@ Thai). Email: orientalsamui must have an excellent in Patong & travel across the is- presented and enthusiastic. [email protected] boatlagoonyach ting.co.th @gmail.com For further command of English. Con- land. Email: info@newspaper Minimum commissions paid please see our website at tact manager. Tel: 083-035 For further details, please details,please see our direct-phuket.com Find out about 35% of property values sold! http://boatlagoonyach 9632.Email: photomor see our website at www. website at www.oriental- us on www.newspaperdirect. Visit www.farang-living.com/ ting.co.th [email protected] serenityphuket.com living.net com careers and send your CV.

Looking for a JOB? Looking for a better candidate? Find more Recruitment Classifieds at WWW.PhuketGazette.Net! 28 PHUKET GAZETTE June 22 - 28, 2013

Articles Bar & Business Opportunities For Sale Restaurant Equipment ATT. INVESTORS BAR FOR SALE GUESTHOUSE GUESTHOUSE / BAR / 10 beachfront apartments BANGLA AREA CENTER OF PATONG RESTAURANT JACUZZI FOR TWO are being offered at a total Stunning lounge club over 2 14-room guesthouse for Prime location guesthouse, New at half price 45,000 RESTAURANT sale price of 19.95 million floors, new fit out. Stylish, pri- sale in center of Patong 5 minutes to beach, 2 min- baht. Shower box, new at EQUIPMENT baht. Each apartment mea- vate venue, fully air-condi- Beach, 5 minutes from utes to Jungceylon Shopping 2,500 baht. Tel: 089-594 sures 60sqm including the tioned, ready to open. Own beach and 15 minutes from Center. 6 rooms, great fig- 4067. We are selling the complete contents of a coffee, gelato sea view balcony. Each the best bar in Phuket. Tel: nightlife. Fully furnished, 1 ures. No Warrie Bar, price shop, including 2 freezer apartment is priced between 087-881 7600 (English). apartment with 1 bedroom negotiable, ideal retirement BOXING MACHINE showcases, 1 dessert show- 4 - 5 million baht if sold indi- Email: cocodiorster@gmail. for accomodation and 2 with income.Tel: 084-053 vidually. Tel: 089-839 8255. com shops for rent on ground 4365 (English), 087-896 Dragon Punch, 2 play- case, 2 group espresso ma- chines, bottle cooler, upright Email: [email protected] floor. Tel: 076-290496, 083- 5219. Email: striker_1957@ ers. 10 baht per punch. MASSAGE SHOP 526 4485 (English & Thai). hotmail.com Sale: 85,000 baht. For freezer, gelato makers and pasteuriser, together with all RESTAURANT / PUB PATONG Email: yohan_n@hotmail. more information, please Good location, fully equip- com call 086-283 9100. furniture and other light FOR SALE equipment. All stock only 12 In Bang Tao Beach Road, get ped with high end furniture BUSINESS months old. For more infor- 10 years contract, great loca- and stock. 4 Thai massage TOURIST SUBMARINE FOR LEASE mation, please call 087-894 tion, 50m from The Best beds and 3 oil massage A revolutionary underwater Indoor pub. 30,000 baht MINI LATHE SALE 1384 (English & Thai), 089- Western Hotel and beach, beds. Cheap rent price: tourist activity partner, silent per month plus damage 400,000 baht. Tel: 087-073 42,000 baht. Email: max 065 5514 (English & Thai). fully furnished and equipped. partner or investor wanted for deposit. Fully equipped, 4233. Email: judgedread73 [email protected] Email:info@conciergein Price only 2.5 million baht. this underwater tourist activ- stage, sound system, phuket.com Tel: 087-893 8590. @hotmail.com ity. The only one of its type in seating 65 pax. 8 years + Thailand and ready to work 4 months lease. Tel: in Phuket-Krabi area. Austra- 087-244 1322, 087-884 Bulletins KARON lian designed and built. Ex- 8972. GUESTHOUSE cellent returns. For more in- FOR SALE formation and full prospec- Estimate 14 years old, tus, please call 080-038 SPACE FOR RENT SPONSOR A CHILD Chanote title, 5 storeys, 4916. BANGLA The Phuket International 12 rooms, laundry, sala, Great location, facing Bangla Women’s Club is a volun- bar, net profit 2 million Road. 136sqm, ground floor, baht. Sale: 12 million MASSAGE & outdoor and indoor. No key teer organization raising BEAUTY SALON funds for educational baht. Owner retiring. No money. Tel: 085-887 7414 scholarships. We rely offers. Tel: 081-728 1862 (English & Thai). Email: nimin on the goodwill of donors (English), 081-370 8733 [email protected] and sponsors – small (Thai). and large. If you would like to put something GUESTHOUSE + back into the community SPORT BAR AND RESTAURANT in which you live, contact GUESTHOUSE FOR RENT us to find out more about Karon Beach. 9 en-suite rooms and laundry, bar giving a prize or being a For sale, in Boat Lagoon, equipped with pool table, 4 sponsor. Contact Carol. 250,000 baht. 3-year screens, kitchen. Tel: 085- Please call 087-417 contract. Tel: 081-606 795 0875. 8860 or contact Sue. Tel: 4467. 087-277 6948. For more information please email RESORT us at info@phuketiwc. FOR LEASE PATONG BEACH HOTEL com AND RESTAURANT Built in 2009, near Simon Cabaret, 20 minutes walk to the beach. Fully equipped, 16 rooms. Key money 3.5 million baht. Monthly rent: 80,000 baht, long-term con- tract. Licenses for food, alco- hol and tobacco. Training for 4 storeys: restaurant on In the heart of Patong. 20 web contracts and channel the first floor, 7-room rooms well furnished, manager included. Contact guesthouse on the sec- fully operational with very Michael for viewing (English, ond to forth floor. 10 min- good occupancy rates. Italian and Thai). Tel: 084- utes from Patong Beach. 6-year lease for 6 million 058 2210. Email: scotdragon Tel: 076-345604, 084- baht + rental fee 150,000 @yahoo.it baht per month. Tel: 088- 189 3509, 089-971 3301. 765 0165. HOTEL BEACHFRONT IN PATONG FOR RENT FITNESS CENTER SIAM SPA AT FOR SALE CHALONG A well established fit- ness center with a large membership base, situ- ated in Phuket Town, for sale. Price reduced to 8 million baht. Tel: 087-275 3614 (English & Thai), 080-698 5021 (Thai). Email: coco_ivy@hot Day Spa in Chalong ur- mail.com gently awaits new owner. 24 rooms, 2 sau- nas, swimming pool, 2 BUSINESSES locker room, lobby, park- FOR SALE ing, etc. Come to see and Good location, Rawai area. 1) check it. Running now. Restaurant: 40 pax, leased Deposit: 450,000 baht. The best location on for 8.5 years. 2) Indoor pub: Rent: 150,000 baht. Key Patong Beach. There are fully equipped, stage, 70 pax, money: 1 million baht. 16 rooms, seaview and 8 years and 6 months left on Negotiable. Contact fully furnished, very good lease. Sale: 2.9 million baht David Jee. Tel: 086-283 occupancy rates. Con- - negotiable! Lease money 0001, 090-405 6901 (En- tact Mark. Tel: 080-141 pays rent. For more informa- glish & Thai). 6040. tion, please call 087-244 1322, 087-892 6204. June 22 - 28, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 29

Business Products & Services Club Memberships Available Personals

BUDS INTERNATIONAL TENNIS LOCH PALM PHUKET KINDERGARTEN FROM 300 BAHT WHEATGRASS Full membership available COUNTRY CLUB SEEKING LOVE Phuket's oldest interna- Female ITF player available JUICE at 500,000 baht o.n.o. Please Lifetime family membership tional child care facility. High- for professional coaching Lumpoons Coffee House. call 086-277 2691. at Phuket Country Club. quality, time-proven sched- hit ups, cardio, all ages your At Chalong. Please call 600,000 baht, transfer fee in- ule and curriculum. Now in place or ours. Tel: 090-706 081-476 5808. BLUE CANYON AND cluded. Contact me by e- brand-new purpose-built 6674, 090-071 7163, www. LOCH PALM mail: sebasver@hotmail. school. Experienced native tennisjuniorpro.com Blue Canyon corporate: com English teachers to teach 500,000 baht and Loch ages 1.5-8. Monday-Friday FOREX TRADING GOLF PHYSIO Palm, full membership: 8am-5pm. Bus service avail- Make money from home. THERAPY 525,000 baht plus transfer. PHUKET COUNTRY CLUB Healthy mature aged able from Patong, Karon, Join our online room and get Please call 086-277 2691. Australian gentleman Kata, Phuket, Rawai and free one hour session. Book Email: davidinasia@hotmail. Full membership in- would like to meet Thai Chalong. Tel: 076-384638, now. Tel: 090-071 7163. com cludes transfer and 2013 lady for romance and 080-624 7060. www.buds- www.fxlivetraderoom.com fees. 585,000 baht. Best relationship if suited. phuket.com price. No offers. Contact I visit Phuket each year BAND IS LOOKING Pum. Tel: 085-299 9437 FOR MUSICIAN and wish to continue (English), 081-493 9617 the relationship and LOSE WEIGHT (English). Email: Alan bring a partner to holiday FEEL GREAT! German Golf Physio [email protected] in Australia ( if possible ). Organic, delicious, nutri- Coach and Physio Please contact Ron tious fruit & vegetable Therapy offer help when Mellor. Tel: +61-04-1895 juice detox programs. you have problems or 4909. Email: ronmellor From 5,000 baht. Deliv- pain. Tel: 084-840 7531 Personal @y7mail.com (German/English), 085- ered To Your Door. Con- We are looking for a gui- Services 145 8340 (Thai). tact Larry. Tel: 083-345 tarist, drummer and key- 5540. Please see our board player. This is a website at www.weight band for high quality/big INTERPRETER & BACKGAMMON watchdetox.com events. Genre: pop, rock, TRANSLATOR Players wanted. For Pool Tables motown, little bit jazz/ Experienced interpreter in more details, please call blues. Available for 2 court, in business and trans- 081-577 8443. Email: practice sessions per lation for legal documents. phuketconnection@ya TRICK ROPING week, for 6 weeks, to Tel: 089-873 6533. Fax: 076- hoo.com LESSONS COIN-OPERATED POOL TABLES prepare a show in a 273399. Email: phuketinter Showing and teaching unique venue for every [email protected] Sales, rentals, and profit the art of western cow- Thursday. Besides that sharing plans for the fin- boy rope tricks. Please we will be booked for big CAREGIVER / est pool tables in Thai- MASSAGE THERAPY call 084-447 5257. Email: events, festivals and HOUSEKEEPER land. All billiard accesso- In your place. Reservation mikeroper2003@hot weddings. We also have ASAP. ries and service. For please call. Open daily mail.com a recording studio to Looking for lady to care more information, please 10am-10pm. Tel: 090-879 produce/record our own for old woman in wheel- call 081-823 4627, 085- 6421. music. Keywords: seri- chair. Light housework 782 1200, 085-797 0202. ous about practice; open and cooking also in- Fax: 076-264461. Email: to all music styles, dedi- volved. Must speak En- ying@phuketpooltables. Television cated, team spirit, fun, glish or German. Live-In, com humor, enthusiastic, en- Sets full-time work. Good pay! ergetic. Our motto: It is For more information, AUTHENTIC not about what you per- please call Robert. Tel: form but how you perform SATELLITE TV 084-447 5433. Email: BRUNSWICK THAILAND HD FOR RENT it. If you are interested, monikaostby@gmail. please contact Brigitta. Satellite TV Thailand – We com Authentic “Brunswick” for Tel: 082-257 7102. provide all sorts of Satellite rent by Phuket Pool Tables. TV, including HD Satellite Metro model size 4’x8’. All Service. You can order on accessories, light box & line. We ship Cash on Deliv- COMPANION timer included. 1 year con- Computers ery anywhere in Thailand. Male, 50 years old, com- tract: 7,000 baht per month. We also accept Paypal for ing to phuket, looking for Free installation. Delivery the international orders. Tel: female, 25-45 years old, next business day! Tel: 081- APPLE CINEMA 080-694 0663 (English & as tour guide. For more 823 4627, 085-782 1200. DISPLAY 23" Thai), 089-821 3772 (En- detail, please contact by Fax: 076-264461. Email: Price: 2,000 baht. Tel: 081- glish). For further details, email: markjive@cox. ying@phuketpooltables. 088 7980 (English). Email: please see our website at net com [email protected] www.satellitetvthailand.com 30 PHUKET GAZETTE June 22 - 28, 2013

Saloon Cars Motorbikes Rentals

TOYOTA YARIS WTI RANGE ROVER 4.4 HSE BLACK CBR 150 NEW VIOS & JAZZ LIMITED Range Rover 4.4 HSE in MERCEDES SUV SCOOTERS 125CC 35,000 baht or best offer, FOR RENT October 2007,automatic, epsom green, model year ML280 CDI moving, perfect condition. All new models, first class one owner. Full Toyota ser- 2003, registered 2005. One Tel: 089-918 3718. Email for insured, special rate for long vice, 66,000km. Like new, owner, only 82,000km from photo/details to steveos term rental. Tel: 089-373 0455 gray. Sale: 430,000 baht.Tel: new. Nearly as new condi- [email protected] (English & Thai), 080-521 087-922 6915. Email: wilasi tion, has to be seen to be 9888 (English & Thai). Email: [email protected] appreciated. Full service [email protected] history. Purchased from VESPA S 150IE Land Rover Thailand Co., A1 CAR RENTAL TOYOTA COROLLA Ltd. This vehicle has been 2009. In excellent condi- Automatic. Many to Fully insured, 12,000 to 1.3L GLI MT fastidiously maintained by tion. Fully serviced. Die- choose. Green books, 20,000 baht per month. Land Rover Phuket and all sel. Automatic. Top of the price from 16,000 baht. Please call 089-831 4703. service records are available. range model. Was 6.1 Patong. Tel: 087-893 Email: a1carrent@gmail. This vehicle is not a grey million baht. Sale now: 1753. com import, all taxes and import 2.9 million baht o.n.o. duties were fully paid by Tel: 089-893 7102 (En- Land Rover Thailand Co Ltd. glish), 081-797 7360 HONDA PHANTOMS + NEW JAZZ Price: 1.8 million baht. Email (Thai). Email: rawai2004 KAWASAKI & VAN RENT for photos. Email: senna@ @yahoo.co.uk 2 Honda Phantoms and a cscoms.com 1996, comes with new Kawasaki Boss for sale. tyres and new audio sys- 50,000 baht each. Tel: 084- 1990 NISSAN SENTRA 744 9462 (English). Email: tem. Green book, well TOYOTA AVANZA drive. Sale: 140,000 baht. CHEAP [email protected] Call for viewing. Tel: 087- I'm accepting 30,000 baht 270 9093. or best offer. Vehicle is worth HONDA PHANTOM over 80,000 baht. Tel: +10-24- FIRE EDITION 8579-0856. Email: Camineet Vespa for sale! Only Short or long-term rent 2007, 45,000 baht. Black. 4,800km. New price: CAMRY 2.4 - MAY 2007 @gmail.com Honda Airblade, black silver with insurance and deliv- 125,000 baht. Now a year ery service. Tel: 081-607 64,000km, pearl white, red mag 22,000 baht. Please old, asking only 85,000 leather, white aluminium call 076-380116, 084-744 8567. Email: suksavat@ baht. Available at the end hotmail.com For further wheels, special dashboard, HONDA JAZZ 2165. Email: roger_sommer1 of June. Tel: 083-172 services only Toyota. Price: For sale. Model 2008, 7 @hotmail.com details, please see our seats, 1.5 cc, excellent 3520 (English). Email: website at www.phuket 950,000 baht. Tel: 084-433 [email protected] 0884. condition. Price: 485,000 2012 HONDA CBR carsrent.com baht. Call for viewing. Tel: 250R (ABS) 087-270 9093. CHEVROLET CAPTIVA 8,500km. Includes RAM X- FOR SALE Grip iPhone/GPS holder, af- Pick-ups NEW CAR White Chevrolet Captiva 2.0 ter-market clutch/brake le- FOR RENT vers and original, waterproof LTZ, automatic, year 2011, HONDA CITY 49,330km, one owner, in Alpine Stars tank bag and 2007, one owner, never green book. Bike is perfect excellent condition, new been rented out, full PICKUP TRUCK tires, book service. Tel: 081- for Phuket. 85,000 baht 11,000 BAHT / Honda service, full op- o.b.o. Tel: 081-187 1417 (En- 271 1411 (English), 084-186 tions. Like new. Tel: 081- MONTH 6618 (English & Thai). Email: glish). Email: jasmedia@g Mazda Fighter. Year 415 4398. Email: namph mail.com [email protected] [email protected] 2004. Good condition. Insurance. Please call 087-282 3724. Email: HONDA BRIO 4x4 Short or long-term rent, White Honda Brio, bought it TOYOTA LUCIDA VAN tachibanahiroki@hot mail.co.jp delivery service, with September 28, 2012. It still Model 2004, 1.5cc, ex- Lucida, sun roof, moon roof, good price. Tel: 086-690 has a new car smell. Sale: cellent condition. Price: 2.2 turbo diesel, bluetooth TOYOTA HILUX VIGO 0626. Email: bcarrent@ 400,000 baht. Tel: 087-589 345,000 baht. Tel: 087- stereo. 300,000 baht. Please 4X4 AUTOMATIC hotmail.com 7226 (English). Email: yanp 270 9093. call 081-003 6902. Email: 2007, 84,000km only, 1st ISUZU DMAX 2006 [email protected] [email protected] owner/German owned, all Automatic, 4x2, double service interval by Toyota TOYOTA AVANZA cab, 105,000 km. Good 15,000 / MONTH Service Center, first-class in- condition, one owner. New family car for rent for a surance until November 380,000 baht. Tel: 087- heels & otors minimum of 3 months. Mint Wheels Motors 2013, white plates, brand- 079 0650, 080-073 5371 condition, fully insured. Mail new tires. Alpha Canopy and (English). Email: martin me for more details. Email: front bull bar. Sale: 650,000 [email protected] baht. Tel: 085-888 4800. [email protected] Please use this form to write your classified advertisement.

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|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 120 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. All advertising must be paid for in advance. June 22 - 28, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 31

URGENT ! NEED TO SELL MY SAILBOAT

2 masts, 17 meter (50 c.v. Yanmar engine), excellent condition, fully equipped, located in Chalong-Phuket, valued at price: 12 million baht. Now for quick sale: 5.5 million baht includes dinghy. Tel: 080-035 1626 (French), 081-788 8280 (English). Email: maurice.phuket@ gmail.com

NORTHSHORE (AUSTRALIA) 46’ FOUNTAINE PAJOT Centerboard Sloop (1987). ATHENA38 (2002) Yanmar 56hp diesel (2005). 2xYanmar 18hp diesels Well maintained and a bar- (Rebuilt). Lots of new gain at the reduced price of equipment. €135,000. AU$110,000. Contact Alan. Contact Alan. Tel: 084- Tel: 084-842 6146. www. 842 6146. www.boatshed boatshedphuket.com phuket.com

THE SOLUTION TO THIS WEEK’S TASAR DINGHY Cryptic Crossword SUNSEEKER YACHT BOAT YARD OPENING MOONSOON FOR For quick sale. Two sets sails. FOR SALE Hard stand, 250 baht per SALE Launch and road trailer. Asking foot per month. Repairs price: 130,000 baht. Email: done, fiberglassing, paint- Sailingalone2001-mail@ ing, and stainless steel. yahoo.com Tel: 082-839 7701. JETSKI YAMAHA RIVA HULL SUPERJET 2012 10 meters long, marine ply- Stand-up PWC, used 1 sea- wood hull (not completed) for 28ft, registered for 15 pas- son. Sold at Watchara Marine Sunseeker Caribbean 52ft, sale. Tel: 081-968 3118 (En- sengers. 200hp V6 Mercury Phuket (275,000 baht). Will sell 1992. Located in Ao Po glish & Thai). Email: info@pro motor, only 240 hours, re- for 195,000 (fixed price). Tel: Grand Marina. 2,700,000 carpentering.com cently totally restored. Per- 093-760 2730 (English). Email: baht. Tel: 087-626 0495. fect for snorkeling, diving [email protected] Email: dan.soft.studio@ ONAN 12KVA MARINE trips, island hopping or water gmail.com For further de- GENERATOR taxi. Navigation system + KAYAK: INFLATABLE tails, please see our website Fully operational generator with fishfinder. 5hp spare motor. 2 PERSON Boat and motor in very good at http://gen2gdk.com/ full sound shield and wet muffler New! I am leaving Thailand in condition. Located at Boat jitlada/ exhaust. Model number 12 15 days, so hurry up! All Lagoon. Priced for quick sale MDL3P, 1996 model, only equipment. 15,500 baht. Tel: at 330,000 baht. Tel: 086- 4000 running hours. Tel: 081- 080-275 4788 (English & KAYAK WANTED 747 9292. Email: claud 375 2590 (English). Email: Thai), 080-375 5230 (English). Secondhand 2-man kayak. [email protected] Tel: 088-381 5725. [email protected] Email: [email protected] 32 PHUKET GAZETTE June 22 - 28, 2013

Aircraft AIRPLAY ALTIS HAVE A PASSION TECNAM P-92 For Sale MICROLIGHT FOR AVIATION? - Price: 1.5 million baht Superb trike with Konig ra- If you have an aircraft for - Registration: U-B08 dial engine. Great economi- sale or an interest in avia- - Year of Manufacture: cal fun. Little used. Please tion and wish to learn 2002 YOUR HELICOPTER contact for more informa- how to fly or buy an air- Flying and owning your own heli- tion. Tel: 089-111 6457 (En- craft or arrange a private - Equipment: Full stan- copter has just become possible. glish & Thai), 081-397 7598 flight, etc. Website: dard equipment Free complete flight instruction (English & Thai). Email: www.aeropromgr.com/ - Engine: Rotax 912- course with your purchase. [email protected] newsletter 80HP 350hrs. Email: [email protected] Please contact for more in- formation. Aircraft is based at Klong 15. Tel: 081-840 8418.

1999 ROBIN 2160i I would like to sell my Robin aircraft or trade it for a 4-seat Cessna or Piper (based in Hua Hin). The Robin: TTAF 300hrs. SMOH 60hrs. This is a well-equipped, two-seat aerobatic aircraft. Has the Christen inverted oil system. Excellent inside and outside. King KMA24 audio panel, KX155 nav/com, KI203 vor, KY197A comm, KN64A dme, KR87 adf, KT76A tran- sponder, CSPA400 i-com, FP5 fuel computer, CHT, OAT, Pitot heat. Price: 4 million baht. Please contact Thom. Email: thos_w@ hotmail.com

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Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 120 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. All advertising must be paid for in advance. June 22 - 28, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 33 ANANTARA VACATION CLUB GRAND OPENING

From left: Harold Derrah, CEO of Anantara Vacation Club; Peter Hamilton, Phuket Has Been Good to Us Foundation; Kathy Heinecke.

From left: Lyndon Ellis, General Manager Anantara Vacation Club Mai Khao; Phuket Governor Maitree Inthusud; Harold Derrah, CEO of Anantara Vacation Club; Dillip Jajakarier, CEO of Minor International; June Harrison, VP Anantara Vacation Club; Melanie Smith, Director of Resort Operations & Club Services; Daniel Collins, VP Development, Anantara Vacation Club. HAPPY LEARNING DAY Movenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket invited 20 underprivileged kids From left: Krisana Matzenberger, PGTV Advertising Manager; Oranee Hildebrand, Managing Director of Phuket Gazette, Pol.Lt.Col. Napat Nusen, from The Life Home Project to visit the Inspector Royal Thai Police Immigration in Phuket; Simon Hand, PGTV Phuket Butterfly Garden. Producer; Jantana Jaikwang, Assistance Sale Manager. 34 PHUKET GAZETTE June 22 - 28, 2013 NSA leak causes concerns for Asian governments’ e-security GOVERNMENT and security officials in because their official e-mail rejects large or parts of Asia have been sending sensitive encrypted attachments. information and policy documents via “Highly sensitive information could be e-mail services offered by US web giants, accessible to anyone with access to such and concerns are spreading that these may personal e-mail accounts, either Prism have been monitored and collected by the staff or someone who just cracked a National Security Agency (NSA). shared password.” The official name cards of several Some countries, however, are firm in directors at Indonesia’s ministry of foreign applying rules. In Singapore, senior officials affairs, for example, give only Yahoo or use separate computers to access the Web Gmail addresses, services provided by and for internal communications. Yahoo Inc and Google Inc. One researcher Spokesmen at Japan’s foreign and who deals regularly with Indonesian defence ministries said transmitting work- security and police officials, said all of them related information through web-based used Gmail or Yahoo to communicate e-mail services was strictly prohibited. often sensitive information. “There has been a long-established rule Gatot S. Dewa Broto, spokesman for within the foreign ministry against using such Indonesia’s Ministry of Communications services as Gmail and Yahoo mail for work, and Informatics, acknowledged that and as a matter of fact we are not using them,” officials had long been aware that public said Masaru Sato, director of the foreign e-mail addresses were “prone to trespass- ministry’s international press division. ing” but said it was hard to enforce use of Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga official e-mail accounts. told reporters on Wednesday: “Apart from “Sometimes we have difficulties (what’s happened in) the United States, sending large e-mails with photos, file or CYBER SECURITY: The recent controversy over unwarranted NSA email surveillance has the Japanese government intends to re- video attachments, and are forced to use sparked fears over information security with governments worldwide. Photo: Don Hankins view and reinforce information security, a public e-mail account. But we have for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok, for but to use them for official business. Some which has been a matter of importance reiterated that public e-mail should not be example, officials from 20 of 33 Asian ministries and agencies have no domain in many ways.” used for highly confidential matters,” he said, countries represented included Gmail, Hotmail of their own, while those that do are Other nations in the region have taken adding that he used Gmail “in emergencies.” or Yahoo addresses on their contact forms. poorly serviced or cannot be accessed via a more flexible approach. Indian govern- Revelations this week by NSA contrac- Of 18 Thai officials attending, only six smartphones, officials say. ment officials said any eavesdropping on tor Edward Snowden of a program called gave only their official email address. This A former Laotian government employee their web-based communications would Prism to sift data from US web companies was despite all government officials being said most official agencies and ministries had not be a problem, because they used their has raised fears of a close relationship issued secure e-mail addresses. their own websites “but they are not really official accounts for all internal commu- between the companies and the NSA, some- “Government officials use the web convenient. Sometimes they break down, are nications and commercial services only thing denied by both sides. Whatever the domain go.th and we can vouch that this is slow and have very low qualified service.” to communicate with journalists and the truth, the reliance of Asian officials on such secure,” government spokesman Theerat Marek Bialoglowy, Jakarta-based outside world. services highlights how vulnerable they are Rattanasewee said. security consultant and chief technology “I don’t care if the Americans are watch- to eavesdropping. Officials around the world use personal officer at ITSEC Asia, said: “Government ing that,” one official said. “If I am sending At a recent conference of the United e-mail addresses for personal matters, but employees in Asia-Pacific countries often it by Gmail, I want the world to know.” Nations Economic and Social Commission in parts of Asia some have little choice ask to send e-mails to Gmail or Yahoo, – Reuters Solar yacht to study Gulf Stream THE MS Turanor PlanetSolar, the The navigation between the “Now we are in the thick of the largest solar boat in the world, states of Florida and New York scientific expedition. We have been continues her US tour, and reached constitutes the initial phase of this travelling along the Gulf Stream New York City on June 17. As part unprecedented data collection on since we left Miami, so we were of the ‘PlanetSolar DeepWater’ the Gulf Stream, an important already able to take the first scientific expedition carried out by regulator of European and North measurements. A strong and favor- the University of Geneva, the MS American climates. able current enabled us to sail at over Turanor PlanetSolar transformed After being forced to remain in eight knots at times!” explained into a scientific platform, enabling Miami for a few days to avoid Captain Gerard d’Aboville. a team of researchers to take ‘Andrea’ the first tropical storm of Headed by Professor Beniston, advantage of her exclusive features the season in the Atlantic, the solar climatologist and director of in order to conduct a campaign of catamaran left the coast of Florida the Institute of Environmental physical and biological measure- on June 8 to begin its scientific Sciences at the University of ments along the Gulf Stream. expedition to study the Gulf Stream. Geneva (UNIGE), the onboard re- search team began taking measurements with advanced instruments in order to study the key parameters of climate regulation, namely aerosols NEW YORK: PlanetSolar is the world’s larget solar powered yacht and has and phytoplankton. This unique already completed one circumnavigation of the globe. Photo: Planet Solar campaign requires researchers to change and its impact. associated with fuel combustion. “navigate along the Gulf Stream The interdisciplinary team of The yacht, built in Kiel, Ger- and collect scientific data in the scientists from the University of many, is a catamaran powered water and in the air in order to Geneva will sail along the Gulf exclusively by solar energy. On improve our understanding of the Stream, passing through Boston, St. May 4, 2012, after sailing for 584 complex interactions between the John’s (Canada), and Reykjavik days and travelling over 60,000km, ocean and the atmosphere, as well (Iceland), and will disembark in the MS Turanor PlanetSolar as the role these interactions play Bergen (Norway) in August. completed the first solar-powered in climate change,” said Professor The yacht’s exclusive techni- trip around the world. The Yacht Beniston. cal features are a major asset for docked at Phuket’s Ao Po Marina In parallel, a pedagogical team the researchers: given the in October 2012 during its has developed educational activities absence of polluting emissions, record-breaking circumnavigation and resources designed to make the atmospheric measurements of the globe. young people aware of climate won’t be distorted by residues – Phuket Gazette June 22 - 28, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 35

wine bars in the development of wine culture in Thailand. The awards promote and reward excellence in these venues and convey this message to the media and wine and food consumers in Thailand and June 22, 6:30-11:30pm: Chivas abroad. The competition is open Whisky Dinner at The Kee Sky to all food and beverage estab- Lounge & Restaurant, Patong lishments with wine lists. The The Age of Celebration. Be a part online registration opened in May of an exclusive dinner under the 2013 and culminates in the an- stars experience and embark on nouncement of Thailand’s best a five course east-meets-west wine list at the Awards ceremony culinary adventure and pop in October. Contact Jon Hyams culture party featuring a on +66-80-471 8713 or email selection of Chivas Scotch [email protected] Whisky aged 12, 18 and 25 years, plus Chivas Brothers New October 17 11:30 to 2pm: Phuket Malt. Enjoy live entertainment International Women’s Club that will take you on a celebra- lunch at Cape Panwa Hotel. tion down through the ages. Another new and fascinating Free car parking available. For location for our October lunch, the bookings phone: 66-83-0978027 historic Panwa House at the Cape or email [email protected] American celebration at Super Buddha's first sermon to his Club monthly lunch Panwa Hotel. As usual, booking Natural Restaurant at Friendship disciples after attaining enlight- September’s lunch will be at The is required but all are welcome. June 28, 8pm-11:30pm: Hint of Beach Resort! Location: 27/1 soi enment. The holy day is observed Holiday Inn, Patong. Always Members: 500 baht; non members the Blues at The Green Man mittrapap, Rawai, Phuket. Contact by donating offerings to temples, a popular venue. All are welcome and guests: 650 baht. Register at Black n Blue will play at the Chef Charlie by phone on +66- listening to sermons by monks but registration is essential. [email protected] Green Man Chalong with a set of 89-728 5304 or email him at and prayer. Members 500 baht and guests classic soul and rock-n-roll hits, [email protected] 650 baht. For more infomation November 13-16, 5am-6pm: plus of course, some great Blues July 27-28, 6pm-2am: Seafood contact [email protected] Phuket International Sport rhythms. For an unforgettable July 6-7, 10am to 8pm: Phuket & Prawn Extravaganza at Two Fishing Tournament 2013 evening where you can dance or Airshow & Family Picnic at Chefs October 8, 6pm-10:30pm: Wine Registration will be on just chill and enjoy great live Phuket Airpark At Two Chefs Bar & Grill, Kata List of the Year Thailand November 13 from 5pm onwards. music. Free welcome drink for the Two full days of entertainment for Center, we are serving a large Awards Prize giving party on the 16th. ladies. For more details visit local area charities. Support this international seafood buffet, The Wine List of the Year We hope you will join us for facebook.com/blacknbluemusic fantastic non-profit event by including some Scandinavian Thailand Awards is a national another great tournament! becoming a sponsor, volunteer, or specialties. All you can eat for only competition recognizing the For more information see:phuket- June 29, 10am-4pm: Lamburg’s vendor. For more details please 695 baht. Our house band will efforts and expertise among the international-sportfishing- 19th B’Day. Free Pony Rides, visit navyleaguephuket.org. entertain you until the late hours, hotels, restaurants, cafes and tournament.com Ice Cream and Cake! This event is sponsored by the and we’ll have happy hours on Please help Lamburg, The Rider Phuket Gazette, PGTV and the selected drinks all night. So come Pony, to celebrate his 19th Birth- ‘Phuket Today’ show. and try our buffet “fit for a king”. day with free pony rides, (riders Come for the food and stay for under 60 kilos), ice-cream and July 18, 11:30am-2pm: Phuket the fun! For more information cake, with fizzy-wine cocktails International Women’s Club call +66-76-330065, send an email for parents (limit two). RSVP to monthly lunch to [email protected] or [email protected] or July lunch will be at a new venue, visit twochefs.com call 084-842 4581. We’re at Salt at Surin. All are welcome but 51/68 Moo 6, Cherng-Talay, registration essential. Members August 12, Her Majesty the Thalang. (Off route 4018, N. 500 baht, guests 650 baht. Queen's Birthday Bang-Tao Beach, Layan, Soi 7). Contact [email protected] Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s Map at: andamanhorsecenter.com birthday is a public holiday in the July 22, Arsarnha Bucha Day Kingdom and is also Mother’s July 4, 6-10pm: Fourth of July This Buddist Holiday, which falls Day. 2013 celebration at Friendship on the full-moon day of the Beach Resort eighth month of the Thai lunar September 19, 11:30am-2pm: Please join us for a traditional calendar commemorates the Phuket International Women’s

Forum and informal Sunday morning computer clinics Computer problems? Internet problems? Software problems? Hardware problems? Questions about phones or tablets or phablets, social software, antisocial software, or where to get the best deal on internet packages, TV channels, or phones? A solution may exist!

Go to thephuketforum.net and post your question as a ‘New Topic’ in the Tech Forum. The assembled local gurus – featuring “Mr. Live Wire,” Woody Leonhard’s friend from the States – may well be able to solve your problem, pronto.

If you need to talk with someone, drop by one of the informal Sunday morning computer discussion groups, starting about 10am every Sunday at Sandwich Shoppe Chalong (about 1 km north of Chalong Circle on Chao Fah East road). Consolation, commiseration, and old fashioned help await – for free.

Sponsored by the Phuket Gazette and Khun Woody’s Sandwich Shoppes. 36 PHUKET GAZETTE June 22 - 28, 2013 Sportsman manager at TSLC BRIAN Finniss, the newly appointed operations manager for Thanyapura Sports and Leisure Club lives by this simple motto: “Be committed to do what it takes to have what you want.” For many people, managing an international brand like Thanyapura is something that comes with age, but this young Canadian export is a definite exception to the rule. Mr. Finniss is an energetic young man with experience working and competing in the world of international sports. He has played basketball professionally in Europe and Australia, and has an exten- sive resume of facility management roles in North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Having obtained a degree in Kinesiology from Acadia University in Canada, Mr Finniss has put his knowledge to use in several sports related positions. He previously worked as the manager of Strength and Conditioning/High Performance at Pacific Sport one of the Canadian High Performance Development Centers. Before that, he worked in Australia with a profes- sional soccer (football) team in the Hyundai A-League and Asian Champions League. In his role as an Operations Manager at Thanyapura – an ambitious, world class sporting facility which includes Asia’s first dedicated sports hotel – Mr. Finniss points out that continuing Thanyapura’s Brian Finniss, Operations Manager at TSLC. The 50-meter Olympic standard swimming pool at Thanyapura Sports and Leisure Club. growth and development as a world class facility is his ideal goal. their experiences here.” island, he says that Thanyapura’s inter- to be a part of it. “My goals in this role are to help Handsome, smart, active and energetic national reputation was a big draw. “The opportunity to be a part of the continue the growth and development of are all words that can describe Mr. Brian The biggest attraction for me to come growth and development here was the Thanyapura brand both here in Finniss. He enjoys playing sports, such here to Phuket is without question something I really wanted to be involved Thailand and also internationally. I want as soccer in his free time, “I need to be Thanyapura. I had heard about Thanyapura with, but obviously, the tropical weather everyone to be able to come and doing something physical!” from colleagues of mine in Canada and the is a bonus as well. Being from Canada experience all that Thanyapura has to When asked about the biggest more I looked into what it is they were we don’t get too much of that!” he said. offer and leave with a lasting memory of attraction of working and living on the doing here, the more and more I wanted – Phuket Gazette Experienced GM heads to Anantara Vacation Club TALKING to Lyndon Ellis it is career around the world.” something happening and it’s not easy to see how his great sense As General Manager of the same thing everyday. Every- of hospitality makes him perfect Anantara Vacation Club, Mr. Ellis day you come to work and you for the position of General Man- aims to develop the hotel to make have your schedule duty or your ager of the newly opened it more successful. tasks, but you know that half Anantara Vacation Club. Mr Ellis “My goals are to build the busi- your day is going to be dealing brings a wealth of management ness, develop the team and ensure with situations that arise, and experience to bear on this brand’s we are true to the Anantara core that can be anything, so it makes new signature resort in northwest values that have made the brand a little bit more, exciting than a Phuket, which offers a truly luxu- so successful.” he revealed. normal job”, he added. rious escape amid fantastic tropi- At Anantara Vacation Club’s Stand up paddle boarding and cal scenery. Grand Opening day, Mr. Ellis told snow skiing are his favorite hob- Mr Ellis graduated from the the Gazette that he sees some bies. On his days off Mr Ellis William Angliss Institute in challenges in his new role, such likes to go to the beach with his Melbourne, Australia and ma- as getting to know the local area, stand up paddle board or jored in Business and Hospitality, becoming aware of local cus- sometimes just to lie on the sand leading him to pursue a career toms, getting to know the local at Panwa Beach. To him, the big- in the international hotel indus- and regional business trends and gest attractions of Phuket are the try. Since then, he has amassed networking, as these are island’s lifestyle, the good extensive experience, previously crucial elements in effectively business environment, great working in Australia, Thailand, managing a hotel. Regardless of people and a wonderful natural Cambodia and before that in the these small hurdles, Mr Ellis said environment, especially at his paradise island of Vanuatu in the he thinks that a positive favorite sport – Mai Khao Beach. South Pacific. Namely, Hayman attitude is the answer for any Despite his constant motiva- Resort Queensland Australia, Le challenges. tion to be a great GM, which Meridien Port Vila Vanuatu, Le “With positive attitude you can garnered him two South East Meridien Angkor Cambodia, do anything and you can make Asia Property Awards in 2010, Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket, anything happen. So, just do it”, Mr Ellis also recognizes the im- Le Meridien Koh Samui Resort he said. portance of family and he said and Spa. “I love my job as I can meet he is never too busy to spend “The opportunity comes up people; both guests and the as- time with his children. and you get a new offer then you sociates who work at the hotel. “My happiness is a day off follow your career. Luckily, I’ve I also like the dynamic of work- with my children”, he said. been able to follow my ing in a hotel, there is always – Phuket Gazette Lyndon Ellis has worked all over the globe. Photo: Anthika Muangrod June 22 - 28, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 37

Dr Sasivimon Chandhrasri DR SASIVIMON Chandhrasri is patients are not seriously ill and the head of the Eye and LASIK should not have to come into Center she set up five years ago at hospital where risks of getting an Phuket International Hospital. infection are high. Our new clinic An ophthalmologist whose will provide quality treatment in a career spans over two decades, Dr comfortable and relaxing environ- Sasivimon has been performing ment manned by friendly and refractive eye surgeries – popularly Having specialized in ophthalmol- professional staff.” known as LASIK – that have helped ogy at Mahidol University in Bangkok A self-professed perfectionist – many patients “see a new life.” in the late 1980s, Dr Chandhrasri “I am a Virgo; I pay attention to “Refractive surgery has been furthered her training in LASIK eye details” – Dr Chandhrasri always around for 20 years now and it’s surgery at the University Hospital of performs her duties to the best of nothing short of a miracle,” Manheim, Germany. her abilities. But running a large explains Dr Sasivimon. “In the She moved to Phuket almost ten company has compromised her old days many people’s lives years ago and started practicing at time as a specialist, and she’s be- were restricted by the use of Bangkok Hospital Phuket. In 2008, ginning to rethink her work corrective glasses. They couldn’t Dr Chandhrasri set up a few Eye strategy. For the new LASIK play sports or aspire to a career and LASIK Centers, one within the Clinic, set to open in September, they love. Now as a result of compound of Phuket International Dr Chandhrasri would like to hand LASIK surgery, some of my Hospital and another in the Silom area over the operations to a management patients have gone on to become of Bangkok. It’s a juggling game, as team with experience in running airline pilots or flight attendants, Dr Chandhrasri travels to and LASIK centers in Bangkok. and some have joined the army or fro between Phuket and the capital, “I would like to get back to police. Many can take part in combining work as managing being a full-time eye specialist. extreme sports. Their lives have director with her career as a doctor. Having to always think about become, in a way, limitless, But she has her reasons. business and management takes the thanks to this technology, which “Apart from being a business focus away from my clinical work, makes this precision operation opportunity, owning a clinic which requires a high degree of quick and painless.” enables me to manage everything concentration and commitment.” And the success rate? my way. That includes being able Dr Chandhrasri is married to a “Admittedly, there’s no such to make sure the standard of local businessman, who is About Thai Gallery thing as 100 per cent success in any treatment and the quality of patient also president of Rotary Club operation. For one thing, you can’t care is high. You can only achieve Andaman, Sathorn Somsakserm. The individuals profiled in “Thai Gallery” are chosen on the basis of their control the wound healing capacity this holistic approach when you in her free time she enjoys contributions to Phuket as an international community, and, of an individual. There’s also the are at the management level.” watching movies. “Movies provide often, for having made those contributions through successful social ‘body response’ factor, which var- Presently, Dr Chandhrasri has a kind of ready-made experience. and/or working relationships with foreigners. This implies some ies from one person to another. a plan to move her LASIK Clinic You come to understand human foreign language skills and an interest in interacting with different However, low to moderate level from Phuket International Hospi- nature a little bit more and this helps cultures. They are people who in our experience help make the lives of myopia seems to respond tal to a new site, also on the Bypass me to let go of work-related stress expats far more enjoyable here than might be the case without them. extremely well with this treatment.” Road. “The idea is that LASIK I may have felt during the day.” 38 PHUKET GAZETTE June 22 - 28, 2013 The B-list: Exotics and also rans

STRELITZIA REGINAE: The striking blue and orange flowers, which somewhat resemble the BUSY LIZZIE: The bright purple flowers of this plant make it a popular addition to any tropical crest of a bird, has led Strelitzia to be known as the ‘bird of paradise’ plant. Photo: Neelix garden and features in many a garden in Phuket. Photo: Chris Gladis have only once seen the devil blue flowers. The flowers last a and foliage that is dark green with B. repens has flame red flowers. flower (to give it yet another long time: this helps to explain the paler undersides. It is a ruderal Untemperamental, barleria can be evocative and picturesque moniker) fact that they are more likely to be species, colonizing disturbed areas easily grown from cuttings. in a local nursery. It gets its bizarre spotted here as dramatic displays and roadsides. It likes full sun but name from flowers (actually of cut flowers in high-end resorts will flourish in most soils. A spiny If you have a question or a garden BARLERIA, bixa, begonia, bracts) that are purplish black in and spas. S. regina is the most variety, sometimes called B. that you would like featured, bismarkia, bromeliad, brownia, color and resemble a large moth or widely grown: S. nicolai is much prionitis, has yellow or orange you can email me anytime at: brugmansia, brunfelsis. What do all bat. Long thin filaments hang down larger with clusters of long oval flowers and reddish brown stems; [email protected] these words have in common – from these bracts. Hence yet leaves and blue and white flowers. apart from the obvious fact that another name – cats’ whiskers. It looks fantastic when planted as each word starts with the letter B? These flowers appear above a massed bed – as I once saw in a Well, dear reader, of course, you clumps of low-growing, lush, hillside garden above Chalong got it in one. They are all tropical glossy green leaves . where conditions suited it plants. Moreover, once you get Even if you do manage to down to the ground. The bird of away from these Latin-based discover a specimen, you will need paradise can be grown from seed botanical names, the list grows at to tend it carefully. The bat plant or by planting tubers. But it may the rate of tropical bamboo – that does not appreciate an overdose of take up to seven years to bloom. is to say, rapidly; banana, bat plant, sun and needs rich, moist soil of Quite a wait. balsam, bird’s nest fern, buttercup the kind not readily available in From the sublime strelitzia to the tree, busy lizzie, bachelor’s Phuket. As a member of the edible humble barleria is quite a step. button, Buddha’s belly, bird of arrow root family, mature plants Small, relatively insignificant, easy paradise, boxwood beauty – many can be propagated by root cuttings to grow, this plant comes into the with evocative names that help us – if you get that far. category of “useful” additions to both to visualize and remember the The bird of paradise plant is your garden. It is relatively low- plant in question. another temperamental exotic with growing and is one of those shrubs Some of these can be rapidly a tongue-twisting name to match – like the duranta or dwarf ixora – glossed over since they have been –strelizia. As a native of slightly that will take any amount of considered in previous articles or cooler climes with a less consis- clipping. Indeed, pruning will en- simply don’t match our key tently humid atmosphere, it may courage a bushier growth. For this criterion of plants that will be at struggle in Southern Thailand, but reason, barleria is often used as a home in a Phuket garden. The bat if you can get it to thrive here, it low hedge or barrier. plant (tacca chantrieri) is a case in will reward you with a magnificent B. cristata, the commonest TACCA CHANTRIERI: Also known as the bat plant or cat’s whiskers, can point. I have never grown it and display of extraordinary orange and variety, has tubular mauve flowers struggle to survive in Phuket’s climate and soil. Photo: Paul Fisk Tip of the Week Kumquat care

THE kumquat is an Asian A friend has a cherished member of the citrus family. potted specimen which he tells Because it is hardier than the me is apparently dying. conventional orange (it can tol- Unusual, because they are erate frost), and because it tough cookies. They do, makes a small, compact bush, however, go through a period it is often grown as a container of dormancy every year when plant. The small orange fruits they appear to be lifeless, and (either round or oval) have a produce no new foliage or sweet rind (which can be can- fruit, but they will normally died) and sour pulp. The foli- start up again after a few age is an attractive glossy weeks. Over-watering or feed- BARLERIA SIAMENSIS: Often used to make hedges or garden barriers, the green. Kumquats are very ing during this period is likely Kumquats look like a miniature barleria is a hardy plant that can cope with heavy pruning. Photo: Vaikoovery resistant to disease. to prove terminal. version of an orange. Photo: Miheco June 22 - 28, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 39 The iron man of whimsy DAVID Sedaris is a passes for alcoholic classic example of the sincerity.” American Dream. In 1992, He loves the cleanli- he was a 36-year-old ness of Japan and is failure. College dropout, dabbler in crystal appalled by the omnipresent filth of China. “I meth, lonely homosexual, drifting through saw wads of phlegm glistening like freshly lowly odd jobs in Chicago, New York and his shucked oysters on staircases and escalators. native Raleigh, North Carolina. Sedaris was I saw them frozen into slicks on the sidewalk reading excerpts from his diary in a Chicago and oozing down the sides of walls.” And club when he was discovered by a radio host don’t get him started on the toilets. who later got him his debut on National Pub- In Loggerheads, his father takes a deeply lic Radio. He has since become ensconced reluctant Sedaris to a football game. Which on the Shouts and Murmurs humor page of team is he supposed to root for? How do The New Yorker and has published eight vol- you know if they score a point? “The thing umes of memoirs; wry, fey, whimsical, self- about sports, at least for guys, is that deprecating and largely about his childhood nobody ever defines the rules, not even in among his large Greek family in Raleigh. The gym class. Asking what a penalty means is books have sold in the millions affording him like asking who Jesus was.” homes in rural France and England with his Laugh, Kookaburra is the title of a song longtime partner Hugh Hamrick. His globe- which the eleven-year-old future author sings trotting book tours are legend. lustily with his sister, the future actress Amy Childhood memories would seem to be Sedaris, after he sneaks into her bed. Three an inexhaustible source, Garrison Keillor times they wake their father who finally and Jean Shepherd have mined the same enters with a fraternity paddle which “looked field, but Sedaris’ eighth like a beaver’s tail made of book, Let’s Explore Diabe- wood” and is inscribed with tes with Owls (Little Brown signatures of fraternity broth- and Company, New York, ers “with old-fashioned 275pp, 2013) shows that nicknames like Lefty and he is running thin on Slivers – names, to me, as material. Too many stories, synonymous with misfortune ‘OWLING WITH LAUGHTER: ‘Let’s Explore Diabetes With Owls’ has some great passages of built on flimsy founda- as Smith and Wesson”. Sedaris’ trademark whimsical humor, which is in large part based on his day today encounters tions, fall flat. But there On a trip to buy a stuffed with strange characters and numerous childhood recollections. Photo: merec0 are a handful of classics. owl an English taxidermist In Memory Laps, he shows Sedaris his crown recalls his father’s lavish jewels: a severed seaman’s praise for a competitor at his arm, the mummified head of teenage swim meets. When THE NEW YORKER: The home a Peruvian Indian girl, and the Sedaris finally beats him in a of the magazine in which David skeleton of a Pygmy, shot for butter-fly race, his father Sedaris built his reputation as sport by the English in 19th feigns indifference, leading a humorist. Photo: Daniel Schwen century Congo, prompting him to observe: “My dad was like the Marine Sedaris to reflect: “It would have been dis- Corps, only instead of tearing you to pieces turbing to see the skeleton of a slain Pygmy and then putting you back together, he just in a museum, but finding him in a shop, for did the first part and called it a day. Now it sale, raised certain questions, uncomfortable seems cruel, abusive even, but this all hap- ones like how much is he?” pened before the invention of self-esteem, Balancing these comic gems is a lot of which, frankly, I think is a little overrated.” trifling filler: visits to a dentist and a In A Guy Walks into a Bar Car, he re- proctologist, spoiled children, elderly counts an interminable train trip from New forgetfulness, Indian tele-salesmen, Jesus York to Chicago which he passes with freaks, Lonely Planet phrasebooks, gold- fellow drunks “marinating like cheap kebabs” diggers, homophobic protesters, airport woes, in the bar car. “At first their voices might British English, and Obamacare. These make strike you a jolly: the warms tones of strang- up maybe 60 per cent of the book. ers becoming friends,” he writes. “Then the Which isn’t bad – to use a baseball AMERICAN DREAM: A postcard from the author’s hometown Raleigh, North Carolina. The drinkers would get sloppy and repetitive, analogy, David Sedaris is still batting .400. town is the setting for many of Sedaris’ anecdotes about his time growing up there as a settling, finally, on that cross-eyed mush that Not that he would know what that means. member of large Greek-American family. Photo: Boston Public Library 40 PHUKET GAZETTE June 22 - 28, 2013 Go Brazilian at Rodizio By Mark Knowles mesmerized as meat laden skewers in restaurants, both in and out of spin tantalizingly over a glowing the kitchen, in Sao Paulo and LOOKING at a map of the world, charcoal fire. Saigon, for more then 15 years. His Thailand is about as far away as you Located in Soi Patong Tower, expertise enables him to re-create can possibly get from the soccer- just off Patong Beach Road near an authentic Brazilian taste and and-samba-crazed nation of Brazil. the Banana Walk Mall, Rodizio is many of the recipes for side dishes But don’t buy your ticket to Rio just the brainchild of the team behind such as Feijoada (a bean and pork yet, Patong’s newest restaurant has Churrasco, another popular a la stew which is Brazil’s national dish) saved you the trouble of fly- and Pao de Queijo (a deli- ing halfway around the globe cious cheese bread made and brought a taste of Brazil from cassava flour with a right here to Phuket. chewy center) were handed Rodizio derived from the down to Jair by his mother. Portuguese word for wheel After helping yourself to means rotation and is the some sides from the buffet generic name for the all- selection, which includes you-can-eat restaurants, fresh vegetables, salads, hugely popular in Brazil, rice dishes, roast potatoes where an endless rotation of and more – not to mention barbecued meat is served to authentic Parmigiano- diners straight from the Reggiano cheese and thin skewer. It also refers to the ROTATION: Meat skewers turn over the hot coals slices of Parma ham the method of cooking, where the carte South American style carnivore’s feast is set to begin. skewers of meat are rotated over steakhouse at nearby Jungceylon. When they say all you can eat, the hot coals and moved up and Clearly their love of high quality they really mean it. A seemingly down to adjust the temperature at beef knows no bounds and endless array of perfectly grilled which they are cooked. And that’s Rodizio is their latest gambit to skewers of glistening meat and exactly what you will see when you capture the culinary imaginations seafood are presented to your table come to Rodizio; take a peek of meat-lovers in Phuket. and using the tongs provided, you through the wide glass window into Manager and Chef Jair da Rosa grab slices as they are trimmed off the kitchen and you can watch hails from Brazil and he has worked with a razor-sharp carving knife and put them on your plate. Everything I tasted was a delight; chunky pork sausages, marinated chicken wings and nuggets of pork fillet wrapped in bacon. Other meats on offer, depending on availability, include SUCCULENT: Diners are served right at there table with tender slices of pork ribs, fish of the day, shrimp, meat straight from the hot charcoal fire. Photo: Mark Knowles squid and lamb. There are also several a la dishes. Along with this comes But that was only the beginning. carte options available, such as servings of collared greens, Next came the most popular cut of a 250 gram Wagyu rib-eye steak, Brazilian cheese bread and caeser beef served in traditional Brazilian salmon steak, Rodizio burger or salad, rounding off the meal Rodizios, which is known as Brazilian lasagna, all of which superbly. If you have any room Picanha. This is the topmost part include the sides buffet. But for left, you can top off your meal of the sirloin, which has a layer of the authentic Brazilian experi- with one of the classic deserts on fat to keep the meat sublimely juicy ence, we heartily recommend offer, which include chocolate and tender while it is slowly grilled the all-you-can-eat option. brownie, tiramisu, lemon sorbet over the coals. The Picanha alone To complement your meal, and grilled banana or pineapple is reason enough to visit Rodizio and there is a solid wine list to choose with ice cream. no meal there would be complete from, featuring some suitably This Sambadrome scale feast without a liberal helping. South American wines from Chile (if you don’t know what a Samba- Perhaps the most surprising cut and Argentina, as well as many drome is, perhaps you should book we encountered was the Cupim, other selections from France, that ticket to Rio for Carnival after which comes from the distinctive Italy and Australia. If wine is not all) is all included for the single shoulder hump unique to the your thing, perhaps a fresh price of 690 baht, making it an Brahman breed of cattle. This large Brazilian Caipirinha cocktail, entertaining- and great-value night chunk of beef is slow cooked first, made to Jair’s original recipe, out to enjoy some of the best before being finished over the would be more to your liking. quality food in Patong. charcoal, resulting in a flaky, almost As the evening continued, our white, meat that melts in your meal was punctuated with serv- To make a reservation contact: mouth with a flavor unlike any ings of sliced, grilled pineapple P: 076 346125 meat I have ever tried a uniquely designed to serve as a palate E: [email protected] Brazilian taste. cleanser between the various meat W: rodiziophuket.com

Photo: Anthika Muangrod June 22 - 28, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 41

Inspired: re-think Thai desserts Isaac Stone Simonelli of yolk, sugar and scented flour. Kanom such as ja monkut and A RENAISSANCE in the world many others were once never of traditional Thai desserts has seen beyond the palace gates. The taken hold, away from the sand source of the great diversity of and seas of Phuket, in the heart these desserts in the Royal House- of the province. Nestled in the hold is often credited to Marie center of the island, Ms Vachiraya Guimar, a foreigner who, with as “Yulie” Thitalohakul has turned many as 2,000 women working back to her cultural heritage under her, introduced the royalty after years of working as a west- of Siam to the pleasures of ern-schooled patissiere. several Portuguese desserts that With over a decade of experi- relied heavily on yolk and sugar. ence as a patissiere in London, “Over time certain kanom have having worked for the JW become integral to the celebration Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel, of auspiciousoccasions, such as The Crowne Plaza Hotel and 51 weddings and Buddhist ceremo- Buckingham Gate Hotel, Ms Yulie nies,” Ms Yen says. has teamed up with her sister Desserts that have names Vachira “Yen” Thitalohakul from beginning with the Thai word for Tatonka Restaurant, as they reju- gold, “thong”, are thought to bring venate the art of creating the good luck, making desserts such multitude of Thai delicacies as thong yip, thong yot and thonk known collectively as kanom. ek very popular at weddings, “We felt the availability of truly birthdays and other celebrations. traditional Thai kanom was Despite the heavy emphasis REGAL DESSERT: Kanom such as ja monkut were once never seen outside the palace. Photos: Kanom at Phuket being lost in Phuket, and that on rekindling and preserve Thai local people, as well as expats traditions, MsYen points out that many difference between the the top of the dessert. ja monkut is, temptation wins out and tourists were missing out on many of the hand-made desserts elegant desserts composed at Ms The dedication and effort in every time – as it always should this unique aspect of Thai-food they create have elegant, Yulie and those block kanom making just a single ja monkut, a when it comes to dessert. culture,” Khun Yen says as Khun modern twists. found at local markets. dessert that would require dozens Yulie starts to warm up a pan to “We have many innovative and A small bowl of toasted, candy to create a plate at a party or even Those interested in Kanom at Phuket demonstrate how to properly modern desserts for parties, coated water melon seeds appear for afternoon tea, makes it seem desserts can place pre-orders with Ms toast watermelon seeds for one coffee breaks and afternoon tea, near Ms Yulie as she then begins sinful to gobble down the small Yulie or Ms Yen: 081-8934683, 082- of the specialty desserts. “We as well as for gifts sets and other to roll small yellow dough balls sweet. However, knowing just 8175472 or email Kanom at Phuket: want to re-introduce a wide- special occasions,” Ms Yen says. between her palms. how lucky and tasty a well-crafted [email protected]. range of tasty Thai treats that The importance of presentation “You have to be meticulous in will reflect the tastes, textures, is not lost on Ms Yen or Ms Yulie. every detail, from selection of good aromas and exotic colors of Laid out in a tiny box on the cof- ingredients to patiently monitoring traditional Thai kanom.” fee table are four thuai talai kanom, the creation process,” Ms Yen says. As Ms.Yen talks, Ms Yulie con- made from steamed sweet coco- Delicately, Ms Yulie lifts the tinues to create the different nut jelly and cream and molded into tiny sugar coated water melon elements of a kanom known as “ja the shape of a flower, with pieces seeds, which now look like crispy mongkut”. This is perhaps the of fruit inside to provide complex- snowflakes, and press the tips of most difficult and time intensive ity in the texture and taste of the them into the sides of the small Thai dessert to make. And unlike dessert. yellow ball – creating a crown most, which rely heavily on the “We use whole grains and sea- around the base. use of coconut cream and coco- sonal fruit to add texture, taste Ms Yulie roles a smaller ball, and nut flesh, the base of these delicate and nutrition to our kanom,” she takes a then sheet of edible gold, creations is a tiny dough ball made explains, marking one of the twisting it and then pressing it onto

Many of the hand-made desserts have elegant, modern twists. Kanom shaped like fruit. 42 PHUKET GAZETTE June 22 - 28, 2013 GreatGreat bowlsbowls ofof fire!fire!

By Larry Amsden are about as prevalent as claims of the first or best som tum, one can imagine a couple of IF YOU are from the Southwestern part of cowboys after a few cervezas (beers), the United States, you already know what a arguing that “my chili is better than your chili”. chili cook-off is. However, given that expats Thus, the first chili-cook-off was born. in Phuket from that part of the country The judges of Phuket’s own Great Burnin’ probably number less than a couple of dozen, Bum Chili Cook-off will judge the various chilis maybe an explanation is due. on color, aroma, taste and the all-important A chili cook-off, as described by after taste. In the interest of time, another Wikipedia, is a social event, similar to a bar- characteristic of good chili, the after-glow, becue, in which competitors prepare their which comes quite some time after ingestion own particular recipe for chili con carne and will not be a criteria for the judges. submit it for tasting. A cook-off may be in an The World Championship Chili Cook-off informal gathering with the single goal of shar- takes place in November each year in ing recipes and enjoying food, or it may be a Terlingua, Texas, an old mining ghost town large-scale event with an official panel of near the US-Mexico border. Terlingua is judges and substantial prizes for winners. located adjacent to Carroll Shelby’s ranch, Is it important? Well, some people must a spread of 550,000 rai (yep, this is Texas). think so. If you Google “chili cookoff” you’ll Carroll was one of the founders of the first get about 4,160,000 hits, or Google the more Terlingua cook-off. You may remember accepted spelling “chili cook-off” for about Carroll as the developer of the Shelby CHILI TIME: Taste the best chili in Phuket at the Great Burnin’ Bum Chili Cook-Off. Photo Cyclone Bill 16,800,000 hits, and “chili recipes” for a Cobra sports cars of the 1960s and 70s. whomping 19,300,000 hits. Compare this to This year marks the 46th year of the come on out and join us. We’re also negotiat- 820,000 Google hits for tom yum kung. Terlingua Chili Cook-off. ing with the cook-off contestants to make BRING THE KIDS! Chili Heads have organized themselves One of the sidelights of the Terlingua Cook- their recipes available to anyone asking. The Phuket Air Park Family Picnic and through the Chili Appreciation Society off a couple of years ago was the inclusion of Chili, or more formally, chili con carne, Airshow will be packed with fun activities International (CASI), of which your author a Mexican fence climbing contest in honor of is a staple of the Southwestern American for the kids – all safe and fully supervised. is a proud member. CASI promotes and the planned US border fence between Juarez, diet. Much like the position tom yum kung sanctions cook-offs, a staggering 550 per Mexico and El Paso, Texas. It was rumored enjoys in Thai cuisine. This debate over year. Their website currently lists 108 chili that the organizers paid illegal Mexican immi- beans or no beans has been raging for years • Swimming in the lake cook-offs taking place in the next few months grants US$5 per day to erect the fence. and has divided the chili world into the red • 30m long slip and slide throughout 18 states in Southwestern USA, Needless to say, the Terlingua cook-off is not shirts (with beans), and the yellow shirts along with Canada and Mexico. These on the official list of US events promoted by (no beans). You don’t need to declare your • Bouncing castles events take place in such colorful places the Department of the Interior (our TAT). colors when you come out to the Air Park • Kayaking as Telephone and Geronimo in Texas, But you don’t have to travel to Texas, or as we’ll be sampling both ‘red shirt’ and Chugwater, Wyoming and Tombstone, even the USA to enjoy a chili cook-off. Phuket ‘yellow shirt’ chili. • Carnival games Arizona. CASI, along with their sister will be hosting its very own Great Burnin’ If you can’t make it to Terlingua this year, • Clowns organization the International Chili Society, Bum Chili Cook-off at the US Independence come on down to the Great Burnin’ Bum Chili • Family picnic area have raised millions for charities. Day celebration sponsored by the Navy Cook-off at the Air Park on July 6 and cast Although claims to the first chili cook-off League-Phuket, at the Air Park on July 6. Y’all your vote for the “People’s Choice” best chili. • And much, much more! Black & Blue bring those blues to you YOU would think a great blues band other for several years, teaming rock and punk.” would have its name rooted in some up in different outfits or finding Bass player Boy pushes the great emotional torment, a bruised each other at jams – before all rhythm along.While Boy lays heart or tragic love story. Soulful five coalesced into Black & Blue down the low notes, Peter fills out expat blues musicians Black & last October. the the middle, and Rob puts the Blue, however, chose their name “Richard was asked to put electric tingle on the top. based on their stage outfits. together a blues band for a local But at the heart of the band – “That was my idea,” rhythm club,” Peter explains, nodding though he is loathe to admit it – is guitarist Peter explains. “We were towards the band’s singer/guitar- Richard. A true old school talking about how we were going ist/flautist. “So he called me and bluesman, Richard still happily GET THE BLUES: You can see Black & Blue in action on this week’s Phuket to dress for the stage – we were talked to Rob and over a couple recall his blues roots in New York. Today show – on a TV near you. Photos: Dean Noble going to wear all black, but that of months we worked on this act. “At 15 years old I was sitting on seemed a bit too much, so we went It didn’t work out at that club, but steps playing my harmonica along for blue shirt and black pants or it’s worked a lot of other places. with Jimmy Reed. I just grew up blue pants and a black shirt.” The chemistry was good so we with the blues.” “Actually,” lead guitarist Rob cuts thought: let’s keep going.” Richard retired to Phuket after in “the reason for the blue shirt, So, that’s just what they did. At a life as a merchant seaman. “I coincidentally, is because Peter has a gig this past week at the was really amazed to find so many nothing but blue shirts.” The five- Welcome Inn in Layan, patrons classy talented musicians here,” piece band laughs easily together. danced and bobbed along happily to he smiles, looking around at his “That’s right,” Peter grins. “Our the blues crew’s mix of down-home band. “It’s just a wonderful place name came from the wardrobe.” twelve bar and soulful rock, made to be for the music.” While Black & Blue might not all the more enjoyable thanks to And, as the whole band happily be named after the usual turmoil Black & Blues’ intuitively tight agrees, “it’s all about the music!” associated with the blues, that musicianship. hasn’t stopped them from craft- Setting up the beat is Jamie on You can catch Black & Blues in ing a beautifully bluesy sound, drums. “I only got into the blues action at the Green Man on June 28 perfectly pitched for island life. at the beginning of last year. I’m and again on July 6 at the Phuket All seasoned musicians, the the young pup of the group,” he Family Picnic and Airshow weekend band had been playing with each grins. “Before that I was into at Phuket Airpark in Pak Klok. June 22 - 28, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 43 44 PHUKET GAZETTE June 22 - 28, 2013 Hydroponics: a happy medium

A FRUITFUL PAST TIME: DN Hydroponics yields about one tonne of produce each month. In addition to hydroponics farming, Ms Pakdee also likes to make her own yoghurt (inset).

LOCATED about a kilometer west she got her first taste of the fiery, “Any more than this, and it locally produced, high-quality of Chao Fah West road, en route to flavorful and astringent tasting would no longer be a hobby, but produce. the Big Buddha, the DN hydroponic rocket lettuce, Eruca sativa. become full-time work.” For the last four years, Ms farm is not the bustling business “I found out that they [restau- Rocket continues to be the most Pakdee has not increased or operation it might at first seem. rants] were paying as much as 900 popular of her offerings, and the decreased prices, regardless of “I can supply large orders, but baht per kilogram for this. Then I ingly admits that growing up, she two varieties she grows – Garden inflation and other factors that this is really just a hobby,” insists thought to myself, at such a price didn’t have any background or real and Wild – combined make up about often affect suppliers depending Pakdee “Doo” Khruthanang. I wouldn’t have to grow too much experience in agriculture. 40% of her supply. on produce from other regions. Ms Pakdee’s primary hat is run- to be able to supplement our earn- However, as a professional dive Other than this, she grows both “Whether there are floods in ning her business, West Coast ings year round.” operator, she already had an un- red and green varieties of Coral Bangkok, or a drought elsewhere, Divers, which specializes in live- A budding interest soon derlying passion for the life and Oak lettuces, as well as Frillice my price doesn’t change... The aboard trips to the Similan islands. expanded to other types of let- sciences, particularly biological Iceberg, Batavia, Butterhead, Thai important thing to keep in mind “Business in tourism, especially tuces, vegetables and herbs, and cycles and processes. Mustard, Romaine Cos, Mizuna is sufficiency – make enough but in the dive industry, goes up and the curiosity soon became a Such a passion – or “heart” as and both Thai and Italian Basil. not too much.” down, and thus is not always reli- passion. she calls it – is essential for She says that the reason able in terms of steady and stable To research the market, she anybody looking to try their she has been able to keep income,” she says. went to various restaurants hand at something new, her prices, and thus The instability of such a around the island, and particularly and hydroponics is not ex- demand, stable, is because seasonal industry drove Ms enjoyed visiting the Sizzler’s salad ception. she views her operation as Pakdee to start thinking about bar, known for its diverse array “Some people will try it a past-time, rather than a ways she could supplement in- of fresh and seasonal offerings. out, perhaps as a hobby or trade, adding that such a come for her family in an “I took a one-day hydroponics even a small business ven- model can be applied to increasingly expensive Phuket. course for 500 baht at Rajabhat ture. But if they don’t have any hobby, venture or “I started frequenting many University, and continued to the heart and ample time to operation. restaurants that served European research the science and method- devote to it, they will not Despite the constant salad – not Thai,” she says. ologies on the internet.” succeed,” she says. threat of copy-cat entre- It was at an Italian restaurant, Originally from Chiang Rai in the By the end of the initial preneurship, Ms Pakdee Capannina at Kata beach, where North of Thailand, Pakdee laugh year, highlighted by much Nutrient-enriched water is pumped through the readily shares her knowl- trial and error, Pakdee was growing trays using AC power. edge with anyone wishing filling a small yet steady to learn about hydropon- demand. Half of her produce goes to local ics, whether just to feed their “We currently grow about a households, friends and their families or to make supplemental dozen types of lettuce and herbs, restaurants, and whatever is left – income in their respective locale. whereas others [in Phuket] only about half of the produce – is sold “When you start a business, grow three to four types.” to two wholesale brokers, who sup- it’s important to have your own The types were chosen not only ply directly to hotels and restaurants. customer base and to maintain based on market demand, but also She also supplies both the Central strong relations. And you really practicality. and Patong branches of Sizzler. have to ensure that your offering Over the last four years, she has The fundamental principles of is better than others, not just attempted to grow more than 20 supply and demand affect all copying others.” types of herbs, ferns and veg- business, whether a small dive Ms Pakdee has taught and con- etables, but Phuket’s hot and company or vegetable farm,” she tinues to teach her hobby to a tropical environment has proved says, before going on to highlight number of villagers, vendors and inconducivve for growing many a common problem many busi- curious students, as well as hotel things. Pakdee has tried rosemary, ness operators face in Phuket. staff. sage, oregano and Italian parsley. “In order to gain more mar- “They usually come to work “These would be a lot easier to ket share, new players often end and study on the farm on week- grow in Chiang Mai, for example, up producing too much. As sup- ends and whenever they have but the weather in Phuket is just ply exceeds demand, then holidays. I don’t charge or pay not ideal,” she says. everyone tries to undercut the them, but am happy to give them The farm has the capacity to competition, which makes prices knowledge and even some veg- grow and supply one tonne – plummet, and causes problems etables to take home,” she says. 1,000 kilograms-of fresh lettuces for everyone. and herbs per month, and at this Ms Pakdee goes on to high- For more information and inquiries, JUST THE RIGHT MIX: Ms Pakdee produces her own fertilizer in-house. point, she’s content. light the advantages of sourcing go to: phukethydroponics.com June 22 - 28, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 45 46 PHUKET GAZETTE June 22 - 28, 2013

Across: 9. Slave enclosure, or a carbon copy (9) 10. Cart out a new starting device (8) 12. Novel hint to slim (4) 13. Way he worked hard for prehistoric God of Judah (6) 14. At home, Charlie is, or between the canines? (7) 15. Not so well balanced burn least perhaps (9) 17. Time it restricted allowance for laboratory analysis (9) 18. Canters about in states of SUDOKU: Each row, column and 3x3 sub-grid must contain the number rapture (7) 1-9 once only. Kevin Stone (brainbashers.com) 20. Disturbed, heck, a Romeo, an unwanted exploiter of computors! (6) 21. Long for a church echo (4) 24. Early obesity which as one becomes bigger abates! (5,3) 26. Ways a cat may be stranded (8) 28. Pray, hear the victim (4) 29. Family man turns to drink in Thailand (3,3) 31. Apply bandage to last rep spelled out (8) breaking up! (10) active (7) 4. Article rewriting news right 26. Almost morning for an 34. I used till became not reply (6) eccentric (3) compatible (3,6) 5. In pitiful way, note spasm (8) 27. Standing up. Right, 36. In manner pet could be 6. For preciseness, stir scents unchanged (7) lasting (9) carefully (10) 30. Darn! Gone wrong. Absolutely 38. Home Office correspondence 7. Understand in Thailand a hock safe (2,6) in the name of Nelson (7) developed, first class (3,4) 31. Soak through for each solid 39. Looks after sisters (6) 8. A bin so arranged for a small foodstuff, note (8) 40. Care about an Israeli city (4) decorative plant (6) 32. Recycled, tires traders out 41. Material as layers from 11. One of the media. Note right out East (8) animal back on time, note (8) publisher! (7) 33. Restrict dog, dog (7) 42. Unable to take any more, a 16. Take cap, etc., wrap up (6) 35. Picketing device moved at Your weekly pith: “Always remember that you are unique. star duet broke up (9) 19. Divert a Greek deity (5) rail (6) Just like everyone else.” 20. Top protection from the sun 36. Pedant put Sir wrong (6) - Anonymous Down: for a Thai beach (3) 37. Echo by name to rouse (6) This quote was taken from Ian Hewitt’s book 1. Cubs trot out, get in the way (8) 22. Maybe cart free in vessel (5) ‘QUOTES for PROSPERITY’ 2. Strain moving coaches (6) 23. Father backs a man in a hat (6) Cryptic crossword compiled by 3. Primitive craft to close car 25. Rubbing together in frolic at Patong Bill. Solution on page 31.

CANCER (June 22-July 23): loan they were on the verge of AQUARIUS (Jan 21-Feb 19): plans – a summer break to Cancerians will have a taking out. The social scene Problem solving is one recharge batteries becomes more clearer idea of what they sparkles this weekend, with single of your skills and attractive when you learn that want as the end of June Virgoans forecast to meet an air Aquarians could be in this can mean a reunion with approaches. Recent indecision sign they will want to see more high demand this week. In the someone you haven’t seen for a regarding cutting ties in the world of. Those committed see a new world of work, a fire sign could long time. On the home front, of work will give way to taking side of their partner. expect you to take too much duty calls this weekend; the stars steps towards more security. Those responsibility for something that indicate that an overdue family whose birthday is due in the week LIBRA (Sept 24-Oct 23): SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23-Dec 21): is the result of their mistakes. visit will happen. ahead are forecast to enjoy a more Those born under the The stars suggest that Where romance is concerned, fulfilling social life in the coming sign of Libra will need to family can try to have another air sign partner is forecast TAURUS (April 21-May 21): year. Romance is lucky this assert themselves during too much influence on to make a confession, with money It can be hard to get weekend – attraction to another the last week of June. There are your lifestyle this week. Some give highlighted to be involved. You others to listen this week. water sign should be mutual. hints that playing second fiddle to and take is recommended, but you should not turn this molehill The cosmic climate someone while you have been should not allow others to set a into a mountain. encourages distraction and LEO (July 24-Aug 22): doing most of the hard work will pattern that will be difficult to get Taureans who are keen to get a Spiritual matters can become too much to take. The out of. A friend who abruptly left PISCES (Feb 20-March 20): particular message across should become more interesting stars recommend Tuesday and your social scene recently is Finances are well-starred take a direct approach. In the for those born under the Wednesday for tactful discus- forecast to return with something as June draws to a close, world of work, the stars advise sign of Leo as June draws to a sions. Where affairs of the heart serious to announce. Those with focus on making that your social life should be kept close. The stars indicate that are concerned, words you took Sagittarians who are single have new agreements in the world of separate from business. Love with influence from an earth sign friend with a pinch of salt can turn out reason to appreciate their status. work. Those who have been air and water signs is lucky this may be the cause and this person’s to be true. waiting for a business partner to weekend, but putting a fire sign on a calm attitude towards life will be CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 20): change their way of thinking pedestal will lead to disappointment. good inspiration. Your luck with SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 22): Your energy is laid-back should find that patience pays off. money is moderate this week, The stars are on your side during the last week of In the realm of romance, an GEMINI (May 22-June 21): with overspending highlighted on this week. Scorpios whose June, but too much air sign partner’s idea for making This is an auspicious Tuesday and Wednesday. In the lives were up in the air laziness could become an issue for extra money is something you can week for Geminis to take realm of romance, another fire earlier in the month should be feeling people close to you. Another earth see sense in. Single Pisceans care of unfinished busi- sign has been asking about you. more grounded as June comes to an sign partner is predicted to raise this have good luck in romance ness. Your skills at communication end. This also relates to romance; issue, with disagreements highlighted this weekend. are strong during the last week of VIRGO (Aug 23-Sept 23): those who were unsure about to disturb the peace this weekend. June and it would be wise to put Astral influences are commitment will know what to do. Capricorns are advised to devote ARIES (March 21-April 20): this asset to good use. Expect helpful to your financial At work, a weight is lifted from your some attention to improving their Events in the world of another air sign to be impressed by situation this week. The shoulders when changes that were home environment and this will be work cool down, which what you have to say on Monday stars show that a sudden windfall in the pipeline are confirmed. to everyone’s advantage. Wednesday gives stressed Arians or Tuesday. In the realm of is likely – those who were struggling Auspicious days for finances are and Thursday are the most chance to relax. This is an romance, a water sign is tiring of to make ends meet could cancel a Wednesday and Thursday. auspicious days for money matters. auspicious time to make travel feeling left out. June 22 - 28, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 47 Can Phuket host F1 race? THE proposed Bangkok Formula 1 Grand Prix has been scuppered by a new law prohibiting racing in the city’s historic quarter. Strange? Well, Phuket looks like the lead- ing contender to host a Thailand need to be managed, but with will it GP, if it goes ahead, and rumours is possible. At most a capacity of have for years abounded of a track 150,000 would be needed, and it in the north of the island. Other could be 50,000 in the first year. Thai destinations have been Phuket would need to hold a night mooted, but how many could race to accommodate European TV provide the facilities? schedules, so the lighting infrastruc- Just the teams and the media ture costs would be high. would probably account for F1 cannot risk cars travelling 2,000 hotel rooms, and if the at 300 km/h suddenly being island only received 30,000 plunged into darkness. The raceday fans it would be down Singapore GP uses three mega- with troubled Bahrain; 50,000 watts; 1,500 lighting projectors fans would be reasonable, and powered by 24 generators, rigged success would be 100,000. in pairs. Should one generator fail, Phuket has 30,000 official the load is instantly taken by its rooms; it can manage, with an twin powerful enough for the overflow in Krabi and Khao Lak whole race. if necessary. The Korean F1 will Then there is the question of certainly have sensitised F1 to getting fans in and out of the the issue. circuit from the hotels and air- A race could be staged in two ports. Abu Dhabi built an years if well planned, so Phuket eight-lane highway and bridge as could be a contender for 2015, but the access road. The public it needs to start now. finance of access roads has been Mr Anon from the Ministry of a vexed question at venues from Sport and Tourism told the Silverstone to Austin. Phuket Gazette: “The decision It has been written elsewhere about the place to have F1 has not that Grand Prixs are run in sophis- yet been made. ticated cities Now there is no with efficient movement for public transport this issue.” So it systems. That looks as if noth- is not entirely ing formal has true. South Ko- yet started. rea International Ideally, F1 Circuit is 400 GAMBLE: The local business community might expect increased consumption of $600mn from an F1 weekend. would probably kilometers instance is rumoured to lose The circuit would expect a marina, residential area, and like a March or from Seoul; US$150mn annually. Phuket range of tickets and some multi- other F1 themed attractions, with April start date, Bernie Eccelstone agreed to a Thai Silverstone is would need a sponsor with deep day income. I am guessing an year-round income. But in any where Sepang F1 race last year. Photo: Reuters 120km from pockets. Red Bull fits the bill. It average gate-receipt of $250, and case, I guess the circuit would and Shanghai London; Spa is has a stake in F1, is Thai, and has catering profits of $20 per person, be looking for support from now sit, but a September/October 60km from Liege; Circuit of the the contacts to bring other spon- say $270 per person in total. That sponsors and the government of date around Singapore, Japan, Americas is 20km outside sors and the government on board. would be $13mn income with con- over $100mn in the first year, and South Korea, and India might well AustinTexas; Nurburgring is F1 will require a host fee from servative attendance estimates. So similar amounts for some years be negotiable. That would suit the 70km from Cologne; and Sepang the race. For the sake of argument, the circuit would reasonably be thereafter. hotels, but it means the likelihood is 60km from Kuala Lumpur, let us guess $30mn. And the circuit expecting to recoup its marketing Looking at the economy of of a rainy race. albeit convenient for the airport. will probably get no money from costs, but not its operating costs. Phuket, I have read that the local If it were to be a road race, or Be that as it may, most trackside advertising, TV fees, or Of course, other racing events business community can expect partial road race, it needs to be spectators will of necessity be corporate hospitality. The circuit would raise additional income increased consumption of somewhere accessible from the relying on Phuket’s celebrated would spend perhaps $15mn mar- during the year, but those deals $600mn from an F1 weekend. main hotel and airport locations; the public transport system, and that keting the event, and its costs of have to be negotiated as well. That would require 100,000 north or center of the island. The would be a special challenge. running the track would probably There could be ancillary people spending $6,000 each over affect on an already overloaded in- Undoubtedly there would have to be $20mn per year from what I attractions on the site such as a three days over and above what frastructure would be dramatic, be public sector investment in know of other tracks. So it has an Red Bull theme park, simulators, other low season tourists pay. and it is hard to imagine Sebastian transport infrastructure. annual commitment of say $65mn. track-drives, hotels, air strip, That looks unlikely to me. Phuket Vettel negotiating flooded potholes. The benefits for the tourism might reasonably target 50,000 I cannot believe that Phuket industry here would be significant, fans the first year, plus the circus could sacrifice the highways, the but assessing the value of the event itself, injecting over $100mn to backbone of the transport system is complex. There may be no the economy. It could be double for the race. Phuket Town does not increase in airline arrivals or hotel that in later years. look race-friendly, and access is room-nights because of the race. In addition, there would prob- difficult. These much vaunted numbers mean ably be 200-400 permanent jobs So we are left considering little, because hotels and airlines dis- created, and most importantly, Patong, which would provide a count their rates during lean periods the value of the Phuket brand, great backdrop. That would be and increase them when demand is significantly eroded over recent more like a Monaco race, Patong high to maintain occupancy. So the years by cheap tourists, could be would effectively be closed for question is, will average tourist significantly increased. large chunks of three days, and consumption increase? There is probably no other gate-fees would be very hard to Airlines may not be able to in- destination in Thailand with such manage. crease rates, but hotels certainly brand-value-added potential. The alternative is a track. I will would, and restaurants, bars and It is an interesting proposition, stick my neck out and say that shops would benefit. but it depends on having a really typically a purpose built track would Around the world, F1 circuits committed sponsor. need about 2,000 rai (790.7 acres) themselves do not really make All I can say is, I really look and cost about US$400mn. That’s money, for reasons discussed in forward to meeting you at Phuket’s not easy, and environmental impacts an earlier article. Singapore for Singapore is rumored to lose $150 million annually. Photo: chinsuyuan Red Bull Stadium in 2015! 48 PHUKET GAZETTE June 22 - 28, 2013 Wimbledon: Prestige and drama

By Andrew Scott

RAFAEL Nadal’s blistering return to tennis from injury means that the top four male tennis players in the world will compete at Wimbledon this year – Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Roger Federer. Rafael Nadal enters Wimbledon playing some of the best tennis of his career. The Mallorcan spent seven months out with a knee injury and watched helplessly as he dropped to fifth in the world rankings. Since his return in February, Nadal has played in nine straight finals, winning seven, and recently won his eighth French Open title in nine attempts. Nadal is the only player to have won a single Grand Slam eight times. The grass courts of the Old England Club are probably Nadal’s weakest surface, but he has still PRESSURE: Federer will be hoping he can return to winning ways after a poor start to the year. Photo: Reuters Serena Williams. Photo: Reuters reached five finals, winning two, The main source of this Roger Federer won 6-7 (5-7) 6- the French Open to claim his third of last year’s Olympics tennis tour- since he made his debut in 2003. speculation is centered around his 3 6-4 to collect the 77th title of his Queen’s Club title, beating Marin nament held at Wimbledon – The biggest hindrance for Rafael advancing years, 31, compared to career. Ominously, four of Federer’s Cillic 5-7 7-5 6-3. The Queen’s Williams claiming gold, Sharapova Nadal will be the seeding at his main rivals: Djokovic 26, Nadal seven Wimbledon wins have come Club win will boost his confidence silver and Azarenka bronze. Wimbledon; because of his rank- 27 and Murray 26. after triumphs in Halle. as he once again bids to become Williams, who won the recent ing he could face Novak Djokovic, Also, his grip on Wimbledon World number one Novak the first British men’s singles French Open and has won 31 Andy Murray or Roger Federer as has started to slip as the last three Djokovic, who was knocked out champion since Fred Perry in straight matches, is the clear early as the quarterfinals. editions have involved five differ- of Roland Garros in the semfinal 1936. Murray lost last year’s favorite to claim her sixth Defending Wimbledon champion ent finalists and seen separate by Rafael Nadal, won Wimbledon final to Federer 4-6 7-5 6-3 6-4. Wimbledon title and her dominance Roger Federer has won Wimbledon winners each time – Nadal, for the first and only time in 2011. Women’s tennis has formed its over the other two ladies is seven times and has more grand Djokovic and Roger Federer. His The Serbian has maintained his own breakaway group, the top three brutally illustrated when comparing slam titles, 17, than any other player form this year has been surpris- consistency, winning the Australian ranked women in the world: Serena matches between the three. in the Open era. Wimbledon is to ingly poor, winning his first title Open, Dubai Tennis Championship Williams, Victoria Azarenka and Azarenka leads Sharapova 7-6, Federer what Roland Garros is to since August 2012 with victory and the Monte Carlo Masters Maria Sharapova. The last six Williams leads Sharapova 14-2 and Nadal. But that has not stopped the over Russia’s Mikhail Youzhny in already this year. majors have been won by some- Williams leads Azarenka 12-2. rumor mill churning out speculation the final of the Gerry Weber Open Andy Murray returned from the one out of tennis’ newest trinity, Wimbledon runs from June 24 that he could retire this year. in Halle, Germany on June 16. back injury that kept him out of and all three reached the semifinals to July 7. World rugby round up: Wounded Lions IN SPORT, truth is often stranger than quadrangular tournament, which also fiction. If someone had predicted that 36- features Italy and South Africa, hinges on year-old Shane Williams (who retired from the final game between the hosts and international rugby two years ago), Brad Samoa.. Barritt (on holiday in the US) and both England, it seems, have no such problems Christian Wade and Billy Twelvetrees (part with reserve strength. A young and inexperi- of the recent tour of Argentina with enced side inflicted on Argentina the first England) would all be down under and play- whitewash ever achieved by a visiting ing in the last and crucial State game English team. They convincingly won the first before the first Lions Test against The game by 32 points to 3, and in a much tougher Wallabies, one would have doubted their second encounter, triumphed 51-26 sanity. Yet such is the injury count among The tour produced some new international the tourist backs that this is what happened. stars, especially in the three quarters where The main reason for these draconian Christian Wade, Marlon Yarde, Kyle management measures was further injuries Eastmond and Jonny Maywere formed part sustained during a bruising battle with the of a rapier-sharp back division. Yarde scored Waratahs. Though the Lions won convinc- twice on his debut and Eastmond beat five ingly 46-19, they lost Test center Jamie men in a run reminiscent of Jason Robinson HURTING: Lions players Justin Tipuric (left) and Toby Faletau (2nd left) fight for the ball Roberts with a torn hamstring and having against ACT Brumbies’ Sam Carter. Photo: Reuters at his best. already declined to risk Brian O’ Driscoll, Forward dominance led to two penalty George North, Tommy Bowe or Manu throwing inaccurate, and Hogg, playing 23-13, they were then outclassed in the sec- tries. Having won seven of their last eight Tuilagi (all carrying knocks), the team had a in the unaccustomed position of outside ond game by a clinical All Blacks side, reaping games, England will go into the autumn makeshift look. In the event, they performed half, too often chose the wrong tactical the benefit of collective training, France con- internationals in the knowledge that they can, heroically, with Leigh Halfpenny again the options in a woeful first half. Though ceded thirty points without reply. like New Zealand, field two very different star with 30 points, and Jonathan Davies there was more urgency to their play in Elsewhere in the rugby-playing world, teams of international standard. offering a complete performance at outside the second period, the Lions surrendered there has been much activity and some As for the wounded Lions, they must center. Ten of this side will probably start their unbeaten record, losing a tight game surprises. In Japan, a Welsh team shorn of raise their game against the Wallabies in the the First Test, including the front five. by 14-12. all its Lions and controversially lacking the first Test in Brisbane. Not helped by the Sadly, the “reserve” team’s subsequent In New Zealand, the top ranked nation experienced James Hook and Dwayne Peel, news that Digby Ioane, the Wallabies’ star display against the Brumbies in Canberra lead France 2-0 in a three Test series. The could only draw a two match series with winger had declared his fitness for the on Tuesday was an anti-climax. first Test was close, with France belying the host nation. Also unexpected was encounter. Bring it on. Unsurprisingly, the reinforcements their Six Nations form with a spirited Scotland’s defeat by the feisty Samoans in The Lions play their first Test against performed like players either short of display, in which Wesley Fofana scored a South Africa, a defeat which shows that Australia on June 22 at 5:05pm, followed practice or unused to each other, the set typically dynamic try to give France an early they, in common with Wales, have limited by a match against the Melbourne Rebels piece was dysfunctional with Best’s lead. If they were eventually unlucky to lose strength in depth. The outcome of this on June 25 at 4:40pm. – Patrick Campbell June 22 - 28, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 49 Wrestling action at Saphan Hin

By Andrew Scott points. These rule changes are designed to encourage wrestlers to adopt a more THE 2013 Asian Junior Wrestling Champion- attacking style of wrestling. ships was held at Saphan Hin’s 4,000-seater Due to poor advertising by the event Indoor Sports Complex last weekend. Nearly organizers or a distinct lack of interest in 400 wrestlers from 20 countries competed wrestling, the indoor arena at Saphan Hin at Free Style, Greco Roman and Female was full of competitors, coaches, officials wrestling. The event was open to 17 to 18- and family members, but hardly any fans. year-old wrestlers, but participants under the The Thai Amateur Wrestling Association’s age of 17 could compete if organizers received International Coordinator, Achara Pimpang written permission from their parents. understands that wrestling is not as big in Thailand had over 20 wrestlers at the Thailand as in India or Iran. 400 wrestlers from 20 countries competed at Free Style, Greco Roman and Female wrestling. event but none from Phuket. The majority “When people in Thailand think of of Thai wrestlers were from Nakhon Si wrestling they think the wrestlers will throw Thamarat, Rachathani and Bangkok. chairs and that it is the professional The event was the first time some of the wrestling they see on TV. People in Thai- Asian wrestlers have competed in an event land don’t really know wrestling,” she said. since the World Wrestling Body (FILA) India finished top overall in Free Style implemented a number of rule changes to wrestling with 68 points, Thailand came 13th help get the sport back into the Olympics, with nine points. Japan and India finished joint mainly: the time and periods of the bout top on 55 points overall in Female wrestling, (2x3 minutes), cumulative score instead of with Thailand’s female wrestlers finishing a the best-of-three-format, the procedure for respectable 5th on 44 points. South Korea won Lots of empty seats at Saphan Hin’s 4,000-seater Indoor Sports Complex. passivity (the rules governing Greco- the Greco Roman wrestling on 57 points, of sports to be considered for the 2020 be chosen in September at an International Roman and Freestyle are distinctly differ- Thailand finished 9th with 24 points. Olympic Games along with squash and a Olympic Committee meeting in Argentina ent) and take downs are now worth two Wrestling has made the final shortlist joint baseball/softball bid. One sport will in September. Young sailors get own Raceweek TALENTED youth sailors are opportunities for young sailors on getting anxious to show their the island to competitively race, seniors how sailing is done, with and for resident youngsters to an inaugural Junior Phuket race against non-Phuket sailors,” Raceweek to be held on the day said Byron Jones, managing before the 10th anniversary of the director of organizers Media island’s premier Phuket Raceweek Business Services (MBS). regatta concludes. “We want to encourage future Organized by Media Business sailing talent and give youngsters Services (MBS) and co-hosted by of all nationalities a platform to Regent Phuket Cape Panwa and compete and develop, and at the Panwa Beach Resort Phuket, the same time give something back one-day youth competition set for to the Phuket community,” A large Optimist fleet is expected at the 2013 Junior Phuket Raceweek. Photo: Marinesceneasia Saturday, June 20, complements added Jones. Sailing Squadron who will be Registration for Junior Phuket Association of Thailand. its “big brother” regatta which will The 2013 Junior Phuket sending teams to compete. Raceweek will take place on – Phuket Gazette take place from July 17-21. Raceweek expects to welcome Phuket’s east coast and the Friday, July 19 at Regent Phuket An innovative idea, Junior over 30 youngsters, in Optimists, Panwa area offers some of the Cape Panwa between 1pm and The event is proudly sponsored by Phuket Raceweek will be contested Bics, Toppers and Lasers, who best sailing conditions on the 5pm, followed by an opening the Phuket Gazette, PGTV and off Panwa Cape, the Southeastern will compete in up to six races island during July, and together party with racing on Saturday ‘Phuket Today’, the island’s only most tip of Phuket, with plans to on Saturday July 20. The with co-hosts Regent Phuket July 20. national television show, aired daily expand the competition from 2014 competition is expected to be Cape Panwa and Panwa Beach Junior Phuket Raceweek is on True Visions (channels 99 and 58) alongside its the Cape Panwa exciting and challenging with Resort Phuket, the area is an ideal supported by the Tourism Author- Hotel Phuket Raceweek. strong support from Ao Chalong location for the inaugural Junior ity of Thailand, Sports Authority of For more details on the event, visit “Currently there are limited Yacht Club and the Phuket Youth Phuket Raceweek. Thailand and the Yacht Racing juniorphuketraceweek.com. PSS local tourney at TSLC THE Phuket Soccer Schools (PSS) Academy under-8s and under-10s played in a local tournament at Thanyapura Sports and Leisure Club last weekend. The under-8s finished the tour- nament second on goal difference. Head Coach Martin Hill was especially impressed with the young players holding their positions and working hard during Action from the tourney. Photo: PSS the three games. Final Standings under-8s The PSS Academy under-10s FBS Patong A 12 points performed well overall playing PSS 7 points some great football but were pun- Bang Jo 7 points ished against the run of play in FBS Patong B 3 points their last game by FBS Patong. Final standings under-10s Martin Hill said the focus for the PSS 9 points under-10s is now the formation FBS Patong 9 points of 7v7 and it was good to see Para 6 points most players understanding their Bang Jo 4 points new responsibilities on the field . – Phuket Gazette 50 PHUKET GAZETTE June 22 - 28, 2013

SURF’S UP: A young flow boarder at the Flow Jam event held at Surf House. Photos: Andrew Scott Surf with the flow A CONGREGATION of local and international pro riders attended the first ever flowboarding competition in Phuket at Surf House, Kata on June 15. More than 30 riders from regional flow boarding venues like Flow House Bangkok, Sunway Lagoon Malaysia and Wave House Sentosa participated at the Flow Jam event, along with many local riders from Phuket. Surf House Phuket organized five divisions of surf competitions such as National Men, National Women and International Flow Board Divisions. Flowboarding is a new surf sport in Thailand that incorporates many aspects of surfing, snowboarding and skateboarding. – Phuket Gazette

To learn more about flowboarding and Surf House Phuket, visit: surfhousephuket.com.

The 2013 ITU Triathlon Series event to be held at Patong Beach has been cancelled. Photo: Facebook/ITU Thailand’s first ever ITU Triathlon false starts THE Local Organizing Committee Organizers in Thailand secured frame remaining. (LOC Phuket) of the 2013 Phuket a slot for Phuket in the global The organizers are disappointed ITU Long Distance Triathlon schedule of a series of International to have to announce cancellation Series event has announced the Triathlon Union sanctioned Long of the 2013 event and will reas- cancellation of the event set to be Distance Triathlon events around sess options for Phuket hosting held in Patong November 9 to 10. the world. such a prestigious event again in The weekend of triathlon activi- However, due to reasons out the future. ties was to include a series of of their control, the organizers The organizers would like to triathlon events over two days, feel it is no longer possible to put thank the provincial authorities culminating in the first ever ITU on the event to global standards for their support throughout. Long Distance triathlon in Thailand. specified by ITU in the time – Phuket Gazette June 22 - 28, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 51 52 PHUKET GAZETTE June 22 - 28, 2013