Immigration Launches Hospital Visa Service

Volume 12 Issue 50 News Desk - Tel: 076-236555 December 10 - 16, 2005 Daily news at www.phuketgazette.net 20 Baht

The Gazette is published in association with Immigration launches

IN THIS ISSUE

NEWS: Gov cool over twinning hospital visa service proposal; World Vision denies ‘aid for souls’ reports. By Sangkhae Leelanapaporn Pages 2 & 3 PHUKET: The Phuket Provin- KING’S INSIDE STORY: Suffer the little children? Pages 4 & 5 cial Immigration Office (PPIO) has launched a new free visa CUP AROUND THE REGION: Satu- extension service for foreigners rated Samui. Page 8 in hospital. DRAWS AROUND THE ISLAND: Some- Pol Capt Krissarat Nusen thing old, something new… of the PPIO told the Gazette that 85 Page 11 the new service, launched a few days ago, covers only genuine PEOPLE: Cold-blooded and le- YACH TS gless reptiles – and not just inpatients, who must get the hos- in Patong. Pages 12 & 13 pital to contact the PPIO at least one day in advance of the expiry ON A CHARGE: LIFESTYLE: Ho ho humbug: it’s of their current visa. The crew of nearly Christmas. “We will check first with the Switchblade Pages 14 & 15 hospital that the patient really prepare to round SPA MAGIC: A facial feast at cannot visit the PPIO. If that is a mark during Sabana Spa. Page 17 the case, then the next day of- race 1 of the first ficers will go to the hospital. day of the Phuket AFTER DARK: Gee, it’s Q King's Cup spot. Page 19 “We are offering this service because, in the past, when Regatta, on FIRST PERSON: Off-the-cuff sick people authorized someone December 5. tsunami alerts. Page 27 else to organize an extension on – Photo courtesy BUSINESS: Rising Sun out- their behalf, documents or signa- of www.shufen. shines the Stars and Stripes. tures were often missing. If we net Page 31 go to the hospital it will make it easier to complete the proce- “We served the first such to those staying in Phuket on visa “The new system will be SPORT: Houpe springs eternal dure,” Capt Krissarat said. person last week when Mission extensions that they must report complete by February, after at BCCC; Laguna Triathlon “But I want to stress that Hospital Phuket contacted us to Immigration every 90 days, which we will be able to access results; Golf Tips; Darts. this is for people who are seri- about a patient who had a bacte- and added a warning that all in- all details on every foreign resi- Pages 32 & 33 ously ill, or who cannot move, for rial infection and could not walk,” formation on foreigners living in dent, to see whether they are PROPERTY: Construction: Six example, after having an opera- he added. Phuket is now being computer- following the immigration rules or Senses, seventh heaven? tion. He also issued a reminder ized. not.” Home of the Week: Loch Palm villa for a sensible B20m; Decor: Break on through, it’s the doors. Patong cracks down on street touts Pages 34-37 PLUS PATONG: Municipal officials will patrol the from tourists who had been harassed by our shop. How could they have arrested streets of Patong day and night this high sea- touts,” he added. him?” he said. AROUND THE NATION 6; QUEER son in a crackdown on touts and street ven- The latest move to curb street touts’ in- K. Niphon said that November 22 was NEWS 7; HAPPENINGS 16; WINE, dors harassing tourists, Patong Deputy Mayor trusive methods has already upset some shop the fourth time his staff member had been PHUKET D IARY 18; TSOWNDINGS Chairat Sukkabal has announced. owners. Patong tailor Niphon Narula ex- arrested. The first time incurred a 500 baht 20; TAKE A BREAK 20 & 21; “We need to ensure that [touts] do not plained to the Gazette that municipality of- fine, and a 1,000-baht fine followed for each OUTSIDE IN, BOOKS 23; YOUTH ’N distribute leaflets or grab tourists’ hands to ficers arrested one of his shop staff for “just of the two subsequent times. ASIA, MOMMA D UCK 24; HORO- try to persuade them to buy from their shops. standing” in front of his shop on Thaweewong K. Chairat said, “If [touts] are just SCOPES, DOVEN 25; EDITORIAL, We will arrest them for being a public nui- Rd. standing [in front of the shop], we will not LETTERS 26; ISSUES & ANSWERS sance, which carries a maximum fine of 2,000 “We weren’t handing out leaflets … If arrest them. But we will be more strict in 27; COMPUTERS 28; GARDENING baht,” K. Chairat said. we annoyed tourists, we would be in the ensuring that tourists have a good holiday 36; CLASSIFIEDS 38-47. “We have received many complaints wrong, but he was just standing in front of in Phuket.” – Editorial, page 26 2 PHUKET GAZETTE NEWS December 10 - 16, 2005 Mystery death of Governor cool to Yasothorn woman RASSADA: Police are investigating the violent death of a idea of twinning woman from Yasothorn Province who was found with her throat slashed on the morning of De- with Denpasar cember 4. Police identified the victim By Anongnat Sartpisut addressed, rather than Phuket as Nittaya Weruwanarak, 30, City Mayor Somjai Suwanna- from Tambon Phai, Saimoon Dis- PHUKET: Governor Udomsak suppana – who was notably ab- trict, Yasothorn. Her body was Uswarangkura was noncommit- sent from the meeting. found at about 7:30 am at an un- tal about a proposal by the Indo- During the meeting, the pos- numbered shack about 500 nesian Ambassador to Thailand sibility of educational and cultural meters from Soi Kingkaew Uthit that Phuket City and the Balinese exchanges between Bali and 1, in Rassada Village 3. capital of Denpasar become “sis- Phuket was raised. Her neck had been slashed, ter cities”, saying he would first Also discussed was the idea and there were also six stab have to solicitic opinions on the of establishing direct air links be- wounds in her chest. A bloody idea with local tourism industry tween Phuket and points in Indo- knife with a blade about 38 cen- associations. nesia including Jakarta and timeters long was found next to The idea of twinning the two Medan as well as Bali. her body. cities was proposed by Indone- No firm agreements were K. Nittaya’s death was re- sian Ambassador Ibrahim Yusuf reached on these issues, how- ported by her husband, construc- during a December 2 courtesy ever. tion worker Somchai Sae-er. call on the Governor at Phuket In reference to security Police said that K. Nittaya Provincial Hall. concerns following terrorist bomb- had gone to sleep at the home of Amb Yusuf was in Phuket ings in Bali in October 2002, and a friend, 26-year-old Yupaporn as part of a four-day tour of again in October this year, Gov Pohsri, at about 2 am that morn- Southern Thailand. Udomsak said that the issue of ing, after an argument with her Although a letter issued by twinning the two cities at this time husband. the Indonesian Consulate in remained “sensitive”. K. Yupaporn told police that Songkhla specifically states that Phuket Province and Phu- on the morning of the murder she the proposed twinning would be ket City are already involved in went to find K. Somchai, who between the two cities (as op- “sister” relationships Hainan Is- Ricky back for Blues Festival lived about 100 meters away in posed to the islands on which they land in China, the Andaman and the couple’s small home. She are located) the Thai side was Nicobar Islands, Nice in France KARON: Ricky Zen Lazenko, a the past year raising funds for vic- wanted him to take his wife home, represented by Gov Udomsak, to and Las Vegas, gambling capital regular entertainer at parties and tims of the wave and, subse- she said. whom the Indonesian letter was of the US. events around Phuket in the past quently, of Hurricane Katrina, an Returning with him less than few years, and famed for his Elvis effort he continues to pursue. 10 minutes later, she discovered impressions, is back in Phuket to The Blues Festival starts at the body of K. Nittaya lying in a Gambling tops crime stats again emcee the Phuket Blues Festival 6:30 pm on December 16, hosted pool of blood on the floor inside PHUKET: Figures released by One murder was recorded on December 16 and 17. by the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Re- the shack. Phuket Provincial Police show and the police reported the case Ricky dropped out of sight sort & Spa. It is presented by Ho- The police say they are still that in November gambling once as “solved”. Also reported were after the tsunami, but told the Ga- telTravel.Com and the Phuket investigating and have yet to again topped the list of crimes, six cases of attempted murder zette that he has spent most of Gazette. reach a conclusion in the case. with 217 people arrested. Forty- and 23 cases of bodily harm. two cases involved the sale of un- There were 68 reports of derground lottery tickets. theft. Reality show takes pledge during triathlon Eighty four people were ar- Five cases of rape were rested for illegal possession or use reported, with three cases solved. PHUKET: Eighteen of the con- come major obstacles to become concentrate on their individual dis- of controlled substances, with Fifteen people were charged with testants in this year’s Laguna fit enough to take part in the event. ciplines, took part in the triathlon. precisely 2,189½ ya bah (meth- illegal possession of guns. Phuket Triathlon were once far Some were accident victims Australian Cameron Rich- amphetamine) tablets seized. Fif- Twenty-two people were from fit. who had been told by doctors that ards crossed the finish line in 149th teen people were arrested for arrested for prostitution-related Their progress fitness is they would never run again. Oth- place – best of the Pledgers – other types of substance abuse. offenses. being documented in a 13-part ers were just plain fat. with a time of 3 hours 30 minutes reality TV show called The But all rose to the challenge and 14 seconds. Pledge. of radically improving their The show is the brainchild Each of these people, from lifestyles. of Lennie Hill, fitness trainer and different walks of life and differ- Eighteen “Pledgers” and the main host of the series, which ent nationalities, but all currently three Pledge relay teams, made will air on ESPN in March. living in Singapore, had to over- up of contestants who chose to “I lost friends and loved ones to the tsunami,” Mr Hill said. “In tribute to them, I was inspired to [create this TV program] showing that Phuket is back and beautiful.” – Sam Wilkinson

Triathlon report: page 33 December 10 - 16, 2005 NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 3 Arcadia-Hilton World Vision split denied KARON: A representative of the owners of the Hilton Phuket denies ‘aid for Arcadia Resort and Spa has denied rumors that the Hilton brand will be dumped next year. Hilton International took souls’ reports over management of the Phuket Arcadia Beach Resort on Octo- By Anongnat Sartpisut houses and helping people to find The Phayoon 3 started taking on water in heavy swells. ber 1 last year, and the property work. was rebranded. PHUKET: Tim Costello, Chief Mr Costello said he had “ab- Luxury yacht grounded in rough seas The rumors posited that the Executive Officer of Christian aid solutely never heard” rumors that Arcadia owners were unsatisfied group World Vision Australia, has people from Baan Nam Khem PHUKET: The luxury charter lem,’ and started to turn the boat with Hilton’s performance, and denied a rumor that the group has and Koh Sireh could get a 30,000- yacht Phayoon 3 was deliber- around and head for shelter in planned to take over manage- used tsunami donations and aid baht loan from the organization ately grounded off the southern Chalong.” ment themselves. However, in an attempt to entice Thais to provided that they attended coast of Phuket early on Decem- On the way, it became clear Maitree Narukatpichai, Owners’ convert to Christianity. church on Sunday. ber 1 after the vessel began tak- that there was too much water Representative, told the Gazette World Vision has helped “I don’t believe that’s true,” ing on water in heavy seas. on board, and a decision was that the rumor was not true. more than 50,000 tsunami-af- he said. “If it were true it would The 130-foot motor yacht, made to run the boat aground in “We have had no thought of fected people, through food dis- be completely against our funda- which is operated by Kingfisher shallow water near Rawai, rather canceling Hilton’s management tribution and providing much- mental principle. Marine, was on the way to pick than risk having her go down. contract. Last night many people needed items including 300 boats, “We believe in absolute non- up passengers from Myanmar. “It was a good decision,” asked me about the rumors, and fishing gear for 2,449 families, discrimination [as regards] age Kingfisher Marine Director said K. Kit. “At least now the I denied them. If they were true, and 4,848 school uniforms, among and religion. Buddhist, Muslim or Shoon Giat “Kit” Chotithamaporn boat is still here. The damage is then you would hear so from my other things, he said. whatever – we treat everyone ex- told the Gazette on December 6, not that severe. Structurally, the mouth,” K. Maitree added. “It has been a very suc- actly the same.” “There were pretty rough seas boat is not in bad shape. Asked about plans to build cessful emergency response,” he Mr Costello noted that coming up from the stern. Some “The credit has to go to the another Arcadia resort on 180 rai added. there are Christian organizations hatches at the back of the boat crew. They’ve been working al- of beachfront land in Khao Lak, He said that the organiza- that go to great efforts to gather got sucked off by the waves and most [round the clock] since it he said that construction work is tion also worked toward filling souls, but added, “World Vision she started to take on water. The happened. They have done an currently suspended. social needs such as rebuilding never tries to convert people.” crew decided, ‘We have a prob- amazing job.At the moment “We started to build the re- we’re trying to refloat her. We sort before the tsunami and, luck- are making progress, but not ily, the damage was light. We enough, so we are sourcing more decided to stop construction and pumps to try to float her again.” see how the situation develops. Property in the spotlight The engines have sustained “I have heard that about damage from the water, K. Kit 80% of businesses there will be acknowledged, and will require a open again next year in time for This strength is reflected by Völkers (Thailand); Olaf Duen- By Sangkhae Leelanapaporn major rebuild. the [2006-2007] high season. I the numerous high-quality devel- sing, Associate of law firm – Alasdair Forbes would like to wait and see.” PHUKET: The Phuket Provincial opments that have been built on McEvily & Collins; Laddawan Land Office and the Phuket Real the island, and an average growth Thanathanit, Executive Vice- Estate Club (PREC) will jointly in property prices of about 33% President of Bangkok Bank Plc; stage a Phuket International a year over the same period, he Prof Manop Bongsadadt, Honor- Property Forum on December 17 said. ary Chairman of the Thai Real as part of tsunami anniversary “This seminar will be good Estate Business School; and activities – and to assure poten- for people with an interest in the Pongsak Chewcharat, Director tial buyers that the property mar- Phuket property business, for of the Real Estate Information ket remains as buoyant as ever. home owners and for potential Center. PREC President Phum- buyers,” he said. The seminar will start at 2 misak Hongsyok, who will serve Some speeches will be in pm at the Royal Phuket City Ho- as the seminar’s moderator, told Thai, others in English, with sum- tel. the Gazette, which is media part- mary translations provided after Tickets, at 400 baht each, ner for the forum, that the event each address, he added. will be available in the hotel meet- was organized in response to an Matters to be discussed in- ing room on the day of the event. order by Governor Udomsak clude questions of such enduring The tickets will give hold- Uswarangkura, who instructed all popularity as: ers the chance to win one of the government offices to organize – How can foreigners buy land many prizes in a lucky draw, in- numerous special activities in- in Thailand? cluding the grand prize of a volving the private sector during – Where can one secure loans 250,000-baht pool from seminar the period. and find other financial services? sponsors JD Pools. K. Phummisak said that – What does the future hold for Phuket’s emergence as the most the Phuket property market? For more information contact popular tourism destination in the Scheduled speakers include: the Phuket Real Estate Club at region over the past three years Phuket Governor Udomsak 076-213388 or visit the website has been behind solid growth in Uswarangkura; Martin Phillips, www.phuket-realestateclub. the property market. Managing Director of Engel & com 4 PHUKET GAZETTE INSIDE STORY December 10 - 16, 2005 In the aftermath of last year’s tsunami there were persistent rumors of children who had survived the disaster being preyed upon by pedophiles. None was verified but, in emergency situations, We must when the most immediate effort is focused on rescue attempts and providing relief to the population, children were at increased risk of abuse. To ensure that measures are put in place both to children protect children from further harm and abuse, and to ensure that trauma is minimized, a seminar was arranged recently at the Novotel Phuket Resort in Patong by the End Child Prostitution, Carmen Madrinan. become Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes (ECPAT) network. he seminar that’s going from other emergencies, and Gazette Desk Editor on here [in Phuket] is what similarities there are. Sam Wilkinson asked looking at child protec- Some of the organizations Ttion in emergency situa- here do have specific proved Carmen Madrinan, tions, focusing on small local or- cases (of abuse). I feel that it’s ganizations and on how to re- important, even at the best of ECPAT’s Executive spond to child protection issues. times – when all of the law and Director, to explain the We have representatives order situations are operative – from Indonesia, Sri Lanka and, of to document and prosecute cases network’s local and course, Thailand. We’re looking of sexual exploitation. regional role and what it at sexual exploitation in general But [even in normal condi- but also at how this gets com- tions] it’s extremely difficult and hopes to achieve in pounded in emergency situations. very few cases lead to prosecu- tsunami-hit areas. We’re using the tsunami tion. So, in an emergency when “ experience to see how it differs everything else is falling apart, the December 10 - 16, 2005 INSIDE STORY PHUKET GAZETTE 5

Sea Gypsy children pictured after the tsunami as they waited for their home to be rebuilt. These girls ensure were fortunate, as their families lost only material possessions. Others lost their parents, and automatically became vulnerable do not because of the lack of an existing support system for children who are orphaned by a victims natural disaster.

likelihood is small that you would The planning of the re- back-up to take care of the chil- the child. This was true in the the response [to the potential of have that kind of documentation sponse would look very specifi- dren. case of Indonesia. It was done abuse] has been to take children and the ability to look at a case in cally at [two questions]: “What Local communities have with all the goodwill that one to orphanages, to remove them a systematic way. are you going to do in relation to great abilities to respond but they would like to assume exists, but from their community and from I’m not surprised that there children?” and “Who is going to would benefit from heightened the problem was that there was their extended family. was confusion as to what actu- be responsible?” awareness and from training and no registration of these “adop- What we’re saying is that, ally happened and that there was We would recommend this methodology, so that they would tions”, so there was no real way if you have systems in place, if misreporting and false accusa- to all of the agencies that have know what to do. of knowing what progress had the families are willing to take in tions [after the tsunami in Thai- emergency programs, to govern- I feel people would respond been made. children, that’s wonderful – but, land]. ments of course, but also to local well [to training] because in their These families have come unless you have a system to One of the common de- organizations because what is everyday lives they know that under great economic strain; they record how that is happening, you nominators that has run through clear is that, although you may child rape exists, that child abduc- have suffered a lot of loss be- can have cases where that child the countries affected by the tsu- have an emergency response unit tion exists, that abuse and neglect cause they were also in the same simply becomes the domestic nami is the absolute lack of fo- and you may have international exist – so we’re not saying any- area so, although they may have worker for that family. cus on child protection within relief agencies that come in, usu- thing that they don’t already the goodwill initially, they may not It’s not specifically sexual, structured or emergency tsunami ally they’re not on the ground know. be able to sustain taking on an- but it’s any kind of abuse. Our responses. when [disasters] happen. other family member. concern, however, is sexual abuse As yet, emergency re- The people who are in a REALITIES The fact that the “adoption” because we know there is quite sponses don’t look specifically at position to be able to tell you has not been registered means a lot of it – but obviously, it’s not what happens to children in those [about the children] in the com- We know that these are realities that the authorities cannot follow only that. Children are vulnerable situations; the tendency is to look munity are the ones who are clos- in everyday life; we’re just point- up, and do not know where the in many different ways. at the traditional ways of respond- est to the initial impact, but [they ing out that in an emergency situ- child went. So, it’s not necessar- ing to the emergency – taking are also] the least prepared and ation the same tendencies in hu- ily that the original intent is evil care of physical needs and logis- are untrained. man nature [exist] as in non- but rather that the [social and tical requirements. Is it a case of taking too emergency situations. bureaucratic] structures are weak What we have seen is that, much for granted? I think so. We learned from a lot of the and don’t provide enough protec- because there are no systems in When it comes to children, one organizations here that family tion for children. place to look directly at the ex- of the things we take for granted members and extended family We want to support the perience of children, there is a is that their adult care-givers are members picked up children family unit, not replace it. [Often], tendency to expect the family and the ones who are going to be there when they saw that the parents community to take care [of for the child. were lost and that the child hadn’t them]. Yet we know that even in But if you have a situation been claimed. a regular, non-emergency, situa- like the tsunami where many of They’d been waiting to see tion those systems can fail. the adult care-givers disappeared, what had happened to the par- We would recommend… then you don’t have a designated ents, with the idea of “adopting” very specific legal frameworks [be devised] to deal specifically with emergency situations. These would require certain structures to be in place to protect children in general. ” 6 PHUKET GAZETTE AROUND THE NATION December 10 - 16, 2005 Police warn of threat of ‘missed call’ explosions spokesman for the below-standard intellectual devel- Southern Border opment levels, largely due to their Provinces’ Peace- parents’ failure to provide them A building Command with proper care at a young age, (SBPPC) warned residents in the the Social Development and Hu- Deep South not to return missed man Security Minister Watana calls from unknown callers – be- Muangsook said. cause their mobile phones could Commenting on the results be used to trigger devices for of a survey, he said, “Many par- bombs planted by insurgents. ents just don’t know how to raise The SBPPC’s Col Som- their children, while others just khuan Saengprathranet said that don’t have the time. So children after the government tightened are left at nurseries, where the control over mobile-phone use by number of children far outweighs requiring the registration of all Farewell the number of care-givers and prepaid SIM cards, militants were there are no proper toys or ac- reluctant to use their own phones to alms? tivities to stimulate the children’s for triggering bombs because they Braving a down- brains.” could be traced. pour, an elderly Phone operators suspended monk in Pattani Bad beetlejuice: The Food and services to unregistered prepaid collects his morning Drug Administration (FDA) cell phones in the region on No- alms round, warned of the potentially fatal vember 15. protected by an side-effects of “Spanish Fly”, a A new tactic militants may armed soldier. so-called aphrodisiac made from adopt is to call a number at ran- ground up beetle’s wings that is dom and hang up, thereby leav- Although the figure is lower baht to buy the property. Build- get of 15 million, which is likely reportedly being used by Chiang ing a missed call message on than last year, when it hit 65%, it ing 1 has eight floors, with offices to be higher than reality. I want Mai youngsters to increase their someone’s phone. A returned call is still too high, said Public Health for the Prime Minister and other to make it more reasonable,” he sexual potency. would set off the bomb, he ex- Minister Pinij Charusombat. executives on the top floor. said. FDA Deputy Secretary plained. The ministry did not provide Facilities include a library International tourism is fore- Manit Arunakul said Spanish Fly “So please don’t rush to re- exact details of who was polled and exhibition room, a press room, cast to generate a total of 500 was a derivative of the chemical turn calls immediately after a or where they lived. A press re- a multi-purpose room that can billion baht next year. The pro- compound cantharides, a drug the missed call. If the person who has lease announcing the results said accommodate more than 1,000 jected revenue remains un- FDA is monitoring because no called you really wants to talk to only that respondents were aged people, and offices for all TRT changed, as the TAT expects av- studies guarantee its safety. you, they will call back,” Col from six years up. MPs. erage tourist spending – per head “It takes hours for cantha- Somkhuan said. The survey also revealed The most interesting floor is per day – to increase from 3,700 rides to become active. It makes He did not say if officials that four in 10 people admitted the seventh, which has a fully- baht this year to more than 4,000 the genitals swell and numb when believe such a ruse had been that they did not wash their hands equipped gym, basketball court, baht next year. users urinate, thus creating the employed before to detonate ex- after using the toilet. ping-pong area and a Thai mas- K. Pracha said that tourist myth that it stimulates sexual de- plosives. sage and karaoke lounge. arrivals in 2005 were expected to sire. Office space: The new Thai Rak come in lower than projections, “It has potentially fatal side- Water conservation: The Pub- Thai (TRT) party headquarters Back to reality: The number of at 12 million, due to the effect of effects such as a swollen urinary lic Health Ministry is encourag- on Petchaburi Rd in Bangkok has foreign tourist arrivals next year last year’s tsunami, continuing tract, convulsions, coma and heart ing the public to pay more atten- been described as having the opu- has been revised down from 15.1 southern unrest, global economic failure,” he warned. tion to personal hygiene, after a lence of a luxury hotel. million to 13.2 million, Tourism conditions and outbreaks of bird study it conducted showed that The headquarters comprise and Sports Minister Pracha ’flu. Around the Nation news round- about half of all Thais admit to two buildings, both belonging to Maleenont announced. up is sourced from the pages of not washing their hands before PM Thaksin Shinawatra’s wife, “The Tourism Authority of No head start: Nearly two- The Nation and Kom Chad Luek touching or eating food. Pojaman, who spent 800 million Thailand had set an ambitious tar- thirds of Thai children display newspapers. December 10 - 16, 2005 AROUND & ABOUT PHUKET GAZETTE 7 Q u eer News When R&R can also stand for Russian Roulette SONGKHLA: A 23-year-old volver, which Pte Juthipon Marine private on leave from a thought would be fun to use in a posting in Narathiwat apparently game of Russian Roulette. Re- misunderstood the meaning of moving all of the bullets but one, “R&R”, by shooting himself in the he put the pistol to his right temple head during a drunken game of and pulled the trigger. Russian Roulette. Unfortunately for the young On the evening of Novem- serviceman, the chamber holding ber 22, Pte Juthipon Singmanee, the bullet happened to be the one posted to the Chulabhorn Army set to discharge. With a deafen- Camp in strife-torn Narathiwat ing bang, the .38 slug ripped into Province, was home during his his skull. He spun, and fell face- leave of duty, socializing with four up with a thud into the center of or five friends. the drinking circle. At an unnumbered house in Pol Maj Jamlong Suwaluck Village 8 of Tambon Khao Roop- of Songkhla’s Muang District chang in Songkhla’s Muang Dis- Police, who questioned Juthipon’s trict, the friends formed a wong friends, said that the death was lao (drinking circle) as a way of not a suicide relating to the stress bidding farewell to Pte Juthipon, of having to serve in the Deep who was returning to active duty South. the next day. “He was only doing it for One of the friends happened fun,” the friends told him. to have a partly loaded .38 re- Source: Kom Chad Luek We Love Phuket!

Metharat ‘Ying’ Tapaniyanan, Director of Phuket Pool Tables, collected her prize of a two-hour Scent of Siam treatment at the Thai Privilege Spa from Nikorn ‘Mung’ Onchuenjit, Gazette IT Officer, for having a ‘We Love Phuket’ sticker on her car.

Janjira Sitthisak collected her prize of a dinner for two at Noon Japanese Restaurant at Surin Beach from the restaurant’s Manager, Jaroon Boonchu. 8 PHUKET GAZETTE AROUND THE REGION December 10 - 16, 2005

FROM THE Bangkok balks at fl ood clean-up bill GULF OF he recent floods on Koh Bangkok University found that an Samui caused damage alternative location in Donsak THAILAND estimated at more than would better suit the construction T300 million baht. Houses of a major new public pier. were washed into rivers, roads K. Punplisa has recom- subsided, and sand filled the road- mended to the provincial govern- side rainwater drains, causing ment that Harbor Department floodwaters more than two reports be shelved in favor of the meters deep in some areas. university study, and that Donsak Poor urban planning was become the new location for the cited as the major cause of the pier based on its protected loca- flooding, with roads and uncon- tion and solid infrastructure. trolled deforestation causing excessive run-off from hillsides. Tax offensive: The Surat Thani The press announced that Revenue Office recently an- the Minister of the Interior had nounced that it intends to increase pledged large sums to improve the tax revenue by more than 11% island’s infrastructure, but accord- this governmental budget year. By Barry Singleton ing to Samui Mayor Waragorn There was major damage to the main thoroughfares. Thanomsi Lawangun from Ratanarak, no figure was set dur- the Surat Thani tax office said The criminals mainly target ing the minister’s visit. Instead, where it is decided how much will Doubtful pier-age: Punplisa that with businesses expanding in foreign residences, and some- the minister ordered a new town reach Koh Samui. Until then, the Petcharat, a leading figure of the many sectors, his department is times watch houses for days to plan to be drawn up for the is- local authorities must cope using Surat Thani provincial authority, keen to make sure that both com- check there is nobody at home. land, with a provisional budget of the limited budgets they have. has expressed grave doubts as to panies and individuals pay an ap- One such gang was appre- one billion baht. The authorities on Koh the legitimacy of a proposed new propriate share to the province. hended recently when they set off Meanwhile, officials were Samui have long complained that public pier in Kanom District. Last year, provincial tax rev- a burglar alarm in an upmarket told that the island should deal the island’s annual budget does Three independent consult- enue increased by some 300 mil- villa. This alerted the local village with infrastructural problems out not reflect its importance as a ancy companies were contracted lion baht to 27 billion baht, thanks security squad, who caught the of the existing municipal budgets. tourist destination. Now, with by the Harbor Department to mainly to the widespread collec- thieves as they fled the scene in It will take at least a month major damage to the main thor- conduct research into the facil- tion of VAT on goods and ser- panic. The culprits were later to see what funds will be made oughfares and with public ser- ity, and their brief included rec- vices. This year’s target is 30 bil- handed over to the police. available to Samui for repairs, vices in disarray, officials are con- ommending a suitable location. lion baht. With the police over- said the Mayor. The Surat Thani cerned that if public money is not K. Punplisa believes the stretched as crime increases, the provincial authority receives all its injected swiftly, tourist levels may chosen location, Thong Kweng Call for vigilance: The low tour- new village-based security groups special budgets from Bangkok, drop in the coming high season. Tao Bay, is far from ideal, not ist season is now in full swing on have been particularly active in least because it suffers from ex- Samui and the recent floods have recent weeks.Although they are treme high tides ranging from 5 added further to the sense of de- an effective deterrent, some resi- to 8 meters and is also subject to sertion. Police are warning people dents feel the security teams use heavy winds for at least three to be extra-vigilant as during this excessive force, and some mem- months of the year. period criminal gangs from the bers have been accused of being A similar feasibility study mainland tend to target empty over-zealous in their reaction to carried out by a team from properties around the island. the presence of strangers. December 10 - 16, 2005 PHUKET GAZETTE 9 10 PHUKET GAZETTE December 10 - 16, 2005 December 10 - 16, 2005 AROUND THE ISLAND PHUKET GAZETTE 11 Tying the knot the Sa-mer way By Shiona Mackenzie Despite the advantage of Bali’s five private wedding chapels and four churches, Fumiko be- t will come as little surprise that in Japan, the lieves that the threat of terrorist outrages is likely country that invented karaoke and pachinko, to put people off going there. Indeed, the Malay- weddings can have a specially Japanese fla- sian national news agency, Bernama, reported on Ivor, featuring laser shows and smoke ma- November 30 that travel warnings issued by the chines. Japanese government have caused a significant But for some Japanese the price is too high – reduction in the number of its citizens visiting Indo- the cost averages 4 million yen, or about 1.3 million nesia. baht – and, in any case, they are looking for some- “I run my business in co-operation with vari- thing more romantic, less techno-disco. ous dress shops in Phuket City, with a Japanese Which is where Sa-mer photographer who has 30 scores. Sa-mer, launched five years’ experience in taking years ago, was the first Phu- wedding pictures and videos, ket-based wedding and travel with Thai beauticians whom I service catering for the Japa- train especially to meet my nese. The Managing Director Japanese clients’ standards is Fumiko Nakayama, who and suit their tastes, with travel moved here from Yokohama in agencies, and with local hotels 1999. and beachfront restaurants,” Fumiko started up Sa- Fumiko says. Mer – Thai for “forever” – “Outdoor weddings right well aware of the exorbitant on the beach or simply under cost of a wedding ceremony a canopy are not all that popu- in Japan. She also knew that lar among Japanese people many Japanese are eager to because of the weather fac- travel to exotic locations for tor, but the theatrical extrava- reasonably priced, intimate, ganzas the Japanese once non-religious weddings. went for are now considered “I started from scratch, Fumiko predicts that Phuket will passé.” with an idea inspired by the become a trendy wedding dest- Fumiko says that the beauty of the island, one com- ination for the Japanese. couples who come to Phuket puter and a website in a small are looking for something they office. I saw the potential, but cannot find in Japan. Usually with no means of doing any they have done their research marketing in Japan, I regis- and have a very good idea of tered Sa-Mer with Yahoo and what they want and where. Sa- Google and then relied on the Mer also serves couples from Internet to develop a customer countries other than Japan, base,” Fumiko says. through collaboration with an- “Inquiries began to other wedding organizer – trickle in and, since 2001, de- South Pacific Bridal. spite the outbreaks of avian ’flu “The most important part and Sars in the region, I suc- of my job is to deliver the high cessfully organized, on aver- quality that an international age, 65 weddings a year. clientèle expects,” Fumiko That was until December says. 26, 2004. “Due to the tsunami, “Typically, they bring a interest from Japan plunged to small party of family and close zero for 10 months, and all my friends – about 10 people – for staff left.” a simple, but very romantic, But business has re- tropical beachfront or view- turned. Now, Fumiko has a point wedding. staff of eight and inquiries are flowing steadily again. “About 95% want a Western-style, non-reli- Sa-Mer already has six Thai-style weddings booked gious ceremony in a chapel, but my clients who between now and March, and 10 Western-style selected a Thai-style ceremony have always been weddings confirmed between January and March. thrilled with their colorful and memorable wedding Cost is definitely a factor. Watabe Wedding day.” Co, a long-established Japan-based wedding busi- The Thai-style wedding ceremony involves ness with 17 overseas branches, including a new nine Buddhist monks, a parade of musicians play- one in Bali, noted in its 2004 annual report statistics ing traditional Thai music, dancers and an elephant. that the average cost of a domestic wedding is 4 The legal aspect of marriage, though, is gen- million yen. erally handled in Japan beforehand. Sa-Mer’s full wedding services package, by “Couples usually register their marriage in contrast, averages a mere 150,000 baht. This in- Japan first, though we are willing to assist couples cludes any or all of the following: consulting on and with legal documentation here, if need be. They arranging the wedding ceremony and venue; food; have to do some paperwork at the embassy in venue rental; rental and/or purchase of wedding Bangkok in order to legalize a marriage in Thai- gowns and tuxedos; photography, video and DVD land.” services; hair and make-up; accommodation, flights Fumiko looks forward to business expanding. and transport in Phuket. “Phuket’s prospects are good and I feel optimistic “Hawaii is still the most popular overseas about the future. Next year, we’ll be hiring profes- wedding destination for Japanese people,” Fumiko sional marketing staff and revamping our website admits. “However, the number of Japanese going and logo,” she says. there for weddings is dropping. On the other hand, the number choosing Bali has risen. In 2004, nearly Sa-mer, 367/62 Phuket Pride Village, Yaowarat 2,000 Japanese couples were married in Bali. Rd, T. Taladyai, A. Muang, Phuket 83000. Tel: “Phuket could quickly become just as popular 076-236650; Fax: 076-236651; website: http:/ as Bali, if not more so.” /www.sa-mer.com; Email: [email protected] 12 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PEOPLE December 10 - 16, 2005

There’s a snake in your bathroom. Who you gonna call? Snakeman, of course. Happily Ever After Nakhon Sri Thammarat-born Sayan Tam- mapunt spoke with the Gazette’s Natcha Yuttaworawit about his unique vocation – rescuing us from the cold-blooded legless reptile we love to hate.

ayan Tammapunt, 37, ar- dation for assistance. A rescue rived on Phuket in 1981 mission normally is dangerous planning to make good in and snakes are among the most Sthe shrimp farming busi- common threats we face on ness. It didn’t work out. Phuket. Then, in 1994 he and his “Depending on the situation, brother, who had experience in up to four people may be dis- the field, joined forces patched to deal with to set up the Phuket one snake. In 1999, Ruam Jai Rescue we caught our first ABOVE, Atchariya Wattanawongsri Foundation to help get python. We didn’t and Phuttarik Suwanpruek were injured people in re- have any special married at the Royal Phuket City mote areas to hospital. skills then, but peo- Hotel on November 9. Licensed in 1996, the ples’ expectations of foundation focuses on us were – and still ABOVE RIGHT, Sirirat Yookong and Tambon Chalong, but are – high; we never Manit Phaipet were married at the serves other areas Royal Phuket City Hotel on Novem- like to disappoint ber 8. when called upon. anyone. Sometimes They are asked we are frightened, RIGHT, Mathurod Phakdeechart and to catch snakes about but in our line of duty, Pongsit Siri-ngarm were married at once a month, more and as men, we try the Thavorn Grand Plaza Hotel, often during the dry not to show it. Phuket City, on November 11. season and the prob- “When people lem snakes are usually see a snake in their found in houses in home, their first im- heavily wooded loca- pulse is to open the tions. doors and windows “Most of the so it can leave. So foundation’s 30 mem- by the time we ar- bers are volunteers ‘I wrap one hand rive, the snake will who have willingly sac- have slithered some- rificed their free time in thick cloth and where out of sight for this good cause for reach out toward and there is no way more than a decade,” the snake. Once for us to be sure it is he says. the snake bites still in the house, or “We also help what kind of snake pets that are in trouble. into the cloth, it is. In one case, we freed I drag it out. “The next a dog caught in a nar- hurdle is having to row passageway between two search every nook and cranny in walls. We help animals to safety every single room. People worry once we are certain we are not that in the process we will help putting any people, including our- ourselves to their belongings,” he selves, in danger by doing so. says. “So I let them follow us, “What usually happens is observe our actions and check that people call the police and their belongings afterwards.” then the police contact the foun- Once a snake is cornered,

If an event isn’t listed in the Gazette’s Events Calendar it probably isn’t one. List your event now.

http://www.phuketgazette.net/ calendar/enter.asp December 10 - 16, 2005 PHUKET PEOPLE PHUKET GAZETTE 13 THE SNAKEMAN City. However, Malayan pit vipers – even more deadly than cobras – are immediately dispatched. ‘If you find “The hardest to catch is the King yourself Cobra – the largest venomous snake. confronting “The King Cobra is longer and wider some dangerous than a regular cobra and strikes higher. wildlife on the “Not one of us has ever been bitten island, call me’ by a snake while on a mission because we – Sayan take every precaution and monitor snake Tammapunt. behavior extremely closely. Snakes show predictable signs when they are ready to strike,” he adds. “Although King Cobras are worth about one or two thousand baht each and sometimes snake farms try to buy them from us, we don’t sell them because we want them to continue living wild and free. “Another dangerous animal we deal with is monkeys, which bite people from time to time. Monkeys move really fast; a staff member was bitten once and had to go to hospital for treatment. Other than that we have been very fortunate.” K. Sayan, otherwise known as “Snakeman” loves what he does and plans to continue helping people and animals “forever”. “If you find yourself confronting it will bite anything that approaches and “I wrap one hand in thick cloth and Thus far, some 35 snakes have been some dangerous wildlife on the island, call won’t let go. Based on this awareness of reach out toward the snake. Once the caught, cobras and pythons being the ones me,” he says. snake behavior, K. Sayan has devised a snake bites into the cloth, I drag it out. With K. Sayan has most commonly encoun- simple technique using some cloth, a my other hand, I grab it just behind its head tered on Phuket. For more information or for help, con- wooden pole with a hook on one end and and quickly toss it into the sack. Some- Usually the snakes are not harmed, tact the Phuket Ruam Jai Rescue Foun- a sack. times I use the pole rather than my hand. and are released at Toh Sae Hill in Phuket dation at Tel: 076-283346 or 076-355175. 14 PHUKET GAZETTE LIFESTYLE December 10 - 16, 2005 Yule be sorry if you forget someone

By Gazette Staff Adopt a puppy or even an older dog heir task – and some of them chose to accept it The Soi Dog Foundation has doz- – was to come up with ens of adorable cats and dogs, like Santa Claus? Heel Tlast-minute Christmas this young Thai ridgeback, avail- be here soon gift ideas. This was not Mission able for adoption. It will cost you Impossible, it was Mission just whatever gas it takes to col- Maybe. Some claimed they were These Privilege brand two-inch lect, and the package includes full stiletto sandals in silver-colored too busy, actually doing a spot of vaccinations. Alternatively, you work for a change. satin with diamante details are can sponsor one of the hundreds designed exclusively for Central. Members of the Gazette of animals from just 150 baht a editorial team were dispatched Regularly priced at 1,580 baht, month. See www.soidog.org for they’re now on sale for 399 baht. far and wide, their only brief be- details. ing to come back with the goods That leaves 9,401 baht still to (in a photographic sense only). spend! They were also told that the maximum price for a gift, either something craved for oneself or as a special present for “that special friend”, should cost no more than 10,000 baht. It’s bean a long We are mentioning no time coming names here, although regular readers may be able to connect This Sony MP3 “Bean” Walkman some of our writers to a few of is a musical wonder. The “jump- A present perfect the items pictured on these pages. ing bean” has a one-Gigabyte for a princess For example, the cufflinks, each memory, which gives up to 50 link containing a miniature com- hours’ continuous play. It also has These 18K yellow gold bracelet pass, could really only be matched FM radio and high-speed re- clasps (6 grams) cost 9,900 baht Here’s one for up against one person. (Clue: his charge – with a mere three- – bracelet not included – from clock-watchers byline doesn’t appear this week.) minute charge delivering up to DD Jewel Design, 242/2 Yao- Will our reporting and edit- three hours’ use. It can also store warat Rd, Phuket City. Tel: 076- Choose from a range of watches, ing team receive their dream gifts data, pictures and video clips. It 217288. including the DKNY NY3602 this Christmas? No doubt they will costs 7,590 baht at the Sony store, Email: [email protected] square-faced design at 5,600 baht Losing your sense get what they deserve. Enough Ground floor, Central Festival or the Fossil BG1004 “robo- of direction? said. Phuket. watch” at 3,200 baht from Nam Silp Optical, 8-10 Phuket Rd, Available from Central Depart- Phuket City. The shop is open ment Store, this set of cuff links Monday-Saturday, 8 am-8 pm, and keyring, all containing minia- and on Sunday from 9 am-2 pm. ture compasses, are ideal for the Tel. 076-211460, 212776, 223785. man-about-town, country, veldt Email: namsilp_optic@yahoo. or urban jungle. Good value at com 525 baht. December 10 - 16, 2005 LIFESTYLE PHUKET GAZETTE 15 CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS

Phone someone, or shoot them If you relish Patum Peperium Fancy yourself as a snapper?

Walk, talk, shoot and jive with this Nokia 6101 phone. It Ask not why this food of the Gods is unavailable in Para- Become a happy snapper with this Sony Cyber-shot DSC- features a 128x160-pixel color screen and VGA camera, dise, for if you do, then you must also ask why Marmite, L1 4.1-megapixel digital camera, with 3x Carl Zeiss opti- has FM Stereo radio, and can also record and play video Branston Pickle, Heinz Baked Beans, Daddies Brown cal zoom, 10x digital zoom and 1.5-inch LCD screen. It clips. It supports Thai language characters. Available at Sauce and PG Tips are not easily available either. Visit has seven programmed scene presets. Available at the the OA shop, Ground floor, Big C supercenter, it costs www.britstore.co.uk, where Patum Peperium sells for Sony store, Ground floor, Central Festival Phuket, it costs 8,590 baht. around 150 baht per 42.5g pot. 8,990 baht. 16 PHUKET GAZETTE HAPPENINGS December 10 - 16, 2005 This week

IT’S A GAS: Phuket Governor Udomsak Uswarangkura (right) joins Phummisak GALS’ GALA: Yowvares Shinawatra (3rd from left), President of the National Council of Hongsyok (3rd from right), owner of the Anuphas and Sons petrol station on Phang Women of Thailand, joins (from left) Dr Sriyada Shinawatra, Dr Pongsak Kerdwongbandit Nga Rd, Phuket City, and Tirapot Vajrabhaya, Chairman of Shell Thailand and Cluster and Benchawan Tumpanuwat, at the Chinese-Thai Women’s Culture Exchange Gala Dinner General Manager, at the November 23 launch of gasohol at the petrol station. held in the The Metropole Hotel’s Prapitak Grand Ballroom on November 26.

EDUCATION FOR EVA: (From left) Takuapa District Chief Administrative Officer Chalorsak Vanichjareon, Phang Nga Governor Vinai Buapradit and Evason Phuket Resort & Six Senses Spa General Manager Alasdair Junor recently opened the Evason BEAR NECESSITIES: Mr Bear surprises Finn Stephens and his dad at the Phuket for Kids Self Learning Centre at Baan Bang Muang School, in Takuapa, Phang Nga Province. family day held recently at the Green Man Pub & Restaurant in Rawai.

OPEN DOOR POLICY: Celebrating the grand opening of Sino House hotel on November READY FOR TAKEOFF: (From left) Helicopter tour company Heli Thai Directors André 26 were (from left) General Manager Vipada Suthisirikul, Managing Director Salti, Thidej Maithai and Nigel Watson, with Marketing Manager Frederique Salti, Weerachart Suthisirikul, Kata Thani Hotel Managing Director Sombat Atiset and Mook celebrate the arrival of their “Squirrel” Eurocopter chopper, which will soon be used Khao Kaew pearl shop Managing Director Krongthong Thepsiriamnuai. for aerial tours of Phuket, Phang Nga and the Phi Phi Islands. December 10 - 16, 2005 SPA MAGIC PHUKET GAZETTE 17

otoring down to the south of island, I ar- rive at Nai Harn MBeach. Nai Harn is Spa known to be one of Phuket’s qui- FACING UP eter beaches and a major expat MAGIC magnet, mostly because of its laid-back atmosphere. It’s also By Anongnat the location of the Sabana Resort, Sartpisut with its Nhamaya Health Spa Sabana Center. TO BEAUTY There is no denying the spa’s genuine tropical feel, with coconut trees and plants aplenty. I feel as if I really should have worn my grass skirt. The spa has three treatment rooms and features two Thai massage beds, four beds for oil massage and two chairs for foot massage, as well as a Jacuzzi. I get a warm welcome from Manager Sunanta “Jum” Malee, and she helps me choose the “Se- crets of Nhamaya” package, then guides me to reception which doubles as a foot-massage room. There, I’m immediately spoiled rotten with an aromatherapy foot bath with floating hibiscus flowers. Later, I tiptoe on newly res- ders right down to my feet in a areas, where people feel stress oak, powdered milk and clay rich To top it all off I have a five- urrected tootsies to the oil-mas- grand rolling style. After a bath and fatigue. K. Prang first does in alumina is applied for five min- minute back and neck massage sage room next door for a Thai it’s time for a Traditional Thai my spine, then shoulders and back utes. Then, tomato slices are followed by a roselle juice. Herbal Body Scrub. Massage. and then stretches me a little be- pressed to my face. K. Jum tells me that the This, I really like. My mas- fore turning me over to concen- Whatever next? Worcester The “Secrets of Nhamaya” treatment uses turmeric, honey, seuse, K. Prang, is extremely trate on my legs and hands. She Sauce? No matter, it’s explained treatment lasts for 120 minutes wet tamarind, powdered milk and skillful at what she does, and ex- then uses pressure techniques. to me that this helps fill any skin and costs 2,200 baht. Nhamaya oats – all mixed together. “This plains that she uses different Afterwards, it is time for cavities in the most natural way Health Spa Center, 14/53 Moo helps to nourish your body,” she pressures depending on her the facial treatment using a natu- possible. 1, Rawai. Open daily from 9 am explains. A sort of exterior muesli guests’ weight and size. ral mix of products featuring... Finally, after a dessert of to 7 pm. Tel: 076-289333, Fax: without the yogurt, if you will. K. Jum adds that the most you guessed it, yogurt, to cleanse cucumbers and a layer of smooth- 076-289322, email: info@ The body scrub is enthusi- important factor in Thai-style my pores. Later, a mixture of ing vitamin E cream, my face feels sabana-resort.com, website: astically applied, from my shoul- massage is to focus on muscle lemon juice, honey, powdered fantastic. www.sabana-resort.com 18 PHUKET GAZETTE GOOD LIVING December 10 - 16, 2005 Staying healthy when putting your back into wine ubin was a former nore the principles of physics and Remember, torque affects every- • Be sure you are fit enough employee of mine. common sense. thing, not just your back, so don’t and stretch before lifting. His hobby was Physics is the science that W I N E stack wine boxes too high or they • Don’t attempt to lift more than R weightlifting and he gives us the understanding may fall. You certainly don’t want you are capable of. was a massive guy, twice my needed to guide rockets to Mars, to be under their weight if they do. • Ensure employees have been weight. One day I was fixing a to build tall buildings, and to com- Here is a list of basic rules taught safe lifting principles, and broken barrel and I asked him prehend why we should not bend for carrying and storing wine: that they obey them. to pick up a hammer that was over to lift heavy boxes of wine. • Never lift with your back; al- Take good care of your out of my reach from the floor. Remember torque and Newton’s ways lift with your legs, keeping back; it is the only one you have As he picked it up his back Second Condition of Equilibrium your back straight and upright. and nothing is more painful and snapped and he collapsed in from high school physics? They Let your legs to do the work. debilitating than a back injury. agony. It was two months be- can predict the force acting on • Never twist your spine or reach It is ironic when something as fore he could walk again. the disks that separate the verte- with your arms while lifting. Use enjoyable and healthful as wine Back injuries have brae in our spine when lifting your legs to turn your body. puts one under. plagued humans since our an- heavy objects. • Never lift above the shoulders. cestors first stood upright, and A 50-pound box of wine, for By Steven Roberto • Don’t stack wine more than Steven Roberto is a wine- these are the leading occupa- example, creates a force of al- four boxes high. Alternate the di- maker and restaurant con- tional hazards in most coun- most 300 pounds on the base of keeping the back straight and rection of each layer of boxes for sultant from California. He is tries. Wine lovers and those the spine. That’s a lot of weight never twisting or turning while added stability. Managing Director of enVis- who work with wine often infor a few tiny disks to support. lifting heavy objects. • Don’t allow children or unau- ion Phuket, a wine importer jure themselves when lifting or To safely lift we must avoid cre- Bottles of wine are not only thorized persons access to wine- and consultant. Email: carrying wine because they ig- ating torque. We can do this by heavy, they are also expensive. storage areas. [email protected]

December 10: 19th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta. The last day of the week-long 2005 PHUKET DIARY of coming events Phuket King’s Cup Regatta at Kata Beach Resort. More information can be found at the For more information, see Go to the website www. the island through a lens”, will website: www.kingscup.com www.phuketboatshow.com phuketbluesfestival.com for fur- also offer selected works for sale, ther details. with proceeds going towards Ban December 8-11: The Phuket December 12: Constitution Nana, a home for street-children International Marine Expo Day. December 12 is a substitu- December 19-20: Phuket In- in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai. (PIMEX) 2005 is being held at tion for Constitution Day, which vitational Superyacht Rendez- For more information, con- Phuket Boat Lagoon. Around 100 falls on December 10. It is a pub- vous. The Phuket Invitational is tact Ten Achiravit at Tel: 01- marine, property and lifestyle lic holiday, therefore expect most an exclusive superyacht rendez- 9862547 or email: churmung@ companies are exhibiting. government offices to be closed. vous held every December. yahoo.com, K. Danai at Tel: 01- This year’s highlights in- Regular features of the rendez- 8953709 or K. Asnee at the Holi- clude 30 in-water displays from Dec 16-17: Phuket Interna- vous are a fun sailing event, af- day Inn at Tel: 09-4504512. many top marine companies. tional Blues Festival. Hosted ternoon cocktail parties on board the participating vessels, and a December 26: Tsunami Me- gala dinner party, complete with morial events. Many ceremo- superb buffet and live entertain- nies will be held in Phuket, Phang ment. Blues guitarist Rich Harper. Nga and Krabi Provinces, to For more information con- mark one year since the disaster. by the Hilton Phuket Arcadia tact Tim Rice or Duncan Details will be published Resort, the headliners are the McGregor on Tel: 076-340406 or closer to the time. Rich Harper Blues Band (US), 076-340932, or visit the website and Victor and Kyla Brox (UK). www.phuket-invitational.com December 30-January 1: They will be supported by five Greenspirit New Year Festi- Thailand-based bands, including December 20-January 10, val 2005. See 2006 in with a Soi Dogs, Cannonball and The 2006: 1,000 Faces of Phuket three-day psytrance festival at Na Blues Machine. Photo Exhibition. An exhibition Thai in Krabi. Tickets are 1,000 baht for of images taken by 12 photogra- Enjoy an international and one day; 1,600 baht for both days; phers from the Phuket Photo national line-up, a free camping and 3,000 baht for a two-day VIP Club, held at the Holiday Inn area, foodstalls and bars. pass. Phuket. For more information, con- The festival is presented by The exhibition, described by tact Tel: 01-8940208, email the Phuket Gazette and Hotel the organizers as “…the multiple [email protected], or Travel.com visions of reality of those who see visit www.greenspiritkrabi.com December 10 - 16, 2005 AFTER DARK PHUKET GAZETTE 19 Q HITS THE SPOT

After DARK by Chris Husted

ood news for hip- hopsters and rappers was the grand open- G ing of Q spot in Phuket City, the latest project of Da Jam owners Michael Jenselius and Frank Baganz, this time teaming up with experienced manager The Q crew: Michael Jenselius, Anek Grainara and Frank Baganz. Anek “Koong” Grainara, of Jammin’ fame. “We’re looking at introducing should be open again in a few Q spot, where H2O and theme nights to cater to a wider weeks. We’re making it into Tokyo House once stood, kicked crowd, say blues on Monday and more of a relaxed lounge. We open its doors on December 2 jazz on Tuesdays and so on,” he haven’t decided on a name yet,” with local rappers South Players said. Michael said. taking the stage in front of a He is also working on get- Those who are wondering crowd of hundreds – some of ting big names down from the what Da Jam’s star barkeep, Car- them true hip hop fans, others just capital to perform. “We’re look- los, is up to, will be happy to know curious. Local boys South Players are Q Spot’s regular crew. ing to include regular special acts he’s serving beers and standard On the menu was bass loud about once a month,” he said. spirits plus mixer at Q spot for enough to make a mockery of the venue – and he isn’t finished yet. corded, with a third on its way. Michael is working on Joey 100 baht each. 15,000 baht you spent on your “The lighting in the main section The second set, from mid- Boy to appear around the end of fancy car alarm for needs to be more night on, is the house band, for- this month, but is making no prom- Q Spot, 34 Phang Nga Rd, your low-rider – lively. We’ll be get- merly of Up To You Pub, featur- ises. Phuket City. Open daily 7 pm there’s no chance of ting some more lighting some faces familiar to those Meanwhile, across town ’til late. Tel: 076-256588. Email: hearing it once ing from either who have haunted Phuket City’s near the Robinson Department [email protected] Website: you’re in Q Spot. Singapore or live music venues over the past Store, regular punters will have www.qphuket.com. For infor- True to form, Bangkok,” he said. couple of years. The band moves noticed that Da Jam, Michael’s mation in English, call Michael Michael had Thai rap South Players the sound away from full-on rap other venue, is currently closed. at Tel: 01-8926251, or in Thai, star Da Jim lined up are Q spot’s regular with a range of Western and Thai “We’ve closed it for a refit; it call Moo at Tel: 01-9580815. as the main act, but crew, taking the hits, but maintains a fresh vocal four-strong South mikes from 9:30 pm output. Players snuck in as to 11 pm, which is Although Q spot launched the warm up. “They called in the another step forward in the with hip hop as its main theme, afternoon and arrived from Khao youngsters’ careers to add to the Michael plans to expand its ap- Lak about 7:30 pm. After a five- two CDs they have already re- peal with other styles of music. minute sound check they were ready,” said Michael. Fine timing is one of Michael’s strong points; at 6 pm on the night he was still adding some finishing touches to the 20 PHUKET GAZETTE FEATURES December 10 - 16, 2005

he other day, for the first time, I ordered a plate of khao pat Amerikan – TAmerican fried rice – in a Thai restaurant. Not the usual As an American, I was curious to see what it would look like. Americans don’t usually eat rice, so I assumed that Thais had invented this dish to represent the TSOWNDINGS kind of rice they thought we might eat. By S. TSOW American pie I wondered if it would be mixed with hamburger, which is practically our national dish. It I wondered what evil spirit even eat raisins with your rice.” I wanted them to close affluence. But the mini-hotdogs might be garnished with peanut had inspired the inventor of this And the hotdogs? Ah, they down that restaurant and banish mean you’re getting porky, and butter, which is another national dish to make it so tasteless. I conveyed a damning indictment American fried rice forever from the slices are a warning to cut dish. wondered what demon had indeed. “These mini-hotdogs Thailand’s sunny shores. back on the cholesterol. Maybe it would be deco- caused him to imagine that have been slashed and mutilated I would inform Fox News, “The only bad news is the rated with a tiny plastic Ameri- Americans would eat raisins with to symbolize the atrocities you so that they could expose to pub- raisins. can flag waving proudly from the their rice. And I wondered what Americans inflict upon the world, lic outcry this blatant denigration “They stand for four flaws ricetop – or a miniature replica fiend had made him slit the ends such as your unprovoked invasion of America and all it stands for. which your people are prone to, of the Statue of Liberty. of the hotdogs. of Iraq and the barbarities at Abu And I would demand financial and which have been highlighted Strikeout on all fronts. Yes! The mini-hotdogs had Ghraib.” reparations from the Thai govern- by the actions of your current There was no hamburger, no pea- slices cut into each end in an at- That’s what that plate of ment for the mental anguish I had government: ignorance, arro- nut butter, no flag and no Statue tempt to simulate flower petals. American fried rice said to me, suffered. gance, aggressiveness, and an of Liberty. But there was a sa- They looked like little stumpy and it made my patriotic Ameri- I estimated that 20 million unwarranted belief in your own chet of ketchup, reflecting keen hands with chopped-off fingers. can blood boil. baht might soothe my pain. superiority.” insight into the American pen- As I brooded on these mys- This dish was an insult to But before taking any ac- Thus mollified, I decided not chant for pouring ketchup on our teries, the answer slowly dawned. Americans everywhere. It was tion, I always consult my personal to seek revenge after all. food. Some malicious, anti-American undoubtedly the first phase of an guru, Master Chang Shou, a Tao- But I still think those finan- American fried rice was a Thai had created American fried insidious plot to sap our morale ist shaman who lives deep in the cial reparations would be a good letdown. It was nothing but a rice as an insult to my people. The and bring down our mighty na- Tien Shan mountains of western idea. mound of fried rice garnished with tastelessness said, “You Ameri- tion in a welter of fire and blood. China. a fried egg, four large raisins and cans are bland, insipid and totally American fried rice was a An email to him elicited a S. Tsow can be flamed at a couple of mini-hotdogs. It was blah – not hot and spicy, as you Trojan horse, the culinary equiva- swift reply: “Relax, kiddo! It’s [email protected], except the worst plate of fried rice I’ve should be.” The raisins said, “You lent of 9/11 and Hurricane Kat- just a plate of rice. Don’t get when he’s trying to figure out ever eaten. Americans are so weird, you rina. paranoid about it. how to get the raisins out of the I stalked out of that restau- “You want symbolism? The rice. A new collection of his rant in a fury. I vowed to write a tastelessness means Americans ravings, Thai Lite 2, is now letter to the Foreign Ministry de- are basically okay – you don’t available at undiscriminating manding that they redress this need any chilies to spice you up. bookstores. Get your copy be- outrage. The fried egg symbolizes your fore it’s banned. December 10 - 16, 2005 TAKE A BREAK PHUKET GAZETTE 21 PPUZZLESUZZLES The Cryptic Crossword

ACROSS 1. Mysterious Eric has toes tangled. (8) Spot the Difference 5. Bend again – a natural Spot the Difference reaction. (6) Can you find the seven 9. Sardine sat around public relations. (5) differences between the 10. In lethargy, I dip to try two cartoons below? And mixture. (9) can you find them faster 11. Maneuvers a diplomatic than the rest of the family? approach to those in charge. (7) 13. Roy, after sin, becomes royal representative. (7) 14. Forest intertwined with lace in part of ship. (10) 17. Ocular ailment to contract in porker’s home? (4) 19. Added to quiet learner with us. (4) 21. Spice with herb for cooling taste. (10) EZ TRIVIA Compiled by Tortuus. © 2005 24. Plato and Ed stirred wee 7. Deterioration of work in 1. What rapper’s hit debut frog. (7) doorway. (7) album was called Get Rich 26. Little pill for small news- 8. Chauffeur beginner? or Die Tryin’? paper. (7) Nonsense! (6) 2. Who is the main charac- 27. Harp may harm headless 12. Noisily chew winner. (5) ter of the fable The Sky is girl. (9) 14. Almost fail dandy. (3) Falling? 28. Restless, it precedes 15. Little Patricia returns to church to junction. (5) strike lightly. (3) 3. What is the mineral form of iron oxide, named af- 29. Airliner missile ends up as 16. Bruise made with a tone. ter the Greek word for beach junk. (6) (5) blood? 30. Section of army for 17. Easy town for a not very children? (8) bright person? (9) 4. Who is the Governor of 18. Munch notes at intersec- California? DOWN tion. (3) 5. How many players are 20. Vegetable era outflow. (7) there on a cricket team? 2. TV gangster hits highest 22. Watch top of protective notes. (7) membrane. (6) 6. What is the capital of Uru- 3. She betrays by hiding rat 23. Tangled net hire – not one guay? and I in tress. (9) or the other. (7) 7. Who recorded the album 4. Jots ring as I sat back 25. Questions shoes. (5) Sexy Naughty Bitchy? around. (5) 26. Teach bride’s follower. (5) Solution, tips and 6. Falsify confection. (5) Solution on page 22 computer program at 8. What nickname was giv- www.sudoku.com en to the Hughes H-4 Her- cules, which had the Scribble Space longest wingspan of any aircraft ever built?

9. What compound of boron is sometimes used illegal- ly as a food additive in Thailand?

10. What company makes the PlayStation game console? Answers on page 22 Brain Buster!! Place six coins in two lines, as shown below, left. Now move just two of the coins to make a circle (below, right).

Sudoku is very simple: each row, each column and each “box” of nine squares within the puzzle must contain all the numbers from 1 to 9 with, naturally, no repetitions. Beware: there is only one solution to this puzzle, which is on the next page. Solution on page 22 22 PHUKET GAZETTE TAKE A BREAK December 10 - 16, 2005 Get your brain in gear with The Monster Quiz Kids! Ask Mum and Dad to help you find the answers to these questions. They’re not easy but, if you do some research, you should be able to find the answers to all of them.

1. What is the term for the 7. How many pairs of 14. What is the collective technique of growing chromosomes does a noun for crows? plants in liquid nutrients normal human have? rather than soil? 15. Who was world heavy- weight boxing champion 8. Who was European from 1937 to 1949? 2. Who installed the first footballer of the year in Archbishop of Canter- 1968? bury? 16. How many laps are there in the Indianapolis 3. What is the first name of 9. What do peahens mate 500? the Japanese princess with? 17. What’s the only country Quick Crossword who recently married a in the world that starts commoner? ACROSS 2. Gear wheel. 10. What is the name more with the letter “O”? 4. Between tenor and so- commonly given to the 1. Horse or car competition. 4. How was the world’s 3. African desert. prano. Collegiate Church of Saint 18. At what Caribbean 5. Spanish fleets. largest diamond sent to Peter? island did the Ra II end 8. Fail to take care of. England in 1905? 9. Japanese city. 6. Jordanian capital. its 32,000-mile ocean 7. 13-19. 11. What color bottles do fine crossing? 10. Make longer. 5. What pseudonym did 11. Underwater weapon. Rhine wines come in? 14. Playground equipment. Alex Hughes use on his 16. Love god. 12. Striped horse cousin. 19. What Hebrew word 13. Go away! six hit records – all means “So be it”? 18. Chernobyl country. banned by the BBC? 12. How is Supergirl related 20. Tied up the boat. 15. Shellfish. to Superman? 20. What is the very last 21. Not strong. 17. A blue-blood. 6. Where can you buy a word in the Bible? 19. Anger. DOWN kite with a kyat and a pie 13. What is triskaideka- with a pya? phobia? Answers below, left 1. Wash off soap. Solution below, right

Puzzle Solution to this week’s Cryptic Solutions Crossword Brain Buster Solution Solution to Cartoon Puzzle Solution to this week’s Quick Crossword

Monster Quiz Answers

1. Hydroponics; 2. The Pope; 3. Sayako; 4. By mail; 5. Judge Solution to this Dread; 6. Myamnar; 7. 23; 8. week’s Sudoku George Best; 9. Peacocks; 10. puzzle Westminster Abbey; 11. Brown; 12. She’s his cousin; 13. The fear EZ Triva Answers of number 13; 14. A murder; 15. Joe Louis; 16. 200; 17. Oman; 1. 50 Cent; 2. Chicken Little; 3. Hematite; 4. Arnold Schwarzeneg- 18. Barbados; 19. Amen; 20. ger; 5. Eleven; 6. Montevideo; 7. Amita “Tata” Young; 8. The Spruce Amen. Goose; 9. Borax; 10. Sony. December 10 - 16, 2005 FEATURES PHUKET GAZETTE 23

More on booze and sex: “Drink the local beer, the two main ones of which are Chang and Singha. They’re both nice, but Singha probably has the edge. Chang is cheaper though, and stronger too. Don’t On the wagon again drink two long necks at 2 in the afternoon. Drink three… Drink lots of cocktails, you is potentially fatal. Anyway, that’s what sage he had in Thailand.” (7) ain’t gonna find them for $3 in Melbourne, happened here. I looked right when I should that’s for damn sure. Don’t be afraid to OUTSIDE have looked left, and promptly ran into/got Safe sex: “I tell you what though those go to dodgy looking places, that’s where hit by a car, which then nearly ran over lady-men are unbelievable! I think we left the fun is. There are a couple of things N my foot. Fortunately, this was at the en- just before the ‘extra special show’ and you should never do when hungover – one I trance to a parking lot, and the car was on the way out I gave my favourite draq of them is going through customs at By Lis Kinswoman moving slowly, so nothing was damaged queen a wink, and then sprinted until I was Bangkok airport. You’ve been warned. except my pride. The rule of thumb is to sure I was not being followed.” (8) Hookers are people too, so treat them with Hello dearies. This week we look in the direction traffic comes from. respect. Buy them a drink, compliment shall address the problem of Painfully obvious. But there’s a caveat in You have been warned: “Thai transport them on their fine thigh rubbing technique, readers complaining that there Thailand. Motorcycles and tuk tuks often is good, but it’s good in the same way that laugh at their jokes, feel them up with two drive on the wrong side of the road to save Indonesian transport is good: there are lots hands instead of one – and tip generously. is far too much drink and sex in some time. So, the second rule of thumb is of buses, but they’re not that flash. How- Oh, and say hi from me.” (1) Lis’s weekly column on Phuket. to always look both ways.” (5) ever, the Thais are even more flexible than There. Consider it done. This the Indonesians in their definition of ‘truth’, Sh*t happens: “TSUNAMI PROMPTS Yeah, sure: “As it was hot, we ended up so when you get on a bus and the conduc- NEMKOVA TO QUIT LAXATIVES. week we also have drinks tips, being very thirsty yesterday. We went into tor says it’s going to Surat Thani (the ferry The Asian tsunami disaster last Christmas Girl Pride, fruity massages and a resturant and had 7 orange fruit juices! terminal for Ko Samui) and charges you (04) helped supermodel PETRA NEM- that old chestnut, driving in The waitresses seemed very impressed! accordingly, you might be entitled to think COVA beat her addiction to laxatives… Thailand. So let’s gear up for We had something to eat and on the way that the bus will actually go to Surat Thani. after spending eight hours clinging to the out, the waitresses said to me, ‘Pom Pui’ Think again, sucker: we ended up in Krabi, top of a palm tree… Nemkova admits she the silly season and get on the over and over and all had a go at rubbing miles from Surat Thani, where the con- made a pact with herself to stop taking wagon with Lis! my tummy! Apparently, it’s a word that ductor said we could change here for the drugs for good.” (2) means ‘big guy, but not really that big’ and Surat… except the last Surat bus for the I honestly didn’t wanna get into even more is supposed to be a complement!” (6) day had already left. Connection? I don’t Orgasmically good: “Over three tropi- trouble banging into someone. And its not think so.” (9) cal days from 4-6 November 2005 in a must for a motorist to wear a helmet, so, Ooh, oh so naughty: “Ok, so there must Phuket, Thailand, Girl Pride Asia – a cel- most of the motorist are helmet-less and have been a bloke a few sections down 1. http://thingsivewritten.blogspot.com/ ebration of lesbian pride – will host a se- some of them are not even old enough to from me, strange thing was every few 2005_08_01_thingsivewritten_archive.html ries of events designed by girls for girls ride a bike, but still they’re riding around minutes i heard what sounded like him 2. http://www.contactmusic.com/new/ like you. Girls on the go. Girls on a mis- like nobodies business. But the interesting farting, although i wasn’t sure wheter it xmlfeed.nsf/mndwebpages/tsunami%20 sion. Girls who make a difference. Girls part is, with all that no 3rd brake lights and was the leather bed or not, so i was won- prompts%20nemkova%20to%20 who dare! Girls who care! Girls who are no helmet shit, the accident rate in Thai- dering that about him, where as a few quit%20laxatives bi, curious, L, bent, pretty, femme, butch, land is wayyyy less than the accident rate moments later, he’d be wondering what 3. http://www.girlprideasia.com/ef3.html andro, ah well, sistah, whatever your la- in Malaysia. Amazing eh?” (4) was going on in my booth, turns out, Bom, 4. http://www.tickle-me.net/archives/ bel, it doesn’t matter. Yes… am coming My massuse, who didn’t speak much 2005_05.html …” (3) Don’t look now: “My most exciting news english, was trying to explain that i’m quite 5. http://journal.kevinthom.com/ from today was that I got hit by a car. So a tall chap and my feet were hanging off ?m=200502&paged=2 Braking the rules: “Oh yeah, a couple of if you only have time to read this one para- the end of the bed which made here job all 6. http://www.gwyncole.com/blogs/per- things I’ve realised about Thailand. Most graph, you can safely carry on with your the more difficult, except from behind sonal/archives/2004_03.html of the vehicles do NOT have 3rd brake day without having to read anything else, closed curtains in a darkend room it came 7. http://netpacker.farrell.me.uk/ light. Damn dangerous wei. It’s like you knowing that you’re not missing anything out as ‘You very long… (giggle)’ which shownews.php?npid=35&newsid=109 have depend on their 2 back lights to see important. The problem is that I’m used to made me laugh initailly, then say ‘Don’t 8. http://daniel.larsen.net.nz/daniel/ whether they’re actually breaking or not. looking in a certain direction for cars when worry about it Bom, you’re doing just fine’ defaul3t.htm Gawd. I was already driving around I cross the street. Since they drive on the which I hope will give the other bloke a 9. http://www.moxon.net/thailand/ Phuket without my freaking driving license, left hand side of the street here, my habit good story to tell his mates about the mas- hat_yai_to_phuket.html

here are those who say retain a highly capable staff, many that Bangkok is ungov- of them black and Latino. At his ernable, including the last The making of regular 8 am meetings, he pre- Tgovernor who basically sided over a committed overhaul threw up his hands and said that of the city’s creaking bureau- the bureaucrats held the power, cracy. Police morale soared as not him, and there was nothing America’s Mayor crime plummeted. There were he could do. People said the same noisy protests outside City Hall Off the thing about New York City until wily and forceful Giuliani used to speech”. A symbolic act very every day led by outraged liber- Rudy Giuliani came along. get New York City back on its early in the Giuliani administra- als, the successors of the old SHELF The Prince of the City (En- feet. tion showed that there was a new Tammany Hall power brokers. counter Books, San Francisco, When Giuliani became broom in town: “The new Tammany was By James Eckardt 2005, 386pp) by Fred Siegel is the mayor in 1993, crime was sky- “Bella Abzug, the colorful wrapped in a cloth of sancti- story of how Giuliani transformed rocketing, police morale was low, and lively left-wing former con- mony,” Siegel writes. “It pro- New York in eight years, balanc- the welfare rolls bulged (one gresswoman and senatorial can- fessed to represent the interests ing the budget, slashing crime, welfare recipient for every seven didate from Manhattan, was of the poor. Protected in part by reforming education, taking workers), the mad and the home- standing on the long wide steps civil service and union power, it people off welfare and putting less wandered the streets, and the of City Hall announcing her res- was immune to elections, and them back to work, sparking a education system was a ignation from her unpaid position rather than being subject to scru- business revival, and making pub- shambles: for every 1.7 teachers of chair of the Mayoral Commit- tiny by the press it was mostly lic places clean and safe again. there was an administrator. Sup- tee on the Status of Women (not treated as a sacred cow.” Formerly depressed neighbor- porting this system was a part- to be confused with the Mayor’s As American statesman hoods in Harlem and Brooklyn nership of lame white liberals Commission on Women). Her Daniel Patrick Moynihan ob- became vibrant centers of reno- (“the compassion industry” in action, she said, was to protest served, “Liberalism faltered when vated brownstones and new Giuliani’s trenchant phrase) and the new administration’s rude and it turned out it could not cope with shops and restaurants. “race racketeers” like the Rev- “shocking treatment of her staff.” the truth.” “The prince” refers to The erend Al Sharpton. “In New When Giuliani began ascending Giuliani won his next elec- Prince by Nicolo Machiavelli and York,” one observer noted, “race the steps, she tried to hand her tion by a landslide. the tough-minded Florentine’s isn’t part of politics. It is politics.” resignation to the new mayor And his results were passed many lessons which Giuliani ap- Squeegee hustlers, aggres- who, barely taking notice of her, down to his Republican succes- plied to fight a host of foes op- sive panhandlers, loud drunks, replied, ‘Why don’t you send it sor Michael Bloomberg, who has posed to his reforms. While the homeless people infesting parks, in?’ A few steps on he added, ‘I presided over a further reduction mayoral election. Backed by subtitle is somewhat gushing – graffiti gangs, kids packing deaf- have a feeling when I get it I’ll in the crime rate, concrete gains Reverend Al Sharpton, Fernando “Giuliani, New York and the Ge- ening ghetto blasters – all were accept it.’ Watching the pas de in education and a soaring econ- Ferrar campaigned on a classic nius of American Life” – this vigorously defended by the liberal deux, a bystander quipped, ‘in one omy, helped along by 850,000 in- liberal race-conscious platform. book is not a hagiography. It’s not lawyers of the New York branch era and out the other.’ ” dustrious new immigrants. Bloomberg crushed him with even a biography. The focus is of the American Civil Liberties One of the new mayor’s The new order is here to 58% of the vote. He currently en- on the practical measures the Union in the name of “free major talents was to recruit and stay, as evidenced by the latest joys a 75% approval rate. 24 PHUKET GAZETTE FEATURES December 10 - 16, 2005 Let your body

Youth ’n do the talking ASIA By Ella Micheler rin McKean, an American editor nodding your head up and down means – on the other hand, pointing your feet at hint is that when a person likes what they of dictionaries, once said, “English “yes”. Or does it? someone is unspeakably rude in Thailand, see, their pupils dilate. is messy, uninhibited, sprawling In Bulgaria, most people do the op- and crossing your foot over your leg in One problem is that people are very Eand sloppy.” One instance of such posite, which must lead to some grave front of an Arab symbolizes a threatening quick to judge others, and on dates we’re sloppiness is that a surprising number of misunderstandings in cross-cultural dating. weapon. particularly paranoid creatures. Just relax English speakers don’t know the differ- Eskimos wink instead of shaking their head Of course, your body sends out mes- – if your date has crossed arms, don’t au- ence between “ravish” and “ravage”. for no, and the Dyaks of Borneo raise their sages even when you’re not aware of it, tomatically assume it is an offensive ges- An example: if Ken kidnaps Barbie eyebrows for a yes, but contract them especially when you don’t want it to. For ture – he or she might simply feel cold (in and takes her away from her evil step- slightly and squint their eyes for a no. example, common signs that someone is which case, offer your jacket!). family, then has passionate sex with her The Turks shake their head for yes, lying to you include a lack of eye contact, Some 55% of the first impressions (against her will or not), he’s ravishing her. and say no by tossing their heads back and fidgeting, breaking out in a sweat, and a we gain from people originate in body lan- If he takes her into the woods and messily clucking. Charles Darwin found that En- stiffness of their body and facial expres- guage, and that’s not including the bone- mutilates her body, he’s ravaging her. Both glish babies shook their heads when re- sion. However, in Asian and African cul- crushing handshake that businessmen like have an element of violence, but another fusing their food, but inclined their heads ture it’s seen as a sign of respect to avoid to use. The knowledge that I’m being crucial difference is that Ken can ravage forward for food in a nodding gesture. Did making eye contact with a superior. judged by my posture, the way I fidget, a tree, but not ravish it (or he can try to – this mean that humans are born with basic When it comes to the fine art of flirt- the way my feet are arranged, my ges- if he’s slightly insane). body language, or that the babies learned ing, body language is much more effec- tures, and the set of my shoulders in the There are so many nuances in the these signs by observing their parents? tive than cheesy pick-up lines such as, first 10 or 20 seconds that I’ve met some- English language, so many different mean- Darwin wasn’t sure. “Was your father a baker? You’ve got a one… is all enough to induce a stress-re- ings, it’s no wonder that people misunder- Another type of body language that great set of buns!” However, body lan- lated tic in my eye. (Of course I’m then stand each other constantly. A word as causes cross-cultural confusion is a simple guage, if not tuned finely enough, can be perceived as slightly unhinged by the other simple as “set” has 196 separate defini- thumbs up, which means OK almost ev- just as clumsy. One website simply says, person, which continues the vicious cycle tions. erywhere… except in Iran, Iraq, Sardinia “Stand up straight and stick out your as- of insecurity and insane body language.) No worries, though – the words we and Greece, where it means “screw you”. sets. That’s the kind of body language no Cosmopolitan magazine suggests speak only account for 3% of our actual And wouldn’t you know it, American man can resist!” that to attract someone, you should slowly communication. 70% of our communica- troops have interpreted Iraqi thumbs up But how do we know if someone is lick your lips, then dip your little finger in tion is through body language, while the gestures as symbols of support – but are flirting with us? Fortunately, flirting has your dessert and slowly suck it off. But I rest is through verbal intonation, our facial the ostensibly cheering Iraqis showing their developed over the centuries and blinking suggest that you simply smile warmly and expressions and written communication. displeasure or have they learned the furiously because there’s a bit of sand in genuinely – after all, a smile makes you However, it’s not simply the spoken lan- American meaning of thumbs up? In any your eye isn’t misconstrued as, “Come more attractive, more approachable, and guage that has infinite possibilities for cre- case, foreign hitchhikers in these countries hither, I want to ravish you,” any more. makes you feel better as well. It’s one of ating misunderstandings – sometimes our must have some pretty lively roadside ex- Yet the eyes are still incredibly im- the few forms of body language that is body language can be just as confusing. periences. portant (but please, no pick-up lines about truly universal – so don’t hesitate to smile Take one of the most basic types of In Western culture, pointing a leg or jewel thieves putting gems in women’s wherever you are. body language as an example: shaking your knee towards a person is a sign that you’re eyes.) A dead giveaway is if someone is After all, we are in the Land of head from side to side means “no”, and interested in them or that you accept them staring at your lips or breasts, but a subtler Smiles, aren’t we?

Dear Momma Duck, potions, lucky charms and the like, Northeastern Thai friend even Dear Momma Duck, Recently my wife and I had but she said she had never heard showed me how to eat it raw with I have a friend who had a a baby daughter. Knowing this, of it. Is this some sort of Phuket nam prik (spicy fish sauce) and bad experience in love and he my neighbors gave me a bag of tradition? What benefits would it tasted very good. can’t forget it, even though it was plant matter which they called my daughter stand to derive from It is now widely used in more than two years ago. He dok anjun, telling me I should rub following my neighbor’s advice? making shampoo and hair condi- doesn’t want to have a new love it into my daughter’s eyebrows. If you recommend applying it, tioner because we believe that it again. How can I help him? I asked my wife about it, as she how do we do so safely, how of- is good for our hair. Many Thais Miss Lee is somewhat of an expert on Thai ten, and for how long? rub this flower on children’s eye- Thanks, Stephen brows and this is a Thai tradition Dear Miss Lee, which I’m told is widely practiced This is an example of the Dear Stephen, throughout the country. English proverb, “Once bitten, Dok anjun or “Butterfly We believe that by doing twice shy”. Your friend must have Pea” is a creeping type of plant this, it will help to thicken our eye- extended a lot of trust and love Momma that people love to grow in the brows (only when young, though). to his girlfriend and the subse- garden as a decoration, as well After she showers just rub the quent hurt was severe. That is DUCK as for herbal purposes. It has a petals on your daughter’s eye- why he can’t forget his bad ex- beautiful crimson color. The juice brows. Don’t worry about the perience with love. I think that By Wanida Hongyok is used for making desserts such purple color because it will quickly time will eventually heal his [email protected] as Khaow Niew Heep, a typical fade away. Just do it a few times wounds and he’ll get over it and Phuket khanom (sweet). My and don’t be serious about it. be able to love and trust another then got a quarter of your love or I did this to my sons when woman. There are many of us your heart available to begin with they were young. For the young- who have gone through this and again if you end up disappointed est, I even rubbed it on his bald we learned to live with it. Love or heartbroken. head. They both have very thick can grow but it also can fade There is nothing in life that eyebrows and thick hair, although away, depending on how well you doesn’t change as time goes by. this is probably as a result of their take care and pay attention to it. Now your friend has time to find father’s genes, in addition to the A wise person once said out about what type of girlfriend help of Dok anjun. If you fol- that, “Every relationship ends in he would like to have. He has low your neighbor’s advice, we hurt (through breakup or death or time to heal his wounds. It is also believe that your daughter will whatever) but life is not worth liv- wise not to jump into a new rela- benefit by having thicker eye- ing without relationships.” tionship too soon after a disap- brows so she will not have to use Another approach is to give pointment. Tell him not to worry, an eyebrow pencil when she’s three-quarters of your love to and the right time and person will older. your soul mate or partner. You’ve come. December 10 - 16, 2005 FEATURES PHUKET GAZETTE 25 In The Stars by Isla St ar Property awards declare SAGITTARIUS (November 23-December 21): If you have been waiting for a chance to score a point in the world of business, expect an opportunity to do so midweek. Romance is looking rock-solid; if you feel the time is right to make a proposal, Cupid will back you up. Phuket a big winner It’s not too late to make plans for a Christmas getaway – family overseas would love a surprise visit. Number 4 is lucky on Thursday. LARGER CAPRICORN (December 22-January 20): Others who believed Capricorns had taken leave of their senses last month will finally THAN realize the wisdom of your ideas. You may need to modify details, LIFE but there’s every chance of a new business started this month taking By Graham Doven off. Plan important meetings for after Wednesday. In affairs of the heart, keep a low profile for the time being. probably shouldn’t write anything else about Paul AQUARIUS (January 21-February 19): You’re not usually someone Moorhouse, due to the fact to back down when you are convinced that the truth is on your side. Ithat I’ve already written However, swallow some pride this week if you want to see tangible more about him, his colleagues progress at work. An argument is brewing and trying to clear the air and projects than anybody else on won’t achieve anything. Allow opponents to believe they’ve won the island. this time; there will be a way to prove your point later in the month. But I have been stuck with writing property stories every PISCES (February 20-March 20): It will be important to have the week, which has become in- right tools for the job this week. Pisceans who are tempted to cut creasingly difficult. corners cannot expect to see satisfying results. A new romance ap- It had also become increas- pears promising, but you need to lay ghosts from the past to rest ingly tempting to “forget” to file before true bliss can be achieved. Refuse to listen to investment every so often – so if someone invitations if this means getting into debt, as a new financial commit- kept coming up with good pro- ment is hovering on the horizon. jects, I would and will write about them. ARIES (March 21-April 20): It’s vital to pace yourself this week. These days my scope is a Leaving too much to the last minute will certainly result in overload. bit broader. In addition to prop- A previously abandoned business project can be easily reactivated if erty, there are subjects like life Paul and Nor Moorhouse with the Bentley awards for Layan Gardens. you feel the time is ripe. Don’t invite anyone with a shaky track on the island, loudspeakers, con- record to get on board; a reliable investment offer is just around the crete pigs, GOMs (grumpy old in the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, “They searched the web- corner. The color rose pink will encourage peace to prevail on the men) and other matters of monu- Africa and Australasia. sites and asked if we would like domestic front. mental importance to tackle. Chosen from among some to enter,” says Paul. “We said This article is, however, re- 20 entries, Layan Gardens won ‘yes’, but when we found out how TAURUS (April 21-May 21): Timid Taureans can expect a welcome lated to property and is about Paul the “Best Apartment Develop- much work was involved we boost to their self-confidence this week. This will make a world of Moorhouse and his latest devel- ment in Thailand” and “Overall nearly gave it a miss. difference to how others perceive you and should encourage romance opment, Layan Gardens and Best Development Thailand” “A detailed A3 document to flourish. Saturday is your best night to investigate a new social more besides. awards. was required, including drawings scene; indulge in a spa treatment during the day to feel relaxed and The international award These were, perhaps un- and plans, photographs, and so on. beautiful before going out on the town. The number 3 holds promise won by Layan Gardens last surprisingly, the only awards won Eventually, we decided to give it on Thursday. month is good news for Phuket by a Thai company. a go, and got a good result for and draws attention to the qual- Projects are judged on a our efforts.” GEMINI (May 22-June 21): A particular parting will be sweet sor- ity of property available here. number of criteria, including in- Thanks to Layan Garden’s row this week. Someone who has come to mean more to you is terior and exterior design and lay- success in the Bentley Awards, about to head off into the sunset; you shouldn’t be shy about making PRESTIGIOUS out; space utilisation; construction International Homes has asked your feelings clear before he or she does so. Finances are beginning and finishing materials; location for a special feature on Phuket to look a lot healthier, with a rare opportunity to boost your bank The Bentley International Prop- and views; facilities; environmen- which will take the form of a balance appearing later in the week. erty Awards are held in London tal issues; safety and innovation; color insert to be distributed with every year. Co-sponsored by In- site density; value for money; and about 35,000 copies of the maga- CANCER (June 22-July 23): Cancerians who are tired of sitting on ternational Homes magazine, marketing presentation. zine. The insert will include pages the shelf while everyone else has romantic success will receive some reputedly the world’s largest in- How did International of editorial, photographs and ad- irresistible attention from an attractive stranger. It’s high time that ternational property magazine, Homes find out about Layan Gar- vertising on Phuket. you were kinder to yourself; make pampering a priority this week. and the Daily Mail newspaper dens? It can only be good. Problems at work will dissolve of their own accord, no matter what a which supports many of the UK’s colleague says. The number 6 looks lucky on Wednesday. major property exhibitions and events, the Bentley Awards are LEO (July 24-August 22): High season high jinks are forecast for this considered to be the most presti- week. You have been happy to stay at home in your lair lately, but gious awards in the UK for in- this is about to change. Be careful not to burn the candle at both ends ternational property. as the holiday season later this month will definitely involve a busy The Bentley Awards – and social schedule. Next Tuesday Pisces has some clever ideas regard- that’s Bentley as in the marque ing business expansion. Wear turquoise to encourage creativity. of car – offer several categories in any country, including: Best VIRGO (August 23-September 23): With work occupying your Townhome development; Best thoughts most of the time this week, it will be easy to ignore warning Villa Development; Best Apart- signs that all is not sweetness and light at home. Personal relation- ment Development; Best Golf ships are under some stress until the end of December, and Virgoans Course; and Best Marina Devel- should endeavor to pamper their partners before trouble comes to opment. the boil. Even the smallest attention will be appreciated. On Tuesday, The award ceremony was Libra rides to the rescue during a minor crisis. held at the Marriott Grosvenor Square on November 4. LIBRA (September 24-October 23): The secrets of your success The judging committee com- shouldn’t be easily divulged. Someone has the ability to charm the prised such luminaries of the birds out of the trees early next week and Librans could be an easy property industry as the CEO of target. The writing is on the wall as far as a floundering relationship the Association of Real Estate is concerned; there’s no point in prolonging the misery, and a broken Agents, The Chairman of the heart will be easily healed when a new love interest comes onto the Spanish Tourism Authority and scene later this month. the UK’s Shadow Secretary of State for Local Government, Eric SCORPIO (October 24-November 22): Fame and fortune are yours Pickles, MP. for the asking this week. Just when it seemed that you were getting The awards were presented nowhere fast agreements are smoothly made. Sensible Scorpios will by Rick Wakeman, a popular key- make the most of having the golden touch and go where others fear board player, and Mr Pickles. to tread. An on-off relationship will reach a definite conclusion this This year, 450 people at- weekend when the person concerned makes an honest confession. tended, representing 27 countries 26 PHUKET GAZETTE EDITORIAL & LETTERS December 10 - 16, 2005

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

Out with loutish touts High season is here again, and already the complaints about tailors’ touts are rolling in. Patong recently had a crackdown on them, haul- ing a bunch off the streets and fining them under Section 397 of the Penal Code, which appropriately sanctions anyone who “…in a public place… does, by any means whatever to annoy or bully the other person…” That sounds about right. A reader in Kata recounted the tale of an acquaintance who was stopped in the street by a tout. “I’m sorry, I don’t have enough money to buy a suit,” the visiting innocent said, thinking this would be a polite way to wriggle out of the situation without being confronta- tional. “Then f**k off back to your own country,” barked the dis- gusted tout. On the other side of the coin, the Gazette also received a com- plaint from a merchant in Patong who complained that his “boy” had been hauled off by officials who later poured hot tea over his head. The “boy”, who had already been arrested and fined on a couple of previous occasions, apparently gave the officials a mouthful, at which one of them lost his patience. That case was settled with no legal action on either side. The owner of one tailor shop, quoted in our news story this week, comments, “If we annoyed tourists, we would be in the wrong.” Letters Correct. Perhaps that particular tailor’s tout is the model of restrained politeness, but one has to wonder. Certainly, his counterpart in Kata The Gazette is pleased to receive mail from read- your views for publication in our next issue. is not. ers. Please write to us at 367/2 Yaowarat Rd, We reserve the right to edit all letters. Pseudonyms The trouble with the whole touting system is that it is based on Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000, fax to 076-213971 are acceptable only if your full name and address pushing people to the point where they give in, where they bow to or send an email to [email protected] with are supplied. pressure. After all, it would not be very effective to employ as a tout Monorail proposal mer. Everyone is very friendly the bus, this will probably never someone who gave up as soon as a prospective buyer said, “No and I have made a lot of friends come. thanks.” is a great idea there who I meet up with when Don Aleman Irritation, confrontation, harassment and bullying – anything to I read with interest about the pro- I’m in Phuket. Patong get attention – are what touts do. If they cannot, they are not touts, I hope you don’t mind me and there is no point in hiring them. posal to construct a monorail train line between the airport and sending this message, as I just Vichet Radomkij, Manager of One of the great mysteries is why so many of them are em- wanted to say “keep up the good Phuket Public Co Ltd, which ployed by tailors. One can understand shady businesses, such as Patong. I think, if the funds can be work”. manages the bus route, replies: some of the timeshare companies and sex show operators, using Lorraine On November 1, the air- touts. They don’t want or cannot have a real shop window, so they allocated, this would be an excellent idea. It should be extended The Wirral, UK port bus schedule changed in employ people to hit the streets and drag in customers by whatever order to accommodate the num- means possible. But why tailors? all the way to Kata Beach, and should access Bang Tao and Blue about leaving ber of flights landing at Phuket Whatever the reason, the Gazette applauds the crackdown and International Airport during the hopes that it will continue until the aggressive touts and their masters Kamala beaches on the way. It would be a great success I am on vacation in Phuket and I high season. There are still 13 get the point, which is this: nobody likes you and nobody wants you. saw a poster about the Rich Har- daily roundtrip buses to the air- So go away. with tourists who are now at the – The Editor mercy of tuk-tuk and airport lim- per Blues Band playing [in the port. ousine drivers. Also, tourists could Phuket Blues Festival, December The first bus leaves the bus use the monorail just to travel 16 and 17]. terminal in Phuket City for the along the coast to take in the spec- I saw Rich Harper at the airport at 5 am and the last bus tacular views. festival in Sweden last year. If this leaves for the airport at 6:30 I would, too, even though I is same band, you will have a big pm. People should not have to In association with The Nation Multimedia Group PCL am a resident; it would become show! I wish I could stay, but my wait for an overdue bus more one of the island’s major tourist vacation is over. than one hour. attractions. Goran Unfortunately, the new Editor: Rungtip Hongjakpet Property prices in Patong Sweden schedule, which is valid until Managing Editor: Alasdair Forbes need not be a problem. A mono- further notice, was not well-ad- Deputy Editors: Chris Husted, Stephen Myles rail, by its nature, is constructed Where is the airport vertised. However, we will try to Chief Reporter: Sangkhae Leelanapaporn off the ground and does not re- publicize the airport bus schedule more effectively from now on. Editorial Team: Stephen Fein, Andy Johnstone, Anongnat Sartpisut, quire much lateral space. It could bus service? be constructed along and above For more information, please Sam Wilkinson, Ananya Hongsa-ngiam, Shiona Mackenzie I waited for more than an Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd in Patong contact Phuket Public Co Ltd at hour at Big C for the highly touted Tel: 076-241463. much the same way as the new airport bus but no bus Managing Director: Rungtip Hongjakpet Bangkok Skytrain has been built, showed up. So, running out of Lak of perception? General Managers: Oranee Pienprasertkul, Sudjai Suanya and there would be better views time to get to the airport, I had to Executive Producer – Television: Mark Mulloy that way for sightseeing tourists use a 300-baht motorcycle taxi. Has CS (Letters, issue of No- Marketing Manager: Natthira Susangrat too. Let’s go ahead soon, before The “mo-cy”driver told me that vember 26) ever been to Khao land prices go up further, and be- Publisher: The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd he has been getting a lot of pas- Lak? There have been very few fore the authorities get cold feet. sengers to the airport because tourists staying for long periods Guenter Bellach people wait for the bus at Big C, there, and if it were not for the Contact us Ban Lipon where no timetable is posted and long-staying volunteers the local Advertising Sales: [email protected] there’s nowhere to sit. economy would have had very Classified Advertising: [email protected] Wirral be coming When the bus fails to show little income. Website Services: [email protected] back to Phuket up, people are forced to endure These volunteers have re- an expensive, bone-jarring and turned to Khao Lak to help when Shopper Card inquiries: [email protected] My name is Lorraine and I’m hazardous bike ride to the airport. help is certainly needed. They are Gazette Guide inquiries: [email protected] from the Wirral, near Liverpool Some, like me, are elderly and spending their savings and losing Telephone: 076-236555 (10 lines) Fax: 076-213971 in the UK. I just wanted to say have luggage – which makes the income at home during their how much I enjoy reading the ride even more dangerous. lengthy stays helping the local Phuket Gazette online. It would be nice to receive people. The views expressed in the Phuket Gazette are those of the writers and contributors I have visited Phuket five an apology, a bus schedule and a Gyllyan Anderson and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, the editor, the shareholders, or the directors of The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd. times and am returning next sum- refund of my 300 baht. But, like Melbourne, Australia Letters conveying views and suggestions are published here. Those seeking comment from government Copyright © 1994-2005 The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd officials and/or business owners are published in Issues & Answers on the facing page. December 10 - 16, 2005 PERSPECTIVES PHUKET GAZETTE 27 Letters Patong Deputy Mayor Groups are good I was amazed at your editorial (issue of December 3) regarding package tourists. I have been sending tour groups to Phuket for Chairat sounds off at least 25 years. Quite frankly, 25 years ago Thailand was not the most sought-after destination, hen Deputy Prime If the government wants to even by tour groups. Minister Suwat test the system, we are happy to Why? Because it was con- Liptapanlop came FIRST take part. But the testing should sidered smelly and dirty. Most to Patong recently, be done at regular intervals, say well-heeled tourists did not want W some members of his entourage PERSON every three to six months, and to spend their days stuck in a five- ordered a test of the tsunami then only with advance written star enclave. They have the whole warning system here – but with- notice so that we can prepare the world to choose from and don’t out any advance warning to the uring a visit to Phuket public for it. appreciate smelly streets, bad municipality. For this reason, we Don November 25 to The real problem on No- sidewalks and dog poo, back al- were unable to provide adequate inspect the progress of vember 25 stemmed from mem- leys and girlie bars and touts and warning to the public that it was bers of the DPM’s entourage overhead power cables and tele- only a test. preparations for the switching from Saphan Hin to phone lines and the constant The reason for the delay tsunami memorial activities Patong at the last minute, with- racket of tuk-tuks and motor- was that the NDWC official they later this month, members out informing anyone at the cycles. called was not personally autho- of Deputy Prime Minister NDWC about the change. Package tourism is the rized to activate the alarm [on a I really don’t understand backbone of the Thai tourist in- trial basis] because his office had Suwat Liptapanlop’s why they went they went to all dustry. The tour groups take day never received a written request entourage ordered an the trouble of filing a written re- trips in buses and those trips pay for such a testing of the alarm impromptu demonstration quest for a test of the Saphan Hin the bus driver, the guide, the shop system in Patong. Some of his warning tower and then canceled clerks, the petrol pump attendants, advisers had requested a test of of the three tsunami the plan without even going to the boats and their crew. They the new warning siren at Saphan warning towers at Patong have a look at the warning tower also contribute to the many food Hin on that day, but not at Patong. Beach. The DPM there. stalls along the way, they eat out His people decided to switch I think it’s very important at night, they frequent the pubs to Patong because it was more expressed displeasure that when high-ranking govern- and some of them the more no- convenient; that day DPM Suwat when a call placed to the NDWC and local ment officers come to inspect the torious entertainment venues that was to be at the nearby Graceland Nonthaburi-based National authorities. Here Patong tsunami warning system that Thailand is so well known for. Resort & Spa for a meeting. they send a letter in advance so Their tour money pays thousands At first, they asked the mu- Disaster Warning Center Deputy Mayor Chairat that the time and date will be of hotel staff, travel agents, res- nicipality to activate the alarm (NDWC) resulted in a 10- Sukkaban explains why known and we can co-ordinate taurant staff, airline staff and using our leased line, but we minute delay before the he thinks criticism of the the effort efficiently, using team- crews. didn’t comply because we didn’t sirens sounded. The DPM delay was unjustified, and work. So, Mr Editor, please assist want to frighten the public into On November 22, Suranand in attracting more tourists, assist thinking a real tsunami was im- then called for better co- why off-the-cuff tests are a Vejjajiva [Minister Attached to in making Phuket cleaner, and try minent. After that, they decided ordination between the bad idea. the Prime Minister’s Office] an- and do something about all those to call the NDWC themselves nounced the scheduled testing on mangy dogs. Help keep all those and order a test sounding. December 16 of all the NDWC wonderful people employed. It is important to understand DPM Suwat’s group, we could come up and press whenever warning towers in all five Anda- Good luck to all the hotel that it was never really a test of have done this. they want. In fact, testing of the man Coast provinces. [But] managers and staff and the tour the tsunami evacuation system, But Patong Municipality system is a very sensitive issue Phuket Municipality has still not operators and guides and the little but rather a demonstration for was given no advance warning that impacts not only on our im- received any official letter inform- shops and restaurants that the DPM Suwat. whatsoever, and members of the age among tourists, but also on ing us of this upcoming test. wealthy and pompous don’t fre- In the event of a real test or DPM’s entourage bypassed us our preparedness to carry out an We should be the first ones quent and never will, and a big evacuation drill, Phuket Munici- when they ordered the NDWC actual tsunami evacuation, should to be informed since it is our re- “thank you” to all of them for pality will send out official notices to activate the siren. one become necessary. sponsibility to warn the public in looking after our tour groups. I warning tourists, hotels, busi- I strongly disagree with People will stop paying at- advance so that they won’t be wish them all a bumper season. nesses, TV and radio stations. what they did. The button to ac- tention to the siren if it is sounded confused or afraid. Yvonne Marais Had we been given ad- tivate the tsunami warning siren too often with no advance warn- – Compiled by Ananya Tour Operator vance notice by the NDWC or is not a toy that anybody can just ing. Hongsa-ngiam Buying land from abroad Issues& ANSWERS My Thai wife is thinking of buy- Friedrich “Sam” Fauma, Se- There, he or she must sign ing a home in Thailand. Does she nior Partner of the Interna- a declaration stating that the funds Want to know how to get something done? have to go to the Land Office in tional Law Office, replies: used for the purchase of the land Want to pitch an idea to Phuket’s authorities ? person to register ownership of To effect a transfer of belong to the Thai spouse from Submit your queries or suggestions to us and the land or can this be done by property at the Land Depart- before the marriage. we’ll ask the appropriate people to respond. mail, through a lawyer? ment neither the buyer nor the This is to ensure that the Also, are there any other seller need appear in person so land is not part of any settlement Write to: The Phuket Gazette, 367/2 Yaowarat Rd, requirements for registering land long as their representatives have should the couple subsequently Muang, Phuket 83000. Fax 076-213971, or submit your or property, and can these be been provided with a correctly divorce. issue at www.phuketgazette.net handled by mail or through a law- drawn-up power of attorney, yer? signed by the absent parties. With both of us thousands The power of attorney Why don’t tuk-tuks display fares list? of miles away in the UK it is very should be accompanied by signed Before the tsunami, nearly all tuk- the same regardless of which tuk- I always check when walk- difficult to schedule trips around copies of house registration, ID tuks in Patong had a list of fares tuk you use? ing along the streets, and if I find Land Office or government re- card or passport. displayed in the vehicle for pas- Shaun Rice a tuk-tuk that does not have a list quirements and travel costs are One situation in which a sengers to see. UK of fares on display, the driver is expensive. personal appearance is required, Having visited Patong again arrested. Please can you tell me what however, is when a Thai citizen I noticed that the lists are no Theerayuth Prasertphol, If you find a driver who paperwork needs to done in per- married to a foreigner would like longer there and that the price of Chief Technical Officer of the does not display the fares or who son when one is buying land in to buy land. a journey outside of Patong var- Phuket Provincial Transpor- ‘traps’ you into paying a higher Thailand? In this case the foreign ies from tuk-tuk to tuk-tuk, some- tation Office, replies: fare, you can call me at 01- Andrew Rhodes spouse must appear in person at times by as much as 150 baht. All tuk-tuks must display a 8914335 or call 1584, and we will UK the Land Department. Surely the fare should be list of fares for passengers to see. arrest him. 28 PHUKET GAZETTE FEATURES December 10 - 16, 2005

ON THE MOVE

Wanchock Chomchang, Vipada Suthisirikul, 42, Stephan Bouwman, 33, 28, from Nong Bua Lumpu, from Nakhon Sri Thamma- from Germany, has been is the new General Man- rat, is the new General appointed Director of Culi- ager of Phuja Nirvana res- Manager of Sino House on nary Operations and Ex- taurant at Central Festival Montri Rd, Phuket City. A ecutive Chef of the Aspa- Phuket. He has a higher business management sia hotel in Kata. He has diploma in hotel manage- graduate from the Thai worked in various top res- ment from University Col- Chamber of Commerce taurants, including the two- lege, Suffolk, in England. University in Bangkok, she Michelin-star Landhaus Previously he was Assis- was previously Chief Ac- Scherrer in Hamburg. Be- tant Outlet Manager of Le countant at the Karonna fore moving to Phuket, he Meridien Khao Lak and Resort and Spa in Phuket, worked as Executive Chef Outlet Manager of Le and Assistant Production at the five-star Sullberg Royal Meridien Baan Ta- Planner Manager at Delta Hotel & Restaurant and ling Ngam on Koh Samui. Electronic Co in Bangkok. Rive Bistro in Hamburg.

Q: It seems as though everybody KHUN WOODY’S is recommending that we download the new Windows Anti- spyware program (www.tinyurl. COMPUTER com/8e77h). When I download it, I am Pirate copies That said, you might want asked for a Windows Genuine to consider buying a legitimate Advantage (WGA) Software copy of Windows anyway, if only number, which I do not have. I to get all the patches and other used the online software and it downloads that are blocked by told me that I didn’t have a valid WGA. Microsoft is slowly tight- copy of Windows. ening the screws, requiring WGA of Windows I purchased my computer validation before allowing you to system privately. There doesn’t download all sorts of things. Keep Adobe (remember Type 1 appear to be any way to get past in mind that you can buy Win- fonts?). There are no big, free the WGA block. I can subscribe dows anywhere – if the prices in alternatives to Outlook. Not yet, to WGA at a cost of 5,885 baht Thailand give you a nosebleed, a anyway. in order to get Windows Anti- copy of Windows purchased in As for backing up Outlook spyware, but is it worth the cost? the US or Europe, Hong Kong or Express files and settings, it’s an – FP, Muang Phuket Singapore works just as well. unholy mess. Microsoft has a Knowledge A: You’re running a pirate copy Q: I have Outlook Express and Base article on the subject at of Windows. If you bought the unfortunately it seems to be a support.microsoft.com/kb/ computer thinking that you had bugger to back up. I tried a file 270670. But Microsoft glosses the real thing, you got ripped off. search for Outlook *.* files, and over the tough parts: if you scan If you didn’t have that expecta- a myriad of entries came up, but Google for “Outlook Express tion, this is one of the conse- nothing indicating a file large Backup”, you’ll find dozens of quences. enough to hold all my mail. How products offered. That’s a fairly WGA examines your com- do I back up my Outlook Express plain sign that the job is much puter to see if your copy of Win- mail? more difficult than Microsoft dows is valid, and blocks access – DB, Laguna makes it out to be. to downloads if your copy isn’t When faced with a thorny up to snuff. I don’t know of any A: Here’s some news from the Only a Microsoft marketeer could situation like this one, I usually go way to hack Windows Genuine Cold, Hard Facts Department: to Tucows (www.tucows.com/ Advantage, but I’m sure a Google people who are serious about come up with a name like ‘Windows search ) and see if anybody has search will come up with some- email use Outlook or, rarely, put together a shareware pro- thing. Eudora, or one of the many Out- Genuine Advantage’ to describe a gram that solves the problem. As for Windows Antispy- look competitors. If you rely on In this case, if you search ware, no, it definitely isn’t worth email, Outlook Express will drive program that checks your computer to on “Outlook Express Backup” 5,885 baht. You’re much better you nuts. (In spite of the similar- and follow the cows closely, you off buying an antispyware pack- ity in names, Outlook and Out- see if it has a pirate copy of Windows should come up with a viable age like Sunbelt Software’s look Express have absolutely backup program. CounterSpy (www.sunbelt- nothing in common.) Microsoft’s hell-bent focus on Explorer) may be marginally bet- Speaking of cows, Madison, software.com/CounterSpy.cfm), Microsoft hasn’t updated profits, I bet you can guess why ter than the current version. But Wisconsin has joined the list of which costs about 800 baht. Outlook Express in six or seven Outlook Express has long claim- I, for one, won’t hold my breath. cities with fast, free, city-wide years. There’s no money in it. ed the title of the most frequently First, even if Microsoft de- Wi-Max wireless Internet ac- Microsoft sells Outlook as part of used orphan in the PC business. cides to give away the farm, the cess. Twenty-six companies (in- the Office package or as the user- Rumor has it that the new next version of Windows and/or cluding Google) are currently side program in Exchange Ser- Outlook Express in the next ver- IE is many, many months away. competing to provide fast, free, ver. Microsoft gives away Out- sion of Windows (or, more accu- Second, I’ve never seen city-wide Wi-Max wireless ac- look Express for free. Given rately, the next version of Internet Microsoft make a free program cess to all of San Francisco. that’s worth anything unless Intel announced that it was they’re trying to strangle a major sponsoring several Wi-Max dem- competitor. Lately, likely targets onstration projects in provinces include Google and Firefox. In around Thailand, but Phuket previous years, the victims have wasn’t on the list. included Netware, Netscape and Meanwhile, Shin Corp has announced that it will invest tens of billions of baht in 3G wireless telephone service over the next few years. 3G offers advanced telephone capabilities as well as fast wireless Internet. So 3G competes directly with Wi-Max, but at a price set by the 3G company. Are these developments related? What is the effect on our IT Paradise? Write to me! – Woody Leonhard [email protected] December 10 - 16, 2005 PHUKET GAZETTE 29

Phuket Blues Festival 2005 For full details see page 8 30 PHUKET GAZETTE December 10 - 16, 2005 December 10 - 16, 2005 B U S I N E S S & MONEY PHUKET GAZETTE 31 Leading brand names are not untouchable

his year story of moving the has been deck chairs on the interest- Titanic (my words). T ing from GM’s share the perspective of price has fallen by global economics more than 40% this and financial mar- year alone. Its markets. ket capitalization is Sharp rises in now a mere US$14 oil prices were of MONEY billion. Predators are great concern to circling, with only countries depen- TALKS one aim in mind: if Japanese manufacturers, dent on imported they take control it oil. Many com- By Richard Watson will be to asset-strip modity prices also the company. Asset especially Toyota, Honda rose steeply, with fears of infla- stripping is simply selling off parts tionary pressures everywhere. of a company to realize a greater and Nissan, are gaining However, the world of 2005 figure than the purchase price of is vastly different to, say, 1975 or the whole entity. market share at the expense even 1990. Globalization has At a glance, GM is sitting changed the ground rules dra- on a mountain of cash, US$19 bil- matically, as has the global decline lion to be exact. However, it is of GM and Ford in the influence of trade unions. US$31 billion in debt, and loses Competition has never been more money with every car it sells. intense – and this brings great Quarterly losses now exceed benefits. China and other truly US$1 billion. Toyota and Honda, score highly ergy for motor vehicles. Fuel cell emerging markets are producing Asset strippers can see only on domestic independent re- technology is one of the most products that actually have a de- one part of the company with a search in the US for reliability. exciting alternatives, as not only flationary impact on the devel- decent market price, and that is GM and Ford have recently im- is it comparatively simple, it is also oped world. This helped to GMAC – General Motors Ac- proved, but image is everything. pollution-free. To this extent sev- counter, to a great degree, other ceptance Corporation – the fi- Politicians can say what they eral years ago Toyota and GM inflationary pressures. nance arm of the business. In want, but American consumers created a joint venture with sig- Politicians and local manu- GM’s core market, the US, the are voting with their wallets. nificant funding to develop this facturers in developed countries problem is, who would want to Some may feel that this is a technology. The venture is already continually complain about cheap- buy GM’s manufacturing plants? tragedy for America. In reality, it producing working prototypes. er imports. The reality is that con- Japanese manufacturers, is the free market working as it Should this produce a com- sumers want the best value for especially Toyota, Honda and should. The losers are the share- mercially viable solution, the gas money available, and we live in Nissan, are gaining market share holders and employees of failing station as we know it today could an increasingly democratic world. at the expense of GM and Ford. companies, but the harsh facts of well become a fuel-cell exchange Consumers are merely citizens Traditionally, Japanese car manu- life are that you cannot make an center. Vehicle manufacturers, who are exercising their rights to facturers have declined to buy omelet without breaking eggs. perhaps in co-operation, could choose what they want to buy and other companies’ plants for sev- Many situations can de- well become direct competitors the price they are prepared to pay. eral reasons. velop in our lives that change the to existing oil companies. Cer- Brand names are still of First, they are highly sensi- outcomes of events we thought tainly, it will dramatically change great importance and of inesti- tive about giving the impression we could predict. New technol- the situation as we know it today. mable value if managed correctly. that they are benefiting from the ogy is a perfect example. The Oil prices will enter a new bear Brands are susceptible to rises woes of traditional US manufac- business rivalry between Toyota market, but oil companies are not and falls, just as national empires turers. Second, they do not want and GM is a possible case. Both complacent. Even BP’s slogan, have moved through the same to inherit GM’s corporate culture, companies realize that there has “Beyond Petroleum”, recognizes cycle for thousands of years. let alone its obsolete and expen- to be a better way to provide en- the reality of change. General Motors (GM) and sive union contracts. Ford are two perfect examples The Economist Intelligence of leading brand names in seri- Unit echoed these sentiments on ous trouble. General Motors is a CNBC Europe, and added that company that is denying reality. Ford is in even greater denial. It may be closing manufacturing Pointing out that Ford seems to plants in the US and cutting staff be operating a revolving door levels, but the credit rating agen- policy with its Chief Executive cies are not impressed. Fitch Officers. Ford shares have fallen Ratings has publicly stated that even more than GM this year – GM’s plans are unworkable – 43.3% at the time of writing. they are not going to solve its The core issue is the con- problems. It is simply the old sumer. Manufacturers, such as 32 PHUKET GAZETTE SPORTS December 10 - 16, 2005

Watch this space GOLF TIPS The Pros’ Pose Like Apollo13 losing contact during its slingshot orbit around the he point of impact in the dark side of the moon, the Patong golf swing (Pic 1) is the Darts League continues to rest golfer’s moment of truth. in a state of expectant limbo. The thwock, the report After the final week of play, T of a club striking a golf ball – and four teams were bunched up at striking it well – is the sound of the top with just three points the sublime. It is a golfer’s money separating them. Who the even- shot, quite literally in some cases. tual winners will be depends on Although all top players the outcome of the 14 unplayed have uniquely idiosyncratic back- make-up games that were al- swings, their styles at the golden lowed to accumulate over the point of impact are almost identi- course of the 22-week season. cal. League organizer Bez of With the lower body lead- Amigos said that a meeting would ing the downswing, the pull of the be held soon to figure out what hips will – ultimately – force the Achieving the sound of the sublime to do. It’s likely this will involve shoulders to rotate through the playing only those make-up impact with a great release of The classic mistake – more coiled body and so producing a ners’ and improvers’ lessons at games involving teams that have power. often than not made by men with weak slice shot to the right. Laguna Phuket Golf Club, con- not yet been statistically elimi- By allowing the body to un- a surfeit of testosterone – is Next time you play, try to tact British PGA Professionals nated from winning it all. These wind fully from its “coil”, the when the player goes at the ball resist that temptation to hit from Bruce Whitehead or Andy are listed, unofficially, below. momentum, which continues with like an express train and hits it the top, and instead let the body Combe at Tel: 076-324250, the arms stretching (Pic 2), will from the top. unwind naturally and smoothly. send email to golfteaching@ Standings: 1. Nag’s Head help to carry the player through The hands then lead the lagunaphuket.com or visit: (41pts); 2. Shakers (40); 3. the impact to a tall finish (Pic 3). way, overtaking the release of the For more information on begin- www.lagunaphuketgolf.com Amigos (39); 4.= Queen Mary, OffShore (38); 6. Valhalla (34); 7. Piccadilly (31); 8. Dog’s Bollocks (26); 9. African Café HOUPE WINS THE BMW GOLF CUP (19); 10. Two Black Sheep (18); 11. Didi’s (16); 12. Coyote Bar (14). INTERNATIONAL BY THREE POINTS By Chris Husted on day one, scoring 38 points off Cédric Anciaux of Belgium on 98 points in Men’s Category Unplayed make-up games: a handicap of 10 to equal first (9 handicap) scored a net total of 1. Offshore v Nag’s Head (July 5); PHUKET: Michael Houpe of the place with Canadian Patrice 111 to finish third. But it was South Australia and China came Dog’s Bollocks vs Shakers; Off- US scored 116 points over three Paré, who played with a 7 handi- Korean Kang Jun Seo (16) who equal second in the national shore v Didi’s (Aug 2); Offshore rounds to win the World Final cap. But it was on the following enthralled onlookers in the Men’s rankings with 109 points, and the v Queen Mary (Aug16); Didi’s 2005 of the BMW Golf Cup In- two overcast days of play that Category 2, completing the series US came third with 107 points. vs Nag’s Head (Aug 23); Queen ternational, at Blue Canyon Houpe showed his class, pulling with 124 points. In the Ladies’ competition, Mary v Valhalla (Sept 6); Didi’s Country Club, from November 30 away to finish the 54-hole Stable- Seo easily won the category, Romanian Silja Johansson and v Shakers (Sept 13). (Date = to December 2. ford tourney three points clear of beating second-placed Alejandro American Sue Bartley provided originally scheduled match date) Houpe got off to a good start Paré. Jose Revilla from the Philippines, the highlight of the tourney with who scored 116, and Yeh-Ping a play-off on the 18th hole of the Wang of Taiwan and Percy Ma- Canyon Course to determine the singa of South Africa, who fin- winner. ished equal third on 115. Both finished on 103 points, Seo’s performance inspired but Bartley emerged victorious national teammates to win the after winning the deciding hole national ranking for the tourney with a bogey. with a tally of 119 points. A delight for spectators was Teammate Tae Jin Kim a “walk-through” nine holes by scored 102 to finish equal third six-times Major winner and tour- with Farah Imperial of the Phil- nament “ambassador” Nick ippines in the Ladies’ competi- Faldo, who also held a golf work- tion, while fellow South Korean shop at the Blue Canyon Course Hyuk Ahn (10) finished equal 11th on the final day. Cricket: rain stops play The first match in the new Island The game will be resched- Furniture Cricket League, due to uled. take place on December 4 be- Meanwhile, another match, tween BCIS CC and Island CC between Patong CC and Island at the British Curriculum Inter- CC, also at the school, is sched- national School, had to be post- uled to take place on December poned because the pitch was 11, starting at 9 am – weather waterlogged. permitting. December 10 - 16, 2005 SP O R T S PHUKET GAZETTE 33 Aussies take top three in Laguna Triathlon By Sangkhae Leelanapaporn

LAGUNA: Aussies swept the top three places in the 12th annual Thai Airways International Laguna Phuket Triathlon at the Laguna Phuket on December 4. Winner Greg Bennett over- took compatriot and two-time winner Craig Alexander at the 6- kilometer marker on the run course and never looked back, winning in 2:31:40 and earning US$3,000 in prize money. Less than a minute behind, Alexander claimed second place with a total time of 2:32:37, and Greg Bennett crossing the finish line. Richie Cunningham (2:35:58) came third, as he did in 2004, completing the Aussie sweep. In the women’s pro division Canadian Samantha McGlone finished strongly to win in a total time of 2:44:16. Three minutes later, a victorious Greg Bennett greeted his American wife Laura as she crossed the finish line to take second place ahead of Aus- tralian Belinda Granger.

ANNIVERSARY Women’s winner Samantha McGlone (centre), Laura Bennett (left), It was an outstanding weekend who placed second, and Belinda Granger (right), who took third place. for the Bennetts, who were also celebrating their first wedding Craig Alexander (AUST) 3. Nampetch Porntharukchan anniversary. 2:32:37; 3. Richie Cunningham (BKK) 4:10:30; 4. Laddawan A record-breaking field of (AUST) 2:35:58; 4. Massimo Arpapradit (BKK) 4:15:29; 5. 700 athletes competed in the Cigana (ITA) 2:39:06; 5. Alej- Supada Boonsupa (BKK) triathalon, which also included an andro Santamaria (SPAIN) 4:17:37. unprecedented 42 three-person 2:41:12. relay teams. Open Category Relay: 1. Hash The grueling race, which Women’s Pro Division: 1. House Harriers (THA) 3:01:13; started at 8 am at Sheraton Samantha McGlone (CAN) 2. Banyan Tree Phuket (THA) Grande Laguna, consisted of a 2:44:16; 2. Laura Bennett 3:03:03; 3. Sheraton Grande La- 1.8-km swim followed by a 55- (USA) 2:47:26; 3. Belinda Gran- guna Phuket (THA) 3:12:44. km bike ride and a 12-km run to ger (AUST) 2:52:57; 4. Carol the finish. Montgomery (CAN) 2:53:49; 5. Masters Category Relay: 1. The first overall amateur Jocelyn Pollock (UK) 2:54:33. Three Amigos (HK) 2:58:35; 2. finisher was Craig Johns from The Three Coconuts (THA) New Zealand, with a total time Thai Men’s Division: 1. Bun- 3:12:44; 3. Just Kidding (THA) of 2:52:15. The fastest Thai fin- luesak Doungdun (Chon Buri) 3:12:54. isher was Bunluesak Doungdun 2:55:24; 2. Saman Gunan (Chon with a very respectable time of Buri) 3:02:09; 3. Chadarak Chai- Clydesdales (men over 200 2:55:24. kamjorn (Nakhon Sri Tham- lbs): 1. Bevan Colless (AUS) The first Thai female to fin- marat) 3:02:54; 4. Wuttipat 3:26:57; 2. John Zanetos (USA) ish was remarkable 14-year-old Bunjang (Chon Buri) 3:12:32; 5. 3:29:00; 3. Karl Siegling (AUS) athlete Phuttrajit Sangkhaphan, Kiattisak Premarnant (Pathum 3:31:16; 4. Eric Saylors (USA) also the youngest participant, with Thani) 3:19:53. 3:33:10; 5. Mike Bolsover (GBR) a time of 3:35:40. 3:41:26. Thai Women’s Division: 1. RESULTS Phuttrajit Sankhaphan (Suphan Complete results available at Men’s Pro Division: 1. Greg Buri) 3:35:40; 2. Nuansiree http://www.lagunaphuket.com/ Bennett (AUST) 2:31:40; 2. Romphet (Suphan Buri) 3:35:38; triathlon/results.html 34 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PROPERTY December 10 - 16, 2005

Construction by Anongnat Sartpisut

The view of islands in Phang Nga Bay from the project.

The groundbreaking ceremony for Evason Hideaway & Six Senses Spa on Koh Yao Noi was performed by management and partners, inluding Jean-Michel Germing, Representative Owner – Pakoh Hotel Co Ltd; Anuwat Kosol, Managing Director – Pakoh Hotel Co Ltd; Christian Buchli, Corporate Project Director – Six Senses Resorts & Spas; and Chinawais Sarasas, Representative Owner – Pakoh Hotel Co Ltd. Coming soon: the Evason Hideaway on Koh Yao Noi akoh Hotel Co Ltd and Hideaway can be reached by Six Senses Resorts & speedboat from Phuket in about Spas recently celebrated 40 minutes and from Krabi in Pthe groundbreaking of about 25 minutes. their newest project – Evason The innovative contempo- Hideaway on Koh Yao Noi in rary design and selection of ma- Phang Nga province – scheduled terials for the project stem from to open by the end of 2006. a commitment to the environment The 60-rai Hideaway will and attention to detail. In addition comprise 54 pool villas in three to planned restaurants, bars and styles, ranging from 151 square a wine cellar, planned recreation meters to 200sqm, plus a large, facilities include a water sport three-bedroom, hill-top villa and center, a gym and a specially de- a two-bedroom beach villa. signed Six Senses Spa village. Several of the villas will feature their own private, outdoor spa For more information, contact suite salas, and the Hideaway will Tel: 02-6319746. Fax: 02-631- face a white-sand beach open- 9799. Email: ben@sixsenses. ing to a stunning view of islands com or visit the website: www. in Phang Nga Bay. The Evason sixsenses.com December 10 - 16, 2005 PHUKET PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 35

Home of the Week Loch Palm

New villas overlooking the golf course

ach on a one-rai plot, The floors are tiled in part There is also a steam sauna, these two high-quality and expensive marble is used on shower and outdoor toilet. villas with large living the landing level access to the As the common area Eareas of 370 square three bedrooms – two with en- stretches down to the main road, meters are ideally situated in a suite bathrooms. there can no possible further quiet location at the heart of the The master bedroom has a building below or above. island. walk-in slodet and dressing area Amenities and utilities in- Overlooking Loch Palm and a large bathroom, lavishly fin- clude private generator; a 160 Golf Course and Crystal Lake – ished in marble. KVA transformer with three- one of the island’s largest fresh The shower and huge bath phase electricity and five sepa- water lakes – these marvelous tub enjoy views overlooking the rate meters. three- to four-bedroom villas in- valley. An artesian well supplies clude a private guest level below, The kitchen, with modern constant fresh water, and there and also additional rooms for such high-quality appliances, also has is also a reverse osmosis filtra- uses as recreation or office work. delightful views. tion system; street lighting; and One villa is finished and the There is an office which eight phone lines with broadband. other is nearing completion. Well- could be an extra bedroom at the The location is within a 10- lit at night, the properties are ap- front, again with views. All ceil- minute drive of two main hospi- proached up a concrete driveway ings have fans and recessed light- tals, three golf courses and shop- with a guard house and CCTV ing. ping malls, as well as only five security cameras. Behind the vil- The floor below contains the minutes to the British Curriculum las is a parking area for up to 15 guest quarters or apartments International School; it is 25 min- cars, unusual for a hillside loca- which are open plan with sepa- utes to the airport. tion 72 meters above sea level. rate bathrooms. This is a rare opportunity to The entrance to each villa There is also a maid’s room own one of two special villas in is from the side into an open-plan on the lower level, along with a the Loch Palm area at a sensible living, dining and Western-style toilet, shower and laundry room. price – 20 million baht. kitchen area, which commands The approach has a wide, great views across the valley. The wheelchair-friendly ramp and For more information, contact ceilings are high, keeping the in- there is a drop-off area. Richard Lusted of Siam Real terior very cool; although there To the side and between the Estate at Tel: 076-288908, are air-conditioning units through- properties is a large 67sqm infin- email: info@siamrealestate. Phuket Blues Festival 2005 out, they hardly ever need to be ity swimming pool with a water- com or visit the website: www. used. fall and hillside garden. siamrealestate.com For full details see page 8 36 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PROPERTY December 10 - 16, 2005

Gardening with Bloomin’ Bert Easy pea sea. It’s bean a shore thing

m I the only person in I just don’t have the imagi- the world who thinks nation, I suppose. I leave that to that most witticisms the experts in the field. Acontaining a pun aren’t A pun is defined by Webster particularly amusing? Daft stuff as “the humorous use of a word, like a chocolate shop called “Co- or words which are formed or coa-nuts” or the sign above a sounded alike but have different psychiatrist’s couch that says, “I meanings, in such a way as to shrink, therefore I am”. That kind play on two or more of the pos- of thing. It’s just not punny. sible applications; a play on How about the story of the words.” Certainly not in the least skeptical anthropologist who was bit amusing when put that way. cataloging South American folk No doubt you will be im- remedies with the assistance of pressed, therefore, that this a tribal witch doctor, who indi- week’s story isn’t headlined “a cated that the leaves of a particu- beach of a life” or something similar fern were a sure cure for con- lar, as we’re having a look at stipation? When the anthropolo- something that seems to thrive on gist voiced his doubts, the witch Phuket’s beaches. This is a plant doctor looked him in the eye and that knows the best spots on the Small groups of pink to purple flowers appear among bright green leaves throughout the year. said, “Let me tell you, with fronds island – the sea bean, or pak ered plants growing up your itself. It’s very accepting of near- The seeds of the sea bean can like these, who needs enemas?” bung talay in Thai. fence are both distant cousins. drought conditions, doesn’t at- be gathered from parent plants at All right, I’ll admit to a slight It does an exceptional job of It’s normally a “ground tract any pests to speak of, and almost any time of year. snigger there. quietly binding the sand together vine”, but given half a chance, it grows especially well in sandy Apparently, young pods of I have to be honest – the on most of the island’s beaches. will climb up small trees or any- soil. All it requires is sunlight. The this bean species are eaten headlines that appear at the top More correctly known as cana- thing else it can grip. The prob- more the better. cooked. In certain areas of south- of this very column are often not valia maritima, this sturdy, eco- lem is that the areas in which it Nobody knows where the east Asia, young seeds reportedly my own. Do you really think I logically aware little plant is thrives tend not to have any trees sea bean originated. Its seeds are are used to make aroi maak – could be responsible for the head- also known as the beach bean, around, as it loves the sun and carried well by ocean currents, pease porridge – or so I’m told. line “Bauhinian Rhapsody” about bay bean, or MacKenzie bean. does best in wide, exposed areas. which is probably how it arrived The downside is that fresh imma- the bauhinia or “Cannary Worf” Whatever its name, it’s a mem- The ground cover is usually above here in Phuket in the first place. ture seeds contain toxic sub- appearing above a story about the ber of the pea family, so garden around 15 cm in height. It is now widely distributed on stances and should not be eaten canna? No, sorry. Not me. peas and those little purple-flow- The oval, evergreen leaves tropical ocean beaches and sea- raw. are 5cm- to 10cm-long leaflets, side dunes all over this and many In Thailand, its crushed rounded at the ends. Small groups other regions. leaves are well-known to relieve of pink to purple flowers appear The sea bean is actually the pain of jellyfish stings, while among these bright green leaves cultivated as a green manure crop in Malaysia, the flowers are used throughout the year. The distinc- or as a forage crop for cattle in as a flavoring. Yummy… tive flowers are followed by some areas. Its tendency to trail Given my desperation to sturdy little woody pods, which and expand along the ground, avoid anything that could be con- give away the plant’s pea parent- along with its soil-binding roots, strued as a play on words, I’ve age. make it very popular for ocean managed to avoid describing the Another use for this versa- beach stabilization and seaside sea bean as a “beachin” plant, or tile plant is on top of a wall. If a dune restoration projects in many suggesting that it has “bean there, number of them are put together, parts of the world, though not done that”. Oops. they’ll happily cascade and trail here. down the side of the wall, cover- The seeds are keen to ger- Want to know more ing an otherwise bland patch of minate if the seed coat is punc- about a plant brick or concrete. tured or nicked to allow water in your garden? While it’s not a particularly absorption and gas exchange. showy plant, it requires absolutely Seedling growth is fairly quick, Email Bloomin’ Bert at: no effort to grow. Once planted, producing vines a meter and a [email protected] it will just sit there and look after half long in two or three weeks. December 10 - 16, 2005 PHUKET PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 37

Decor Ananya Hongsa-ngiam Entrance with an entrance hen visitors come to call, you like to make a good first Wimpression. It’s an open and shut case – your door is the first thing they see. Doors hinge on various fac- tors and prices. An old-style carved teakwood door with Thai art paneling will cost about 17,000 This front door from Sak Thong baht, whereas a double-paneled House costs 17,000 baht. version with elephant motifs can low air to flow through to your be yours for 17,500 baht. residence. Size matters, of course, and It is corrosion-resistant and different dimensions will mean can also be used for commercial different prices. purposes. If you want the entrance to The Al Fresco model costs your abode to feature Thai liter- from about 25,000 baht. ary characters, the bill for your doors will be around 50,000 baht Sak Thong House, 100/43-45 for a double version. Chalermprakiat Ror IX, Ras- By contrast, if your tastes sada, Phuket. Tel/Fax: 076- swing towards to more modern 254700-1. designs, look no further than Häfele, the Courtyard, 90/5 Häfele, in the Courtyard on Chao Moo 2, Chaofa West Rd, Tel: Fa West Rd. 076-264481. Fax: 076-264- There you’ll find the Al 482. Email: hthphuket@ Fresco model, a French window hotmail.com or visit the web- with panels that slide open to al- site: www.hafele.co.th 38 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS December 10 - 16, 2005 Property Gazette

Properties For Sale

PARICHART LAND & HOUSE

- 3-bedroom house with 2 bathrooms - 2 air conditioners - newly painted - 1 telephone line - land area is 200sqm. Asking 2.35 million baht. Tel: 01-7974606, 01-7874289.

WEST COAST NEW HOUSES NEW HOUSE LAYAN IN PATONG IN PATONG Gorgeous 460sqm plot 3 new, connected, deluxe Brand-new, deluxe house with sea view. Great loca- houses on Patong hillside, with a swimming pool on a tion. Gated community. Soi Maneesi, for sale. Patong hillside, Soi Ma- Price: 26 million baht. Ground floor: garage and neesi. 2 floors, modern Please call for more details. separate 1-room apart- Thai-style architecture, Tel: 01-8924497. ment with toilet. 2nd floor: completely furnished, ready 2 bedrooms and bath- to live in. Ground floor: big rooms, balcony. 3rd floor: living room, Western-style RAWAI SHOPHOUSES living room with balcony, kitchen and dining room; built-in kitchen and dining guest toilet. 2nd floor: big 2 new, connected shop- room, toilet. 4th floor: big master bedroom and bath houses on Wiset Rd, in roof garden with Jacuzzi. with Jacuzzi, 2 bedrooms Rawai, are for sale. Ground Usable area: 200sqm; free- and a separate bathroom. floor: sales office, staff hold land: 100sqm. Price: Each room has an air condi- room, kitchen, dining room 6.2 million baht. (US$ tioner and a balcony. Living and toilet. 2nd floor: master 155,000). For more details, area: 200sqm; freehold land bedroom with separate bath please contact K. Peter at 150sqm. Price: 8.5 million and 2 separate bedrooms Tel: 01-8928526 or visit baht. (US$210,000). Please with connecting bathroom. the website www.phuket- contact K. Peter at Tel: 01- 3rd floor: living room and en- besthomes.com 8928526 or visit: www. suite bedroom. Living area phuket-besthomes.com 200sqm, freehold land: GREAT INVESTMENT PATONG CONDOS RAWAI, 2-STORY 100sqm. Price 4.5 million at Bang Tao Beach. 2-bed- Condos with nice sea views, house. 200sqm house with RAWAI LUXURY VILLA room units with landscaping, 28sqm and 56sqm, for sale. Chanote title, brand new, close baht. (US$113.000). Please 144sqm house with 400sqm BEACH APARTMENT contact K.Peter. Tel: 01- 124sqm and 230sqm apart- pool and recreation club. Only Priced from 750,000 baht. to a temple, 450m from the or 600sqm of land for sale. 150m to the beach. Price: 8.5 Near bank and post office. beach; asking 1.8 million baht. 8928526. Please see our Located 350m from the ments, a 2-minute walk to the website at: www.phuket- beach. Priced from 8.5 million million baht. Open for inspec- Please contact for more de- Please contact for further in- beach. Priced from 2.4 mil- tion 10 am-10 pm daily. Tel: tails. Tel: 09-4740227. Email: formation. Tel: 06-6865567. besthomes.com lion baht. Please contact for baht. Tel: 06-2806624. Avail- able for inspection 10 am-10 06-2806624. [email protected] Email: free_holdprop@yahoo. info. Tel: 06-6865567. Email: com [email protected] pm daily. NEAR BRITISH SCHOOL NAI HARN LAND RAWAI CONDOS with sea views. 27, 54 and PATONG TOWER The Woodlands, limited 2 STORIES, RAWAI PATONG CONDOTEL 2-rai plot ready to build . It 81sqm. Priced from 350,000 A 64sqm, 1-bedroom, sea- number of Pool Homes 130sqm house with Chanote A foreign freehold seaview has electricity, water and a baht. Financing for 3 years view condo with pool for sale available now. Financing title, brand-new, close to a condo of 56sqm, 350m from wall around the land. Can be available. Foreign freehold. on the 14th floor. Please con- available. Please contact for school, 400m from the beach; the beach is for sale. Asking sold with a company title. Please contact for more infor- tact for more info. Tel: 01- more information. Tel: 076- asking 1.3 million baht. Please 1.6 million baht. Please con- Asking price: 7.3 million baht. mation. Tel: 09-4740227. 7540200. Email: olegrostkov 380400. Email: siamuk@ contact for more information. tact for further information. No agent. Please call for more Email: [email protected] @yahoo.com loxinfo.co.th Tel: 06-6865567. Email: free_ Tel: 06-6865567. Email: information. Tel: 09-594- [email protected] [email protected] 4017. December 10 - 16, 2005 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 39 Property Gazette

1-2 RAI 6-BEDROOM HOUSE HOUSE FOR SALE UNIQUE SPA OCEAN VIEW PLOTS IN KATHU RESORT

Owner is selling an exclusive, One development in Bang top-quality 6-bedroom house A 3-bedroom detached Home on Phuket. A new Tao and one near Mission in Kamala, located near house with 3 air condition- house with distinctive char- Hills. Both complete with Phuket FantaSea, 1.5km ers and solar cell hot water. acter. Fully furnished with infrastructure. Plot prices from the beach and next to Asking 3.45 million baht. select quality material. Stun- start from 1.65 million baht. a beautiful, natural lake. The Please call for more details. ning garden and a cozy spa. Tel: 076-270376, 09- house has all the facilities you Tel: 076-202585, 09-196- 1.67rai, located 5 minutes 8733564. Fax: 076-271- need – a European-Thai 8449 . to Nai Harn. Tel: 01-446- 193. Email: lagunaphuket@ kitchen, large living-dining 2021 or 09-6481136. exotiqrealestate.com For room with pantry-bar; 2 bed- Email: baanphuchaofa@ further details, please see rooms on the ground floor yahoo.com For more info, and 4 bedrooms on the 1st SEAVIEW our website at: www. APARTMENTS please see our website at : exotiqrealestate.com floor with en-suite bath- www.phuchaofa.com room; a large attic, hot water IN PATONG supplied by solar heating sys- New, deluxe 2-bedroom tem, own well and drinking apartments of 85sqm or KATA HILLS water, etc. Large, mature 96sqm, fully furnished and HOUSE: 2 YEARS OLD, garden with outdoor air-conditioned. Location: 599,000 baht. 18 square Jacuzzi. Chanote title, total Nanai hill in Patong, Soi wah, 2 bedrooms, 1 toilet, BEACHFRONT BAAN NAI-TROK land area: 1,180sqm. Thamdee; 60-year lease. kitchen, living room, parking FOR SALE CHALONG 90,000 baht net rental in- Offers starting at 4.1 million space. Please contact for come until August 2006. baht (US$102,000). Please more information. Tel: 076- Asking price: 18 million contact K. Peter. Tel: 01- 214794, 06-6837162. baht. Please contact Franz 8928526. Please see our Email: yosompetch@ Brun in Chalong. Tel: 076- website at: www. phuket- hotmail.com besthomes.com 1-bedroom flat in mature, 282737, 01-4761415. secluded development. Email: [email protected] NEW 3-BDRM HOUSE Pool, all amenities. 3.75 VERY NICE CONDO Big Jacuzzi and steamed Beachfront land for sale. Wanphum Villas. Modern- million baht. Tel: 09-909- KATA LAND PLOTS Rawai, 28sqm, newly reno- shower room, and big fully 160m long. 4 rai on the themed courtyard villas, 1917. Email: porter20022 900m to the beach. Prices vated and fully furnished; with equipped Western kitchen. west cost at Maikhon using only the finest materi- @yahoo.com from 1.3 million baht. Contact air conditioner and fridge. For sale with down payment beach. Chanote title, public als, each offering a private for details. Tel: 01-0918908. Asking 650,000 baht. Please of 2.5 million baht. Tel: 01- road access. Price: 12 million swimming pool, 3 bed- BEAUTIFUL HOUSE Email: katabeachestate@ call for more details. Tel: 04- 7973401. Email: yoon@ baht/rai. Email: wanphum@ rooms, open-air living room, in Rawai. 5 minutes from the hotmail.com 1899336. skrinet.com yahoo.com fully fitted kitchen & modern beach, in a nice resort. In- bathroom appliances, and cludes 3 bedrooms, a living covered parking. Priced room, Western kitchen, 4 KATHU, 2 STORIES from 7.7 million baht. Agents for Classified Advertising Brand-new, with Chanote bathrooms, 5 air conditioners, Email: wanphum@yahoo. DSL, a pool, Jacuzzi and tropi- title; 2 bedrooms, 2 bath- com rooms and 2 air conditioners. cal garden. Chanote title . Asking 2.5 million baht. Tel: Asking 7 million baht. Please PHUKET 04-1843484. GOOD PRICE HOUSE contact for more information. A house in quiet, safe Land & Tel: 07-8929145. Email: K.L. Mart Tel: 076-280400/3 SMALL TOWNHOUSE Houses Park, 86 square wah, [email protected] Patak Rd, Chalong Fax: 076-280403 1-year-old townhouse with 2 with 2 bedrooms, air condi- bedrooms in Kathu. Chanote tioner, 2 bathrooms, a living SHOPHOUSE FOR SALE Earth Language School Tel: 076-232398/9 title. Only 780,000 baht. Tel: room and a built-in kitchen. in central Patong. Only 9.5 09-2908854 (please ask for Asking from 2.7 to 3.5 million million baht. Fully tenanted, Phang Nga Rd, Phuket City Fax: 076-232398 Tom). Email: verhaeghefranc baht. Please call for more info. with a long lease. Tel: 07- @hotmail.com Tel: 01-5979049. 8817600. Sin & Lee Tel: 076-258369 Thalang Rd, Phuket City Fax: 076-211230

Taurus Travel Tel: 076-344521/2 Looking for land to buy? Aroonsom Plaza Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd, Patong Fax: 076-344523

See more classified ads 41 Minimart Tel/Fax: 076-324312 at www.phuketgazette.net/classifieds Srisoontorn Rd, Cherng Talay 40 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS December 10 - 16, 2005 Property Gazette

BEACH PLOTS PRIME AO CHALONG POOL VILLAS STUNNING SEA VIEW RAWAI, 2-STORY PLAZA DEL MAR UNIT BEACHFRONT NEAR LAGUNA Brand-new house for long- Ground-floor unit. 40sqm, term rent. 2 bedrooms, fully aircon, two phone lines, fire furnished, 400m from and security systems, and a beach. Asking 12,000 baht safe. Minimum rental: 12 a month. Please call for more months at 21,500 baht a details. Tel: 01-4763623. month. Includes service and maintenance. Please contact Beautiful half-rai (800sqm) A villa with 3 bedrooms and for more information. Tel: plot with 15m white sand Famous lighthouse up for 2- to -4-bedroom villas each bathrooms, plus a maid’s KAMALA SHOPHOUSE 076-281327, 01-8954480. beach frontage. Located on Email: [email protected]. sale again. Development with swimming pool, modern room. Location: Cape Yamu, Located only 200m from the Nakha Island, only 2 minutes potential on spare land. Only kitchen, air conditioning, elevated, east coast, provid- th from Phuket’s east coast beach. Asking price 15,000 interested parties, please. landscaping. 5-star quality. ing some of prettiest views baht per month; no key (Ao Por Pier), 25 minutes to No brokers. Contact via Prices start at 8.9 million on Phuket. Furnished, with a airport and major shopping money. For details, please email: maipenrai@hushmail. baht. Tel: 076-261999, 06- pool and gardens in a very contact K. Thomas. Tel: 01- LONG-TERM LEASE centers. For sale direct from com 6825156. Fax: 076-261- quiet, exclusive estate, 15 owner. 3.5 million baht. Tel: 5385285. Email: bbq@ New, fully-furnished house in 994. Email: info@twovillas. minutes to BCIS/Laguna. loxinfo.co.th 01-3430777 . com For further details, Asking only 80,000 baht Palai Green, with 2 air-conditioned bedrooms, hot SINGLE HOUSES please see our website at: per month. Please call for www.twovillas.com more info.Tel: 06-2796283. shower, kitchen, living room, Last three houses of 204sqm STUNNING SEA VIEW garage and beautiful garden. SEA VIEW each for sale, located on New house overlooking a Located in a quiet area near Prices from 2.5 million Chao Fa East Rd. Each has 3 narow beach, in a quiet loca- Chalong Bay. Please call for baht. All houses have swim- bedrooms, 2 restrooms, 1 KAMALA RAWAI RESIDENCE tion. Furnished, UBC, big more details. Tel: 01-892- ming pool and panoramic kitchen, 1 living room. Ask- HOUSE & LAND A fully furnished studio for pool, nice garden-terrace. 4311. sea view of Phuket and sur- ing 2.05 million baht per rent, 400m from the beach. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms; Living room: 24sqm; bed- rounding islands. Estimated house. Please call for more Asking 5,000 baht per a 350sqm plot: 950,000 room 24sqm; with air condi- property value increase of information. Tel: 01-597- month. Please call for more BRIGHT BACHELOR baht; and 1,000sqm plot: tioning and a big bathroom. 25-40% per year. Major 3398. For further details, info. Tel: 09-4740227. suites. Available for long-term 2.5 million baht. Tel: 076- Long-term rent 18,000 baht growth area of Phuket. Tel: please see our website at: rent on Soi Yodsane, Chalong. 2925960, 06-2678477. per month. In German, En- 01-3976921, 06-942- www.phuket-kthome.com From 9,500 baht a month. Email: tourniechristian@ glish or French, call Tel: 07- 7318. Fax: 076-203426. Fully furnished, air-condi- hotmail.com PATONG SHOP 9344247. In Thai, call Tel: Email: michael@bayproject. tioned, with satellite TV, a 07-8100150. com For further details, 3 PLOTS FOR SALE for rent in Soi Patong Beach fridge and a covered car park. please see our website at: 1 rai each, Chanote, located Hotel, near the beach road – Please contact for full details. www.bayproject.com in Palai, Chalong, 5 minutes Properties a popular area. Selling at a Tel: 01-8938592, 06-282- walk to the beach. Price: 3.6 For Rent good price. Please call for NEW HOUSE 6221. Email: saneroad@ million baht/rai. Please call for more details. Tel: 01-539- AT THALANG yahoo.com 3078. more info. Tel: 09-7298365. Located in Vongchalerm BEACH HOUSE HOUSE AT ‘SANDS’ PATONG APARTMENT Villa, near the airport. With 3 Only 2 minutes to the beach, bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and Close to Nai Harn Beach on For long-term rent. 1 bed- CHALONG HOUSE 3 levels, on a quiet street. BUILDING FOR SALE 1 kitchen. Tel: 09-8718327. Phuket’s south coast, the Selling for 2.7 million baht. room, 1 TV room, cable TV, 3 bedrooms, furnished from 3.5 floors in a good location house is one of only four at- Tel: 04-8405834. aircon, plus same but with mid-January. Asking 15,000 tached to the Sands Resort for doing business in Phuket good sea view. 7,000- baht per month. Please call FOR RENT OR SALE City. Asking 5 million baht for with the benefit of all the re- 20,000 baht per month. Tel: for more details. Tel: 076- at Kamala Beach: 3 bedrooms, 2 buildings. Please call for sort facilities such as swim- 09-2909567. For more info, 283211, 04-8484344. 4 bathrooms, walled-in. Has HOUSE + COMMERCIAL more details. Tel: 09-873- ming pool, 24-hour security, see our website at: www. air conditioner, UBC, tele- covered car park, satellite In Rawai: 2 bedrooms + 1019. brommathaihouse.com phone, garage, garden with TV and beautifully main- commercial space. Price: 1.3 swimming pool and a hill view. tained garden. Email: jt@ million baht. Tel: 04-850- PATONG RESIDENCE For 6-month rental at 35,000 phukethouserental.co.uk For 4559. LAND FOR SALE A fully furnished studio for KATHU HOUSE baht a month, or for sale at more information, please see on the bypass road, 27 rai, rent, 400m from the beach. FOR RENT Asking 9,000 baht per 5.8 million baht. Please con- our website at: www. 3 MINUTES TO LAGUNA 180 meters wide. Tel: 07- tact Staffan for more informa- phukethouserental.co.uk 2670488. Furnished, 2 bedrooms, 2 month. Please call for more A 12-rai, hill-view plot with bathrooms, kitchen, living information. Tel: 09-474- tion. Tel: 05-7816005. Email: power, access road and a room, and 2 air conditioners. 0227. [email protected] NEW RAWAI HOUSES gentle slope. No agents. Tel: TOWNHOUSE Asking 8,000 baht a month Two brand-new villas in quiet 01-0895924. located at Boat Lagoon Ma- for long-term rent. Tel: 09- HOUSE TO SHARE area off Baan Saiyuan. 3 bed- rina. 200sqm. Asking 9.5 mil- 2909567. For details, please HOUSE FOR RENT Brand-new, 3 bedrooms, 2 rooms, 2 bathrooms, hot wa- BIG & SMALL LOTS lion baht. Please contact for see our website at: www. Unfurnished 2-bedroom, 2- bathrooms, pool, in Patong. ter, large living area, entrance We have 1-rai, ½-rai and ¼-rai more details. Tel: 01-273- brommathaihouse.com bathroom house with kitchen, Minimum 6-month rental: hall, kitchen, driveway and lots for sale in Rawai and 4000. Email: charly@bonello. curtains and garden for 6,500 14,000 baht/month. Please private walled garden. Only Chalong at great prices. Please de baht per month. Please con- call Paul at Tel: 09-8171060. minutes from Rawai and Nai contact for more information, 450SQM HOME tact for details. Tel: 01-442- Harn Beaches, and close to Tel: 07-2747470 or Email: FOR SALE & RENT This large house on a 3-rai plot 5042. Email: phuket_ may_04 SPACIOUS HOUSE local amenities. Looking for [email protected] Townhome/office, 3 stories, 2 is located on a quiet soi, 5 min- @yahoo.com Furnished, 3 bedrooms, de- careful long-term tenants. mins to Central, 4 bedrooms, utes from the beach. Facilities tached, Chalong area. 140 16,000 baht per month. 3 toilets. 3.5 million baht. include: an enclosed pool, 2 GREAT LOCATION sqm house + 260sqm gar- Please call for more details. 1 RAI – CHALONG Please call for full details. Tel: I have 3 lots in Chalong area, phone lines, a garage and Great location in Kata for a bar den. 18,000 baht a month. Tel: 076-388604, 01-894- 07-0403780. or shop, 5 meters x 15 meters. a super nice savannah-type guest house. 45,000 baht per Tel: 076-285211, 04-848- 3966. Email: info@thailand- month, including pool and gar- Rent of 300,000 baht a year sail.com area – nice trees, quiet, 2 RAI IN RAWAI 4344. stream. 2.9 million baht per dening fees. Please call for over a 5-year contract, not Asking 2.2 million baht per rai. info. Tel: 01-8942733 (Eng), paid monthly. Please call for rai. Please contact for more Need to sell quick: 2 rai in information. Tel: 07-274- or 01-7371078 (Thai). Email: further information. Tel: 076- Gazette Online Classifieds – 10,000 readers Rawai beside klong (canal). [email protected] 333140, 06-9081270. 7470. Email: nsupin@yahoo. Please contact for more de- com tails. Tel: 07-2747470. Email: [email protected] CHALONG SEA VIEW 7 rai, most stunning view, 5 RAI – CHALONG ideal for a development Prices start at 1.9 million baht project; with water and elec- per rai. Road and electricity tricity. Asking 2.9 million baht complete; ready for the start per rai. Tel: 01-5376866. of a project. Please call for more info. Tel: 01-5376866. LAND IN RAWAI A 1-rai plot, 80 square wah, BAR/RESTAURANT near Rawai Beach. Asking 3.5 6 bungalows and house for million baht. Tel: 01-693- sale 3+3-year contract, 9571. Patong. Tel: 01-0809802. December 10 - 16, 2005 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 41 Property Gazette

Property Wanted PATONG LUXURY LONG-TERM RENTAL The Stone Doctor Household Apartments. Central Patong Employed permanent resi- Services 1- and 2-bedroom apart- dent seeks inexpensive long- Specialist European stone- ments. Please contact for term rental. Kalim, Kamala or care products and services: more information. Email: Surin. Tel: 01-8421677. • Restoration [email protected] • Sealing/Protection URGENT • Maintenance Looking for affordable accom- All your maintenance, ROOMS TO LET modation not far from Phuket protection & cleaning needs City. Maximum 3,000 baht a for natural and manufactured Lakeview apartments in stone. month. Tel: 07-2281528, 06- Kathu. Fully furnished, with • Marble • Sandwash air conditioner, fridge, cable 2670756. Email: jacqueswendy • Granite • Terracotta TV, hot water, car park. 183 @csloxinfo.com • Slate • Terrazzo baht per day. Please con- • Sandstone • Ceramics, etc tact for more info. Tel: 076- 3-BEDROOM HOUSE Prevent: rust, stains, mildew, 202585, 09-1968449. Fully furnished in Kathu with algae, scratches telephone line, aircon, required Remove: builders’ residue, Email: ketmaneeclayton61 incorrect sealants, rust, stains, ROOM/SUITE WITH Accommodation @hotmail.com for long-term rental. Tel: 01- mildew, etc. Daily care & INEXPENSIVE LAUNDRY POOL WANTED Available 8934661. Email: valiant@ cleaning products also Looking for an inexpensive An apartment, room or suite loxinfo.co.th available. PATONG BEACH laundry in the Patong area. in Karon, Kata or Patong Staying long-term and don’t A 2-bedroom apartment Tel: 07-2824930, 076-271217 wanted for long-term let (6- Fax: 076-271218 want to pay 50 baht/kilo. PATONG STUDIO about 80sqm, with air condi- Building Email: 12 months). Pool and good APARTMENT Email: [email protected] security required. Please tioning; living room with an Products [email protected] email with details and pho- Modern apartment off open kitchen and dining area, Nanai Rd – fully furnished in- and 2 toilets with showers. & Services tos. Email: kvrobo@hotmail. KOMATSU PC 30 Household co.uk cluding TV, large fridge, hot Within walking distance to water, fan, aircon and the beach (500m) in a quiet Excavator 3.2, good condition, Services kitchenette. From 6,500 area. Please contact for more privately owned. 240,000 Needed baht per month. Tel: 076- details and photos. Tel: 06- baht. Tel: 01-8946506, 01- 3- TO 4-BEDROOM 344039, 07-2650652. 2687901. Email: martintwn 3762920. Email: wbenze HOUSE WANTED Email: [email protected] @yahoo.com @gmx.net CAREGIVER A rental house with 3 or 4 Wanted: Kind, fit, strong per- bedrooms wanted for expat Household son who can be trained to look family from December 27 LONG-TERM LEASE Accommodation after an 87-year-old lady with 2005, for at least 18 Wanted Items Alzheimer’s/combative de- months. Preferred locations: Guesthouse near Sheraton mentia. She must be able to Krabi, with rooms, a mini- Chuan Chuen Lagoon, Boat MOVING SALE assist daily with cooking, hy- Lagoon or other nice and safe mart, a restaurant and tour giene, walking, toileting, bath- HOUSE TO RENT Moving to Bangkok: must compound not too far from desk. Tel: 04-1929812, 06- ing and dressing. Experience Looking for a big house to rent sell small 14" TV, VCD/CD British Int’l School and Hero- 6823119. with the elderly and some flu- from 24/12/05 until 18/1/06. player, and surround-sound ines’ Monument. Please con- ency in English would be helpful. Furniture and full kitchen re- speakers. Paid 6,000 baht; tact for more information. PATONG SEAVIEW Competitive Thai salary and quired. South Phuket if pos- asking 4,000 ono. Also have Tel: 076-317308 or 01- house. A 2- or 3-bedroom possibly accommodations for sible. Let me know by email if double burner and assorted 8938265. Fax: 076-317- house with 2 bathrooms, a the right person. Tel: 07- you have something of inter- kitchenware. Tel:07-881- 399. Email: sue.prapapan@ pool, UBC, ADSL, 43-inch TV 8894969. Email: rousseau72 est please email to Email: 1765. Email: fogarceos4@ radi.se and a fantastic sea view. A hotmail.com or catmilan@ bengt-ake.lundmalm@ hotmail.com must-see! Asking 75,000 bredband.net aol.com baht per month for long-term rent. Please contact for more LOOKING FOR BAR PHUKET APARTMENT information. Tel: 07-882- wanted. I’m looking to move to Looking to buy the lease 1963. Email: benlee53@ Phuket. I need reasonable rights on a bar or bar-restau- hotmail.com accommodation for myself rant in Patong. Location is im- and my girlfriend. Furniture, portant, also fair value for KAMALA ROOM TV and a good Internet con- what is offered. Serious re- for rent from December 1-28, nection would be a plus. My plies only by email. Looking at 650 baht per day. Includes budget is 4,000 to 6,000 baht forward to receiving your cable TV and air conditioning. a month. Please contact me offer! Please contact for Please contact for further by email and put “PHUKET” in more details. Email: info. Tel: 06-2746511. Email: the subject line. Email: pes@ [email protected] [email protected] planr.com 42 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS December 10 - 16, 2005 Property Gazette

1,500 SQM 14 RAI 2.6 RAI WITH SEAVIEW PLOT 6 RAI 13 rai 3 ngan 98 talang wah SEA VIEW IN PATONG 3-BEDROOM 3-BEDROOM ON THE BEACH (5.598 acres). Very quiet The size of the plot is 2 rai 2 This great seaview plot is THAI-STYLE VILLA VILLA WITH POOL The plot is located on the place, hill and sea views ngan and 53 talang wah – located in Kalim (north of Besides the nice land- Villa comprises 3 bed- east coast at Ao Por and from second floor, just a few 4,212sqm – and all the land Patong). It has road ac- scaped garden, you can en- rooms, 2 bathrooms, guest has beautiful views of is- minutes’ walk to the beach is under the 80-meter height cess, and water and elec- joy a common pool. There is toilet, kitchen, living and din- lands in Phang Nga Bay. and 3 minutes’ drive to the restriction. This plot is very in- tricity supply are available. also space to park at least 3 ing room, maid’s room, out- The land is flat with a slope ferry for Phi Phi Islands and teresting for a small villa The land is 3 ngan 75 cars. The living space is door shower, terrace at the back. It has road ac- surrounding islands. Very project. Great spot with talang wah (1,500sqm) with 440sqm and the land size around the house, pool and cess, and water and elec- cheap price for Phuket: 20 many opportunities. Price: Chanote title. Price: 13.5 468sqm with Chanote title. a garden. tricity supply are available. million baht. Tel: 09-871 30 million baht. Tel: 09- million baht. Tel: 09-871 Value for money. 6.7 million Price: 14 million baht. Price: 40 million baht. 5192. 8715192. 5192. baht. Tel: 06-2726508. Tel: 06-2726508. Tel: 09-8715192.

2-BEDROOM VILLA 2-BEDROOM Has a nice sea view. Villa 6 RAI WITH 12-BEDROOM VILLA WITH POOL 6 RAI 3-BEDROOM GUESTHOUSE comprises 2 bedrooms, 2 SEA VIEW The villa is located in the Includes 200 meters of un- en-suite bathrooms , bal- VILLA Only 5 minutes from Mai All rooms are fully furnished south of Patong with amaz- spoiled beachfront. This cony with sala, a kitchen, liv- Has a sound system Khao Beach, 10 minutes with en-suite bathroom, air ing hill and valley views. It beautiful land is located on ing room, dining room, laun- throughout the house, from the airport, 10 minutes conditioner, safety box, TV comprises 2 bedrooms, 2 the east coast of Koh Naka dry room, guest toilet, a car plasma TV in the living from the Blue Canyon Coun- and mini bar. Built in 1999, 4 en-suite bathrooms, living- Yai, all covered with tropi- park for 2 cars; surrounded room with satellite TV. try Club and 20 minutes stories, all major mainte- dining room, kitchen, guest cal and coconut trees. You by a garden. All wood fea- Around the house is a well- from Phuket City and Lotus. nance work re-done last year. toilet, and a pool with sala can reach the plot by boat tures throughout the house designed tropical garden It has electricity supply and The land title is Chanote. where you can enjoy great from Ao Por in 20 minutes. are made from teak. Price with Buddha image fea- access road. Price: 12 million Price: 20 million baht. views. Price: 12 million baht. Price: 20 million baht. Tel: 9.5 million baht. Tel: 06- tures. Price: 14.9 million baht. Tel: 09-8715192. Tel: 06-2726508. Tel: 06-2726508. 09-8715192. 2726508. baht. Tel: 06-2726508.

3-BEDROOM VILLA 3-BEDROOM VILLA 1 RAI Beautiful sea view. Located WITH SEA VIEW The land, with underground in the southern hills of The villa is surrounded by a 9 RAI infrastructure, is ready to Patong. Comprises 3 bed- tropical garden and has 24- WITH SEA VIEW build on, and the area This 9-rai plot is located in 2 RAI SEA VIEW rooms, 2 en-suite bath- hour security. Comprises 3 boasts some of the most 2 SHOPHOUSES rooms, 1 guest bathroom, bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a Chalong and has a slight Chanote title, public road expensive housing on the There are 4 floors with 6 Western kitchen, living Western kitchen, living-din- slope with a sea view. It is a access, water and elec- island. A very good invest- rooms in each unit and the room, dining room, a ter- ing room and 2 terraces nice square plot and has tricity. Only 2 minutes to ment; a beautiful area with ground floor is ideal for en- race where you can enjoy where you can relax and water and electricity supply. Rawai Beach. nice, quiet beaches. tertainment. Very good lo- the sunset; storeroom and see the sunset. It is fully fur- Ideal for a villa project. Price: 8 million baht. Price: 8 million baht. cation. Price 18 million baht. a carport. Price: 13.5 million nished. Price: 15 million Price: 36 million baht. Tel: 09-8715192. Tel: 09-8715192. Tel: 06-2726508. baht. Tel: 06-2726508. baht. Tel: 06-2726508. Tel: 09-8715192.

16 X 2-BEDROOM APARTMENT

This 16-unit apartment build- 2-BEDROOM ing is located in a quiet area VILLA in Chalong, 5 minutes’ drive 3-BEDROOM ISLANDS to Big C and Central, 10 min- 7 RAI With sea view. It comprises utes to Phuket City and 15 THAI-STYLE VILLA 9 RAI FOR SALE a master bedroom with en- WITH SEA VIEW WITH SEA VIEW minutes to Nai Harn, Karon It comprises 3 bedrooms, 2 We have many island prop- suite bathroom and Jac- and Kata Beaches. All A good piece of land in a en-suite bathrooms, guest This plot is located in erties on our books. Cur- cuzzi, guest bedroom with en- apartments have 2 bed- bathroom, Western-style Chalong and has a slight quiet area with public rent: 2 complete islands suite bathroom, kitchen, living rooms, a bathroom, kitchen, kitchen and a spacious liv- slope with a sea view. It is a road access, water and and many land plots of dif- room, dining room, study, living and dining room, and ing-dining room. Besides the nice square plot and has electricity supply. ferent sizes on islands close guest toilet, 2-car carport, nice are fully furnished. It has an of- nice landscaped garden, you water and electricity supply. to Phuket, such as: Koh Yao garden, solar-heated hot- fice, manicured gardens Only 10 minutes to Rawai can enjoy a common pool. Ideal for a villa project. Yai, Koh Yao Noi and Koh water system, UBC, phone and the property is very well Price: 6.7 million baht. Price: 36 million baht. Beach. Price: 38.5 million Racha. Prices from 1 mil- with Internet. Price 7.5 million maintained. Price: 20 million Tel: 06-2726508. Tel: 09-8715192. baht. Tel: 09-8715192. lion baht. Tel: 09-8715192. baht. Tel: 06-2726508. baht. Tel: 06-2726508. December 10 - 16, 2005 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 43 Boats & Marine

FISHING BOAT FOR SALE

Fishing boat in good condition. Jim Young’s “Vindex” design. Built under license in cedar strip/epoxy. Beam: 12ft; Length 36ft. 300hp Cummins 6BTA diesel engine. ZF hydraulic gear. Hy- draulic steering from main cabin or flybridge, many extras. Sleeps 2 couples in forward cabin or convertible dining area. WC, shower, handbasin. Galley and bosun’s locker. Fully taxed and registered in Thailand, including berth for nearly 1 year at Boat Lagoon. Price: 2.3 million baht. Call Peter at Tel: 01-8166940 or Email: [email protected]

24’ SWISSCAT

STEEL KETCH BEACH CATAMARAN for sale. Big & strong, Dutch Nacra 5.5, imported from designed, can sail around the Australia with spinnaker kit world. 50ft long, 15ft beam, and carbon righting pole im- 7ft draft. 6-cylinder Perkins ported from US. White hull Has 2 Honda 4-stroke out- main engine uses 6 liters of and sails, spinnaker shiny red. boards, 50hp each; 24kts; fuel per hour. Hand-start Good condition. Marine insur- 160 hours; SemiCat; Thai Yanmar/Denyo genset with ance until 2006. 175,000 flag; built 2004; fully stainless steel wet exhaust. baht or best reasonable offer. equipped at Boat Lagoon. VHF & CB radios, GPS, video Contact me Tel: 01-8349647 Asking price just 1.24 million sounder. New mizzen sail. 900 or K. Pop on 01-9135627 or baht. Tel: 076-289250, 01- liters fuel and 1,500 liters at Email: jdhardt@csloxinfo. 2734000. Email: grosse- water plus 120 liters drinking com [email protected] water in proper tanks. Beauti- ful hardwood interior, new WANTED: BANANA SEADOO JETBOAT carpet and paint. Nice galley and parasail. Wanted for ex- Features 2 x 115hp Rotax en- and head. Lying at Phuket port to the Middle East: sec- gines, new Bimini; lots of fun Yacht Haven marina. Price ondhand or new 3-person ba- for four pople. Asking Only US$82,000. Illness nana (yes, to tow behind a 550,000 baht. Located at forces quick sale. Tel. 01- boat) and parasail. Please pro- Boat Lagoon Marina. Please 8969319, 09-4661130. vide all info and contacts by contact for more details. Tel: Email: starfishscuba@ email. Email: daveonthenet@ 01-2734000. Email: charly@ starfishscuba.com mac.com bonello.de 44 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS December 10 - 16, 2005 Boats & Marine Island Job Mart

21FT BOSTON- WHALER STYLE 21ft fiberglass Boston Whaler-style boat: central console, twin four-stroke Honda 50hp engines. Trailer, Thai registration. As new, made in 2004. For sale in Pattaya at 420,000 baht only. Please contact Carlo. Tel: 01-8626954. Email: carlossecretgarden @yahoo.com

WANTED: LIVEABOARD to lease. We are an established dive company operating on Phi Phi. We are interested in leasing a smallish liveaboard boat on monthly terms. Please contact me, should you have a boat for lease. Tel: 07-2661850. Email: goff_diving@hotmail. com STAFF WANTED 20FT SPEEDBOAT New restaurant in Patong is Fiberglass over wood, center looking for: console, new hull 3 years ago - 2 waitresses with basic En- for 150,000 baht. 60hp glish Evinrude with electric starter, - 1 Thai chef with interna- power trim and tilt. Bracket tional background LONGBOARD YACHTIES AHOY! for extra engine + old 3.5hp - 2 cook’s helpers. wanted. Secondhand, any Rum guzzling, beer swiggin’ Mercury engine. New battery, We offer interesting salaries. brand, around 8ft-9ft. Price shore-shaggers needed to fill 1,500 gpm bilge pump, new Please contact for details. Tel: around 7,000 baht. Tel: 01- positions around my bar and Quicksilver gas can, stainless- 076-345545, 09-6476582. 0817163. Email: hiphopdec lounge. Apply in person at steel anchor, outriggers for Fax: 076-345889. Email: @gmail.com Home Bar off Soi Bangla. trolling. Wood trailer. Boat is Thai-registrated for private [email protected] use. Boat is located in Ao Yon, Phuket. Everything functions LOOKING FOR MAID very well. We are asking for We are looking for a full-time Looking for a boat? 185,000 baht. Please contact maid to stay with us. She for more details, Tel: 076- should cook, clean, do laundry www.phuketgazette.net ! 200950, 01-8208307. Fax: and be able to drive a motor- 076-200950. Email: arottes Gazette Online Classifieds – 10,000 readers every day! bike. Tel: 01-9795624. Email: @frisurf.no [email protected] December 10 - 16, 2005 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 45 Island Job Mart

CONSTRUCTION TECH STAFF Leading development company urgently requires the following technical staff for a prestigious condominium project located in the La- guna area, Phuket. Project Architect (1 position) Male or female, age not over 35 years. Degree or higher in Architecture. Class 1 or Class 2 License. 3-5 years’ experience in the design of residential and resort developments. Experience in interior design and landscaping would be an advantage. Construction engineer/ Architect (1 position) Male, age not over 30 years. Degree or higher in Construction Engineering or SECRETARY Architecture. 3-5 years’ WANTED work experience in con- Marine electronics com- struction of residential pany based in the Boat La- projects. goon needs a Thai lady to run Electrical/Mechanical the office. Must have good Engineer (1 position) English and be good with Male, age not over 30 computers. Good salary years. Degree or higher in package offered. Please Electrical/Mechanical Engi- contact for more details. neering. 3-5 years’ work Tel: 076-239112, 01-892- experience in construction 0534. Fax: 076-239058. of residential projects. Email: damian@electrical- marine.com For further de- All positions require a fair tails, please see our website level of written & spoken at www.electrical-marine. RESTAURANT STAFF THE HARRY English, good computer lit- com required.Tutto Pepe Italian KAY BAND eracy and good communica- Restaurant is seeking quali- Requires the following: tion skills. Only Thai nationals fied persons to fill the following 1 keyboard player need apply. Tel: 076-318- EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT 111, 01-6949850. Please positions: 1 Drummer wanted. Female, with an ex- submit your application let- cellent command of English, Chef (1): a Thai national, 26 to 2 Guitarists 40 years of age, with a mini- ter, resumé, transcript and both spoken and written. A Please apply by telephone to: a recent photo to: Email: positive attitude, excellent in- mum of 2 years’ experience and basic English. Tel: 07-8984526 projectmanager terpersonal skills and strong @layangardens.com or Fax: organization skills. Proficiency Waiter (2): Thai national, fe- PHUKET LAW FIRM 076-318113. For more in- in Microsoft Office. Email a male preferred, 20 to 30 seeks law student as legal formation, see our website Still looking for the perfect employee? short letter of application, your years old, with basic English. secretary. Full-time or part- at: www.layangardens. Check out www.phuketgazette.net/classifieds CV and a recent photograph Tel: 04-0561553. Email: time. Email: scphuket@yahoo. com to: [email protected] [email protected] com 46 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS December 10 - 16, 2005 Island Tout, Trader & Trumpet

Job RESTAURANT Articles for sale. Pizza restaurant at VISA & LEGAL For Sale Patong. OTOP with all kitchen SERVICES equipment, etc. 10 tables, 40 seats and steady revenue. Mart MOVING SALE Will sell for 300,000 baht. 6ft mattress, fridge, aircon, Tel: 09-5910244. Email: beauty salon equip. Tel: 04- [email protected] OFFICE CLEANER 8516160. and Messenger wanted to LEASE OR RENT work in the Chalong area. Ba- Bulletins hotel. I would like to lease or sic English required and own rent a hotel or resort in Patong. motorbike. Tel: 01-9872821. 35 rooms or more. Tel: 03- 6247 7709, 04-1988 1660. TUTOR NEEDED PHUKET CHESS CLUB Email: diggerresort@hotmail. to supervise homework and Open every day, at South- com Company Registration 2,229 teach a 12 year-old boy. Mon- ern Fried Rice guesthouse in baht; One Year Visa 4,999 Thurs, 19:00 to 21:00 during Kata. Tournaments on OFFICE EQUIPMENT baht; Retirement Visa 4,999 international school terms. Tel: Wednesdays at 7 pm and Nanai Rd, fully equipped, with baht: Work Permit 4,999 076-342143, 01-9581055. Saturdays at 2 pm. Tel: 01- a 3-year lease. For more de- baht; UK & US Visa 16,999 Fax: 076-340300. Email: 8948446. tails, Tel: 07-8893838. baht. No more visa runs – [email protected] get a one-year visa for only BUSINESSES 4,999 baht. Establish your Business for sale. Great businesses in Thai company today to buy SAILING CAPTAIN Opportunities one of the best locations in land or start your business for Qualified Thai sailing captain Patong are for sale, including: only 2,229 baht! Property needed for operation on Koh - a 15-room guesthouse title search, sales contract and land registration. Lanta, Krabi. Please call for O’MALLEYS IRISH PUB - a tour agency info. Tel: 04-8418270. PERSONAL Thailand’s LARGEST legal TRAINING CENTER Small business, big opportu- - a 60-seat resturant service network. Always INTERNET CAFÉ Rare opportunity to acquire nity! Recently refurbished pub - a rental business your low price by our licensed & restaurant, located in We’re looking for Thai a successful and prestigious Thai lawyers. Tel: 076- Phuket City. Close to major - an Internet shop women, age 18-24, to work fitness and health center in 345277 (24 hours). Email: hotels, shopping area and Asking 6 million baht. Tel: 01- as cyber café receptionists: 1 Chalong – the only dedicated [email protected] For tourist attractions. Package 0820039, 01-0911662. full-time, 1 night-time. Possi- personal training center in further details, please see includes all paperwork, visas, Email: [email protected] bility of lodging. The applicant Phuket. It has established a our website at: www.siam- 2 work permits and all li- has to speak English. Patong reputation for quality and legal.com censes for a smooth takeover. and Phuket. Contact K. professionalism. Superbly Business 400sqm, live music stage, Yupha. Tel: 076-341255. equipped, used exclusively sound and light system, pro- Products & Email: reservation@liontchai. by premier expatriate cli- jector UBC TV, 3 new pool com ents. Genuine reason for Services sale. Tel: 01-0880422. tables (including pool room), 15 Email: [email protected] tables, 40 bar stools, 5 fridges Employment PARTNER/ and freezers, new kitchen INVESTOR WANTED equipment, 2 phone lines and Wanted BUSINESSES Stunning west-coast over 300 taxi bikes with for sale. Restaurant, Internet Layan-view property. Look- O’Malleys vests driving Cafe, Beauty Salon. Price: 2.5 ing for 1 more partner/inves- around the city! Tel: 076- ENGLISH TEACHER million baht. Located at 2/6 - tor. An excellent opportunity 220170, 09-7292846. Email: AVAILABLE 10, Moo 5, Viset Rd, Rawai, to pick up a free home. Tel: [email protected] A. Maung, Phuket, 83000 Tel: Private tuition for children & 01-9683221. 076-281078, 01-0074479. adults. Contact by email or PATONG Fax: 076-383674. phone. Tel: 06-2833945. shophouse. A 60sqm shop- VERY LUCRATIVE house for rent in Patong. Ask- Email: bridainecw@ DAY TRIP TO venustas.freeserve.co.uk SCANDINAVIAN BUSINESS ing 7,000 baht per month. Tel: restaurant. Big lifestyle oppor- 09-4740227. RANONG tunity! Well-established Scan- A very lucrative business for quick sale. Registered New double-decker tour bus dinavian restaurant located in FRENCH CHEF limited company, with one RESTAURANT/BAR (not minibus), non-smoking Karon Beach, Soi Aroona with sea view of Kamala and smoking areas, toilet, Professional, based in work permit. Price: 6 million Karon. Close to major hotels Beach. Prime location! Fully films/music, snacks and Phuket, with 20 years of baht. Genuine reason for and shopping areas, and only equipped, 32 seats, Now run- drinks, on-board buffet lunch. cooking experience. Seeking sale. Genuine inquiries only 80 meters from the beach. ning as a bar. Apartment up- No extras to pay, all-inclu- chef position! Please con- will be appreciated. Email: Package includes all paper- stairs. Rent: 20,000 baht a sive. Only 1,500 baht. Every tact K. Raphael. Tel: 04- phuketbusinessforsale@ work, registered limited com- month. Price: 900,000 baht Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sunday. 7450801. Email: kirikan@ yahoo.com pany, work permit and all li- + prepaid rent. 3+3 year Please call for more infor- hotmail.com censes for a smooth takeover. lease. Tel: 06-9529520. mation. Tel: 07-0070101. Price: 4.4 million baht. Tel: 07- LOW PREMIUM Email: uldan_falun@hotmail. MARKETER & 8855101. Email: swedenthai Two sources of income. Li- com general manager. General @yahoo.com censed language school to- Manager of 500 staff in gether with preschool, 6-year BAR IN KATA PHUKET WEDDING PLANNER Phuket for a property ser- SHOP/RESTAURANT lease, for sale as on-going for sale. Bar with 2 bedrooms Specialist Thailand outdoor vices company, my main for rent. 40 seats, 3 rooms, business. Asking 1.1 million and 1 toilet upstairs. No key ATTENTION wedding planner, for any lo- background is as a fully quali- close to Patong Beach, ready baht. Please call for more de- money. 12,000 baht per FOREIGNERS! cation on your request. For fied Marketer with 8 years to work. 1.5 million baht + tails, Tel: 076-282232, 01- month, best contract in Kata. Help your lady learn English more info. Tel: 076-314- experience. I am now look- rent. Tel: 04-8448381. Email: 9794140 (after 9 pm.) 1.3 million baht. Tel: 09-902- quickly with professional 037, 01-3702114. Fax: ing for new opportunities. [email protected] 4402. Email: benny66@telia. teachers at Text-And-Talk 076-314037. Email: Tel: 06-1755881. Email: RESTAURANT com Academy, Patong. Also learn info@thailand-wedding. stephen260175@hotmail. 26-ROOM HOTEL and guesthouse. Available on Thai quickly in fun courses. com or see our website at com for lease. Brand-new hotel, 26 6-year lease in Karon. European- FISH ’N’ CHIPS Contact K. Amado. Location: www.thailand-wedding. rooms, located in Patong. No style kitchen, 36-seat air-con- Phuket's best-known shop. Junction of Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi com INTERNET MARKETING key money, 9-year lease conditioned restaurant, two TVs, Complete package: income, Rd joins Prachanukroh Rd, I have my own web server, tract. Rental fee: 170,000 UBC & sound system. Five air- accomodation, vehicle, staff opposite Coconut Hotel and over 9 years’ experience with baht per month. Ready to run. conditioned guest rooms with training, a long lease, low rent next to Phuket Directory. Be- PERSIAN CARPETS software for e-commerce, Tel: 06-0043008. For further hot water, TV and full UBC sat- and no key money. Location: come a professional English Oriental hand-knotted carpet, tourism-related sites, online details, please see our website ellite TV system. Small staff 9/38 Chao Fa Rd, Chalong. teacher through our world- rug and kilim dealer (specializ- education and eBay. I would at: www.ayudhya.net room and office. Thai-regis- famous TEFL course and ing in washing and repair). like to hear from business- tered company included, ready INTERNET BUSINESS learn survival Thai for free. Free pick-up and delivery. minded people who would BUNGALOWS to start as your business now. 30,000 baht/month. PT/FT. Contact Paul or James, for the Please contact for more infor- need my knowledge in their & restaurant for rent. Please Tel: 09-5914044, 01-893- Free info. Positions limited. For TEFL course only, at Tel: 06- mation. Tel: 01-9563061. business. Email: mkewer@ call Tel: 01-8946686 or visit: 6072. Email: kanhathamyorm more details see: www.hop. 9520088, Email: paul@ Email: sohail_ carpet@yahoo. coastlineweb.net www.phuketnatureplacecom @hotmail.com clickbank.net/?ukthai/1free langserv.com com December 10 - 16, 2005 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 47 Wheels & Motors

INSURANCE SAFEWAY Saloon Cars Pickups 4 x 4s SERVICE STORAGE Life - Health - Car - Property Secure storage for your Business - Marine, etc. furniture, car, bike, etc. ISUZU D-MAX 2004 English- / Thai-managed. Please contact us for more Contact with confidence information at Tel: 076- Stan. Tel: 07-9785804. 281283, 01-1251873, or Email: stan_j_smith2000@ see our website at: www. yahoo.com safewayphuket.com

Cameras & Equipment Isuzu D-Max Highlander, 3.0 TOYOTA D4D 3000 UNDERWATER VDO NIKON F90X + AF diesel, 25,000km, July 2004. In best condition, Nov 2003; 41,000km; has a Birchley Products housing and 28-70. Nikon F90x with AF 28- Phuket’s Most Trusted & Has side steps, alloy wheels, Carryboy with air conditioner. Original guarantee Sony DCR-TRV11E Mini-DV 70 lens (F3.5 -4.5D). 15,000 Reputable Supplier of the Finest a Pioneer CD-player, custom Nov 2006 or 100,000km. Includes an airbag, ad- plus accessories. Tel: 09- baht. Tel: 09-7283281. Email: Quality Used SALOONS, grill; high-end insuranse paid justable steering wheel, automatic, and soft leather 8755698. [email protected] SEDANS, JEEPS & PICKUPS in August. For sale at seats. Selling for 595,000 baht. New cars or trade-ins – 575,000 baht. Please call for Tel: 04-8374429. Club Memberships Available we have what you’re more info. Tel: 06-2775298. looking for For more info pls call us at FORD RANGER Tel: 076-224632, 216243 NISSAN 4WD 4WD Ford Ranger 2.5 XLT Van www.suremotor.com PICKUP Hurricane, registered Septem- Big MF 2001, 4 doors, diesel, ber 2001. Low mileage (56,000km), double airbag, 1994 MINIBUS 2.5 turbo, multi options, 1 Nissan Urvan for sale. Gray, owner, 75,000km only; in CD player, remote key/alarm, FORD TIERRA 1.6 (A) roll bar, 1st-class insurance. 11 seats, CD player, in good excellent condition. Asking condition. Price: 240,000 FOR SALE 390,000 baht. Please call for The car drives very well and is for sale at only 420,000 baht. baht. Tel: 04-8516115. Email: May 2003; 35,000km; 1 more details. Tel: 07-814- [email protected] expat owner; full options and 6448. Tel: 09-8669406. Email: service history. Installment [email protected] payments possible. Best of- Rentals fer around 450,000 baht URGENT SALE secures sale. Please call PICKUP Motorbikes Goran for additional informa- 4WD. Urgent sale of a Ford Club Miscellaneous tion. Tel: 09-4744156. Ranger 2001. 560,000 km. A1 CAR RENTAL Memberships Wanted Email: goran.crnila@gmail. Please call or email for more HARLEY 2002 CUSTOM com details. Tel: 09-8669406. Wanted Email: danex01@ gmail.com ELECTRIC GOLF CART Running or not. Call K. Clint. HONDA CRV 2002 LAGUNA GOLF Tel: 07-2793577. membership. I would like to A Honda CRV 2002 in excel- FORD RANGER PICKUP buy a golf membership at the lent condition is for sale. 58,000km, open cab, metallic Laguna Phuket Golf Club (for- Personal 50,000km; fully serviced. color, in perfect condition. Cars, trucks, jeeps – fully merly the Banyan Tree Phuket Services Price: 735,000 baht. Please 350,000 baht. Please contact Originally a Softail Heritage insured for rental. Best prices Golf Club) Tel: 01-3707893. contact for further informa- for more information. Email: but completely transformed for long-term rental: Email: norbert.nuetzel@gmx. tion. Tel: 06-2672462. mariogrimaldi69@hotmail. into this beautiful bike using 12,000-20,000 baht per de LEARN THAI Email: [email protected] com only the best performance month. Please call. Tel: 076- at home. Charming Thai lady machine parts on the mar- 200900, 09-8314703. teacher gives Thai lessons at ISUZU D-MAX 3.0DI ket. This bike is in mint con- your home. Full course with dition; it is ridden every day Computers TOYOTA Isuzu D-Max, June 2003, conversation practise and 39,000km, 4 doors, diesel, au- and cleaned every day. If you LOW PRICE home study material. Beginners Toyota Soluna for sale. Year want to stand out from the tomatic, 4x2, roll bar, bull bar, Low price for long-term rent. or more advanced. Tel: 01- 2001, automatic, gold color. crowd, then this is the bike ADVANCED runners, alloy wheels, Pioneer Many types of new cars, 7971497. Email: churee77@ Price: 280,000 baht. for you. Tel: 076-240042, HOSTING SERVICES stereo. Well maintained. with CD player and insurance, hotmail.com Please contact for more in- 01-8911635. Email: 585,000 baht. Contact for and well maintained. Please We provide reliable, afford- formation. Tel: 04-851- [email protected] able web hosting services. more details. Tel: 06-593- contact for info. Tel:01-607- 6115. Email: suksavat@ 6705. Email: pui_khamphan@ Professional 24/7 technical Personal hotmail.com 8567. Email: suksavat@ support. Free set-up. All web Services hotmail.com hotmail.com HONDA CHOPPER hosting plans are feature- Wanted CHEROKEE LIMITED packed, including an easy to 1987 NISSAN SUNNY for sale. 400cc, rebuilt, very use control panel. Please Nissan Sunny 1.5L, Only 2000 new model: 72,000 km; special engine; 11 months BP RENTALS contact for details. Tel: 076- SINGING TEACHER 35,000 baht. Please contact automatic, green. Asking warranty. Please call for Suzuki Caribians with full in- 296443, 06-9505140. Fax: Required to give private les- for more details. Tel: 06-267- 450,000 baht. Please call for more information. Tel: 09- surance: 10,000 baht per 076-296427. Email: office@ sons. Please call K. Bow or K. 0756. Email: two4trinity@ more information. Tel: 01-080- 9087825. month. Good daily rates. Tel: gasserweb.com Website: Mira, Monday to Friday from yahoo.co.uk 8831. 09-4727304. www.gasserweb.com 9 am to 5 pm at Tel: 076-317- 017-8, or Email: paul@ maitlandsmith.com Miscellaneous for Sale Personals

BACKGAMMON Retired businessman looking for backgammon players on Phuket Island. Please call if interested. Tel: 076-386113, 01-5778443. CARING CAUCASIAN Are you a sophisticated, affec- tionate and good looking local lady who prefers the same qualities in a man? If so, I’d be glad to hear more from you. Email: [email protected] 48 PHUKET GAZETTE December 10 - 16, 2005

Phuket Blues Festival 2005 For full details see page 8

See ISSUES & ANSWERS at www.phuketgazette.net