ANDAMAN Edition Volume 18 Issue 13 March 26 - April 1, 2011 Daily news at www.phuketgazette.net 25 Baht Tata Young BUTTI MURDER INVESTIGATION steps up for Love Aid Hunt on for killer Business partner charged, hitman still at large

By Yodsak Jarana Somprasong Yongkit, from Krabi; and Ratchanon Sawaree and POLICE have launched a manhunt Somchai Klasuk, both from for three men all allegedly involved Phang Nga. in the execution of Italian busi- Kavatassi was a partner with Mr nessman Luciano Butti, 61. Butti in several ventures on Phi Phi Mr Butti was gunned down Don, including Italiano Restaurant while riding a rented motorbike and Bar and Ciao Bella restaurant. Denis Kavatassi has denied masterminding the murder of Luciano Butti. through Pa Khlok at about 10pm The arrests came after police on March 15. discovered that the last phone call on the Tuesday and invited him to Somprasong, driving a white THAI singing sensation Tata The manhunt aims to net alleged made to Mr Butti before he was a meeting at a restaurant in Pa sedan, identified the “mark” to Young is the latest to join a trigger man Suchart Nimla-or and murdered came from Sompra- Khlok. Ratchanon and Ponwat on one legion of musicians lending his younger brother, Ekkachai, song, who was a manager at one He lured him to the secluded motorcycle, Somchai on another, their names to the Love Aid along with Ponwat Jongrak. of Butti’s restaurants on Phi Phi. area by telling him that he wanted and Suchart and Ekkachai on yet concert scheduled for Satur- The three remain at large while Somprasong caved in to pres- to discuss the business problems another, said police. day, April 2 on the island. four alleged conspirators to the sure after being brought in to between the two Italians and that The gang closed in and Suchart The event will raise money murder remain in custody. Thalang Police Station for ques- he sided with Mr Butti and would allegedly shot Mr Butti four times, for survivors of the Japan Phuket Provincial Police Region tioning and confessed that Mr help him in the matter, police said. killing him. earthquake and tsunami. 8 Commissioner Lt Gen Kokiat Kavatassi had paid him to hire a Mr Butti was in Phuket for a It was initially reported that the Organizers expect huge Wongvorachart presented the four “hit squad” to take out Mr Butti, brief stay and was scheduled to trigger-man was a “civil servant” crowds of 5,000, and aim to suspects at a press conference at Lt Gen Kokiet said. appear in court in a divorce case based in Yala, in ’s set a new record for funds Phuket Provincial Police headquar- Mr Butti had cheated Kavatassi on the Wednesday. troubled Deep South region. raised through a single char- ters last Saturday, just four days out of “seven or eight million After meeting at the restaurant, Three of the four arrested have ity event on the island. after the murder. baht”, which angered him, Mr Butti rode his motorbike back confessed to their involvement. For more on this story see page 14 The suspects were named as Somprasong told police. toward Phuket Town as the hitmen Kavatassi is maintaining his in- Denis Kavatassi, from Italy; Somprasong phoned Mr Butti assembled and followed him. nocence. Convention center one step closer By Pimwara Choksakulpan “I expect the center to be finished by fore the end of this month, said Treasury the start of 2014,” Mr Korn said. Department Director General Winai FINANCE Minister Korn Chatikavanij told The three designs presented at the hear- Wittawatkaravet, who called for the public a public hearing in Phuket last week that he ing shared a common theme: Shelled meeting to be held. can “guarantee” the project to build a con- creatures. After that, a search for a construction vention and exhibition center will go ahead The first presentation was by KAED 103, company would begin in July in the hope if his Democrat Party holds on to power in which put forth a design in the form of a of signing a contract for construction in the upcoming elections. tortoiseshell. The second was by SPAN & September, he said. Mr Korn was speaking at a public hear- FED, whose plans called for a “conch shell” Construction is expected to take about ing at The Metropole hotel in Phuket Town design, while ASD presented a pearl oyster 900 days, he added. last Sunday to present three architectural shape for the building. “During this time we also need to figure plans for the Phuket International Conven- All three companies detailed their inte- out what is the best choice for transporta- tion and Exhibition Center (ICEC) from three rior design, functional area, security system, tion systems connecting the center with the different firms selected as candidates to hotel, landscaping and other plans. airport and Phuket Town,” Finance Minis- design the structure. One of the designs will be selected be- ter Korn added. Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij 2 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET NEWS March 26 - April 1, 2011 Roads blamed as truck

Storm season flies off curve in daylight The Phuket MET By Pimwara Choksakulpan explains why we’re POOR road engineering is being getting so wet. Page 5 blamed for a six-wheeled Phuket Provincial Administration Organi- Business zation (OrBorJor) water tanker New auto showroom overshooting a dangerous curve on Monday, leaving the passenger roars into luxury car dead and the driver badly injured. market. Page 11 The accident happened at about 9:30am on Thepkrasattri Road People northbound, along a stretch of road known as “Bang Duk Curve”. Meet celebrity and babe When police arrived at the magnet Mr Michael scene, they found OrBorJor Venezuela. Page 18 worker Prayoon Srikrajang, 45, dead of massive head trauma. Driver Somchai Kitprasert, 30, The truck was making a routine delivery when the accident occurred. Travel was standing nearby, dazed and Hop over the bay to Koh covered with blood. sion acting chief Wasana at Bang Duk, Kho En and Ban Yid. Yao Noi for less than Mr Somchai was rushed to Rongphol told the Gazette the “This is because of poor engi- Thalang Hospital for emergency truck was delivering 6,000 liters neering. This issue has been raised 1,000 baht. Page 24 treatment. of water to Mai Khao government many times in OrBorJor council An initial investigation at the offices at the time of the accident. meetings and with the Phuket Property scene failed to reveal what caused Narong Singkala, an OrBorJor Provincial Highways Office, Solar power bright idea the truck to breach the guard rail council member from Mai Khao, which is responsible for this and take out a wide swath of road- blamed poor road engineering for road,” Mr Narong said. for going green – and side thicket before coming to rest the accident. “As nothing has been done so cutting costs. Page 31 on its side, said Lt Col Prakob of “Accidents take place almost far, I urge drivers to slow down Thalang Police. daily on three dangerous curves in these areas. This is for their own Sport - Exclusive interview OrBorJor Public Works Divi- on Thepkrasattri road in Mai Khao: safety,” he added. The Gazette‘s Neil Quail goes toe-to-toe Murder suspect arrested Rescue drill with MMA fighter Roger Huerta. Page 45 after 17 years on the run for upcoming AFTER 17 years on the lam, a Songkran suspect wanted for a 1994 stab- bing murder of a man in Uthai Thani province was arrested by RESCUE organizations and medi- Phuket City Police on Monday. cal staff will stage a traffic acci- Pornsak “Nu” Ketkaew, 44, dent rescue drill in Cherng Talay was arrested when he took a 10- on March 29 ahead of the April wheel dump truck for repairs at a 12-18 “Seven Days of Danger” garage off Thepkrasattri Road. Songkran road safety campaign. Mr Pornsak was arrested by The emergency response drill officers who confirmed his re- will be staged at the Tesco-Lotus semblance to the picture in his intersection on Srisoonthorn Road arrest warrant, issued on Febru- from 10am to 10:45am. ary 12, 2004. The simulation will include Mr Pornsak’s new mugshot The arrest followed intelligence motorcycles, a songtaew and a supplied by the Ban Rai District him. He said he wanted to protect six-wheeled truck with an “emer- Police in Uthai Thani. himself, so he used a pocket knife gency treatment center” set up in Investigating officers from that to stab the man in the chest.” the parking lot of the Tesco-Lo- station were informed of the im- Mr Pornsak said he was acting tus store. minent arrest before it happened. in self defense and the stab was Earlier that morning, a motor- Sen Sgt Maj Thanakorn not intentionally directed at the cycle procession will start at the Piromthong of the Ban Rai Police man’s heart, the officer said. Cherng Talay Tesco store at 9am investigation team said, “Pornsak The Ban Rai Police team es- to promote the ongoing island- confessed to us that he had a fight corted Pornsak back to Uthai wide campaign for all people on with a man who tried to attack Thani, where he will face charges. motorbikes to wear helmets. March 26 - April 1, 2011 PHUKET NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 3 Health Minister Jurin vets anti-radiation pills

By Janpen Upatising

HEALTH Minister Jurin Laksana- wisit was in Phuket last Sunday to inspect first hand the anti-ra- diation tablets being issued free to passengers at Phuket International Airport bound for Japan. “In the past five days, 71 The Chinese trio and the ‘tools’ of their alleged trade. Photo: Yodsak Jarana people – 69 Japanese, one Ameri- can and one Thai – have each collected a 130mg bottle of po- International hotel tassium iodide from the booth,” said Minister Jurin. The tablets, available at the thieves caught on TV booth on the second floor of the main terminal, will continue to be CHALONG Police have arrested CCTV footage catching them in available free until the situation in three mainland Chinese they think the act, he said. Japan returns to normal, he added. Health Minister Jurin confirmed the anti-radiation tablets will continue to are part of a gang who specialize “They posed as tourists, stay- The booth is open from 6:30am be handed out free until the situation in Japan ‘returns to normal’. in burglarizing guests at luxury ing just one night at hotels to break to 9:30pm daily. hotels the world over. into other guest rooms. They ini- “We originally intended to pro- adult doses and 80 bottles of the Chalong Police Deputy Super- tially denied all charges, but vide the tablets for Thais traveling 65mg tablets for children, Dr Sak intendent Narong Laksanawimol confessed after viewing the CCTV to Japan, but Japanese people re- said. identified the three suspects as: Liu images,” he said. turning home also asked for Pregnant women were advised Shuiping, 45; Liu Jianhua, 39; and Hotel owners came forward to them,” Mr Jurin said. to take just one tablet – and only Liu Shuidong, 40. positively identify the suspects, “So we are providing the tab- once. All were identified as residents confirming that some of the re- lets for free to any people whose “Any people with health condi- of Jiangxi, China. covered items belonged to their passports and boarding passes tions such as nephropathy [a The three were arrested as they guests. show they are heading into areas kidney condition related to diabe- were leaving the grounds of the Phuket Immigration said the declared by the Japanese govern- tes] or hyperthyroidism are Karon Sea Sands Resort and Spa four arrived in a group of eight, ment as ‘risk areas’ for radiation.” advised not to take the tablets at last Friday. They tried to flee on which then apparently divided into Mr Jurin also confirmed that the all,” Dr Sak said. foot, but were run down by po- two teams of four each, Lt Col Ministry of Public Health was now The tablets may have side ef- lice, officers said. Narong said. testing food imported from Japan fects such as vomiting, skin rashes A fourth member of the gang “They refused to show how for radiation. VIAL TREATMENT: The pills or stomachache. got away and remains at large. they got into the hotel rooms, but So far samples from 31 ship- tablet each day, from one to 12 “People should consult a doc- A search of the room and lug- the footage shows they gained ments had been tested, he said. hours before entering radioactive tor or stop taking the tablets if they gage uncovered two cameras, a access easily. I am still amazed at “Three of the shipments were areas. One tablet is active for 24 suffer strong side effects,” said mobile phone and equipment such how they could get in using just a agricultural products and 28 were hours,” explained PPHO chief Dr Dr Sak. as box cutters, rubber gloves and small piece string and sheet of seafood. We found no traces of Sak Tanchaikul. “These tablets just provide string allegedly used to break into plastic,” he said. radiation at all,” he said. The tablets are available in two some protection from radiation. the rooms of tourists. “This team was responsible for On Tuesday, the Food and dosages: 130 milligrams for adults, However, the best way not to be The arrests followed a spate of breaking and entering, and theft. Drug Administration began testing and 65mg for children aged 3-18 affected by radiation is to avoid hotel room break-ins all over the The other team of four would re- food from Japan arriving at Klong and not weighing more than 68 going near affected areas. island, Lt Col Narong said. ceive the goods and sell them or Toey Port and Laem Chabang kilograms, Dr Sak added. “Travel to Japan is currently The men confessed to the smuggle them out of the country,” Port, Mr Jurin added. The booth was initially stocked not advised. Go only if necessary,” break-ins only after being shown he said. – Yodsak Jarana “People are advised to take a with 320 bottles of the 130mg he added. Brit pilot dies Tuptim still fighting for life DESPITE enduring an 18-hour to reject it,” said Will Elliott of Ti- in head-on life-saving operation in January to ger Muay Thai camp in Chalong, remove her cancer-infected liver which was instrumental in raising POLICE are investigating the death and receive a transplanted section 1.5 million baht needed to pay for of a 41-year-old British pilot after of her mother’s liver, Phuket in- the surgery. he came off his motorbike south fant Tuptim Jadngooluem is still Mr Elliott said doctors recently of Patong and was run over by an fighting hard to stay alive. performed a biopsy. “This was oncoming pickup. “She remained in ICU at crucial to gauge whether the liver Capt Weerapong Rakkittoo of Ramathibodi Hospital in would survive in Tuptim and ap- Patong Police said that Martin and was improving daily while the parently it was successful. William Wooller was riding to hospital monitored her liver to en- “It’s been an emotional roller Patong after spending the after- sure her body was accepting the coaster ride for everyone, espe- noon at Karon Beach when the new organ. cially her parents, but right now accident happened last Saturday. “Unfortunately her liver devel- the situation seems positive,” he Mr Wooller was struck by a oped an infection and she began added. – Neil Quail pickup heading southbound near Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort at about 6pm. Mr Wooller survived the initial impact, but later died in hospital from his injuries. “He might have been overtak- ing another motorbike heading toward Patong or he may have slipped off his bike and fallen onto the wrong side of the road, be- fore he was struck by the oncoming pickup,” said Capt Weerapong. 4 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET NEWS March 26 - April 1, 2011 Drug convicts lose Explosion fears spark right to bear arms DISTRICT Offices across Phuket requests for gun licenses to be Kathu gas shop raid have set up special units to iden- revoked. tify people in their respective ju- If approval is granted, the dis- risdictions who have been con- trict office will notify the By Atchaa Khamlo victed of drug charges in order to individuals concerned, who will strip them of firearms. then have two months to hand in FEARS of a serious explosion at The move is part of a nation- their guns. a local store illegally refilling gas wide campaign to rescind gun “If such people do not comply cylinders prompted a raid by offi- licenses of any people convicted within two months, a court order cials from the Phuket Energy Of- of playing a part in the drug trade, for police to seize the guns will be fice on Monday. including dealers and users. issued,” said Mr Suthee. Led by Phuket Energy Office The special units are to investi- All guns handed in under the chief Jirasak Tummawetch, the gate by cross-checking lists of project will be auctioned at a time officers arrived at the unnamed gas people convicted of drug charges and date yet to be set. shop near Ketho Junction on who hold gun licenses, and to re- At a meeting on March 14, Wichit Songkram Road in Kathu. ceive tip-offs from the public. Deputy Governor Chaiwat Tepee Energy chief Jirasak said, “We received the order from said officers attached to the “Normally, small shops are not the Ministry of Interior at about Phuket Provincial office’s own permitted to refill household gas the beginning of the year. So far “immediate drug suppression and cylinders because it’s dangerous and may cause a serious explosion, Phuket Energy Office chief Jirasak Tummawetch (left) listens to gas shop we have identified and are mov- prevention” center arrested seven owner Kongkij Limsuebchuea (pointing) explain why seven of the large ing to revoke the gun license of “important” drug dealers and 208 like the explosion in Phra Pradaeng gas cylinders were four kilos lighter than the legal amount. one man, who will have to hand small dealers since the beginning in Samut Prakarn in 2004.” in his weapon,” explained Suthee of this year, he said. “We believe there are a few were about four kilograms lighter from Surat Thani. We don’t refill Siri-anan, deputy commander of The center, which receives tip- places that refill gas cylinders ille- than they should be. any gas cylinders here. the provincial office of disaster offs from the public at gally. We know about them, but “The legally acceptable range “If the gas tanks weigh less than prevention and mitigation 076-210159, also raided 136 en- we do not have enough evidence for discrepancy is not more than than the standard amount, then it’s (DDPM). tertainment venues including bars to arrest anyone – yet,” he added. half a kilo,” said chief Jirasak. probably because of the factory Although key in carrying out the and clubs, 56 Internet game shops However, instead of finding Shopowner Kongkij Limsueb- in Surat Thani or the company that national policy, district offices and 105 public areas where mo- equipment used to refill gas cylin- chuea, 50, denied tampering with delivers them,” he said. must first gain approval from the torbike gangs were known to ders, officers found that seven the cylinders. “We will investigate this case Provincial Office before filing any frequent. – Atchaa Khamlo large gas tanks filled at the store “The cylinders were brought in further,” said chief Jirasak. Local security guard killed in hit and run POLICE are searching for the driver of a pickup truck that hit and killed an unidentified motor- bike driver in Cherng Talay on Monday night. Cherng Talay Police duty of- ficer Somkhit Khawsung was notified of the fatal accident at 7:35pm. At the scene, the road from Rescue workers at the scene. Koktanode to Layan near the La- guna Phuket Outrigger resort and not have a license plate. villa complex, they found the body Local residents said the victim of a man whose age was estimated was employed as a security guard at about 40 years. in the area, but did not know his Villagers said the man was hit name or that of his employer. by a metallic silver Toyota pickup The victim was well-dressed, that sped away after the collision. with a bright orange windbreaker, No identification was found on gray slacks and black shoes. the man, who was not wearing a Anyone with information that helmet. could help identify the man or oth- The apparent cause of death erwise aid in the investigation was a head injury. should contact the Cherng Talay The red Suzuki Crystal motor- Police on 076-325630. bike he was riding at the time did – Wichai Witthawat March 26 - April 1, 2011 PHUKET NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 5 Season of the storms By Janpen Upatising the morning instead,” he added. But Patong jet-ski operator THE daily succession of heavy Singthong Charoensap said the rain thunderstorms and rain that have had damped beachgoer enthusiasm. strafed the island in recent weeks “The weather hasn’t affected has left many wondering if the the jet-ski businesses much: weather has gone mad, the rainy Beach chair operators have been season come early or if this is the affected the most,” he said. beginning of a long-term shift in “When the sun isn’t shining all Phuket’s climate. day, and especially when there’s The good news for those who bad weather, the number of tour- fear the big wet may continue for ists who rent beach chairs the foreseeable future is that decreases. Roongrawee Onkot, a meteo- “There are far fewer tourists rologist resident at the Southern coming to the beach for other Meteorological Center (West activities, as well. Those who do Coast) based near the airport, come do not stay all day like they says the storms are set to cease would if the weather were good,” this weekend. said Mr Singthong, who says “Between March 20 and 22, he’s been working Patong Beach the low-pressure system in the for about 20 years. Strait of Malacca moved north- “For example, some tourists ward and spread over Southern come just for a swim and leave. Thailand. Likewise, some come and rent a “This caused thunderstorms, jet-ski and leave as soon as they heavy rain and strong gusts of are finished. So beach operators wind for one to two hours in the have limited time and fewer late afternoon and early evening,” chances to offer and sell to tour- Mrs Roongrawee explained. GROUND STRIKE: Lightning strikes the hilltops during a Phuket evening thunderstorm. Photo: Dean Noble ists,” he explained. That weather system dissi- “But what beach operators in- pated, making way for clear tions will not last long. It is fore- “The season will change – and “We check the weather fore- cluding me have done for many skies, but only to be replaced by cast that after March 26, Phuket’s the rainy season will come – in cast and use our experience to see years in order to adapt ourselves another cold front, this time from weather will return to normal,” May, just as it always does,” she if the weather will be good for to this situation is to hurry and the north. she said. explained. fishing. find customers during the day Speaking to Between March 20 Contrary to In the meantime, people head- “If the weather turns foul in the before the rain comes in the the Gazette on concerns ex- ing out to sea should beware of afternoon, we go out and fish in evening,” Mr Singthong said. Wednesday, Mrs and 22, the low- pressed by large waves brought on by Roongrawee pre- pressure system in Gazette readers storms, she added. MARCH AT A GLANCE LONG-RANGE FORECAST dicted that that the nigh-daily That’s a warning local fisher- between March the Strait of Malacca series of thunder- man Suriyan Somsa took in Max temperature: 30 C - 35 C April: Songkran coming = it’s hot. 23 (Wednesday) moved northward storms was a stride. Min temperature: 22 C - 24 C Sporadic showers throughout and March 26 and spread over new phenom- He has been putting out to sea Rainfall: 148mm on 13 days of rain the the month, with most rainfall (Saturday) a cold enon, Mrs from Bang Tao Beach for the past Thunderstorms covering about in this month falling in the final air mass from Southern Thailand. Roongrawee said eight years. 30% percent of Phuket. days of the month. China would – Roongrawee Onkot the recent He said that he always move south, cov- Phuket MET weather was checked the forecast before May: The rainy season arrives ering Southern nothing new to heading out. As far as he’s con- Data collated between March 1 and the annual southwest Thailand. Phuket. cerned the weather recently had and 22 by the Phuket MET monsoon will bring its regular “Phuket will be affected by the “These weather conditions been “normal”. weather station at Phuket heavy rain throughout the cold air mass, which will cause prevail in Phuket every year at “The thunderstorms and rain International Airport. Andaman region. the same intensity of thunder- this time. Actually, it can happen in the evening do not affect us storms, rain and gusts of wind anytime of the year because much compared with the rainy as the low-pressure system from Phuket is located in a tropical season conditions that come in the Strait of Malacca caused ear- zone and the weather is changing May. lier,” she said. all the time. “I think it is very normal since Then came the good news: “It doesn’t mean the rainy sea- Phuket’s weather is always “However, these weather condi- son has come early, either. changing,” he said. 6 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET NEWS March 26 - April 1, 2011 Luangta Maha Bua remains in Phuket By Atchaa Khamlo build a pagoda that will become the final resting place of the late ABOUT 200 people joined a cer- revered monk’s remains. emony last Saturday to place bone More than 200 people wel- fragments of the highly-revered comed the arrival of the bone Luangta Maha Bua Yanasampanno fragments in Phuket at 8pm the at a temple in Phuket Town. previous Sunday. The fragments were installed at Hundreds more since visited the Wat Jaroen Samanakij, known lo- temple to pay their respects. cally as Wat Lang San, near Luangta Maha Bua was abbot Phuket Provincial Hall. of Wat Pa Ban Tad Forest Monas- The event began at about 7am tery in Udon Thani. with the giving of alms to monks, He passed away at age 97 and followed by the ceremony to place The bone fragments were was cremated in a ceremony that the bone fragments starting at enshrined at Wat Lang San, near captivated . Among the Phuket Provincial Hall. 7:45am. The ceremony finished guests of honor was Prime Min- around 10am. During the ceremony, the bone ister . The fragments were previously fragments were enshrined in a sala Bone fragments of Luangta at the residence of Phra Arjan at the temple, where ashes and Maha Bua are being distributed to Jamrat Jantachotoe, an abbot at strands of hair of Luangta Maha more than 300 different temples Wat Jaroen Samanakij who once Bua were already kept. nationwide so that people may pay studied under Luangta Maha Bua. Donations are being sought to their respects. The highly-revered Luangta Maha Bua Yanasampano. Parents seek return QSI student finds his voice FORMER QSI-Phuket student of runaway girl, 14 Philip Songkran Upton has won THE parents of a 14-year-old girl the International Public Speaking who ran off with her young boy- Competition (Thailand) 2011. friend are asking the public for He will represent Thailand in help in securing her safe return. the international finals of the com- Jintana Wangnurat and her En- petition to be held in in glish husband Huwy Williams told May this year. the Gazette that their daughter Philip was one of four Stam- Grissana “Green” Wangnurat ran ford International University off with her 16-year-old Thai boy- (STIU) students who competed against 14 other students in the friend on March 17 and had not Grissana ‘Green’ Wangnurat, 14. been seen since. semi-final round of the competi- Mr Williams, a nine-year safe and she can continue her tion on February 25. Phuket resident originally from studies,” said Mrs Jintana, who is The contest, organized by the Gloucestershire, expects the boy a native of Phang Nga. Ministry of Education and the has taken her to Patong, where she Anyone with information is English Speaking Union, is open to Thai students from high Philip Upton flanked by Samuel Peter Shuler (left), chair of the Judging used to be enrolled as a student at urged to call Huwy (087-889 Committee, and ESU (Thailand) chairperson Lalivan Karnchanachari. Wat Suwankiriwong School. 5736) or Jintana (080-538 4943) schools and universities across “We want her back as soon as directly or contact the police. Thailand. “I wrote about the first things possible so we can know she is – Stephen Fein The other three STUI students that came to my mind – saying were Ms Suchanart Preecha, Mr one thing, but doing another; Napas Nilobolvong and Ms promises; the differences between Hataichanok Chantaluksuk. a manager and a leader; and ex- Philip and Hataichanok qualified amples of people to back up my Best Promotion’11 for the final round, along with two points. March other competitors from “I knew what I wanted to write for Chulalongkorn University and an- about – words and actions – so I other from Assumption University made that the title and the central (ABAC). idea of my speech,” he added. The final round began on March “First of all, I would like to 18, with competitors speaking on “I had to think about in what thank my professor at my univer- the theme “Words Are Not cases when words aren’t sity, William Stanley, for helping Enough”. enough,” explained Philip. me through the editing and the rehearsing. “We spent a lot of time doing my speech over and over again to get it right. “Another person I would like to thank is a former teacher back in my high school in Phuket, Rachel Geary. “She also assisted me in the editing and was probably the teacher that helped me out the most in terms of how to write good essays,” he said. “Also to my friends, family, and university for supporting me through this. Patong Merlin Hotel “I’ll do my best to represent my university and my country at the [email protected] competition in London,” he said. – Phuket Gazette March 26 - April 1, 2011 NATIONAL NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 7 Seventh death adds to Chiang Mai mystery SPECULATION is growing in Chiang Mai to chest pains, he was taken to Chiang Mai tery. He seemed fit enough, with no history a Thai woman also died while staying at after it emerged a seventh person died sud- Ram Hospital. Doctors tested him for heart of heart problems. We have not been told the hotel. A French woman is also under- denly in the city in the same month. disease, but all tests came back negative, his cause of death. We only have an initial stood to have died in the city around the Shortly before his death on January 26, journalist Andrew Drummond reported. report.” same time. Canadian Bill Mah, 59, had used the facili- Mr Mah was discharged, but soon com- An American woman, Soraya Pandola, The authorities have so far played down ties of the Downtown Hotel, where four plained of being ill again. After he collapsed 33, died in the city in early January. Mrs the deaths, claiming they were a “coinci- other people died within two weeks. in his room in the People Palace Hotel, he Pandola’s husband claims she had the same dence”. Friends of Mr Mah, from Edmonton, was rushed to hospital again, but died within symptoms as a 23-year-old New Zealand The Downtown Inn is owned by a mil- were shocked by the death of a man who 15 minutes of admission. woman, Sarah Carter, who died in Febru- lionaire businessman and former Chiang Mai seemed perfectly healthy. Ken Fraser, who was holidaying with Mr ary after staying at the Downtown Inn. mayor, leading to speculation of a cover-up. After complaining of lack of sleep due Mah, said, “His death is a complete mys- An elderly British couple in their 70s and – Phuket Gazette Man arrested for lese majeste Abhisit survives censure import CDs Red-shirt leader and Pheu Thai MP Jatuporn Prompan accused A THAI man faces up to 15 years the government of “colluding to in jail after being caught selling kill people” during last year’s red- CDs containing a controversial shirt protests, in which more than Australian documentary deemed 90 people died. insulting to the monarchy. The debate served as a proving Eakachai Hongkangwan, 35, ground for Pheu Thai MP has been charged with lese majeste PRIME Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva Mingkwan Sangsuwan, who led and selling CDs without official and nine Cabinet ministers sur- the opposition’s attacks on the permission, Lt Col Nattakorn vived a no-confidence vote on government after reportedly being Kumsap of Chana Songkram po- March 19, paving the way for nominated to do so by Pheu Thai lice told AFP. what is expected to be a hotly patriarch . “Under the law he faces be- contested election later this year. “After the House dissolution, I tween three and 15 years in The censure vote followed four will volunteer to contest for the prison,” he added. days of debate during which the prime minister’s seat against The documentary, which was opposition Pheu Thai Party ac- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. made by the Australian Broadcast cused the government of The people will make their deci- Corporation, was broadcast in corruption, incompetence and kill- sion on that day,” Mr Mingkwan Australia during last year’s red- ing innocent civilians during said in his closing speech, The shirt protests. The program, red-shirt protests last year. Nation reported. entitled “Long Live The King”, was “The parliament has voted to Commerce Minister Porntiva not shown outside of Australia. give confidence to the prime min- Nakasai of the Bhum Jai Thai Eakachai’s arrest follows a 13- ister and another nine ministers to Party, who was accused of cor- year sentence handed down earlier stay in power,” said House ruption related to the recent palm this month to webmaster Thanta- Speaker Chai Chidchob. oil shortage, received 251 votes wut Thaweenarodomkul for lese Mr Abhisit was supported by of support. Bhum Jai Thai Party majeste and cyber offenses. 249 members of parliament, with PM Abhisit (2nd from left) as he he leaves Parliament.Photo: The Nation leader Chaovarat Chanweerakul, Thantawut, 38, was arrested 184 voting against him and 11 ab- who is Interior Minister, received last year after the website he ran, staining. Deputy Prime Minister vince the public of the ern Thailand to profit. Mr Suthep 250. a US-based pro-red site, published Suthep Thaugsuban also received government’s lack of credibility admitted mistakes were made, but A number of Pheu Thai MPs comments deemed insulting to the 249 votes of support. than other MPs. denied corruption. who are planning to defect to the monarchy. The results were unsurprising, Among the accusations leveled The opposition also accused Mr Bhum Jai Thai Party at the next A campaign is also underway given that the governing coalition at the government were that it had Abhisit of allowing tobacco giant election voted in favor of the gov- to defend Chiranuch Premchai- holds a majority in the Thai House racked up huge public debt and Philip Morris to evade payment of ernment and in defiance of party porn, editor of Prachathai news of Representatives. No Thai gov- failed to control prices and ensure 68 billion baht in tariffs on ciga- whips. website, who is also charged with ernment has ever been dislodged supply of key commodities. rette imports, which he denied. – Phuket Gazette lese majeste and computer crimes. through a no-confidence motion, In a speech lasting more than Chiranuch allegedly failed to the New Straits Times reported. one hour, Pheu Thai MP Anudit remove lese-majeste comments Regardless, the debate was Nakhonthap accused Deputy PM posted by anonymous users on the seen as the opening salvo in this Suthep of deliberately allowing Prachathai web board quickly year’s election campaign, with the palm oil stocks to run out in order enough and faces decades in jail. opposition seeking more to con- to allow refiners based in south- 8 PHUKET GAZETTE OPINION March 26 - April 1, 2011 Repaying Japan in Safety with a second kind account

Re: Gazette online, ‘LOVE AID Residency rules Re: Gazette online, Phuket ATM – To Japan From Phuket With scams run rife, March 22 Love’ benefit concert scheduled, This is why I have now March 18 opened up a second account This is payback time and it’s with my bank – one with an good to see both the Thais and punish the sincere ATM card and one without. expats united in this. You can do free transfers Give it all the support you between the two accounts and I can, the Japanese deserve it as IT IS high time that the Ministry of Interior never keep more than a “write- they were one of the major (MoI) set up a special task force to begin fast- offable” amount, say 100,000 donors after the 2004 tsunami. tracking the processing of the huge backlog of baht, in the ATM account. See you all at Karon Beach on permanent residency (PR) applications it is now Rothchild April 2. sitting on. Such a move would have multiple ben- At its heart, qualification for residency sta- Gazette forum j.d. efits for all sides involved, including boosting tus requires male applicants to prove beyond any Gazette forum Thailand’s all-important tourism industry and doubt that their presence in the Kingdom is ad- confidence among foreign investors. vantageous to the country. Applicants are For reasons that have never been directly ad- required to prove they have been in the country Fixing problems with dressed by the MoI, stacks of permanent residency for a minimum of three years on consecutively- Double-tier pricing applications, faithfully submitted at great time and issued, one-year permits-to-stay and have paid bullets expense by law-abiding foreign residents, continue all of their taxes. Great to hear the tin mining to gather dust at the ministry. Another stringent requirement put in place Re: Gazette online, Phuket Butti museum opening. The situation has developed to the extent that during Mr Purachai’s tenure requires the male murder: Italian business partner Sad to see the same outdated any foreigner who technically qualifies for per- applicant to pass a Thai-language test. Few other charged, hitman still at large, double-tier pricing scheme manent residency status under the Immigration countries, with the notable exception of the March 19 rolled out.When will we see Act would certainly be put off from applying at United Kingdom, impose similar requirements It is bad enough that we are change in this policy? all, given that the current backlog of applica- on visa and/or residency applicants – with good getting ripped off every day and I would really like for Thais tions dates back to 2006. reason. Even current immigration policy in the now people from their own abroad to be charged the same The breakdown in processing these applica- United States, where nationalist tenancies are country are doing it and ending way. tions reportedly harks back to a xenophobic running high in the face of widespread illegal up dead. Oh, I forgot – that would be decision put in place almost a decade ago by immigration by Spanish-speaking people from Why do so many problems viewed as discriminatory. Purachai Piemsomboon, Interior Minister under Latin America, correctly continue to put the pri- here have to be fixed with T Hinton former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra. macy of the family unit over language concerns. bullets? Chalong Thailand’s current requirements for foreign- Permanent resident applicants represents the It is so sad to see this type of ers to obtain residency are among the most best and brightest of Thailand’s expatriate com- thing happening. restrictive in the world, at least for male appli- munity. Simply ignoring the applications of those Roger cants seeking residency on the basis of marriage who submitted them in good faith over the past Phuket Job well done, police and support of a Thai family. five years is unacceptable. Current regulations make it far easier for the If the Government wants to do away with this Re: Gazette online, Phuket Butti spouse of a Thai man to obtain residency, a fact avenue for immigration, it should amend the Extended visas for murder: Italian business partner which is inherently sexist and completely at odds Immigration Act to reflect this fact and stop charged, hitman still at large, with the spirit of the current constitution. wasting everybody’s time. Japanese tourists March 19 If these are the guilty ones, I recently heard that Japan is and I say “if”, my most sincere Chat’s off: It’s tion with people at an ATM. attempt any witty banter. requesting tourist visas for their congratulations to the Royal None. I’m familiar with this ATM. citizens to be extended. Thai Police for such a quick and ‘business time’ As far as I’m concerned, it’s It’s very crowded with people This would be a great successful investigation. like being at a urinal: Don’t talk milling around. opportunity for Thailand to Hopefully, they will manage to Re: Gazette online, Phuket ATM to me while I do my business. Early morning when it is sunny show compassion for the catch the rest of them as well. scams run rife, March 22 Don’t talk to me about the out, there are fewer people. devastated nation. Hugo My apologies to Mr Treherne, weather or your kids; do not Tonglen H Turner Gazette forum but there should be no interac- shake my hand; and do not Gazette forum Nai Yang

Reclaiming lost If we find lost property, we will return it to the hotel where the pas- property in tuk-tuks senger is staying. I also strongly suggest that One of our guests at the resort people use tuk-tuks and taxis that where I work left her bag in a tuk- operate from stands, and not hail tuk she and her husband took from one that happens to be driving by a stand near Hard Rock Cafe in because it is hard for us to fol- Patong to Kata in the early after- low up if anything happens, noon on March 13. especially if the tuk-tuk or taxi is In the bag were a Lumix cam- from another area that we do not era, Commonwealth Bank of Prathum Yodkeaw, secretary of look after. Australia savings card, Nokia Tuk-tuk and Taxi of Kata and mobile phone and a key. Karon KT Group, replies: Setthasak Buason, president Who can we contact to check We only take care of tuk-tuks of the Patong Taxi Association, if perhaps this bag has been found? and taxis in Karon, so we do not replies: I read there is a Patong Taxi know how tuk-tuks in Patong re- There are five to six tuk-tuk taxi Federation. Can they be contacted spond to appeals about lost stands near the Hard Rock Cafe. for this? property. The stand directly in front of Hard If so, how? I suggest that your guest return Rock Cafe is the one under our And should something like this to the stand where she got into responsibility. However, we can happen again, is there a number the tuk-tuk and ask there. help by asking the other tuk-tuk for inquiries about lost and found Tuk-tuks from outside our area drivers. items in Kata-Karon based tuk- who drop off passengers in Kata or The most important things I tuks? Karon usually return to their own need to know are the license plate Our guests would like to find pick-up areas or stands without number of the tuk-tuk the tourists their camera with all their holiday stopping at a stand in Kata or Karon. got into and the time and place they photos. Any person who forgets their got into the tuk-tuk. Thank you for your help. belongings in a tuk-tuk they got into Please call me at 083-107 1010 Lisa in Kata or Karon can call me at 081- so I can help find which tuk-tuk Kata 607 6629. the items were in. March 26 - April 1, 2011 OPINION PHUKET GAZETTE 9 Feeding a passion for Racing for safety THE recent accident of the boy who suffered a badly burned arm in a go-kart accident (Phuket By Jorg Bierwolf Gazette,Issues & Answers, March hygienic restaurants 5) plainly highlights the need for Do you have an opinion to voice? good safety practices in our in- Email [email protected] Dr Wiwat Seetamanotch , 53, has dustry. been deputy director of the Phuket We have been running the Patong Go-Kart Speedway for Public Health Office for seven years. over 20 years. It was the first go- Concerned about the health of kart track in Phuket. ANYONE concerned about the residents and visiting tourists alike, We are very proud to have a level of hygiene at restaurants here he outlines The Health Office’s very good safety track record. We should dine at venues that have were voted in the top 5 tracks in been certified by the Clean Food, Clean Food, Good Taste hygiene the world in 2010. Good Taste campaign. certification program, which is in place The accident with the boy did The restaurants that carry the at 1,451 restaurants across the island. not happen at our go-kart track driving so the individual can be Clean Food, Good Taste sign have but we are saddened by it – both stopped immediately. passed an initial inspection con- for the boy and his parents, and The Patong Go-kart Speedway firming the food handling But when the complaints have for the industry. track has many safety features. practices at the venue satisfy been genuinely related to food Motorsports can be dangerous. Wide run-off areas, safety barri- Phuket Provincial Health Office hygiene, it has usually been be- There are accidents and injuries. ers, track marshals and correctly requirements. cause the person ate undercooked However there are ways to mini- positioned track cambers. This These venues are also randomly food or food that had been mize and prevent serious makes driving much easier and inspected by health officers. cooked but left standing for a long accidents. safer. In issuing these certificates and time. That’s why we at Patong Go- It is very important when tour- signs, we look at how the food is Buying food from fresh mar- kart Speedway have standard ists are involved. They are on stored, served and the personal hy- kets in Phuket should be safe, as operating procedures. This in- holiday and the last thing they giene of all the people who handle we inspect fresh markets and cludes immediate medical attention think of is being hurt while hav- the food. overall their level of food cleanli- and evacuation. Our staff is trained ing fun. They can have big For example, all cooking uten- ness is okay. to render first aid while waiting reactions to even little scratches sils must be kept clean at least 60 That said, Phuket does not pro- for medical assistance to arrive. or bruises and this would not be centimeters above the floor and duce much fruit and vegetables. Often customers are very ex- good publicity for Phuket tourism. there must be a sink and soap pro- Much of what is available at cited about getting on the track All our karts are four-stroke vided for customers, too. the markets has been brought in with their friends, but we make engine powered, with many safety So, if you see the Clean Food, from large fresh markets in other sure they listen to our safety brief- features built into them. Our karts Good Taste sign, you can be as- provinces. ing regarding the use of the have covered chain guards, extra- sured that the food inside that These large fresh markets are go-karts and the driving behavior wide, thick, strong rubber restaurant is fit for eating. Clean Food, Good Taste at Rimtang served by large farms, which of- of not bumping each other. bumpers and this makes them What tourists should be care- restaurant in Phuket Town. ten use chemicals to treat their Our style is to make the pos- much safer. ful and concerned about is buying eat food from street vendors, they crops. sible consequences of unsafe Our regular maintenance and food from street vendors. should select food that has just Any produce bought at a fresh driving so plain that our custom- replacement of older engines re- Sometimes, the raw ingredients been cooked and is still hot. This market should be washed thor- ers get the message. We even duces the chance of a fire are not kept in clean containers should be safe. oughly before cooking or eating. question them before they are al- breakout. and even the stall itself might be The weather in Thailand is hot, That should make it safe for lowed onto the track. Also, maintaining true safety serving food in the middle of an and food goes off very quickly here. consumption. In short, we scare them into standards means incurring ongoing unhygienic environment. We often hear complaints about Otherwise, buy organic pro- paying attention. Then when we costs, such as constantly maintain- I advise to be very careful in tourists falling ill from food. duce, which is becoming allow them on the track, they are ing the karts. Once cost cutting buying food from a street vendor Sometimes it is nothing more than increasingly popular in Phuket very aware of driving safely. Our starts, safety is compromised. to the point of avoiding it if pos- the food being too rich or too spicy because they are free from track marshals are always present In this industry, that cannot sible. But if people really want to for them. agrichemicals. to assist and to report any unsafe happen.

Serving motorbikes our gas station, but not just for Motorbike riders have to queue petrol. Many came to buy things not because the pump attendants at gas stations from our minimart too. This adds are lazy, but for safety reasons. to the confusion of which vehicles When you go to a bank, you have Can anyone explain to me why are heading where inside the gas to wait to be served. It’s the same bike riders are made to queue for station. at a gas station. anything up to 15 minutes at one When it is raining, we dedicate We have used separate pumps pump at most petrol stations while some of the “car pumps” to serv- for serving cars and bikes for many pump attendants stand around idly ing motorbikes so we can serve years and it has become much safer waiting for cars to arrive at the them quicker and get them out of – and most of our customers have others? the rain. come to appreciate this, too. Peeved bike rider This is not Shell company Before, some riders used to Kathu policy, but we have explained to even cut in front of trucks or other Shell headquarters in Bangkok that large vehicles pulling up to a pump An attendant at the Shell having the pumps separated just so they could get in front. Petrol Station on Phang Nga Rd makes it easier for us to work and This was very dangerous. in Phuket Town replies: safer for customers within the Our gas station is usually Motorcycle riders have to petrol station area. packed with customers only dur- queue separately from other ve- ing rush hours, from 7:30am to hicles for safety reasons. The assistant manager at the 9am and 4:30pm to 6 pm. Before, when we served cars Esso gas station on Chao Fa ers abused the attendant. motorbike customers and attendants For the rest of the day, the situ- and motorbikes at the same Road (near Suan Luang) in Some even complained that the – and among customers themselves ation is fine. pumps, after the car or bike had Phuket Town, replies: attendant thought motorcycle rid- – by having separate pumps for I suggest that anyone who been filled, the drivers moved off In the past, when a car was ers were not as important or as serving cars and motorcycles. doesn’t want to wait in line for but were not careful and collided about to pull up in front of a gas rich as the car drivers, which is However, sometimes, we allow petrol to avoid the rush hours. with each other. pump, three to four motorcycles obviously not true. motorcycles to be served at “car I understand there are many To stop this from happening would cut in front and switch their We wanted motorcycle riders to pumps” when they are available. motorcycles in Phuket and that we decided to have some pumps engines off, waiting to get fuel. get into a queue and understand what our gas station is often crowded dedicated to serving motorbikes Often when a pump attendant “first come, first served” means. Ratsamee Rattanayan, owner of with motorcycle riders waiting to only. asked the riders to wait since the So two years ago we decided to the PTT petrol station on Chao get petrol. So we try our best to Also, a lot of people come to car was first, the motorbike rid- avoid all the problems between Fa East Road in Wichit, replies: serve them as fast as possible. 10 PHUKET GAZETTE BUSINESS March 26 - April 1, 2011 Phuket tourism needs 5,000 workers now, officials say THE Phuket tourism industry is fac- convenience of people looking for aged between 18 and 25. ing a huge labor shortage, with more employment. It is also trying to “The target are people from than 5,000 positions currently va- find jobs for students who want Isarn [the Northeast of Thailand], cant on the island, the Phuket Em- to work during the vacation over because there is a huge number ployment Office chief has warned. the next two months. of kids who’ve studied to this Noppadon Ployyoudee said To fix the problem in the longer level who want work here,” he there was strong demand for term, the office is working with said. “We can take them for rapid workers in Phuket, particularly at schools and colleges to ensure the training and have them ready for hotels and businesses connected workers they are producing fit the work in two months. As for com- to the tourism industry. needs of the labor market, he said. pensation, they will earn more than Among those needed are recep- Prasert Monprasit, president of 10,000 baht per month.” tion staff, service staff, sales Phuket Human Resources Club, Mr Prasert said that to fix the people, handymen, electricians, said hotels needed operations staff, problems the Education Ministry accountants, administrators, for example cleaners and laundry and the Labor Ministry had to cleaners and security guards. The workers. Each year there is demand come up with a formula to pro- Employment Office investigated for 3,000 such workers, particu- duce personnel of this type, the problem and found more than larly in high season, which runs because by 2015 Asean would 5,000 vacant positions, Mr from October to April, he said. implement the Asean Economic Noppadon said. “The problem has come about Community (AEC). “The reason Phuket province is because there is work but no-one The AEC is supposed to allow experiencing the problem of a is interested in doing it, because the free movement of labor among large labor shortage is that today the work needs people who gradu- its member countries, which are the economy in the area is at a good ate at M6 level,” he said. “But most Thailand, Laos, Burma, Vietnam, level,” he said. “There are a lot of of the people looking for work Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, tourists coming in, meaning ho- have graduated at Bachelor’s level, Indonesia, Brunei and the Philip- tels and businesses connected to and are interested in other types pines. tourism want a lot of workers in of work.” Mr Prasert said if tourist prov- various departments.” Mr Prasert said the Phuket Hu- inces did not prepare themselves, Mr Noppadon said the office, man Resources Club was preparing some businesses could employee together with the affected busi- to search for and train people who Burmese workers, which would nesses, were constantly arranging met the right specifications, who cause other problems to follow. MEETING THE DEMAND: Officials say Phuket is struggling to meet tourism meetings with workers for the had graduated at M6 level and were – Kom Chad Luek demands, with an estimated 5,000 jobs needing filled. Photo: Phuket Gazette Japan crisis won’t hit Phuket tourism: PTA THE Phuket Tourism Association (PTA) be- nese tourists tend to be small anyway. Japa- ism, although the Tourism Authority of lieves the crisis in Japan will not have serious nese tourism did drop off after the tsunami Thailand (TAT) was already planning an- effects on the island’s economy, though it hit Phuket in December 2004, which coin- nual events there anyway, he said. has cautioned that numbers of visitors from cided with the Japanese economic crisis, but Mr Somboon’s comments come as affected areas are likely to fall. after numbers quickly recovered, he said. Japan battles to avoid nuclear meltdown at Somboon Jirayus, president of the Japanese tourists come in their greatest the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, PTA, said the 9.0-Richter earthquake and numbers in April and May, during the school 250km away from the capital Tokyo. resulting tsunami that have devastated break. Somboon said people in the tourism Tourists visiting Thailand from Japan Japan would have psychological effects business had not witnessed any hotel can- are being scanned for radiation contami- in the short term. cellations yet. nation at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Numbers of tourists from towns and The numbers of visitors booking trips Bangkok as a precautionary measure. cities directly affected by the disaster are to Japan has fallen, although flights from At Phuket International Airport, tourists likely to fall, but in the longer term it will Phuket to Japan were still leaving as nor- travelling to Japan are being offered free depend on how badly the Japanese economy mal, he said. potassium iodide tablets to protect them THREAT: Officials say Phuket tourism will not is affected, he said. The PTA does not yet have a plan to from the effects of radiation. be affected in the long term. Photo: AFP At this time of year, the numbers of Japa- hold activities in Japan to encourage tour- – The Nation

Looking for a place to stay? See more classified ads at www.phuketgazette.net March 26 - April 1, 2011 BUSINESS PHUKET GAZETTE 11

TAT touts B2.2bn Enter the as Songkran lucky number THE Tourism Authority of Thai- land (TAT) expects this year’s Songkran Festival to generate an Supercar estimated 2.2 billion baht from 13 provinces nationwide. A main reason for the spending has been accredited to an expected jump in numbers of 100,000 do- mestic tourists due to disruption overseas: Japan’s quake, violence showroom in the Arab world, as well as an earlier quake in New Zealand. By Neil Quail The TAT is confident these factors will mean more Thais will LUXURY car enthusiasts in Phuket stay on home turf over the holiday can now visit a showroom on the period. bypass road to experience first- Last year’s festival generated hand some of the most famous 1.7 billion baht from 13 key brands in this prestigious industry. provinces. The grand opening for Auto- The water festival will take place express’ first outlet – near Pornthip in 13 provinces such Chiang Mai, Seafood on Chalermprakiat Road Sukhothai, Kanchanaburi, Ubon (bypass road) – is scheduled for Ratchathani, Phuket, Samui and 6pm on March 31. Surat Thani (Hat Yai). Luxury vehicle markets suf- The Northeast expects to draw fered greatly during the global 500,000 visitors and the East recession with manufacturers such 100,000 visitors. as BMW enduring a 25 per cent Hotel occupancy rate in Chiang plunge in sales in the US in 2009. Mai, Sukhothai and other provinces Americans are the biggest consum- in the North is expected to be 70 ers of high-end automobiles. per cent during the festival, higher It would seem an unusual time than 20 per cent in the same pe- to hope for profit in an industry riod last year. Hotels in Hat Yat are where most manufacturers are HIGH HOPES: Saksri Kerdphol, DRIVING FORCE: The new Mercedes Benz SLS AMG is just one of many reportedly overbooked. simply trying to break even after Autoexpress General Manager luxury cars Autoexpress is making available on the island. three years of uncertainty and fi- on-site service center with highly est has been from Thais, we are 2011 Rolls Royce Ghost V12 Thai banks move nancial struggles. trained mechanics which will also delighted with the feedback from ($US250,000). The eight-geared, Autoexpress General Manager provide a further guarantee of the our foreign clients,” she said. entry-level Rolls is their quickest to slash ATM Saksri Kerdphol explained to the best after-sale care for our cus- The Autoexpress showroom production vehicle, reaching 0- transfer fees Phuket Gazette the rationale for tomers,” she added. bristles with some of the best au- 60mph in less than five seconds. such a venture in Phuket: “There Emerging Asian markets such tomotive technology available, The prize car for Mercedes-lov- COMMERCIAL banks will be able are many very affluent Thai and as those in Russia and China are including the Porsche Carrera 4S, ing customers will be the SLS V8 to adjust their ATM service fees foreign residents in Phuket who also an indicator that the predicted an Audi TT Coupe, a Peugot RCZ ($US200,000). Formula 1 fans will down by the end of this month as love their expensive cars and we viability of Autoexpress Phuket is GT, the Lexus RX 270 and of recognize this luxury grand tourer they have agreed in their meeting aim to provide a wide selection. not just a pipe dream. course many types of Mercedes as the safety car for the 2010 sea- late last year, according to the “Money is not really a concern “We’ve already had many inquir- Benz – the ultimate in status sym- son. Even with a smaller engine, Bank of Thailand (BoT). for these people. They require a dis- ies from local Thai business bol for many Thai people. 0-60mph for the gull-winged SLS BoT Deputy Governor for Fi- tinct quality and reliability in both magnates and their foreign coun- Those attending the Grand is almost a second faster than that nancial Institutions Stability Krirk performance and service,” she said. terparts,” Ms Kerdphol explained. Opening of Autoexpress will be of the Rolls Royce. The prices Vanikkul stated that the state- “Very shortly, we will open our “Although 75 per cent of inter- privileged to encounter the all new above are for the US only. owned Krung Thai Bank has taken the lead in reducing the fees, and other commercial banks are ex- pected to follow suit by the end of March 2011. Under the recently agreed con- ditions, customers making same-bank, cross-city money transfer for the first time in each month can do so free of charge. For other transfers in the same month, ATM cardholders will be charged a flat rate of 15 baht for each transfer. Customers making same-bank, cross-city cash with- drawals will be charged a flat rate of 20 baht for each transaction. Customers will be given free service for cross-bank, same- city cash withdrawals and balance enquiries for the first four times of each month. A 10- baht fee will be charged on the fifth time, both in Bangkok and other provinces. Mr Krirk admitted that com- mercial banks might lose at least 100 million baht in income because of the fee adjustment; however, he believed they will be able to find other sources of income to com- pensate the loss. – NNT 12 PHUKET GAZETTE BUSINESS March 26 - April 1, 2011 On The Move

Chef Tammanoon, formerly Ekapol Tharasiriroj has Gregor Pfaff has joined of the Boathouse, is now been promoted to Managing Indigo Pearl as Executive Culinary Director at the Director of Phuket Interna- Pastry Chef. Mr Pfaff is Traidhos Three Generation tional Hospital after three originally from Frankfurt, Community for Learning in years experience as an Germany, where he Chiang Mai founded by Mom assistant to the former completed his apprentice- Tri Devakul. Twice a month managing director. Mr ship as confectioner and he will also conduct culi- Tharasiriroj has a Bachelor’s chocolatier. During the nary workshops at Mom Degree in Civil Engineering, past 15 years he has led Tri’s Villa Royale in Kata, as and an MS degree in Finance patisseries at The Four an extension of the Cooking from Chulalongkorn Univer- Seasons, The Conrad and Academy at the Three sity. He has worked as The Dome in Bangkok, Generation center. He will a financial consultant for The Mandarin in also be a consulting chef for many companies in the Singapore and The Leela Mom Tri’s Kitchen. past 10 years. Hotel in India. No evading the US tax trap FOR those who don’t know, all of giving up US citizenship is out of your taxable income base. For most Americans retiring United States citizens are legally the question. I have come across As a retiree, your average Joe abroad however, tax issues should required to pay taxes prescribed in many ways in which people have would have to be doing amazingly not be too big of a problem, despite the US tax code on income earned tried to outwit the IRS, and many a well on his investments to be bring- the harsh reputation of the IRS. anywhere in the world. Conse- small fry have never had any trouble. ing in more than this. quently, many Americans living One needs to clearly understand that Accrual taxation also means that If you keep investments in the David Mayes MBA provides wealth abroad try to avoid paying taxes to just because you get away with if you invest in stocks during a bull US, however, then the income is management services to expats the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), something doesn’t mean it’s legal. market and prices appreciate, you not foreign earned, which is a mis- in Asia, E:[email protected] especially those who never intend It’s very common for people to will have to pay tax on the gains take many American expats make. to return as a resident. take income or place assets in the made – even if you don’t sell your You also need to have THE TAXMAN: Internal The problem is none of the many name of a foreign spouse. The le- shares and pocket the profits. a foreign tax base, but the Revenue Service Commissioner schemes people come up with to gality of doing this is dubious, Worse, if the share prices rise good news for people Douglas get around this are actually legal. and with global divorce rates what then fall, you will still have to pay who have chosen Thai- Shulman. The only sure way for an Ameri- they are, it is not recommend. tax on the price appreciation land for retirement is Photo: AFP can citizen to legally remove oneself I would prefer the peace of before the prices fell again. that capital gains are from the US tax obligations is to mind in knowing that I wouldn’t Of course if you are a retiree, not taxed in this officially renounce one’s US citizen- stand to lose all my money if things you should not be heavily invested country. ship at a US embassy. Period. went wrong and I had signed in the stock market anyway. Americans who Any other method would most away my legal right to it. The US does have double taxa- are working abroad likely not hold up in court. Using offshore trusts or com- tion agreements with many and making more than Please note that I am not talk- panies to separate a person from countries, but even in its absence US$91,400 do get some ing about tax avoidance, which is their assets is popular, but this sim- the IRS still gives a break on relief, but obviously high legal. Tax avoidance is where a tax ply makes tax evasion more foreign-earned income. net worth executives and oil lawyer or accountant who thor- difficult to uncover; not legal. The actual wording on their industry workers will still be oughly knows the law can reduce IRS taxes are levied on an ac- website is that you “may” qualify earning enough to generate a or eliminate the tax bill. crual basis, meaning you don’t for foreign-earned income exclu- sizeable tax bill. I am talking about the many have to receive the gains to be li- sion, but I have never known One can complain that this other ways practiced by American able to pay tax on them. So leaving anyone to have trouble claiming this. isn’t fair, but that won’t do expats abroad which are tanta- money to pile up in a company you It basically means you don’t much good in court. mount to illegal tax evasion. own would most likely be seen as have to include the first US$91,400 You always have the op- For many Americans the thought a taxable event by the IRS. of foreign-earned income in tion, assuming you have a clean criminal background and so on, of becoming a citi- zen of Dominica (about US$75,000 but you still re- quire a visa to enter the EU) or St Kitts and Nevis, which will cost US$200,000 but is a member of the British commonwealth and will grant you almost iden- tical travel freedom as a US passport. March 26 - April 1, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 13 14 PHUKET GAZETTE March 26 - April 1, 2011 Tata Young all in for Love Aid

By Fraser Morton volunteers to help. Lots of them,” rities to Phuket for the event. he said. Tata’s performance is sched- TATA Young is one of this Tata and her manager Myke uled for the evening, after a sunset country’s most influential artists, Brown said the images of the tribute on April 2. so her support for the Love Aid Japan disaster reminded them of “I will sing my hits, but if you concert on April 2 is a major boon their own experiences during the want to know which ones you will for organizers. 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami in have to come to the show to find The 30-year-old Thai pop sen- Phuket. Both Tata and Myke lost out,” she adds. sation said that after seeing events love ones in that tragedy. “To all my Japanese fans in Japan, she felt lending her sup- In the aftermath of the Boxing . . . Now its my turn to be there port and “giving her heart” to Love Day wave, Tata left her home in for you, love you.” Aid was the right thing to do. Bangkok and travelled south to Tata said she will arrive in Although, as this newspaper volunteer at hospitals and care for Phuket a few days before the con- went to print, a final location for survivors. cert to help organizers promote the concert had yet to be decided, “We both had losses in 2004 the event. organizers hope to raise “several and we now want to help Japan Hopes are high among the million baht” in funds to help . . . When people unite, amazing organizing committee that Love survivors in Japan. things can happen. I encourage Aid can hit their donation target. Entertainment Director Ricky volunteers and fellow musicians “Every baht of donations will Zen said support so far has been to join in,” Myke said. go towards long-term disaster re- overwhelming – and that it was Tata echoed this sentiment of lief in Japan, which is clearly an honor to have Tata coming to encouragement. needed considering the huge scale perform. “The moment I was asked if I of the disaster,” said Organizing “There’s been a massive could help, I knew I had to do Committee Head Edgardo Tanael, response. We are going to need something and not just watch TV of the Kata Beach Resort. and feel sorry for Japan . . .I would Ricky added that, “All dona- like to encourage others to reach tions will be funnelled through the deep inside and support Love Aid Rotary Club of Patong Beach to Phuket, give something back,” Rotary International clubs in said Tata. Japan that are already active in Tata is not only donating her devastated areas.” time – and not taking any fee for the concert – she is also trying to See PhuketGazette.net or Love “bring other well-known” celeb- AidPhuket.org for more information as it becomes available. March 26 - April 1, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 15 16 PHUKET GAZETTE March 26 - April 1, 2011 A different view at Green Forest Find fresh seafood served with a smile high in the hills above Phuket Town. This place not only has delectable food, but the view isn’t too bad either...

HIGH TIMES: Green Forest restaurant FRESH FARE: Green Forest specializes in seafood cuisine. Engineer-turned-restaurateur Fon Butkatunyoo. Photos: Phuket Gazette By Stephen Fein almost exclusively from small- first gear and go ahead won’t be steamed in soy sauce – as well as new level, changing a snack to a scale local fisherman operating out disappointed. an excellent roasted chicken full-fledged dish, by serving it PHUKET diners have for years of Klong Tha Jeen. Bring binocu- Surrounded by what may be the basted with curry sauce for one with the tender, fried flesh of pla enjoyed meals at restaurants on lars and you might even be able to last virgin forest stand in greater dining companion with an aver- samlee, or “cotton fish”. The Rang Hill, while the area’s larg- see tomorrow’s catch chugging Phuket Town, Green Forest is lo- sion to seafood. taste of this unique fusion of est hill, Khao Toh Sae, remained up the klong by longtail to cated about halfway up Khao Toh All dishes were superbly pre- northern and southern cuisine is known for little other than Rassada Pier. Sae, which stands slightly more pared and presented, along with alone worth the trip. television broadcast towers With a staff of 40, Green For- than twice as high as Khao Rang. plenty of ice-cold beer (premium Another dish for seafood lov- and its colony of mischievous est has established itself as a Owner Fon Butkatunyoo, re- label, big bottle, 100 baht). ers is the Takraa Phuket (Phuket macaques. reasonably-priced alternative to tired former head of the Phuket One of the many unique dishes seafood basket, 350 baht to 550 All that changed on December outlets on Rang Hill, which in re- City Municipality Engineering Di- on the menu is the miang pla baht, depending on weight), a se- 1, when the Green Forest Restau- cent years has also developed a vision, spent three years finding samlee. Miang is a well-known lection of crab, deep fried fish, rant opened its doors after three problem with a large and growing funding and overseeing construc- northern snack with roasted co- grilled squid and shrimp, with years of difficult construction on macaque colony. tion of the ambitious project. conut shavings with peanuts mussels and cockles and mussels the hill’s steep west-facing slope, Access to Green Forest is by a Obviously not one to suffer mixed together with freshly diced steamed in herbs. which offers panoramic views of narrow concrete road, where hun- half-measures, Mr Fon laid on a red onions, ginger, garlic and chili. These are all served with a deli- Phuket Town, Phuket Bay, Koh dreds of people go every late seafood feast with a wide selec- These are covered with the cious, spicy green dipping sauce Sireh and the islands of Phang afternoon for exercise. The road tion of dishes including a grilled sweet miang sauce and wrapped in that perfectly complements them all. Nga Bay. looks daunting: Will I be able to shrimp basket, shrimp pan fried the slightly bitter leave of the Green Forest has extensive set Green Forest specializes in park? Where will I be able to turn in tamarind sauce, soft-shelled chaphlu (Piper sarmentosum) plant. and a la carte menus, and a wine fresh seafood, which it sources around? Those who put the car in crab with lemongrass, grouper Green Forest takes this to a list. House wines start at 100 baht a glass. For those seeking an intimate meal or karaoke session, there are three small, private dining rooms on the floor below the main terrace. There is also a lower terrace as well as an air- conditioned VIP room equipped for karaoke. Despite its lofty location, the restaurant is very sturdy and child- friendly. Now may be the best time to visit, while the venue is still rela- tively unknown. The provincial administration has imminent plans to widen the road up Toh Sae Hill and develop park facilities there. When it does expect the primate population to increase many times over. Remem- ber, we humans are primates, too. Green Forest is open daily from 10am. The kitchen closes at 10pm, but guest can stay on to enjoy cold drinks and live football on the large-screen television un- til much later. March 26 - April 1, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 17 18 PHUKET GAZETTE March 26 - April 1, 2011 Mike Venezuela’s mad about

He has danced with Jennifer Lopez, toured with Destiny’s Child, rubbed shoulders with OJ Simpson – in a Miami strip club – and talked his way into the Playboy Mansion. But why is Famous Nightclub’s Michael Venezuela so obsessed with fame and bringing celebrities to Patong, and why on earth does he wear that white suit? The former MTV presenter, break dancer and model rolled up his sleeves and turned off his three phones to duke it out with Phuket Gazette Features Editor Fraser Morton. Here’s what transpired...

Fraser Morton: You’re the ass to back it up (Laughs) – friends. My friend Todd (the Favre future’s leading eyes for nightlife Social Media and Special Events sorry Jennifer. look-a-like) dressed up like a straw entertainment”. Sounds like you Marketing Director at Famous FM: It’s okay, I don’t think she man, and the rest of us were gave up a promising future in the Nightclub in Patong. Why such reads the Phuket Gazette. dressed as Umpa Lumpas (think US. So why the move here? a long title? I think you should You’ve been a TV entertainment Charlie and the Chocolate Fac- MV: Well, I’ve been in the busi- change it to “The Fixer” or reporter for MTV, E! and more, tory). My buddy said he was Bret ness for 14 years, and to be hon- “Social Mike”, I think it’s less who is the most interesting per- Favre, and the security guards let est, Asia seems like the place to of a mouthful. son you’ve interviewed? us in. We had the time of our lives. be. I was working in Las Vegas Michael Venezuela: It describes MV: OJ Simpson in 2000 is one FM: I don’t believe you. Did last year at Wet Republic (night- what I do. for sure. The funny thing was, I this happen? club at the MGM Grand). I’ve FM: So what does it mean? caught him at a strip club in South MV: (Laughs) It’s true, but I can’t managed to gain a large database MV: It means I entertain. Beach, Miami. I was making a say any more. I have to draw a line of contacts in the US entertain- FM: And what does that entail? documentary about a porn star. I in the sand. I don’t want to be that ment industry and I MV: My job at Famous requires me couldn’t believe he was there. We guy that gets blacklisted for talking thought I could use to run all the social media – went up to him with the cameras too much. Let’s just say the Umpa them here. Facebook, Twitter – for the club, rolling and started asking him Lumpas had fun that night. THINKING BIG: book celebrities and DJs to per- Mike with Evander Holyfield questions...He’s such a nice guy, FM: What about your family? Mike Venezuela form and make these people ac- but man, does he have a big head, Are they concerned with fame? on Phuket. cessible to our guests at Famous. went with the money. literally. Such a big head. MV: No, not at all. They’re conser- FM: You recently hosted three FM: So it was purely for mon- FM: Anyone else? vative republicans. Both very orga- Playboy bunnies at the club for etary reasons? MV: Michael Jackson in Beverly nized and business-minded (Mike’s a photo-shoot party. Why do you MV: No, I wanted to be on TV Hills. I collapsed. I don’t usually fiddling with his Blackberry while think people in Phuket think and modeling seemed like a good get star struck, but he’s always he answers this question). that’s entertainment? route to go. It was a tough choice. been a hero of mine. This was FM: Hmmm, I notice you MV: It was entertainment and the FM: Why do you care about when I was a DJ for MTV. We have three phones. Looks guests loved it. It was an experi- fame so much? were working with Black Eyed like the organizational ment and it worked. The girls frol- MV: Always been that way. It’s a Peas and Michael Jackson came skills passed over to you. icked around the pool all day, lifestyle that appeals to the youth into the room when we were do- Or is it the opposite? while hundreds of people stood of America. ing an interview. I was 21 at the Why three phones? around watching. FM: So I hear you’ve worked time. When he walked into the MV: I have an iPhone, a FM: Sounds a bit perverse. with some pretty well-known room, my knees gave out. I was Blackberry and a regular MV: We live in perverse times. US celebrities. Care to share? picked up by the security guards standard phone – I take FM: And what about you Mike MV: Sure. I was a backing dancer and Michael asked me if I was in about 150 calls a day. – you were also a model. So in the late 90s (98,99) for Jenni- okay. It’s the biggest interview I FM: Why so many? you’re comfortable taking your fer Lopez. I was in the “If you never got (laughs). All work? clothes off for money? have my love” and “Waiting for FM: So you’ve been inside the MV: Yup, to do with en- MV: At a younger age, sure. I tonight” music videos. After that Playboy Mansion in Beverly tertainment. Whether charge more now though. I went on a three-month tour with Hills, care to share? it’s to do with Famous FM: How did you get into Destiny’s Child across the US. MV: (Laughs) I’ve been there (Nightclub) or clubs in modeling? FM: So what’s J-Lo like? twice. The first time we snuck in. Singapore – just con- MV: It was 1996. I was 19. I had MV: Uh, she’s basically a Puerto It was a Halloween party. I was stantly networking. the chance to take a football Rican (Michael’s nationality) chick 21 years old. I was with one of FM: Former Vice (American) scholarship at Florida with a lot of “ass-itude”. my friends who looks exactly like President of NBC State University, or take a FM: What does that mean? Brett Favre (one of the National Network, Peter US$50,000 modeling contract in MV: “Ass-itude”, it means she has Football League’s most famous Andrews, once said New York for Bloomingdales. I a lot of attitude and carries a big quarterbacks) and two other you were “one of the Photo: Suchart Changate March 26 - April 1, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 19 fame, and bringing it here... FM: Since opening in Decem- see you out, you have it on? A lot of people in the entertainment ber, Famous Nightclub has MV: I like a little flair. I design my industry think they know what a hosted DJs Roger Sanchez, Bob own clothes. market wants, but they don’t. Sinclar and more. Is this all FM: Is Michael Venezuela your FM: Ever intend to get married? your doing? real name? MV: I did want to, but there’s MV: No, those two were already MV: Everyone asks me that. Is it something you should know in motion before I came on board. my stage name? My stripper about me. I’m a true believer that Nothing gets done without Chris name? No, the history of my name about 80 per cent of the world will (Cole, owner) and Tal (Derhy, goes back to my great, great, be extinct by December 21, 2012. General Manager at Famous). (He’s talking about the Mayan Chris is not scared to spend the prophecy of evolution which com- money to get big names to come prises a range of beliefs that there here. We’re in the entertainment will be cataclysmic events on business and Famous’ goal is to Earth on this date). provide a level of entertainment FM: You honestly believe the service for Phuket that everyone world is going to end next year? is happy with. MV: Yes, I really believe it. It’s FM: So what’s coming up next fact. The planets are going to align at Famous? and there’s going to be some kind MV: There’s plenty to look for- of gravitational pull that’s going to ward to. Dirty Vegas will be here cause a huge shift. on April 7. Also, on April 13 we FM: But it’s not a fact the world have Seb Fontaine and Phil Mike with OJ Simpson in 2000 is going to end, Mike. Drummond playing. On April 23 great, great-grandmother (Puerto MV: Okay, it’s not fact, but we have Anthony Nero from the Rican) who hooked up with something is going to happen. US coming. Captain Venezuela – she was There’s a good chance I may not FM: I heard you were trying to a…err…a working girl. You could be around. Everyone has their get singer “Apple” from the say I’m fourth generation son of beliefs. Black Eyed Peas to come play a whore (laughs). FM: I was going to ask where at the club. Is this true? FM: Is giving people what they you plan to be in five years, but MV: Yes, that was true. We were want and what they want to hear I think we can close the book trying to get him to come, but it part of your job? on that one. I was also going to looks like that will fall through. It’s MV: Very much so. And it’s one ask how Famous will be doing such short notice, and our line-up of those things that you can’t in five years, but I guess you’ve now is booked. teach. I went to school for broad- answered that too. FM: So why do you always wear casting, journalism and marketing, MV: Well, if I’m wrong, then IN VEGAS: Mike with Jennifer Frost from the TV show ‘America’s Top that white suit? Every time I but you can’t learn charisma. Famous will still be going strong. Model’ on the red carpet at Jet Nightclub, Las Vegas, in February last year. 20 PHUKET GAZETTE March 26 - April 1, 2011 Harley Hotel: Born to be pampered Somnuek ‘Nicky’ Phonkaew has opened the island’s first motorcycle-themed hotel. The Phuket Gazette takes a walk on the wild side with the man behind this design odyssey...

HANDLEBAR HOTEL: Somnuek ‘Nicky’ Phonkaew (top) has created a hotel in the heart of Patong that is a design odyssey on the island. Photos: Christian Mouchet By Marc Mulloy For those who love motor- U-Thit 200 Pee Road in Patong. Aussies have also booked to everywhere in this hotel. cycles, Nicky’s Handlebar Hotel Nicky opened the Handlebar come on biker holidays months in And for guests staying in the BIKERS love brand names, and is a must see. because he said he felt Phuket advance,” said Nicky. hotel, they will be within touch- iconic biker logos such as Harley The mastermind behind the bikers needed a place to hang Nicky said that he expects the ing distance of Nicky’s repair shop Davidson have graced everything hotel is Somnuek “Nicky” out, and he was right. For the hotel to do well due to the num- and showroom located just behind from belt buckles to tattoos. Phonkaew who has been passion- past decade the bar – which ber of bookings he is currently the bar near the road. But now in the heart of Patong, ate about motorcycles ever since is covered in biker memorabilia getting for his motorcycle tours. Inside the repair shop is a sight a unique hotel has taken form. A he “borrowed” his brother’s bike – has grown in He hopes his to behold. hotel that is not only built espe- at age 11. popularity. new hotel will “I have 22 Harleys now, and cially for motorcycle enthusiasts The hotel is located behind Nicky’s Harley For those who appeal the same some beautiful cars too, includ- – both locals and tourists – but Nicky’s Handlebar – Phuket’s first Davidson tours love motorcycles, customers. ing a Pontiac GTO 1964; a 1969 has been designed with motor- and arguably most well-known from Phuket to Stepping in- Corvette Stingray convertible cycle parts integrated into the biker bar and restaurant, which Phang Nga and Nicky’s Handle- side one of and of course my red Ferrari 360 rooms and decor. opened 10 years ago – on Rat- Krabi have also bar Hotel is a the hotel rooms Spider; and yellow LP560 seen a surge in must see. is a captivating Lamborghini,” he says. demand. experience. The For those who prefer his cars, Nicky, who has juxtaposition of he offers a “once in a lifetime expe- worked in the hospitality indus- raw materials: concrete, metal, rience” in his “Ferrari taxi service” try for more than 20 years, leather and wood shows that an that he started back in 2009. realized that his guests not only artist has been hard at work here. Guests can get picked up from needed a place to hang out, but Australian designer John Phuket International Airport in also a place to sleep, so he Underwood, who created the one of Nicky’s Ferraris for a cool embarked on the hotel project a award-winning industrial design 15,000 baht (with the luggage few years ago. found at the Indigo Pearl resort following in a Mercedez Benz) The hotel opened for guests on in Nai Yang, and who more re- or have a tour of Patong for a October 27 last year, and since cently designed the new Brush smooth 3,000 baht. then it has gone from strength to restaurant in Kalim, is the man There is one snag: Nicky or his strength. who helped Nicky with the inte- younger brother Kai are the only Nicky said he has been inun- rior design at the Handlebar Hotel. ones allowed to drive. dated with bookings, some From the spark-plug door fit- So what does Phuket’s high- months in advance. tings to the “motorcycle handlebar flying motorcycle entrepreneur We have families from all over shower” and flame mosaic dream of next? the world booking online, and swimming pool, the quirky Nicky- Maybe a private jet,” Nicky many Swiss, French, German and Underwood design signature is says with a smile. March 26 - April 1, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 21 Starr Farish STARR Farish has developed the ery book on spirituality that I could Friendship Beach Waterfront Resort find. My aunt had a session with into one of the south island’s most Edgar Cayce, the well-known popular boutique properties, where American psychic, and I had an af- both visitors and residents meet to finity for learning about the world enjoy the views, live local music and of the spirit.” the culinary talents of Chef Charlie After college graduation, Starr Maurer. It is also home to the spent a couple of years waiting for Atmanjai Wellness Center. “After I retired to Phuket, I got his vocation to be revealed. One “I first came to Phuket in 1992 restless. I visited Friendship Beach day he was directed to obtain a for a month’s holiday and was in- when they were operating one of real estate license. He sold prop- trigued by the Thais. I also enjoyed the island’s first computer clinics. erty for a couple of years until he the weather and loved living by the I could immediately see the po- was invited to Orcas Island in sea. I returned and stayed for three tential for this great piece of land. 1967 and met a spiritual teacher months each winter for the follow- I helped the owner, part time, in named Louis. ing six years until I retired in 1998 developing what was here.” “Louis was very well respected and decided to move permanently Two years later, Starr had the in what was becoming the motiva- to the island.” property on his own and began a tional speaking circuit. He had an AZETTE

Starr is no stranger to operating gradual redevelopment which has audience with the Dalai Lama. From G successful resorts. He re-devel- seen all the original structures re- our first meeting, I knew that my HUKET oped a historic hotel built in 1888, moved. There’s now a large life would be involved in support- P THE the Outlook Inn, on Orcas Island swimming pool surrounded by 32 ing Louis’ work.” FOR in Washington State’s San Juan rooms tastefully tucked away into Starr spent the next 30 years

Islands. He started with a small, a variety of buildings that blend developing his Outlook Inn as a HILD run-down building with just 12 with the landscaping. hub for spiritual retreats and as the C ETER P

rooms and turned it into a thriving “I’ve tried to create an atmo- center for the Louis Foundation. Y waterfront property with 45 sphere at Friendship Beach where In addition to selling and devel- B rooms and a restaurant overlook- people can relax and experience an oping properties on Orcas Island, ing Eastsound Bay. uplifting, positive change of life.” he co-ordinated lecture tours and He does not have a master plan Starr was born in the Pacific seminars around the United States, About Expat Gallery or work with architects when he Northwest of the United States and the focus of which was the expan- The individuals profiled in “Expat Gallery” are chosen on the basis builds or restores a property. He graduated with a Bachelor’s De- sion of consciousness. of their contributions to Phuket, and for having made those contri- follows his intuition and allows a gree from Whitman College. The tours included many of the butions in successful partnerships with Thais. For many, the con- project to unfold naturally, adding “I had a struggle in college be- world’s foremost thinkers and tributions have entailed significant investment, often in the mid-80s structures and elements that fit with cause I knew I would never use teachers of metaphysics who were and 90s when the rules of business were, ahh, not always clear. the surroundings. This has been his the degree. However, I was always committed to helping people get in Some are not in business at all, but all have one thing in common: if development philosophy with his very interested in the metaphysical tune with Nature and the realities there were a Who’s Who in Phuket, they’d be in it. popular Friendship Beach. world and by 1964 I had read ev- of the universe. 22 PHUKET GAZETTE March 26 - April 1, 2011

SPOILER ALERT Boathouse One to forget in a hurry THE worst kind of poker hand is To his credit, Jacobson is ca- competition the second best. The worst kind pable of writing funny, snappy of novel is the mediocre. A bad dialogue, though sometimes a write off novel you can toss away after the over-labored like in a Vaudeville first chapter, or the first page skit. He can also turn a deft de- this year except if you’re assigned the book bed down with Treslove, who has scriptive phrase. as a reviewer and have to slog never married because all his girl- Finding he likes the idea of be- BOATHOUSE’S annual writ- your way through it in order friends would eventually leave him ing Jewish, Treslove even tries to ing contest will not be held to trash it. because he was such a nonentity. convince himself that he can be- this year. This is because But a mediocre novel is just The three friends inhabit a world come one. Not by conversion, but the Three Dolphins Group, good enough to get you hooked. of academia, BCC, journalism and by immersing himself in a Yiddish who bought the Kata restau- Such is the case with The book publishing, though Treslove dictionary and the works of 12th rant and resort earlier this Finkler Question (Bloomsbury is in general unsuccessful. century Jewish philosopher year, want to complete reno- Publishing, London, 2010, 307pp). One night after a tipsy dinner Moses Maimonides. vations before hosting the The author, Howard Jacobson, has with Sevcik and Finkler, Treslove In contrast, his friend Finkler contest again, Boathouse written 10 previous novels. goes for a walk and is mugged hates Israel for its treatment of Public Relations Manager The setting is contemporary from behind by a woman who the Palestinians. He founds a Lisa Sol explains. London and the plot revolves slams his head into a shopfront group called ASHamed Jews “But the competition will around three characters: Julian window and steals his wallet, who denounce the rise of mili- return next year. I will prob- Treslove, Sam Finkler and Libor watch, mobile phone and fountain tant settlers and religious ably announce it in mid- Sevcik. Both 48, Treslove and pen. She has one word to say to fanatics in Israel. October this year, and then Finkler were schoolboys together, him. Was it “You, Jules” as he is Thus the novel takes on the set the deadline for the 2012 while Sevcik was their eccentric commonly called? Or “You, Ju”, YAWN: One to avoid at all costs form of an extended screed on all February competition,” Ms teacher, a Czech exile. Finkler and meaning “You, Jew”? While a teenager on vacation in the usual Jewish stereotypes, plus Sol added. Sevcik are Jewish, Treslove is not As simple a trick as this is enough Spain, Treslove went to a Gypsy the contrasting horrors of the The competition receives but spend a lot of time thinking to hook the reader. Who is the fortune teller who said he was Holocaust and the siege of Gaza. about 30 entries each year about what it means to be Jew- woman? Why did she attack him? destined to meet and fall in love The book turns wordy, boring and from around the world, with ish. Thus, the Finkler Question, What’s the motive behind “Jew”? with a woman named Juno. Now pedantic. And still the question lin- many repeat local entrants. or the Jewish Question. Wave after wave of feckless Treslove meets a grand-niece of gers: who was the woman who When asked what the Finkler and Sevcik are both interior monologues and boring Sevcik, a hefty middle-aged mugged Treslove? competition means to widowers. Sevcik’s wife was de- blather among the trio about be- woman, twice divorced, named I’ll tell you right now: we Phuket’s art community, Ms voted to him; Finkler’s indifferent. ing Jewish is then launched upon Hephzibah Weizenbaum. never find out. I wasted hours Sol replied: In fact, when Finkler would slink the reader. Her nickname is Juno. Treslove of my life on this book. Don’t “I think it’s a fun challenge off on a liaison, his wife would Meanwhile, a subplot develops. is in love. waste yours. for local writers and aspiring writers everywhere. It has changed the lives of at least two contestants in the past ‘Three Sisters’ wins Man Prize two years.” Ms Sol explained that the CHINESE writer Bi Feiyu was seriously by all serious writers the judges said the novel was, “A new date in February for next announced the winner of the Man in Asia,” Mr Feiyu said. moving exploration of Chinese year’s competition would Asian Literary Prize (MALP) for The prize has had three Chinese family and village life during the encourage more entries from his novel Three Sisters last week. and one Filipino winner in its Cultural Revolution, that moves students. “I am extremely honored to four year history. seamlessly between the epic and Previously, the competi- receive the Man Asian Literary Man Group supports many the intimate, the heroic and the tion was held in the busy Prize tonight. awards, charities and initiatives petty, illuminating not only indi- month of April, around the “Although this is a young around the world, including vidual lives but an entire society, time of Songkran festival prize, I now believe that in a very sponsorship of the Man Booker within a gripping tale of familial and the school holidays. short time it will become a very literary prizes and MALP. conflict and love”. – Alexandra Andersson important prize in Asia. I Mr Feiyu was awarded Prof David Parker, chair of THE MAN: Award winner Bi Feiyu expect that it will be taken very US$30,000 at the ceremony, held MALP’s board of directors, said, at the Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong. “In its understanding of women His entry was rated first among trapped by the petty cruelties of 45 works submitted from all over provincial life, Three Sisters Asia, the runners-up included sub- reaches the heights of the great missions from India and Japan. Russian play its title echoes”. Commenting on Three Sisters, – Alexandra Andersson March 26 - April 1, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 23 24 PHUKET GAZETTE March 26 - April 1, 2011 JustJust aa hophop acrossacross thethe baybay

THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE: Koh Yao Noi still has much of the low-key charm it did 20 years ago, and is the perfect place for a cheap weekend break from Phuket. Photo: Sarah Wales By Alexandra Andersson touted as “Phuket 20 years ago”. torbike onto the bow for an extra An overnight stay on this rustic 150 baht. They secure it with a WITH traffic, construction and getaway can cost you less than sturdy bit of rope, so no worries tourist arrivals all on the rise here 1,000 baht per person. there about your transport ending in Phuket, its island paradise First you fill up the tank of your up on the bottom of Phang Nga factor is easily lost amid the flurry motorbike (100 baht) and drive to Bay. Speedboats also leave on a of commerce. Bang Rong Pier in Pa Khlok. regular basis, but have a “no But Phuket is located in one of From there you catch some- motorbike” policy. the most scenic regions on Earth, thing that resembles an oversized Then off you putter for about and little pieces of paradise do longtail boat, which leaves hourly an hour. You can swelter with the remain within very reasonable between 9am and 4pm, for 120 locals in the covered area or lounge price – and boat – range. baht per person. among the motorbikes up front – One such gem is Koh Yao Noi, The deck hands haul your mo- either seat is a true travel experi- ence not to be missed. The boat glides past endless mangroves, azure waters and limestone cliff islands, reminding you that paradise really does lie at your fingertips here. First stop is the larger and even more undeveloped Koh Yao Yai. Stay on board to reach Koh Yao A STEAL: Inexpensive accommodation is a major lure of Koh Yao Noi. Noi about 10 minutes later. the ring road covering the southern you’ll be laughing – the nightly rate The two islands lie in the middle part of the island, during which time is 1,500 baht, which split seven of Phang Nga Bay, and both are you pass three long beaches with ways is 215 baht each a night. home to small, extremely friendly panoramic views of the limestone Included in the room rate is your Muslim villages. Koh Yao Noi has archipelago in the distance, undis- own kitted-out kitchen, three bal- 4,000 inhabitants, two schools and turbed by sun loungers, umbrellas conies and a trickling river below. a hospital – and one 7-Eleven. No or bikini-bottoms. Spend the days reading books, Tesco, no Big C and almost no cars. You will also pass through sunning, swimming or soaking up Cheap and cheerful transport Idyllic scenery Photos: Kerry Lahana It takes about 35 minutes to drive scores of palm trees, rubber plan- the stunning scenery (0 baht). Or tations and villages lined with if you’re the active type, rent a bike flowering bushes and busy with from a shop opposite the hospital locals going about their daily lives. (200 baht) and venture to the north Drive slow, as numerous chick- end of the island which has terrain ens and a monitor lizard or two perfect for climbers (0 baht). will be sure to cross your path. You’re spoiled for choice with Many places offer accommo- local Thai food, and a slap-up meal dation, particularly along the won’t cost over 100 baht. beaches. Sabai Corner is a quaint With all this so close and af- little place at the bottom of Pa Sai fordable, there really is no excuse. Beach with cottages for rent. Get Let’s just hope Koh Yao Noi is able the two-story cottage that sleeps to maintain its undeveloped charm seven with a bunch of mates and well past 20 years from now. March 26 - April 1, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 25

15 and April 18 to 22 . Topper is the number one dinghy sailing school on April 6-12. Salsa at RPM Health Club Phuket. In our fleet, we have opti- mists, toppers, topaz dinghies with spinnaker, lasers, hobie cat and to- Royal Phuket Marina’s paz omega with spinnaker and tra- Salsa Class will be held peze. Contact Katy Gooch at T: March 26. Wine tasting @ every Wednesday, starting 085-2159185 E:toppersailphuket Wine Lovers Phuket April 6 at 7:30 pm to 8:15 pm @gmail.com or visit W: topper Try six different wines and a tapas for beginners and 8:15pm to sailphuket.com buffet. Price is 499 baht per per- 9pm for intermediates at son. Please call 086-6919121 for April 3. British International your reservation. Special dis- RPM Health Club. Private School tennis tourney counts on selected wines during lessons and all dances pos- Social singles skill-level-based ten- the wine tasting. From 6:30pm to sible. Contact Mr Murat nis tournament from 8am to 9:30pm in Rawai, 200 meters af- at T:081-7973364 or contact 6.30pm at BIS. Level 1 to 3 make ter the small Tesco Lotus outlet. teachers Anna and Didier registration at 8am, start at Contact: Gumrai at T:076-384663 at T:084-3062016 (French, 8:30am. Level 3.5 to 5 make reg- E:info @wineloversphuket.com or istration at 1:30pm, start at 2pm. visit W:wineloversphuket.com English) or T:084-0517455 Finals start at 5pm. Entry is 500 (Thai & English) E:bast baht per player. Entries close on March 26. St Patrick’s Ball 2011 [email protected] March 27 at 5pm. Contact Dianne The Life Home Project will host E:dance@phuketdance. Browning at T:089-4698100, Phuket’s second St Patrick’s Ball com or visit to W:phuket- E:[email protected] at M evenpick Resort and Spa dance.com. Karon Beach on March 26. Wel- Photo: Jessi Cotterill April 6. Chakri Memorial Day come cocktails will be at 6.30pm, – public holiday dinner at 8pm, and the ball will Chakri Day commemorates the continue until midnight. Tickets engage his audience. Introductory March 26-31. Bacon and Stone another night of live music. Let origins of the Chakri dynasty, are 4,000 baht each and include a Talk: March 26 from 5pm to 7pm, visual arts exhibition your hair down while listening to founded by Rama I, who established scrumptious international buffet reception afterwards. Retreat: You are invited to attend the pub- some legendary tunes from the Bangkok as the nation’s capital. HM dinner, wine and quality cham- March 27 at 10am to 3 pm. Con- lic viewing of Bacon and Stone, Glenn and Max Wailin Band, live King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the 9th pagne. Wear a national costume tact: Alex or Nantawan at T: 076- the Year 13 IB Visual Arts Exhibi- at Marina Boardwalk from 6:30pm monarch of the Chakri dynasty. or black tie. Tickets are available 336030, or E:mtc@thanyapura. tion at Brush, kalim beach from onwards. Free entry. Crazy Fool’s at all three Bake outlets in Chalong, co.th or visit W:thanyapura.com 11:30am to 11:30pm daily from Kitchen is the home of cold beer, April 7. Stock Market Invest- Cherng Talay and BIS. Contact: March 26 to April 25. The BIS cracking banter and great live ing for beginners (FREE) Joojee at T:081-3979809 E: March 26-27. Phuket Youth Phuket senior art students’ exhi- music and raffle prizes – all Course includes: The essentials of [email protected] or visit Sailing Squadron Island Regatta bitions draws a lot of attention proceeds to go to the charity 100 investing in the US and global fi- W:lifehomeproject.org The Phuket Youth Sailing Squad- every year. This year is no differ- friends.org. Contact: Mr Prim at nancial markets; four ways to ron will be hosting the Interclub ent. Enjoy with the great atmo- T:085-6917250 or Mr Murat protect your money from the March 26-27. Mind Science Island Trophy Regatta. Thirty Op- sphere at Brush restaurant & at T:081-7973364 E:muratc@ most common scams directed at The Thanyapura Mind Centre is timist sailors from Phuket and Koh lounge and see this unique exhibi- royalphuketmarina.com or visit expats; how to invest in growth pleased to present world-re- Samui have already entered. Sail- tion. Contact: Claire Lester at W:royalphuketmarina.com technology stocks and emerging nowned scholar Robert A. F. ors from Pattaya, Songkhla, and T:076-238711, or E:clester@ market economies such as Thai- Thurman. A recognized authority Sattahip are also welcome. We are bisphuket.ac.th or visit W: April 2-3. Kids Sailing Week- land, Vietnam and China; stocks on religion and spirituality, Asian also open to other classes: Laser, bisphuket.ac.th ends – Topper Sail Phuket on the move and when to buy history, philosophy, Tibetan Bud- Topper and Byte. Racing will be Set sail on an adventure with Top- Google, Apple or Microsoft etc. dhism, and His Holiness the 14th held over two days and boats are April 1. Curry Friday per Sail Phuket Optimist and Top- Join Don Freeman, President of Dalai Lama, Robert Thurman is an available for charter. From 8am to We present Curry Fridays on per Sailing Pathway courses. Come Freeman Capital Management, eloquent advocate of the relevance 5pm at Ao Yon, Cape Panwa. alternate Fridays, 7pm to 11:30pm and join one of our introductory and learn to find the best stocks of Eastern ideas to our daily lives. Contact: Katy Gooch at T:085- at Navrang Mahal, Karon Sea Sands courses on April 2 to 3 or April 9 to at the right time and when to sell Regardless of one’s world view 2159185, E:phuketyouthsailing Resort & Spa. Here is your chance 10. Once you have mastered the to protect profits. Sponsored by or religious affiliation, Robert @gmail.com or visit W:phuket to enjoy an authentic and lavish In- basics, join our junior club sessions Woody’s. Contact Don Freeman Thurman promises to inspire and youthsailing.org dian curry buffet. Selections include most weekends, 2 to 4:30pm. Kids at T:089-9705795 E:freeman all-time favorites chicken tikka sailing courses are also offered dur- [email protected] or visit masala, very hot mutton vindaloo, ing the school holidays April 11 to W:freemancapital.net. Free Computer Clinics juicy kebabs, Goan fish curry, chickpea curry and more served with nan bread and basmati rice. All Is Windows driving you nuts? Want to know about the you can eat for only 449 baht nett. best Internet connections in Phuket? Need help finding Draught beer by the glass, 50 baht a repair shop or a dealer that knows what they’re doing? nett. Special discount on beverages. Join For Dummies… author and local Windows guru Contact: Seemant Raju at T:076- Woody Leonhard in his free weekly seminars. Sponsored 286464 ext 4 or 081-6295063 by Woody’s Sandwich Shoppes and the Phuket Gazette. E:[email protected] or visit W:karonseasand.com March 27 – Chalong April 3 – Patong April 2. Mariner Madness Starts at 10am. with live music at RPM For more info contact Woody T:076-290468 Crazy Fool’s Kitchen presents yet 26 PHUKET GAZETTE March 26 - April 1, 2011

IN THE CLUB: The Phuket International Women’s Club (PIWC) held their Annual General Meeting at Le Meridien last week, at which the new committee was elected. Seated from left are Carol Fryer, Secretary; Wipa Tanmanatragul, President; Carole Dux, Vice President; and Sue Arnulphy, Treasurer.

Belly dancers Natalia Stoltman (left) and Melissa Kelman (right) with Murat Can Sakarya, Events and Group Manager at Royal Phuket Marina, following another successful belly dancing show last weekend.

CENTARA CUISINE: The Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket hosted a San Patrignano wine dinner earlier this week with Italian Head Chef Fabrizio Crocetta (right) of the resort’s Mare restaurant serving a sumptuous meal for guests. Also pictured from left are Gian Carlo De Cesare, ITALASIA Group; Denis Thouvard, General Manager of Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket; Alexandra Andersson,Phuket Gazette Desk Editor with her partner Brandon Zigler; Federico Rainero, Export Manager of San Patrignano wines; and Christophe Gestin, Director of Food & Beverage. Just married down south

HUNDREDS of people from Phuket’s Mon community gathered at a private residence at Friendship Beach in Rawai on Sunday, March 13 to celebrate the marriage of Muang ‘Wan’ Lay and his lovely bride Pui. The celebrations began the day before, on Saturday, with many of the happy couple’s family traveling huge distances to make it in time for the special day. The Phuket Gazette would like to wish Wan and Pui the very best as they embark on this new chapter of ST PATRICK’S DAY FUN: Candice Caalsen their lives. Congratulations! (top and above), Roxy Hidgens, Lindy READY TO ROLL: The Mitsubishi Sapam dealership in Koh Keaw Photo: Fraser Morton Gordon-Bennet and Rebecca Tooley. held its grand opening celebration on March 21. March 26 - April 1, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 27 It’s salsa time at Les Anges NEARLY 100 salsa enthusiasts turned up at Royal Phuket Marina earlier this month for a sizzling evening of salsa dancing, food and enter- tainment. The Salsa and Latin Club of Phuket was established four months ago and since then has proved massively popular with Phuket locals. Here’s a glimpse of who turned up on the night...

Photos: Jessi Cotterill 28 PHUKET GAZETTE March 26 - April 1, 2011

Across 1. Aha! 5. Coarse file 9. Tabula___ 13. Belonging to the common people 15. Zeno’s home A Gazette staff member completed this 16. Archer of myth maze in 10 seconds. Can you can beat 17. Farewell their time? Make your way out of the maze. 18. Ace, e.g. 19. Nada 20. __kwon do 21. Skater Michelle 23. Muse of astronomy 25. New Mexico art colony 26. Irish tongue 27. Four singers 30. Acid 31. Heart chambers 32. Like some ulcers 37. Big name in PCs 38. Covered in goo 40. Hungarian sheepdog 41. Insular 43. Bunkum 44. Song syllable 45. Professoriate 47. Coarse sieve 50. Grease (up) 35. Grad B A 51. Sequence 36. Corona fruit 52. Gilpin of “Frasier” 38. Job change or marriage, 53. Candle count psychologically speaking 56. Ancient Athens’s Temple of__ 39. Incline 57. Scorch 42. To__(perfectly) 59. Pull on 43. Characteristic actions 61. Pulitzer winner James 45. Warns 62. Drop 9. Kidney–related 46. Cad or heel 63. Issue forth with force 10. Rice–___ 47. Suit fabric 64. Workout count 11. Super speedy hedgehog 48. Crawl 65. Fishing gear 12. Between ports 49. Ascends 66. Memo heading 14. Japanese dressing gown 51. River to the Moselle 22. Grievous distress 52. Discharged a debt Down 24. Comic Foxx 53. Stravinsky ballet 1. __first you don’t... 25. Run of bird-song 54. Massive wild ox 2. Fizzy drink 26. Dejected 55. Kitchen addition 3. Night author Wiesel 27. Muslim judge 58. Comedian Philips 4. Barely make, with “out” 28. Salt Lake City hoopsters 60. News letters 5. Overhaul 29. He sang about Alice 6. King of comedy 32. Accomplished Provided by BestCrosswords.com. 7. Sun. talk 33. Form of lyrical poem Used with permission. 8. Corded silk fabric 34. Dangerous weapon Puzzle solutions on page 39

ARIES (March 21-April 20): back. Those who have been con- SCORPIO (October 24-Novem- days of March. Gaining knowl- Flying off the handle sidering relocation will learn some- ber 22): The stars ad- edge where you least expect to for no valid reason is thing to their advantage this week- vise Scorpios not to find it is highlighted this weekend. highlighted to be a end. Where romance is con- push their luck where The stars suggest that paying problem for Arians this week. Your cerned, there are signs that your new work projects are concerned. more attention to your dreams short fuse could be caused by ego could disturb the peace in a There are signs that if you ask for could pave the way towards reso- frustration at work, but the astral relationship. too much, agreements could fall lution of a problem involving a atmosphere will calm down once through. In the realm of romance, business partner. An existing ro- April commences. If your birth- CANCER (June 22-July 23): VIRGO (August 23-September allowing a partner to take more mantic relationship can be en- day is due in the week ahead, the Expecting your life to 23): Others don’t initiative will be appreciated more hanced by paying more attention stars predict an increase in your run like clockwork will dance to your tune so than you realize. Where finances to your partner’s needs. financial luck during the coming result in frustration this readily this week, but are concerned, there are hints that year. A romantic relationship can week. The stars predict an un- that doesn’t mean that they won’t mistakes made last month will fi- AQUARIUS (January 21-Febru- be spiced up by a creative gesture settled time, with last minute can- come around to your way of nally be rectified this week. The ary 19): Aquarians this weekend. cellation of appointments high- thinking. Virgoans are advised to number seven brings good fortune should have the power lighted midweek. Those born un- take life at a slower pace until this weekend. to make their lives less TAURUS (April 21-May 21): der the sign of Cancer who could April has got underway. This also of a whirlwind during the last Streamlining your goals use some help with a personal applies to affairs of the heart as SAGITTARIUS (November 23- week of March. In the world of is advisable as there are problem should speak to an earth the stars suggest that someone is December 21): Where work, concentrate on doing the signs that Taureans sign. Lucky days for finances feeling under pressure to make a business is concerned, right things for the right reasons. have their fingers in too many pies are Wednesday and Thursday. casual relationship more serious. some Sagittarians could A stranger is forecast to lend a at present. The last days of March Romance brings happy moments The number nine looks lucky find themselves stuck between a helping hand this weekend and are a favorable time to focus on on Sunday– another water sign is mid-week. rock and a hard place at the end this could result in a worthwhile projects that have the most chance forecast to say the words you of March. The stars advise that friendship. of success. Money matters are want to hear. LIBRA (September 24-October taking advice from an earth sign well-starred, but purchasing an 23): A clash of person- could prompt you to find a solu- PISCES (February 20-March 20): expensive item should not be LEO (July 24-August 22): alities is forecast to tion. In the realm of romance, Where work is con- rushed. Avoid emotional dramas by The stars advise that make your working there is no point in trying to make cerned, your confident keeping your distance from a your cash flow situa- week somewhat stressful. If a an earth sign change their mind. attitude opens doors water sign. The number eight tion calls for attention fire sign is involved in the situa- Those involved with another fire this week and Pisceans are pre- brings good luck this week. this week. Leos could discover that tion, you could find that a seri- sign are surprised when a secret dicted to start the month of April they had forgotten about a debt that ous talk will clear the air. Tues- is divulged this weekend. on a positive footing. Finances GEMINI (May 22-June 21): A fire still needs to be repaid. Making day is the most auspicious day should also begin to look rosier, sign’s criticism could changes in your attitude towards for this. Those who are self- CAPRICORN (December 22- with emphasis on your earning come as a shock early money is probably overdue, but has employed will see competition January 20): Many of power becoming greater. In the next week. However, the stars’ backing during April. A heating up. Wear the color cin- those born under the realm of romance, drawing closer Geminis should be able to turn this family matter is best discussed with namon brown to help increase sign of Capricorn will to an air sign is forecast to lead to around to become helpful feed- everyone concerned this weekend. your confidence. be shifting focus during the final a happy conclusion. March 26 - April 1, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 29

Bluepoint to keep Patong’s southern charm Impact a ‘key concern’ for new project NOT AFRAID OF HARD WORK: Kjetil Horgen iseth, one of Bluepoint Condominium’s owners, pours the first shovel of cement at the site at a ground breaking ceremony last week. By Neil Quail Abode Developments Co Ltd, Mr Raff then proudly high- ment will be set in three buildings, buildings cool. If you have local the Bluepoint development lighted the design innovations that each with three levels. indigenous species on your roof, A SUNSET groundbreaking comprises 20 freehold and will become signature features of Among the unit designs avail- not only are you supporting lo- ceremony on the southern head- leasehold condominiums of one, the development. able are one to three-bedroom cal flora and fauna, you also land of Patong on March 17 two and three bedrooms. “The design of the louvered homes ranging from 107sqm to shade the building creating an launched the construction of an Norwegian owners Kjetil facades preserves sea views 240sqm with a choice of floor effective building envelope and award-winning development Horgen iseth and Arnfinn whilst providing visual privacy, plans. improve climatic control,” designed by internationally Engeset were joined by a host but they also shade the sun. This Along with three sea view he said. acclaimed architect Paul Raff. of their Phuket support team, significantly reduces energy con- homes, Bluepoint has nine land- Further ecological consider- From the ground up, Bluepoint friends and media to witness sumption and carbon footprint,” scaped rooftop garden penthouses ations are made by Bluepoint’s Condominiums aims to reduce the structural launch of their Mr Raff said. and eight plunge pool garden development by not being its environmental impact by vision. The design won Paul Raff Stu- homes. constructed on a virgin site and embracing a range of ecologically “We have had setbacks, includ- dios the Royal Architectural Mr Raff explained why the by not destroying mature trees. sustainable plans. ing both economic and environ- Institute of Canada’s “Excellence rooftops are landscaped. “Near Construction and operational Developed by Bluepoint De- mental disasters; but we are grate- Innovations In Architecture” the equator, the greatest energy aspects will also be sourced velopments Co Ltd and with ful that we have made it through,” award for 2009. consumption and carbon foot- locally to help reduce environ- the development managed by said Mr iseth. The low-rise boutique develop- print arises trying to keep mental impact. 30 PHUKET GAZETTE PROPERTY March 26 - April 1, 2011

Luxury’s got The Village targets fractional market

THE Village Coconut Island, has a sweet spot appointed the Absolute World Group hard to not make comparisons as its premier sales and marketing with 2009, when Phuket’s real agent for the second phase of de- estate market hit rock bottom with velopment of their two-bedroom a thud that resembled a meteorite private pool villas and Jacuzzi suites. crashing into a Toyota Vios. The Village Coconut Island is MOST Phuket property develop- Last year things started picking off the east coast of Phuket. This ers these days have swapped their up again, though this time resales new phase will comprise a total heart-stopping guzzling of Red Bull grew to account for 68 per cent of 192 luxurious Jacuzzi suites for chakra-inspired slow sipping of trading volume. and pool villas, complementing the of green tea. As despicable and misunder- existing 44 phase one villas, 39 of Mystical chants aimed at reveal- stood as any split personality, the which are now sold. ing the elusive “sweet spot” in the dreaded word “luxury” in our of- A range of pool villas and luxury property market continue fice is defined as villa properties Jacuzzi Suites are available for to leave even die-hard devotees priced at 65 million baht and above. sale, both foreign free-hold own- gasping at thin air, like a down- While I often pine over a lovely ership and through Absolute’s on-his-luck big game fisherman. lost pet gecko named “Mike”, many fractional ownership initiative, Indeed, it’s often the tale of the property brokers continue to cry where a five-week share starts at one that got away. into their beers waiting for the re- 1.25 million baht. This includes Landing the big one remains turn of the euro and pound buyers. benefits such as the use of a fully nothing more than wishful think- To me, purgatory can wait. crewed, five-berth luxury sailing ing for many developers. Yet The number guru lights up, see- yacht, access to a fleet of luxury thrust into the harsh daylight, the ing that – just as in tourism – speedboats and private vehicles, face of raging bulls last year Phukets’ property market is ex- use of Callaway golf clubs and accounted for 2.84 billion baht periencing a change of characters; membership with a leading inter- trading volume in top-end ultra something akin to a recast of national resort exchange company. villas in Phuket. Charlie Sheen’s role in Two and a LAY OF THE LAND: High-end properties, mainly oceanfront, are still high Despite uncertainties arising Half Men. I have to say, though, on the ‘must have’ wish lists for many buyers. Photo: Gazette file Thailand’s Minor from political upheaval, a strong Charlie would like Phuket if he’d dominating the score card. developers – one on the east coast, luxury market in Phuket still drew give it half a chance. Hotel-managed projects and those another on the west – look set to Group in Australian strategic investors interested in the Three top new geographical on Phuket’s west coast remain introduce new projects this year. resort takeover long-term prospects of real estate source markets for upscale prop- the top achievers. Phang Nga remains plagued by on the island. erty are Russia, China and India. While the existing stock of new the new zoning regulations kick As a slave to the bean – the A direct correlation between high units in the sector numbers only 72, to the head last year, and most ink THAILAND’S listed Minor Inter- coffee bean, that is – I am in no growth tourism and property supply and demand figures predict is being spilled over domestic low- national Group is waging a take- state to continue writing this with- markets appears evident. Strange that the luxury property segment in end condos in the burgeoning over bid through a subsidiary for out a calming influence. I need the bedfellows? Yes, but trends are Phuket will remain healthy. metropolis of Patong. Australia’s hospitality firm Oaks inside numbers. trends. I may prefer nurses to doctors, One thing is for sure, though: Hotels and Resorts. Just in the nick of time my Our office mate continues to but the check-up results produced The air is thin at the top of the In a notification earlier this week new-age analyst arrives fresh spew out more facts and figures. by the guru has calmed my mountain, and that’s the way buy- to the Stock Exchange of Thailand from a yoga session. Oceanview, oceanfront and high- nerves, at least for the moment. ers like it. (SET), Minor announced they com- Crunching the numbers, it’s profile developers are now What’s in store in 2011? We are Expect the walls of property pleted the acquisition of 14.96 per already nearly a quarter into the offices to be making room for cent on March 18 and agreed on year and halftime is not yet in sight. some trophy fish this year. the sale of a further 5 per cent for a Players are currently hitting the combined 19.96 per cent stake. Gatorade and sweating like amped- Bill Barnett is Managing Director of The Oaks portfolio includes 33 up madmen. C9 Hotelworks and can be contacted properties in Australia, four in New At least two high-profile estate through www.c9hotelworks.com. Zealand and one in Dubai. According to reports in the Aus- tralian financial press, Minor has subsequently made an off-market offer of 35 cents for all the remain- ing shares in Oaks, who’s share price has surged 30 per cent. The offer is valued at AUD61 million, or an enterprise worth of roughly AUD129 mn. Oaks has been plagued by insolvency problems and interac- tions with liquidators of two major shareholders.

Do you have any breaking news about Phuket property? Email [email protected] March 26 - April 1, 2011 PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 31 Resorts turning to solar power to slash costs

By Neil Quail

PHUKET hotels and resorts moving to capture a larger slice of the eco-friendly tourist market are finding that installing green technologies are also helping to reduce operating costs. Cruiser Island Resort on Koh Lone installed a battery of hot water panels sourced from Zolarasia, a subsidiary of yachting equipment provider Phuketsail in Koh Kaew, three months ago. That move is now paying off. “Since October we have installed 21 solar hot water units and the savings are absolutely measurable. Before the SAVING MONEY: The Phuketsail water panel ENERGY EFFICIENT: Cruiser Island Resort on Koh Lone is using alternative energy. installation we were using the 250Kva generator for six to eight hours when “During the Chinese New Year in Feb- off the original cost of installation… Less readers may be able to help with another we were at 80 per cent occupancy,” ruary, savings were around 70,000 baht. than a year in most household cases and power issue and extended an invitation for said General Manager Raymond Taunton. We estimate the initial cost of installation to even faster for hotels and resorts that use a suggestions. “At present, we have not used the 250kva be returned within five months at current lot of hot water,” he added. “Another area which I would like to unit despite having 100 per cent occupancy fuel prices,” he said. The solar hot water units sold to Cruiser confront is the efficiency of our air condi- for many nights,” he said. Zolarasia Managing Director Julian Hill Island were 100-liter units, each producing tioners and perhaps solar lighting. Again, “That is a difference of 2,500 baht per explained, “These are hot water solar pan- about 500 liters of useable hot shower this is complex, but should any Gazette night. Our smaller 50kva unit can now els, not electricity producing solar panels. water a day, said Mr Hill. readers have any good ideas, I would be handle the load for 75 per cent occupancy,” Hot water solar panels are much cheaper “The water is boiled and is then mixed with most happy to hear from them,” he said. he added. than their electric counterparts. cold water for showers. The panels work fine Mr Taunton estimated the overall fuel “This results in a very fast ‘payback’, even if it is cloudy or raining,” he said. Raymond Taunton can be contacted at savings ranged from 25 to 30 per cent. or the time it takes for the savings to pay Mr Taunton hoped that Phuket Gazette [email protected] 32 PHUKET GAZETTE PROPERTY March 26 - April 1, 2011 Going coco for palm trees Tip of the

ANY discussion of palm trees week ought to start with the coconut palm (cocos nucifera). After all, it is the most famous and useful tree in South East Asia, and life without it in Thailand would be unthinkable. Every little bit has its use: the flesh, the milk, the husk, the wood and the leaves. Most Thai curries contain coconut milk or pulp, and the juice not only makes a refresh- ing drink, but is the only naturally occurring liquid to have exactly LADYLIKE: The lady palm is a small, dainty palm tree. the same pH level as blood plasma. the average garden, reaching a the easiest to cultivate. It grows When dried, the husk (copra) height of 30 meters. But it graces in clumps of slender trunks cov- yields commercial oils, and the many parks with distinction, and ered in dark and hairy fibers. fronds make durable thatching. coconut groves are an attractive Often it is seen in garden centers The wood is wonderfully grained, feature of the island’s landscape. with its root ball wrapped in plas- and the fiber can be woven into Sadly they are in rapid decline, a tic, a testimony to its durability. mats and canopies. And what consequence of twin-pronged at- It is a small tree, only about one would we gardeners do without tacks from developers and beetles. to two meters tall, but its great coconut husk? All in all, the Back to the garden and man- virtue is that it can survive in ar- coconut palm is a treasure. ageable palms. Of all the smaller eas of deep shade where other Sadly this palm is too grand for palms, the lady palm (rhapsis) is sun-loving palms are difficult to grow. And not only is it useful for covering up those bare patches in the garden, it is also one of the few palms that can tolerate Tip of the week conditions indoors. The lady palm has characteris- tic dark-green, fan-shaped leaves Dealing with rubbish and can be propagated by rooted offshoots. Give it plenty of mois- NOW we are well into the dry more watering of the pile. ture if you want it to spread. season, leaf drop is becoming Burning household rubbish Less durable, but more striking, BIG IN PHUKET: The coconut palm is the most well-known palm on the more marked, as shrubs and is a total no-no, since it will is the genus of fan palms known island. At 30 meters tall, it pops up all over the place. Photos: Clyde Robinson trees try to conserve moisture release many toxic substances as Licuala. These will all accept some sun, this palm does produce long and energy. such as hydro-carbons into the There are about 100 species, but prefer filtered shade, What panicles of white flowers which Every day now, the leaves atmosphere – encourage your and with luck, one or two of them they cannot tolerate is an exposed are followed by strings of yellow of deciduous trees and shrubs local garbage collectors. can be found in your local plant position, for the fragile leaves need fruits which then turn glossy red. litter the ground. They will help you to recycle nursery. They have huge, deeply- protection from strong winds. The seeds can be used to grow It is tempting to burn this plastic, glass, metal and paper. pleated, glossy leaves with And though they are often pressed new plants. material, but it is far too dan- Sadly, more of Phuket is being notched edges, nearly circular in into service as house-plants, they Unlike many of its brethren, this gerous: in these tinder-dry ruined by indiscriminate fly- shape. will not take kindly to the experi- palm will tolerate being kept in a conditions, sparks may start tipping. The most common is probably ence. pot, and is consequently a famil- something serious, such as a There are festering piles ev- L grandis , which is recognizable Two more smaller palms de- iar presence on terraces and forest fire. erywhere. But at least we can by its deeply notched leaves. L serve a mention. Unlike the lady patios. Far better and safer to com- do our bit by keeping our own orbiculis has more symmetrical and fan palm, both the Macarthur Last but not least, Livistona, a post such litter, even if it means gardens neat and tidy leaves and is one of the most beau- Palm and Livistona are more sub- palm every gardener will be famil- tiful of all the small palms. stantial trees, reaching about three iar with. The slender, fan-shaped meters in height. leaves radiate from a solitary At first glance the Macarthur trunk, and droop elegantly down- palm resembles the yellow cane, as wards. Hence its common name it grows in clumps of smooth, of Fountain Palm. Its height of greenish-grey trunks, each with a about two to three meters makes crown of darker green leaves. it ideal for the smaller garden, While the foliage is less elegant, where it will accept partial shade or full sun. So there is, indeed, a palm for every occasion.

If you have a garden that you would like to be featured on this page, please email: [email protected] March 26 - April 1, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 33 34 PHUKET GAZETTE March 26 - April 1, 2011 March 26 - April 1, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 35

PAKHLOK HOUSE Properties 3-BEDROOM PATONG LAND TOWNHOUSE TWIN VILLAS FOR SALE For Sale HOUSE Very nice plot of land for sale in AT KAMALA AT NAI YANG 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, with the hills in the north end of community pool. Fully furnished, Patong Beach. Ready to with nice garden and modern build. Has a good water sup- kitchen. Plot: 70sq wah. In a dead HALF PRICE SALE ply, underground utilities, and end street. Sale: 2.6 million baht. access road. Open to offers. Tel: 080-265 0211. Email: jywan@ Tel: 081-891 3466. Fax: 076- hotmail.com 296160. Email: antc@phuket. ksc.co.th REAL ESTATE 3-bedroom house (53 Near Phuket Fantasea. 2 Only 600 meters from beau- INVESTORS sqwah) near the Two Hero- RAWAI SEAVIEW bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, tiful Nai Yang beach, this Wholesaler has deals under ines Monument. 2 bath- Land: 9 rai with Chanote title. with kitchen. Price: 2.9 modern pool villa is perfectly contract. Villas and land. All rooms, 3 aircons, tele- All seaview. Sale: 15 million million baht. Tel: 081-719 located. Featuring a chic, budgets. Tel: 082-812 2018 Elegant pool villa in Rawai. phone & internet, curtains, baht per rai. Tel: 081-693 9571. 1041. clean-cut design coupled (English), 081-622 3207 (Thai). 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. kitchen and full landscape. with a choice selection of Email: [email protected] Fully furnished. 5-star es- Price: 2.95 million baht (ne- LAND AT NAI HARN quality materials and furni- tate, 5 minutes to beach. gotiable). Contact owner. 1km to beach. Total of 12 rai SURIN BEACH ture, this villa is a promising Land: 700sqm. Price: 12.9 investment for holiday seek- PATONG APT Tel: 080-520 2989. Email: with Chanote title. Price: 12 Land on Soi Haad Surin 2 million baht or o.n.o. Tel: 089- ers and permanent resi- 2-bedroom apartment for rent [email protected] million baht per rai. Contact for sale. 2.2 rai, 5 mins 728 6242. Email: renuksj@ dents. Price: Bt10.2mil. or sale. 87sqm unit on the 5th Owner. Tel: 080-528 8578. walk to Surin Beach. Email: gmail.com Contact Khun Penprapa. Tel: floor with seaview. Fully fur- [email protected] 087-898 9646. Email: pen nished. Tel: 081-891 6502. NAI HARN LUXURY [email protected] Email: andrea.capucci@ PHUKET CONDO CONDO BUNGALOW CHALONG LAND AT gmail.com FOR SALE CHERNG TALAY 2-bedroom condo for sale. 390sqw, nice flat land, quiet area, Price: 1.6 million baht. Contact THAI TRADITIONAL 1 RAI LAND PLOT Chanote. In Pasak Soi 5 near La- Khun Prisana for more details. PRIVAT POOL VILLA Located at Mission Heights guna Home. Price: 6 million baht. Tel: 076-263717, 081-676 4849 Estate development with under- Tel: 089-472 9118, 086-709 2933. (English & Thai), 081-737 2968 ground electricity and security. (Thai). Email: n_amonoo@ya On Highway 4027,only 500 hoo.com HOUSE & FURNITURE meters from golf course. Ready Single house, 60sqm. 2 floors, to build. Sale directly from owner. KOH YAO NOI 3 bedrooms and 3 toilets. In Price: 3 million baht only. Tel: 3-bedroom on 65sq wah, with Chaiyapruek Village at Land & a perfect dream of a developed western kitchen and bath- 081-343 0777. land. Size: 11-0-78 or 17,912sqm, House, Chalong. Good location room. Price: 3.95million baht. and entrance from bypass road. with Chanote title. Tel: 080-144 Tel: 089-922 2800. Email: Built 2 years ago. Tel: 084-627 For sale. 3 bedrooms, SAI YUAN BUILDING 7800, 080-144 7801 (Thai). For [email protected] with 24 hours security. further details, please see our 7001. 2-3 bedrooms, 2 bath- Just 3 minutes to Nai Harn website at www.piyathanara. Beach. Please visit www. com/koh.html rooms, 111sqm. From 4.5 million baht. Must see. BEST PRICE 30 RAI IN TOWN chokechaiproperty.com Tel: 084-993 7308. For fur- POOL VILLA Flat land near Dowroong BIG PATONG ther details, please see SEAVIEW VILLA School in Phuket Town. Tel: BANG JO LAND our website at www. 081-691 2526. FOR SALE Free- or lease-hold 4-bedroom amphaiseabreeze.com villa with private pool and jacuzzi. Four rai, chanote title at Bang For private living or investment. LUXURY POOL VILLA Jo. Nice plot, direct from owner. Price: 15 million baht. Tel: 081- Building at Sai Yuan. 28sq Tel: 080-802 3813. Email: sol@ KAMALA HOTEL Private, spacious, walled five wah, 3-storey. Price: 4.7 csloxinfo.com New. 17 modern rooms. Suc- bedrooms in a Tropical Villa 956 0527 (English & Thai). Email: [email protected] million baht. Tel: 081-606 cessful opening. Tel: 081-085 uniquely designed in contempo- 7600 (Thai), 085-095 0599 KATHU LAND 6715 (English). Email: surlamer05 rary style with an Asian flair. Set (English). Hillside lake view 1.2 rai. Beau- @yahoo.com amidst beautiful landscaped LAND AT PA KHLOK tiful aspect for quality villa. gardens and an Olympic size 1 rai 13.6sq wah with Chanote. Price: 8.5 million baht. Directly VILLAS FOR SALE swimming pool. Located in Located on Tha Ruea-Pa Khlok- Rawai. Private Sale, directly with Muang Mai Rd.11 km from 2MB REDUCED from owner. Tel: 081-984 1562. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. AT 1.4MB Email: [email protected] Some have pools. Located in a owner : 17.5 million . Heroines Monument, near secure estate in Rawai. Price: Tel: 087-897 4421. Email: info@ Mission Hill. Price: 3.9 million from 4.3 million baht. Tel: 083- simply-thailand.com baht. Tel: 089-4729118. MODERN VILLA 641 9327. Email: rawaipool Thai-Balinese style with L- NAI YANG [email protected] shaped design. 2 garden view bedrooms with open PATONG TOWNHOUSE plan living and modern In Baan Benjamas for sale. In a kitchen, 2 ensuite bath- corner position, with 2 bed- rooms. Located near BIS. rooms. It's neat, light and airy. Premium quality. Land size Rawai Beach. 28-year lease. Quiet, central location with 144sqm. Price from 3.7 mil- Pool villa on 92sqm plot + garden and undercover carpark lion baht. Tel: 084-293 7923, 15sqm parking. Furnished. in maintained estate. Price: 6.7 080-648 9622 (English). Tel: 084-242 8914. Email: Must visit us: www.phuket- [email protected] Baan Leelawadee is a million baht. Tel: 087-900 8445. eurasia.com quiet, secluded develop- ment of three-bedroom ON THE BEACH VILLA WITH modern style villas in Nai 2-bedroom apartment in north 3-BEDROOM HOUSE ROOM RENTALS Yang, in the north of Patong. Foreign freehold, top 62sq wah, 2 bathrooms, Villa Thai style villa including three one Phuket island, 5min from floor, swimming pools. 9.7 mil- Dowroong. 4.5 million baht. Con- bedroom rentals and pool. Good the airport and the stun- lion baht. Tel: 086-276 5117. tact Khun Tar. Tel: 076-377052, rental return. European quality. ningly beautiful beach. Email: [email protected] 089-971 1268. Only 13.9 million baht. Tel: 084- Each villa has parking 838 7801 (English). Email: area, fully equipped [email protected] kitchen and bathrooms, LOVELY HOUSE PENTHOUSE air conditioning through- FOR SALE 58 RAI IN TAKUAPA out, luxurious living and 210 sqm in the Kamala hills. Palm oil farm, with house. 10- sleeping accommoda- Infinity plunge pool with year-old trees. Price: 10 million tion, balconies and a deck, 2 bedrooms.,2 bath- baht. Tel: 089-594 4017. green garden with its own rooms, Western kitchen. individual swimming pool Beautiful development with GOLF VIEW LAND and sun deck. Price landscaped garden. 2 com- IN KATHU 9.9million baht. Email: mon pools with waterfall. For sale, 17 rai with view of Loch chiangmaibeltrade@ Must see to appreciate. For Palm golf course, connects with hotmail.com For further At Manik. The Valley project urgent sale. Only 11.5 million the main road, Nor Sor 3 Kor. details, please see our 2.2 bedrooms, 2 bath- baht. Tel: 02-158 5168, 089- Price: 65 million baht. Tel: 089- website at www.dream rooms. Price: 2.7 million 137 5325 (English). Email: 724 7211 (English). Email: housephuket.com baht. Tel: 085-095 0599. [email protected] [email protected] 36 PHUKET GAZETTE March 26 - April 1, 2011

THE SUNRISE TRENDY 2 RAI OF LAND BRAND NEW CONDO OCEAN VILLAS EUROPEAN VILLA NEAR LAGUNA

Mid Town, Royal Place Overlooking the ocean in In a quiet area in Rawai. Just over 2 rai of land for Project, 2nd floor, 37sqm. the exclusive Ao Por area Dutch constructor. Huge sale near Laguna/Tinlay Studio condo, fully fur- on the East Coast of terrace. 3 bedrooms with Place. Ready to build. nished, reasonable price. Phuket, the luxurious bathroom. Guest toilet, Peaceful area but good Tel: 086-476 9612. Sunrise Ocean Villas, lo- laundry, garage, Russian choice of bars, restau- cated only 60m from the TV channel included. Size: rants and golf nearby. Di- beach, offer breathtaking 232sqm. Land: 612sqm. rect sale from owner. LOFT SEAVIEW panoramic views of Phang Plot sold with a ready- Price: Around 5 million VILLA Nga Bay. You will find the made company. Price: 9.8 baht per rai. Tel: 087-278 most beautiful untouched million baht. Tel: 083-394 1393 (English), 081-968 island, with white sand 6617. Email: geta909@ 3707. Email: rawai2004@ beaches only a few min- yahoo.com yahoo.co.uk GROUND FLOOR NICE AND utes away. APARTMENT SPACIOUS HOUSE 2 BED HOUSE 3-BED POOL VILLA IN PATONG BY LAGOON For sale or long-term rent. Price: 5.8 million baht. Rent: 2 bedrooms beachfront, 30,000 baht per month. In quiet panoramic view. All facilities, soi off Nanai. Call owner. Tel: including fitness clubhouse. 081-370 0054. Price: 37 million baht.Tel: 084-837 4429. www.choke Just 15 minutes from HOUSE & 1.2 RAI IN chaiproperty.com 1-bedroom unit with swim- Phuket International Air- SURIN AREA ming pool for 2.2 million In Heritage project, Kathu. port, 25 minutes from the 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, baht. In Saiyuan, Rawai. 2 floors, fully furnished, 3 VERY LOW PRICE: Tel: 085-788 5214. major shopping centers 14.3 million baht. 0.6 rai approx 150sqm, established 9.9 MILLION bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 1 and 3 minutes from the with lovely pool and garden garden on 1.2 rai (1920sqm) fully In Chiang Mai, 181sq wah, 4 maidroom. 234sq wah. 18 Grand Marina, Ao Por at- on small compound be- fenced in. C/w two car access, bedrooms, 5 bathrooms. The in- million baht. Tel: 081- tracts a growing number TWO PLOTS 8920190 (Warit), 089- hind Boat Lagoon. Tel: 084- gates and 1 bungalow. Close to terior is spacious, bright, impec- MISSION HILLS of investors seeking an ex- Surin & Bang Tao beaches & 6464823 (Rattana). Email: 783 9054, 084-783 9054 cably maintained. Urgent sale - 206sq wah plot. Flat land with clusive and affordable alter- amenities. Tel: 086-941 0410. [email protected] (English). below its real value only 9.9 million a mountain view on small devel- native to the West Coast Email: [email protected] See all baht (Ref. HS1173). Tel: 081-806 opment with Chanote title and with a more authentic en- details and photo gallery at http:/ 3946 (English & Thai). Email: electricity. Price: 1.6 million vironment. /click.here.fastmail.fm BANG TAO VILLA SALE SEAVIEW LAND [email protected] baht. 2-4 bedrooms, fully furnished, FOR SALE For further details, please see - 6-rai hilltop land with sea and with big swimming pool, auto- our website at www.ping-pro Near Supalai Resort on the mountain views, including matic gate, and Chanote title. GREAT LIVING HOME perty.com east coast of Phuket slope. Chanote title. Price: 4 million 300-600sqm from 3 million A 3-rai plot with road and baht per rai. Tel: 087-978 5804. baht. Tel: 084-851 6121, 085- electricity access. Price: PATONG 2-BED CONDO 674 6786. Large, 148sqm, 2-bedroom 3.6 million baht per rai. No SONGKHLA, YO ISLAND agents please. Tel: 080-520 luxury condo. Fantastic sea views. Includes fixtures and fit- Best location, 4 rai, 212 sqw. LAND FOR SALE 2989. Email: pakaporns@ Former restaurant, villa, house. 1 rai with Chanote title. 5 min- Built to the highest west- yahoo.com tings. 20th floor. Tel: 076- ern standards, Sunrise 292150, 080-373 7741. Email: View lake, town, bridge. Tel: 054- utes to Rawai Beach in secure Ocean Villas offers a styl- [email protected] For fur- 223039, 084-608 3240 (En- area. Contact owner directly. glish), 089-997 6606 (English & Tel: 089-472 9870. Email: ish and contemporary de- LAND BANGTAO Single house for sale or rent ther details, please see our sign to suit our clientele. Nice land (2,173sqm) 500 website at www.patongapart Thai). Fax: 054-323217. Email: [email protected] located at Phanason 3 [email protected] Large window panels and meters to the beach, next (Thalang). Land area 63.3 mentcondo.com an infinity swimming pool Oxygen Project. Suitable for a sq wah, 3 bed, 2 bath, large PENTHOUSE are built to offer the enjoy- project or private pool villa. Tel: living area, furnished, ADSL, LAND NEAR LAYAN SALE APARTMENT 7 MILLION BAHT ment of a great open space 081-371 9393. tel, landscaped garden and HILL ESTATE PATONG Two entire floors in a very private with a truly amazing view. 24hr security. Sale price: rai, quiet location, easy ac- New condo, with a pool and setting with the best view in Buy your dream villa now 2.85 million baht. For more cess, near Laguna. Price: 2.35 security. 46sqm. Furnished. Patong. Great location. Price: with a 25% discount for OCEANFRONT info, call Phing. Tel: 087-278 million baht. Tel: 081-078 0014. Freehold. Tel: 089-728 4005. 9 million baht. Tel: 084-848 PLOTS FOR SALE only 14.9 million baht! 0067. Email: sweetpinky Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] 4876. Tel: 081-343 0777 (Eng) @live.co.uk 086-274 6062 (French) Email: 3-BEDROOM HOUSE montha_phuket@ for sale in Chuan Chuen La- goon Koh Keaw. Very close to yahoo.com or British school. Fully furnished, SALE LAND 3,500SQM thesunrisevillas@yahoo. with 2 bathrooms, 3 aircons, 2 At Rawai. 4.5 million baht. Tel: com living areas. Includes washing 087-269 2133. Email: giga 12 oceanfront plots with 15 mashine. 65sq wah. Price: [email protected] meter water frontage. KATA BEACH 3.95 million baht. Contact Each 600sqm and ready Scott. Tel: 081-866 8716. POOL VILLAS to build. They’re in a peace- One at US$ 480,000 with 3 ful, natural area opposite rental apartments. One at US$ KATA BEACH VILLA Yacht Haven Marina. Di- 520,000 with 6 bedrooms and Six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, rect sale from owner. 3.9 bathrooms. Call Stein for more pool, Thai style, European stan- million baht per plot. Tel: information. Tel: 081-091 8908 dard, 16 million baht, finance. Tel: 081-343 0777. Email: mon (English). Email: giepp969@ 081-091 8908 (English). Email: [email protected] hotmail.com [email protected] Looking for land to buy? See more classified ads at www.phuketgazette.net March 26 - April 1, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 37

CONDO FOR RENT 3 BEDROOM HOUSE HOUSE FOR Properties Spacious, cozy studio near KAMALA LUXURY IN KATHU BLUE OCEAN RENT OR SALE For Rent Kata beach (only 2 minutes' POOL VILLAS Furnished, for long term rent or STUDIO 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, walk). 15,000 baht advance. sale, on a private quiet road, kitchen, garden, internet, Long-term. Tel: 086-281 8855. aircon, fitted kitchen, etc. Tel: cable TV, fully furnished. Price: 081-477 2929 (English & 14,000 baht per month. Tel: COZY HOUSE STUDIO FOR RENT Thai), 089-875 2532 (English). 076-615184, 084-245 5716 NEAR NAI HARN 300m from Carrefour. Fully Fax: 076-323663. Email: (English & Thai). Fax: 076- equipped with TV, WiFi, aircon [email protected] 615184. Email: bantitar2009@ and kitchen. Rent: 120,000 windowslive.com baht per year. Tel: 081-396 7870. KATHU GOLF VIEW 3 bedrooms, fully furnished PENTHOUSE VILLA SURIN BEACH HOUSE CONDO IN PATONG and serviced. 10 minutes for rent. 3 bedrooms, 3 and half 4-bedroom, en-suites, with private bathrooms, quite on a private Nicely furnished 1-bedroom to beach. For 1-year lease. 24 rooms for rent. Fully fur- pool, garden, maid service, UBC hill. 330sqm, grand view on unit at Phuket Palace with pool Rent: 50,000 baht per nished. From floor 3 to 5. Ad- cable TV, Internet, security gate. Loch Palm Golf, Valley, lake. and parking for 20,000 baht per month. Tel: 084-843 6837. dress: 174/6 Pisitkoranee Available for short- or long-term Big pool, furnished. Long-term High-grade house, furnished month. Tel: 081-892 1621. Email: suchada_villas@ Rd, Patong, Phuket. Tel: rent: 85,000 baht per month. Call 65,000 baht per month. Con- and conveniently located. hotmail.com 081-476 4476. Sara. Tel: +44 7802 202048. Minutes from Rawai and Nai BEACHFRONT tact Noi. Available on March 1, Email: [email protected] Harn Beaches. 2 spacious 2-BEDROOM 2011. Tel: 087-269 8492. bedrooms with en-suite Serviced condo on top floor. PHUKET VILLA HOUSE IN RAWAI HOUSE & POOL bathrooms. 1 guest toilet. Rent: 45,000 baht per month. DOWROONG POOL VILLA FOR RENT FROM 13,000 BAHT Aircons. Large living-dining Tel: 086-276 5117. Email: Fully furnished, with 3 bedrooms. Fully furnished, aircon, free room. Telephone line with [email protected] Near Lotus Rawai, in quiet and cable TV & WiFi. Long & short ADSL. Free water supply secure area. Tel: 089-472 9870. rental. Tel: 089-475 1200. Email: and garbage removal ser- Email: [email protected] [email protected] For fur- vice. Rent: 20,000 baht per RAWAI POOL VILLA ther details, please see our month. Contact K. Nui. Tel: KAMALA BEACH website at www.welcome- 087-383 0936. Email: New apartments and houses, inn.com [email protected] furnished Western style, 2-4 bedrooms, 2-4 bathrooms, 3-bedroom house for rent, House for rent, 55sq wah, 2 aircon, cable, internet, quiet and with seaview, swimming HOUSE FOR RENT OFFICE 2 bedroom furnished house with bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, secure. 13,000-17,000 baht. pool, and large parking/ga- On the main road in Rawai, aircon, 1 bathroom, living room, no phone line, unfurnished. Tel: 084-716 0502, 083-645 rage area. Fully furnished, Saiyuan road. Price: 9,500 kitchen and cable TV. Tel: 081- 15,000 baht per month. Tel: 3546. with ADSL and cable TV. baht per month. Tel: 084-111 087-270 9093. 537 9878 (English & Thai), 089- 3977 (English). Email: stefan For short- and long-term Rent: 35,000 baht per month. Tel: 085-781 1403. 729 8472 (English & Thai). @stefan.asia For more details rent. 400sqm, 3 bedrooms, POOL VILLAS RAWAI Email: [email protected] check www.stefan.asia 2 bathrooms, with 8x4m STYLISH PHUKET 3 or 4 bedrooms, all luxurious. pool, TV and internet ac- TOWNHOUSE For rent or sale. Great bargain RENT APARTMENT POOL VILLA FOR RENT cess. In a quiet area. Tel: Teak-furnished, modern-style prices. Tel: 087-893 8747. PATONG townhouse with 2-floors and 2 HOUSE FOR RENT 2-4 bedrooms. In Bangtao area. 084-852 4091. Email: sales New condo, with a pool and IN KATHU With big swimming pool. Fully @thaiwaitravel.net bedrooms, a large kitchen, flat- KATA POOLSIDE security. 46sqm. Furnished. furnished. Tel: 085-674 6786. screen TV, 1.5 bathrooms and APARTMENTS Tel: 089-728 4005. Email: a garden in a quiet neighbor- Serviced, quiet area, 42" TV, [email protected] PROPERTY TO RENT BEAUTIFUL VILLA hood in the heart of Samkong, kitchen, internet, 15,000 baht/ the food capital of Phuket. Rent: Spacious 4-bedroom house in month. Tel: 081-091 8908 (En- 14,000 baht per month. Move in CHALONG POOL VILLA Rawai available from April 1st to glish). Email: giepp969@ from April 1. Contact Nicholas. 3 bedroom pool villa close to mid-October 2011. Ideal for large hotmail.com Tel: 081-892 5335 (English & Villa Market for long-or short- family or group of friends. Fully fur- Thai), 084-494 5725 (English). term rent. Tel: 089-652 1473 nished, sea views, Big Buddha Email: [email protected] PATONG 3 BED (English). Email: ananda views. 35,000 baht per month, in- TOWNHOUSE [email protected] 3-bedroom house for rent in Kathu. Close to international clusive of pool cleaning + cable TV. New 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom SHARE LARGE HOUSE school. 10 minutes from Call Bill (086-270 4905) before April townhouse, fully furnished with LUXURY VILLA RAWAI Near Chalong circle. Western Phuket Town and 15 min- 1st, or Norbit (081 808 8896) after internet and pool. In Patong, For rent and sale. 3 or 4 bed- Set on a hill, at an elevation style, safe, secure with a pool utes from Patong. Has small April 1st . Tel: +44-79-846 1090, Nanai road area. Price: 32,000 rooms, beautiful interior and of 50m, this 4-bedroom and gym. Non smokers only. pool and maid’s room. Tel: 086-270 4904 (English). Email: baht. Tel: 082-498 0872 (English). exterior, with private pool. Very house offers breathtaking Price: 8,000 baht+ per month. 087-892 6899. [email protected] Email: [email protected] peaceful. Tel: 087-893 8747. ocean views. Close to the Tel: 087-077 9816. Email: sea. Furnished. With a [email protected] PATONG TOWNHOUSE private pool and security. Neat, comfortable, private and On Cape Yamu at a central Classified Advertisements quiet. 2 bedrooms, with aircon. location, 15 minutes to LUXURY VILLA POOL Rent: 22,000 baht per month on BIS/Marinas. Rent: 70,000 By Laguna. Has everything. At a Please use this form to write your classified advertisement. a long-term lease. Short-term baht per month, or long quiet, secluded location. With lease is possible. Tel: 087-900 term. Tel: 086-279 6283. jacuzzi and spa. Rent: 24,000. Then hand it to any of our agents. 8445. Tel: 089-594 4067. |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| (heading)

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Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 120 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. All advertising must be paid for in advance. Deadline for April 16 issue is on Thursday 7 April before 3pm. Deadline for April 23 issue is on Tuesday 12 April before 6pm. 38 PHUKET GAZETTE March 26 - April 1, 2011

APARTMENT & ROOM APARTMENT PATONG Property Accommodation IN PATONG 140sqm, fully furnished. 2 bed- Accommodation Household Services Available Apartment for long term rent. rooms, 2 bathrooms, plus stor- Wanted Items 8,000-20,000 baht per month. age room. Spacious living / din- Room from 600-1,500 baht per ing area with full western SHARE RENTAL TWO night. Tel: 076-512151, 089-290 kitchen and large balcony. Full POOL VILLA IN JUNE SELLING FURNITURE ISS PEST CONTROL STOREY HOUSE 9567. Email: info@brommathai aircon. Includes free WiFi. UBC We are looking for a pool villa Moving sale of complete furni- Complete pest control so- Very secure home, pool, cov- house.com For further details, ready. Tel: 084-185 8536. with at least 3 bedrooms. Could ture set. Call for details. Tel: 087- lutions for residential, retail ered parking, all utilities in- please see our website at be almost anywhere in Phuket. 270 2334. and industrial properties. cluded 10,000 baht monthly. www.brommathaihouse.com FREEDOM APARTMENT We will arrive June 14 and stay Tel: 081-958 6879 (Eng), Tel: 085-578 2114. Email: Small kitchen, fridge, cooker, til July 4. Please send me a MOVING SALE 083-505 6667 (Thai). Email: [email protected] HOUSE NEAR fully furnished, aircon, high- rental price and some pictures. Selling everything order list. [email protected] CHALONG speed internet, cable TV, Email: [email protected] Tel: 080-718 1686. Email: CONDO FOR SALE/ Fully furnished house with 2-bed, bathroom with hot and cold [email protected] RENT RAWAI 2 bath. Long-term rent (min 1 water. 400 baht per day. Tel: AO YON OR NEARBY Property Best price on the island, both for year): 15,000 baht per month. 084-845 0541. Looking for long term rent of a WANTED GAS OVEN Wanted sale and long term rent. Tel: Tel: 087-026 1362. Email: modern, furnished 2 BR house Wanted, Gas oven with Hob. 080-078 0931 (English), 086- cjitsomboon @hotmail.com ROOMS IN KATHU: with western kitchen and AC, Call or email. Tel: 086-272 8094. 112 1477 (Thai). Email: 6,000 BAHT ADSL and UBC. Minimum of Email: [email protected] POOL VILLA WANTED [email protected] PATONG TOWNHOUSE Large modern rooms with 12 months, starting end of April We are looking for investors Nanai Road 9 hillside. 2 bed- their own bathroom, satellite or later as per agreement. DINING TABLE & from Sweden for pool villas with PATONG LUXURY rooms fully furnished with WiFi TV and Internet connection. At Please email photo/info. Email: CHAIRS 2-3 bedrooms in Rawai. Price: At a very quiet place. 60sqm and cable TV. Price: 20,000 baht/ a great location with moun- homein [email protected] Attractive dining table & 4 chairs, from 5 to 10 million baht. apartment with jacuzzi. Daily rent month long term. Tel: 081-270 tain views, near Loch Palm 90cm x 90cm, dark wood & Please send email to offers. from 2,500 baht. Monthly rent: 5374 (English & Thai). Email: Golf Club. Email: cssmyth@ PHUKET CITY OR black colour. 4,000 baht for Email: sales@chokechaipro 35,000 baht. 4 minutes' walk to [email protected] hotmail.com NEARBY quick sale. Buyer to collect. Tel: perty.com beach, 2 minutes to entertain- I will be studying with my part- 087-897 3497 (Eng), 089-646 ment venues. Tel: 081-894 8446. APPARTMENT 4-BEDROOM VILLA ner at ECC in Muang, Phuket 8144 (Thai). Email: catch22 HOUSE IN RAWAI / See: www.banglasuites.com LONG TERM WITH LARG POOL City, and I am looking for a [email protected] NAI HARN apartment for French speaking in Land & Houses Park avail- comfortable apartment/house Looking for a house/villa in this HOUSE FOR RENT people. 60 square meters, big able for long or short-term that is close by or commut- DOUBLE BED FRAME area on plot of 400+ sqm, ideally 8,500 BAHT garden, swimming pool, very resident, or for daily holiday able. Dates: May 7- June 7 Leather look, king size double 600. Paying up to 7.5 million baht. Furnished 2 bedroom house quiet, near Jungceylon. 16,000 rental. Email: william.amo 2011. For more details, please bed frame. New, from . If it needs renovation, that is okay, with living room, kitchen, garden, baht per month for long term. [email protected] send email: patrickoldfield@ Not needed. 7,000 baht. Tel: depending on size and location. car park, internet. Price for rent: Tel: 076-296312, 080-880 5086 yahoo.co.uk 083-833 9950. Or send email: Needs to be close to a concrete 8,500 baht/month, and 3 bed- (English). Email: bialaspatrick KARON CONDO FOR [email protected] road. Email: [email protected] room at 12,000 baht/month. Tel: @yahoo.com SALE OR RENT 1/2 BEDROOM HOUSE 086-476 9598, 084-051 1955, 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo over- / APARTMENT OUTDOOR UMBRELLA GENUINE CASH BUYER 080-521 9888 (English & Thai). LOFT STYLE - KATHU looking Karon Beach. Short or Looking for a 1 or 2 bedroom Retractable umbrella with Wanted: house modern open Email: [email protected] Suitable for a home or office, long term. Condo also for sale. house or apartment. Need the base. Covers 8.4sqm with ad- plan with enough land for pool secure, 11,500 baht/month. Reasonable rent to mature per- following: Internet, aircon, justable angle. 7 months old, no and garden on made road with KATA LUXURY VILLA Tel: 086-664 5575. Email: sons. Email: [email protected] kitchen. Long-term rental. Price longer required. Cost 21,000 all services, genuine sellers RENTAL [email protected] about 15,000 baht a month. baht; will sell for 17,000 baht only. Tel: 087-278 5037. Email: 3-bedroom villa located on the Email: [email protected] o.n.o. Tel: 086-280 4848. Email PATONG CONDO kwanchalmers@me. com [email protected] southern headland of Kata LUXURY KATA Fully furnished - 700 meters Beach. Built up area, 3400sqft, APARTMENT from Patong Beach. Email: 50-100 RAI, with spectacular Andaman sea Central location, pool, Internet, [email protected] Building WALL MIRRORS 50 YEAR LEASE views. 6x15 meter infinity pool etc. One bedroom. For rent Products & Two rattan-framed, black mir- For horse business, Phuket, situated on the edge of rocks weekly or monthly. Tel: 084- rors, 140cm x 100cm in good 063 9223, 086-941 7733 LUXURY APARTMENT Services Krabi Phang Nga. Qualifies overlooking sea. The villa is sur- IN PATONG condition. Photo available on re- under the new zoning restric- rounded by dense foliage, has (English). Email: eburneday Room for rent with swimming quest. Price: 2,000 baht each. tions as recreation and/or agri- spacious balconies, outdoor @gmail.com pool. Daily and monthly. Email: Tel: 089-150 2909. Email: culture. Bi-annual payment showers in natural settings and RENOVATIONS, [email protected] [email protected] ONLY. Commercial 50 year is very private. Thai, Japanese, REFURBISHMENTS PATONG SEAVIEW Website: www.nanaivilla.com lease. Developers: Add Incen- & Balinese design influences. With kitchen and DVD/cable. Renovations, refurbishments, OUTDOOR FURNITURE painting, repairs and mainte- tive with first class horse riding Excellent Thai cook provided. Tel: Rent: 800 baht per day, or Modern dining table set with HOUSE NEAR nance. High quality services for a facility. Tel: 084-842 4581. Email: +65-09 621 0254.Email: 15,000 baht per month. Tel: high quality materials. Set of CHALONG reasonable price. English, Swed- [email protected] [email protected] 089-532 7708. 1 table, 4 chairs and 1 um- Fully furnished house with 2- ish and Thai speaking personnel. brella. Stylish and weather re- bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Welcome to contact us for a sistant! Only 12,000 baht. All Long-term rent (min 1 year): quote. Tel: 083-394 8337, 080- still in good condition. Email: 15,000 baht per month. Email 141 4577 (Eng & Thai). Email: Classified Advertisements [email protected] : [email protected] [email protected] Please use this form to write your classified advertisement. Then hand it to any of our agents. MOVING SALE I am moving and everything must go. Lots of items: Bedroom suite |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| (heading) (6 piece), teak colour, good con- dition. Shelving, desk, chair, sofa, music system. Coffee table, |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| blinds. Tel: 080-124 1245. Email: kay@phuketandamanreal estate.com |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Household |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Services

|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| DWF HOME SERVICES Built-in bars, counters, pools, kitchens, ponds, etc. Tel: 081-606 5746. Email: |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| DWF_homeservices@ hotmail.com Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 120 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. All advertising must be paid for in advance. Deadline for April 16 issue is on Thursday 7 April before 3pm. Looking for land to buy? Deadline for April 23 issue is on Tuesday 12 April before 6pm. See more classified ads at www.phuketgazette.net March 26 - April 1, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 39

SAILING KAYAK SPEEDBOAT FOR SALE Hobby Adventure Island. New SPEEDBOAT 19 Rib with 4-stroke engine built 5.8 RIGID hull and crossbeams. In mint FOR SALE for coastal waters. Excellent for INFLATABLE BOAT condition with many new With 2 company work per- snorkeling, fishing and family spares. Price: 100,000 baht. mits. Building B&B. Boat outings. Safe and economical. Call Philip. Tel: 087-886 7854 . length: 27'. Year: 2007. Comes with a trailer and many GPR Fiberglass capacity: extras. Price: 595,000 baht. Tel: 18FT DORY 35 knots. Engine: Honda 082-814 9912. Email: alistair 18ft dory style boat with bimini, 225MP. Price: 960,000 @aimdb.net trailer, life jackets etc. Very low baht. Negotiable. Tel: 087- hour 60Hp Mercury + 6 Hp 518 1347. Mercury. Thai registered. Tel: BARGAIN CUDDY For sale. 10-month old, 2007 built 25ft cuddy 5.8m long. Cholamark RIB 089-290 6925 (English). Email: 55-FOOT CATAMARAN [email protected] cruiser with 175 Suzuki power by 2x60hp Evinrude 6 double cabins, 105sqm. o'brd (approx 200 hours engines (operating hours). Sails, in composite. Ready to only). Forward berth with Includes bimini, raymarine ANGLER 2,600 CC sail! Price: 1.5 million baht. toilet and sink. Ideal for 57D chartplotter/depth SPORTFISHING Contact for more details. Tel: day trips and occasional sounder, 170 liter stainless Nice 26ft American sportfishing 087-461 8089. overnight. This boat will not steel fuel tank, and bilge boat 2x225 4-stroke outboards. be bettered for price and in- pump. Asking price: 975,000 Tel: 085-691 1837 (English). BAYLINER CIERA 285 cludes a Thai built trailer. baht or o.n.o. (Original price: Email: mangeolsson@hotmail. FOR SALE Price: 650,000 baht. Tel: 1.3 million baht, in April com YAMAHA JET SKI 2005, 9 meters, good condi- 076-621200, 080-141 8292 2010). Tel: 089-770 3234. CHALOMARK Cruiser VX. Safe and new, with DINGHY tion, engine mercruiser, 5.7 li- (English), 085-789 5092 Email: jeremy.ayre@awrl only 14 months of use. Has 6M SPEEDBOAT ter mpi FWC, sleeps 6 (English & Thai). Email: loyd.com warranty. In excellent condition: 85hp and 15hp engines. In- people, Gen Honda 2Kva, din- [email protected] only owner has used it. Price: cludes mooring, trailer and fish- ghy + 6hp. Suzuki 4str en- 350,000 baht. Tel: 089-819 finder/plotter. Only 365,000 gine, trailer and many more. 35 FOOT POWER CAT 9650. Email: pierrekojfer@ baht. Tel: 087-466 1943. Email: Used only 1 season. Price 2.4 POWER CAT FOR SALE FOR SALE yahoo.fr [email protected] million baht negotiable. Tel: Brand-new, 35 feet, fiberglass Brand new fiber glass with 086-076 0141 (English). with fly bridge. Email: jgkg24@ flybridge. Email: jgkg24@ Email: [email protected] hotmail.com hotmail.com SOLUTIONS TO 40Hp and 5Hp engine. Can carry 8 persons. Like new. THIS WEEK’S Price: 230,000 baht. Tel: PUZZLES 089-652 5664. Crossword puzzle: VAN DE STADT 38' YACHT Ashore at Langkawi Port, due for inspection in March. Photos and spec on request. Price: US$ 45,000. Tel: +60-125-531 4030 (English). Email: brianralph [email protected]

SWISS CATAMARAN 24 FEET A perfect fishing boat made of fi- berglass. Comes with 2 Honda 4 stroke engines, each 50 Hp. It has a hydraulic system, a Simrad navigation GPS chart plotter and electric Ankerwinsch plus toilet. Phuket registration. With 4-wheel aluminium trailer. Price: 600,000 baht. Contact Khun Aree. Tel: 089-474 5168. 40 PHUKET GAZETTE March 26 - April 1, 2011

BOAT REFIT PROJECT WAITER / WAITRESS MANAGER Open all year. Free food & lodg- Hands-on, good organiza- ing. Basic English needed. tional skills, team player. Du- 8,000 baht / month. Good tips. ration 2 to 3 months. Please Tel: 081-963 1925 (English & contact for more info. Tel: 081- Thai). Email: [email protected] 270 9006 (English). Email: [email protected] STAFF WANTED Night secretary: 1 position. DJs: 1 position. Light techni- CYPRUS SEASON cian: 1 position. Bartender: 6 2011 positions. Cashier: 5 positions. Sales people required for Waitress: several positions. Panaretti Resorts, the Qualifications: Thai nationals largest timeshare com- who are flexible, diligent, re- GENERAL HANDYMAN MARKET RESEARCH To carry out market survey re- pany in Cyprus. Sales sponsible and honest. English REQUIRED Thai national, live-in position search with English speaking person & OPC's re- skills are a plus. If interested, if needed. Must have experi- tourists. Candidates should quired, British Germans, please apply in person daily ence, Surin area. Tel: 089-195 have basic English. Good pack- Scandinavians, Rus- from 9am to 8pm. Or contact 0578. Email: info@villachan age for right applicant. Tel: 084- sians. Flight and accom- us. Tel: 076-294216. Email: grajang.com 851 7529 (English). Email: modation provided. Con- nokhollywoodpatong [email protected] tact Sales.Tel: Jacquest @gmail.com 35-79 7682698. Email: VILLA SERVICES a.hoefer@royalcoral SALES / SECRETARY ASSISTANT GERMAN SPEAKERS bay.com or marketing Email: Sunrise Ocean Villas looking Villa Services Assistant required We, Intercall Service Co Ltd [email protected] for a motivated Thai female to to support the Villa Manager on are seeking a German speak- work as sales representative private estate. Excellent spoken ing person for our Call Center in and secretary for the second & written English in addition to Thai Chalong. We offer a fixed sal- OFFICE office in Ao Por. Salary + com- language skills required. Must be ary and legal visa stuff. Tel: 089- OFFICE SECRETARY TELEPHONE SEVICE ADMINISTRATOR organised and efficient. Effective 873 9123 (English). We are seeking an energetic We are seeking to hire a Thai mission and bonus. Email: WANTED [email protected] communicator. Good supervisory and proactive full time office woman for our phone customer Needs good admin & secre- skills. Remain calm under pres- RELATIONS MANAGER secretary/administrative assis- service. High salary. Send re- tarial skills to run a small inter- sure. Ability to motivate others. Sea Bees Diving is looking for tant. Candidates must have sume to [email protected] RUSSIAN SPEAKER national business. Good En- WANTED Good knowledge of MS Office. Relations Manager Hotels good English and computer glish & ability to communicate. Well groomed. Positive 'can do' Food supply company is look- (based in Chalong, Phuket). skills. Tel: 086-004 3008. Email: Some bookkeeping & cash attitude. Detail orientated. Dis- ENTERTAINER - ing for a Thai national with good Qualifications: [email protected] reports knowledge is helpful to creet and confidential nature. CABARET SHOW Russian language skills to be * English speaking; German is the position. Attractive salary Driving licence. 3-5 years experi- Salary 2,000 baht per show. manager. Tel: 089-054 4176. a plus CUSTOMER SUPPORT & benefits to the right person. ence in supervisory role within Must have experience perform- * Outgoing personality WANTED ing in a cabaret show and be Tel: 076-513370. Fax: 076- boutique resort, hotel environment * Enthusiastic We are the leading travel agency an English speaking Thai na- 513370. Send your CV to DRIVER or high end customer service role. in Phuket. We currently want to tional with knowledge of all safetyservices.sms23 Email: [email protected] * Team player Salary - 8,000 baht per fill 2 positions for customer sup- music types. Must be able to @yahoo.com * Structured month plus service charge. port. Starting salary ranging from entertain guests for a 15 minute PROPERTY SALES * Organized 12,000-15,000 baht. Tel: 076- Morning and afternoon show. Tel: 076-333222. Email: ADMIN STAFF WANTED EXECUTIVE * Result-driven 367120, 086-950 6945, 089-469 [email protected] shifts. Work 6 days a week. Admin staff required by real Good driving skills required, Phuket real estate agency re- * Independent 2173 (Thai). Fax: 076-367212. estate agent in the Laguna quires a Thai national sales ex- Email: [email protected] as well as knowledge of * Creative GRADE 1 TEACHER area. Must be Thai national, Phuket and automobile ecutive. Applicants must be flu- * Driver's license International school is looking female and have some expe- maintenance. Position ent in English, have full driving li- HOTEL STAFF for a homeroom teacher for rience in admin and accounts. available now. Must be a cense and own a car. Good Please send your CV with a Receptionist/bar staff (Thai) grade 1 (6 to 7-year-olds). Only Must also live locally. Good Thai national fluent in En- salary package plus generous recent photo and accepted wanted for a new hotel in native English speakers with salary and immediate start. glish. Tel: 076-333222. commission and benefits. Tel: salary to marketing@sea- Patong. Good salary. Tel: 076- appropriate degree should ap- Tel: 076-271315, 081-895 6267 Email: sales@ccblooms 076-527565. Send CV with bees.com. For futher details, 349655, 088-444 7840. Email: ply. Please send application to (English). Email: info@phuket- hotel.com photo to cv@phuketocean please visit our website: sea- [email protected] [email protected] landandhomes.com villas.com bees.com

Looking for a job? Looking for a better candidate? Find more Recruitment Classifieds at www.PhuketGazette.Net! March 26 - April 1, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 41

FRONT DESK & HOUSE MAID WANTED GENERAL HANDYMAN SALE EXECUTIVE CAFE STAFF WANTED BOOKEEPER To clean pool villa. Easy work. REQUIRED NEEDED Thai staff for a gourmet cafe Employment Accounting & English skills. No previous experience is nec- Thai national, live-in position Sale Executive needed ur- in Rawai. Good personality, Wanted 1-9pm. Thai national. Expe- essary. For more details. Tel: if needed. Must have experi- gently in Phuket Town. some English. Day work. rience required. Tel: 080-052 083-641 9327. ence, Surin area. Call Apple. Qualifications: Aged between Please contact Sandy. Tel: 8082 (English). Send email: Tel: 085-789 8443. Email: 25-45 years, male or female. 080-695 3380. Or send email: WEB DESIGNER [email protected] SALES & MARKETING [email protected] Good command of English in [email protected] EMPLOYMENT MANAGER writing and speaking skills. for full-time employment. Devel- YACHT SALES Requirements: Over 4 years PHUKET WATER SKI Minimum 2 years of experience WEB DEVELOPER oping and maintaining websites, EXECUTIVE experience as a sales & mar- PARK STAFF as sales officer, any construc- HELP NEED SEO, e-marketing. Send email: Requirements: Experience in keting manager of a business Looking for a Thai person with tion experience will be consid- Looking for a person who can [email protected] sales & brokerage of luxury selling high-end luxury prod- good English for a temporary ered favorably. Salary: 8,500- do PHP, mySQL, CSS3, SEO, yachts, knowledge of boats, and ucts. Fluent in English and job. Distribution of our advertising 12,000 baht not including com- Googlemap API v3, HTML5, EXPAT ENGINEER technical issues, fluent in En- Thai, excellent marketing skills material and contracts to travel mission. Tel: 0878153777 or Web optimization (size, on (MECHANICAL) glish and excellent computer and knowledge, and excellent agencies. Payment: salary + [email protected] both images and code, cach- searching for employment or and internet skills. Tel: 081-979 computer and internet skills. commisstion. Please send your For further details, please see ing for fast loading speeds). Tel: partnership in a company – 25 9911. Email: vrit@boatlagoon Tel: 081-979 9911. Email: CV to phuketcableski@ our website at www.phuket- 076-239820. Email: noinah yrs experience. Email: job- yachting.co.th [email protected] yahoo.com stainless-service.com @latitude1maritime.com [email protected] Gazette Online Classifieds – 10,000 readers every day! 42 PHUKET GAZETTE March 26 - April 1, 2011

ROOFTOP RESTAURANT Articles CLASSIC KITCHEN Bulletins Business KARON FOR RENT For Sale EQUIPMENT Opportunities GUESTHOUSE On the top floor of Sinthavee Kitchenaid Artisan mixer. For sale. 7 rooms, 5 guest Hotel, Phuket Town. Conve- Apple green color. New con- rooms, 1 office, 1 staff nient for a restaurant or bar. dition, used only 3 times: room. 35-seat restaurant Also, a discotheque on the 2nd WASHING MACHINE BLUE OCEAN 2,000 BAHT 14,000 baht. Dualit stain- with room to expand and floor (with license). Tel: 087- less-steel 2-slot toaster, very BEACH HOUSE huge Euro kitchen. Also Washing machine: 5kg, front 270 9093. Email: a.pueng good condition: 4,000 baht. includes 9-seat bar and loader, hot water, 6 years old, @gmail.com Tel: 086-940 2111 (English). 12-seat patio area. At a for 2,000 baht. It works. Call Email: tom_woos6@ prime location, 5 minutes me from 1pm to 6pm. You can TRAVEL AGENCY & hotmail.com to the beach. Has been see it in Phuket Town and I INTERNET profitably operating for past have pickup for delivery. Tel: Located in Patong. Business 5 years. Thai registered 083-525 8914 (English & has been running since 2004. XBOX360 GAMES company and website in- Excellent potential with a Thai). Email: adihousedj@ steering wheels price 12,000 cluded. 4 years left on the good client base of local hotmail.com Baht (New) and 2008 Honda 14 rooms and restaurant for lease, plus options for an- expats and tourists. Tel: 084- dream price: 20,000 baht. Tel: sale or for rent. 5 meters from other 3 years' rent. Rent: 994 5453. Email: bongkot62 MICROLIGHT 082-288 3261. beach. Price: 76.5 million 28,000 baht per month, in- @hotmail.com AIRCRAFT creasing to 30,000 baht Airplay Alis in excellent condi- baht. 2,4,6 Thaweewong KAYAKS FOR SELL Rd, Patong, Phuket. Tel: next year. Sale price: 2.95 BIG BAR FOR SALE tion. Fitted super quiet Konig I have 1 double and 3 single sit- 081-476 4476. million baht. Tel: 084-842 Bar on Bangla Rd, Patong un- radial engine. Wing in perfect on-top, high-quality Ocean 0340. der Seduction disco. Key condition. Great fun and very Kayaks for sell. All in good money 4.5 million baht. For 2- economical. Easy to store condition and they come with THAI-SCANDINAVIAN 3 years. includes TVs, sound/ and fly. Price: 295,000 baht. back rest and paddles. Wants restaurant for sale. Located in light-system. Tel: 083-391 Tel: 089-111 6457 (English & 45,000 baht for all ono. Tel: 080- PHYSICAL GOLD Patong, close to beach, in an 2695 (English & Thai). Email: Thai), 081-397 7598 (English 529 1449. Email: psongmuang If are interested in investing area with many large hotels. [email protected] & Thai). Email: kajoda1954@ @hotmail.com Completely fitted with 70 seats in 99.999% physical gold yahoo.co.uk and 4 large rooms for rent. Rent: that returns a monthly cash 80,000 baht per month. Key investment of 2% or yearly MUST SELL BREAD AND CAKE Bar & money: 3 million baht. 3 years 24% while you hold the Fully functioning restaurant lo- MIXER left on contract. Very good oppor- physical gold, then contact cated in Cherng Talay / Manic Restaurant Martyn Rolton. Email: area on a main road. 3-storey Industrial electric mixer with 5kg SPONSOR tunity for taking over and running bowl, in good working order. Equipment a business. Wants to sell as [email protected] shopfront restaurant with living a child. The Phuket Inter- Price: 5,000 baht. Tel: 087-993 quickly as possible due to ill- quarters upstairs, including 4 national Women’s Club 8737. ness. Tel: 089-287 2656. rooms, 3 bathrooms and small is a volunteer organization RESTAURANT lounge area. Still operating with P.O.S. SERVICE raising funds for educa- FOR SALE 24 seats, wall-mounted TV sets, CERAMIC POT FOR IPAD tional scholarships. We Well established local restau- CLEARANCE SALE BELGIAN FRYPLACE double-door stainless fridge, GHBS POS is an iPad rely on the goodwill of do- FOR SALE rant at Soi Nam Tok Kathu for 50% off our entire range of qual- double-door ice-making fridge, based, affordable, simple- nors and sponsors – Chips&Dips. The only real 200,000 baht only! Tel: 086-742 ity ceramic pots imported from with all kitchen equipment, stain- to-use, web-based point small and large. If you Belgian fryplace in Thailand for 0783 (Thai), 084-186 4882 (En- Vietnam. Closing business. less tables, crockery, glasses of sale (P.O.S.) solution would like to put some- sale in Thailand at half price, glish). Email: phuketingo@ Everything must go! Free deliv- and more. Excellent potential with Business Intelligence thing back into the com- since the owner has to move yahoo.de ery all over Phuket. Call Khun with a good client base of local (B.I.) features that make it munity in which you live, back to his home country due Karn. Tel: 076-271 3215, 087- expats and tourists. 3-year lease ideal for restaurants, contact us to find out to family matters. Completely BAR FOR SALE 382 1751 (English & Thai). with option to continue.Cheap guesthouses, resorts, more about giving a prize setup and ready to be fran- Price: 750,000 baht. The Re- Email: alwyn@phuket-landand rent: 15,000 baht per month. Bar- hotels, bars, nightclubs or being a sponsor. chised. Tel: 089-651 8223 (En- sort Bar on Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi homes.com gain sale price at 250,000 baht. and country clubs. This Please call K. Carol (Tel: glish). Email to: tommydevos@ road at Patong Beach. Tel: 089- Contact:Shane. Tel: 084-327 service will put your com- 087-417 8860) or K. Sue hotmail.com 731 4077. 6711. Email: [email protected] ELLIPTICAL TRAINER pany on cruise control. (Tel: 087-277 6948). Or for sale XT 1,500 Like new, sil- You can start using this email: info@phuketiwc. ver color, excellent cond. 2- service tomorrow for 1,900 com year warrenty, excellent 4 baht per month. Tel: 085- lose weight & firm muscles. 784 3043. Email: prod SKIPPERS PUB QUIZ Can deliver. Must Sell, [email protected] For fur- At Royal Phuket Marina. Last movingasking 20,000 paid ther details, please see Wednesday of each month at 32,000B. Tel: 081-477 4774. our website at: www.b- 7.30 pm. Happy Hour and Email: getfitwithallan@gmail. structures.com com prizes. Tel: 076-360890-3. March 26 - April 1, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 43

3 BCDS AND 2 STEEL PHI PHI ISLAND Business Products & Services Club TANKS Shop unit for sale - a few Membership Seac sub bcd for big person / faber steps from the road and tanks 105 ci. 20,000 baht o.b.o. close to the main beach. Available Tel: 086-274 1930 (English). Suitable for all busi- Email: [email protected] nesses or a franchise. 1st BLUECANYON floor: open plan with 2 toi- COUNTRY CLUB Personal lets, full width doors and Individual family price at aircon. 2nd floor: Separate 850,000 (transfer fee in- Services access to 2 en-suite cluded). Email: thipkamols rooms with aircon. Long [email protected] lease. Low rental and priced to sell. Genuine in- FREELANCE terest only, please. Tel: FULL MEMBERSHIP PHOTOGRAPHER 082-542 2121. Email: Sale of full membership to Make a difference to your sgiandubh69@hotmail. Phuket Country Club. Price: images 550,000 baht including transfer. com - Pre-wedding Tel: 084-104 0741. Email: [email protected] - Wedding COMPANY FOR SALE - Portrait Thai registered company which - Family memories includes a 490sqm, 3 bed- Computers - Party room pool villa on 1,600sqm of land, and 3 approved CEO - Events working visas for foreigners. P.C. COMPUTER Contact : Tingnoi 081- Price 19million baht negotiable. New, with Dual-Core 2.70GHz, 606 5746. Email: [email protected] 2700 MHz, 1 Terra H.D.D. www.facebook.com/ Win7 Ultimate. Pay only 10z tingnoidwf GUESTHOUSE each. 1,400 movies, 2.00GB. tingnoidwf.multiply.com IN KARON Very Fast. 20" flat screen. Tel: 12 well-furnished rooms, with 087-006 5615. trendy restaurant/sport bar able TATTOO REMOVAL to seat 40+ customers. Situ- ENGLISH We can remove your tat- ated on main road between COMPUTERMAN toos. Tel: 083-362 4144, Karon and Kata Beaches. Free- Repairs, sales & service. 080-718 1686. Website at hold with Chanote title. Price: Internet speciality. Tel: 076- www.tattoo-delete.info 18 million baht. Long-lease 384385, 084-625 7744 (En- contract optional. Must see. glish). Fax: 076-384385. Email: Tel: 081-891 9461. computermanphuket SPRAY TAN @gmail.com IN YOUR HOME SHOP FOR LEASE, We come to you or your house 2.5 YEARS UKTV WORLWIDE location, for more info please Key Plaza, Patong Beach Watch UKTV live, on demand, call. Tel: 087-280 1721, 087-280 road. Beautifully furnished. Can SIGN/ MEDIA/ 5 day history or recording. Don't 1721 (English & Thai). Email: start business immediately. Tel: ADVERTISING miss a show. Tel: +60-12-718 [email protected] 084-094 0854 (English & Thai). Please contact K.Pu 086- 2860, 086-524 6040 (English). Website at: www.spraytanning Email: [email protected] 698 6544. Email: [email protected] For thailand.com Email: iamtontan further details, please see my @hotmail.com website at: www.newuktv.com ENGLISH LESSONS BUNGALOW RESORT Learn to speak English in a few Good business opportunity.Quiet weeks with a qualified TESOL paradise directly on the lake, CUSTOMIZED FACEBOOK FANPAGE teacher. Call Lucy (after 4pm) near Loch Palm Golf. 10 mins GM CURTAIN for free lesson. Tel: 082-800 Your competition are probably to Patong and shopping areas. 5607. Rental contract 9 years. Price: using facebook right now. Don't 6.5 million baht. Down pay- get left behind. Tel: 085-473 1629, GERMAN COURSE 085-473 1629 (English). Email: ment 3.5 million baht and the German for Beginners 240 [email protected] For further rest 3 million baht in 3 years hours/22,000 Baht .Start: Feb. details, please see our website time of running the business. 28,11 Hon.German Consulate at:www.fanpageultimate.com Tel: 086-267 0229. Phuket.Tel: 076-610407 Email: [email protected] KATA BEACH BAR FOR SALE Sells curtains, uphol- Dive Gear stery, and accessories Successfull, long-term bar/ domestically and interna- Personals business for sale in central tionally. We offer design DIVE GEAR Kata. A "turnkey" business and an outdoor service Nimar underwater camera with seating for 35-40, pool SPECIAL LADY installation in all prov- housing, 200 flash, Canon table, fooseball, darts, double Attractive gentleman looking for inces around the coun- EOS400, plus lenses and ac- cooler, full bar, 4 sofas/sleep- a special lady to settle down with try. We also give advice cessories in perfect condition. ers. Can arrange a Thai bank TRAMPOLINES here in Phuket. Email: daniel on the selection of mate- Contact Khun Daniel. Tel: 084- account with gold visa and BUDS NURSERY For large trampolines at the [email protected] rial, equipment and all 968 6915. work permits possible. A rea- KINDERGARTEN best prices. For a surcharge of types of installation work sonable and realistic price of Phuket oldest bi-lingual inter- 950 baht, we deliver to your by a well-experienced AQUA LUNG 550,000 baht. Will consider national child care facility. front door in Phuket in 4-5 Surfboard and capable team. Cur- REGULATOR offers. Tel: 089-040 2800 (En- High quality time proven days. Email us or call: 087-707 schedule and curriculum. Ex- tains, sofa clothes, roller Aqua Lung Regulator Legeng LX glish & Thai). Email: buchner 9461 (Sukanya), 081-720 6462 WAKE KITE GEAR perienced native English (Herve). Email: sukanya@ blinds, wallpapers, ac- with Octopus and Gauge. UK [email protected] 1x crazy fly kite travel bag: 4,000 teachers to teach ages 1 - trampolinethailand.com cessories. Address: 128/ C8 eLED. Tel: 076-283479, 086- baht. 3x TFN 80 wakeboard 6. Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm. Bus Website: www.trampoline 124 Topland (Radsada) 274 6925 (English), 089-724 BANGLA BAR edge covers: 5,000 baht. Con- service available from Patong, thailand.com Prachautid Rd.,Muang 5960 (Thai). Email: baldone01 FOR SALE Karon, Kata, Phuket, Rawai Phuket. Tel: 076-610072, @gmail.com tact Paul. Tel: 080-145 3524. In Soi Crocodile. 2-year lease and Chalong. Tel: 076-282 081-891 8148. Fax: 076- with no key money: 1.4 million 232, 080-624 7060. Website RAINBOW ICE CREAM 610073. baht or o.n.o. Contact Spike. Tel: at: www.buds-phuket.com Fruit sherbet ice cream bars. 085-787 5526. Safe, made to GMP stan- dards, the Halal standard and OTOP products. 15 flavors to PLAY BRIDGE choose from, such as Straw- Come and enjoy good berry, Durian, Mango, Choco- games, good company Need help finding late, etc. Retail - Wholesale - and great central loca- Delivery. Great for ceremonies, tion. Please contact for a lawyer? birthday parties, and many more information to K. other types of gatherings. Tel: Didier Pinet. Tel: 080- Try PhuketGazette.Net 086-191 6335 (Thai), 084-119 142 8122. Website: 4094 (English & Thai). Email: www.bridgephuket.com [email protected] 44 PHUKET GAZETTE March 26 - April 1, 2011

TOYOTA VIOS 1.5G Saloon Cars A/T LIMITED 93 MAZDA MX5 1.6 4 x 4s Motorbikes Rentals Save 100,000 baht on 10- CONVERTIBLE month-old car with 8,000km SUZUKI VITARA YEAR 2005 HONDA MOTORBIKE FOR HONDA CITY 2010. White and black leather seats. New price: 714,000 2000 PHANTOM 200CC RENT& SALE TYPE Z 1.6 JLX 2 WD/4WD. Auto- 4,500km, carry box and cover in- Honda PCX for rent. Good baht. My price: 614,000 baht. matic. In excellent condition, cluded. Price: 50,000 baht obo. price, Honda Airplade FI brown Owner wants to go back home. with aircon and new stereo. Available May 3, call Mike. Tel: color. 12,800km. Price: 35,000 Contact for more details. Tel: 135,000km. Price: 285,000 086-274 1930 (English). Email: baht. Tel: 087-075 2166 (En- 081-612 4187. Email: Nicolaas baht. Tel: 089-794 0825. [email protected] glish). Email: omaralquraini@ [email protected] Dependable, well-main- hotmail.com tained classic. Blue book in ISUZU DMAX CAB 4 order; registered in Phuket. HONDA SUPERFOUR 3 liter turbo diesel motor, 4 door, P.M.P CAR FOR RENT MIRA FOR SALE Price: 595,000 baht. Tel: 086- Motorbike 400cc v-tec II 2002 2001. 104,000km. CD. 4 wheel drive, Bridgestone tyres New car for rent at a cheap 267 0157, 089-590 3665. model, registered with green Price: 230,000 baht. 35,000 baht stereo, first-class price. For more info please call. Fax: 076-325294. Email: book. Price: 120,000 baht. Please call Mem. 081- insurance. Price: 455,000 baht. Tel: 087-264 6808, 083-174 [email protected] Tel: 089-648 0752. Email: 979 3900. Tel: 089-195 4005. [email protected] 3880. Email: p.m.p_carrent @hotmail.com NISSAN TEANA MERCEDES MUSSO 250R KAWASAKI NINJA NISSAN SUNNY NEO Top of the range model, 250 4X4 DIESEL Year 2005, 1.8L. Low mileage 2010 Ninja, 7,000km, excellent V6,with only 5,000km. Must Great condition inside & out. A1 CAR RENTALS (33,000km) gen, excellent condition. Price: 120,000 baht. sell. Tel: 087-276 0529. Registered May 2011, recondi- condition. 375,000 baht. Call Tel: 081-086 8041. Email: tioned motor, new head gasket Lee after 12 noon. Tel: 076- [email protected] VW PASSAT 6L 1996 & more with warranty and pa- 292150, 080-373 7741. Email: 1.8. With aircon, airbags, ABS, perwork. Price: 220,000 baht. TWO YAMAHA NOVO [email protected] and 4 doors. 100,000km. Fully Yellow Dahatsui Mira for Tel: 086-276 9174. Email: ELEGANCES 135 serviced, with a new battery. Price: sale, 85,000 baht. Serious [email protected] 1. Novo Elegance, 1,700km, NISSAN SUNNY 160,000 baht. Tel: 084-187 4560. offers only. Contact Sarah. 44,000 baht. 2. Novo Elegance, 4 DOOR HONDA CRV - 2007 black and silver with mag Fully insured. 12,000 to New tyres, battery, stereo, 5 Tel: 081-081 3137. Email: VW VENTO 145,000 2.4L Petrol, 4WD, 73,000km, wheels, 42,500 baht. Tel: 076- 20,000 baht per month. speed, well maintained with all [email protected] BAHT full Honda service history. 281196, 086-045 3139. Email: Tel: 089-831 4703. Email: records. Price: 65,000 baht. for sale. 1995, ABS brakes, air Expat owned from new. Ask- [email protected] [email protected] Tel: 084-844 4504. Email: conditioning, CD player, ing 950,000 baht. Email: [email protected] 2005 MITSUBISHI 90,000km, mint condition. [email protected] EVO 9 MR 2 YAMAHA NOUVO SPORTY 4,550 BAHT Email: [email protected] 135CC COLLECTION CAR TOYOTA VIGO 4D4 PER WEEK FOR SALE Motorcycles elegance 2008, For rent. Also available for 7,700 HONDA JAZZ 4 WHEEL DRIVE 2009. 13,000km. Both in good 1950 Fiat coupe as seen on baht per 2 weeks, or 11,000 baht FOR SALE Black, 4 door, turbo inter- condition. Price: 41,000 baht and Phuket car show. Asking price: per month. Delivery service with 2005 I-DSI/AT in good condition. cooler. Email for pics. Price: 43,000 baht. Tel: 081-367 0991. 400,000 baht nett. Tel: 076- Price: 450,000 baht. Email: 590,000 baht. Tel: 086-267 insurance. Tel: 081-607 8567. 248988, 081-273 9227 (English janya_fino @yahoo.com 0157, 089-590 3665. Email: Email: [email protected] & Thai). Fax: 076-248989. HONDA CB13000 [email protected] SUPERFOUR Email: [email protected] BMW 318I HONDA CIVIC 2007 Very good condition, 9 years old, 1.8 liter, 4 door, 4 seat, auto- 4 doors, 1988 model in very good JEEP FOR SALE new tires, battery, green book. Tel: HONDA CITY condition inside and out. Insured. 1964 body with Toyota Corolla matic for rent at 1,500 baht per 083-182 3066 (English). Email: day or 25,000 baht per month. 1997, 155,000km, automatic, 115,000 baht. Tel: 085-069 0940. 1.6 engine. Fully insured and all [email protected] CD-player, good condition. Email: [email protected] documents up to date. Email Tel: 076-615184, 084-245 5716, Price: 180,000 baht. Tel: 081- for pictures. Price: 150,000 087-881 0288 (Thai). Email: 271 8635 (English & Thai). HONDA VALKYRIE [email protected] MAZDA 323 baht. Tel: 083-648 9859. Email: 153CC Email: [email protected] Power steering wheel, auto- felipecalderon2000@yahoo. Year 1997. With green book. MOTORBIKE matic gear. Insurance and tax co.uk Taxed and insured, with new HONDA CIVIC paid. Price: 97,000 baht. Best FOR RENT 120 BAHT Imported from Japan. tyres, battery and more. Com- Scoopy. 120 baht a day or AUTOMATIC Price: 1.55 million baht. offer. Tel: 089-593 8775. plete spare engine. Price: MITSUBISHI 3,000 baht a month. I operate 1993, 4 door, power steering, - 2005 Mitsubishi Evo 9. 260,000 baht. Tel: 081-833 7836. very good condition, paint AUDI TT CABRIOLET PAJERO SPORT GT from Karon. Tel: 087-890 9512 Price: 1.35 million baht. (English & Thai). Email: faded. Price: 115,000 baht. Tel: 087-589 5784. Email: Black. 16 months old, in perfect 2010 top model. Automatic. KAWASAKI ER6 ABS Tel: 086-948 8139. Email: condition. 29,000km. Price: 2.8 Rear camera. Leather seats [email protected] [email protected] 2,400km. Same as new. [email protected] million baht. Tel: 089-652 5664. ect. Silver. Like new. 2010. Price: 210,000 baht. 17,000km. 11 months left on HONDA PHANTOMS Email: [email protected] the insurance. Farang FOR RENT owned. Price 1.05 million Honda Phantoms for long- Wheels & Motors baht. Tel: 089-882 0894, NEW HONDA CBR 250R term rent: 9,000 baht per 089-652 0975. Email: pei@ Perfect condition, 4,200km, year month. All with boxes. For bedsilk.com 2011. No accidents. 95,000 baht. more info. Tel: 084-744 9462. Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Please use this form to write your classified advertisement.

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|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 120 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. All advertising must be paid for in advance. March 26 - April 1, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 45

PHUKET GAZETTE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Roger Huerta: When tough ain’t enough – try acting By Neil Quail the realms of MMA. Recently expressing an interest HE’S an Ultimate Fighting Cham- in trying his hand as an actor, Huerta pionship (UFC) star, mixed mar- received an unexpected telephone tial arts (MMA) expert, the first call from a Hollywood legend. MMA fighter to appear on the “Mickey Rourke called me and cover of Sports Illustrated and offered to help. He was aware of a Hollywood action movie actor – particular role he coached me for this is Roger “El Matador” Huerta and has become my acting mentor and he’s only 27 years of age. and a great friend,” Huerta said. Speaking exclusively to the If anyone can understand the Phuket Gazette at Tiger Muay Thai physical demands placed on an and MMA Training Camp near actor for action roles, Rourke cer- Chalong, Huerta talks candidly tainly is ideal for Huerta, referring about his life, career and Phuket’s to his award-winning perfor- influence on both. mance in The Wrestler. Any number of expressions or Huerta is cast in Tekken, a film idioms can describe Huerta’s life adaptation of the popular combat in a “rags to riches” style, but he’s video game, as Miguel Caballero more than just a boy who survived Rojo, a character seeking ven- abandonment to become one of The steel-jawed Huerta in action geance for the brutal murder of the most respected athletes in the former UFC middleweight cham- his sister. fastest-growing sport in the world. pion] contacted Will Elliott, “I have a huge respect for ac- Here is a man with principles, Manager of Tiger Muay Thai and tors now. Getting scenes right a soulful character and a role arranged a month’s training here,” takes a long time. It was exhaust- model for children. Any parent Huerta said. ing, shooting from different angles, should be proud to see Huerta’s “I fell in love with the place, over and over,” Huerta said. image plastered across their kid’s not just the training which is ex- The film is due for release in bedroom walls. ceptional, but the people, the the US this year, but has already When Huerta speaks, you sense culture and their way of life,” he been released in Japan and the a placid determination – an old head said. “Being Hispanic, I compare Philippines to mixed reviews. on powerful, young shoulders. Phuket to where I lived in Mexico. Huerta last fought in October, Many ask when he will publish his The average person doesn’t make 2010 against the Bellator Light- autobiography and his answer re- much money in either place and weight Champion, Eddie Alvarez. flects his humility and maturity. what they do make is given back “I still have a bad taste in my “I’ve been offered a lot for my to their families – something I re- mouth after that fight,” he said. story, but I’m still experiencing ally respect,” Huerta said. “I could have done a lot more in life. Never did I think I’d be in Huerta’s Thai fan base will be terms of preparation, which is Thailand, training with great people excited to learn that polishing his another reason for my extended at a great camp,” Huerta said. muay thai skills is a main training stay in Phuket – to recover from MMA LEGEND: Roger ‘El Matador’ Huerta is currently on Phuket. David Beckham and his PR cir- focus while at Tiger Camp. the orbital bone damage I received While concentrating on his achieve,” Huerta said proudly. cus please take note. “Now that I’ve been out here in that fight,” Huerta added. training at Tiger, Huerta is also Tiger Camp General Manager “I’m sure the book will come for a longer period, I really want Huerta indicates to a Phoenix taking time out to do some coach- Will Elliott wishes to invite Gazette in the future, but right now life is to showcase the muay thai skills tattoo on his left arm which is ing and is always on hand to offer readers and fans of MMA to their a blessing and I want to enjoy ev- I’ve been developing. It’s certainly being completed in Phuket. advice or answer questions. BBQ Beatdown Party this Saturday. ery moment,” he said. a tool I’ve been missing in MMA “That fight made me consider “I enjoy coaching and believe Tickets for the event – held This is Huerta’s third visit to fights,” Huerta said. many things. The Phoenix rising it is a possible career path. I still once a month – are 350 baht or Phuket and he explains there are His appearance on the cover of from the ashes is representative have one class to finish for my 500 baht at the door. several reasons for his now fre- Sports Illustrated magazine in 2007 of where my career and life are Business Management degree, quent returns. as part of an article to promote right now. I intend to return not which I will do soon – if only for For more information on upcoming “Last year my manager [Jeff the growing sport was only the just to win a belt, but to prove my my [adoptive] mother who has events visit tigermuaythai.com or Ray Clark] and mentor [Dave Menne, beginning of his celebrity outside strength of character,” Huerta said. supported me in everything I Elbe’s blog at magicalray.com. 46 PHUKET GAZETTE March 26 - April 1, 2011 London’s calling for Thai volleyball star Thailand’s premier volleyballer is hoping to get to the 2012 Olympics, training tirelessly on Karon Beach in preparation. By Neil Quail ocean after a tough workout is an- some serious pedigree. His Father, other advantage to training in Gene Selznick, was 15 years at LONDON’S Olympic 2012 beach Phuket – something I miss when world number one for both indoor volleyball courts will not have the in Bangkok,” she said. and beach volleyball. same appeal as the near perfect Yupa has been Thailand’s num- Bob’s brother Dane also held the sands of Phuket, where Yupa ber one beach volleyball player for world number one spot, while also Phukrongploy stretches the limits eight years and is a current South- coaching both men’s and women’s of her abilities, hoping to qualify east Asian Games gold medal American volleyball teams through for the biggest event of her career. holder, this being the second time four Olympics. Under the tutelage of Bob that she has been crowned cham- Volleyball is a sport for all ages Selznick while in Phuket, Yupa, pion at the games. and Bob is tirelessly promoting the Thailand’s number one female The FIVB World Tour tourna- game around Phuket and Asia. beach volleyball player, regularly ment last year on Karon beach saw “Phuket International Academy hits Karon beach to go through Yupa and her playing partner, is building two world-class, FIVB- grueling drills in the searing heat Kamoltip Kulna, defeat Belgium approved beach volleyball courts, before grabbing her surfboard for who were seeded fourth, en route where I’ll be coaching and help- an active cool down. to Thailand’s best ever finish in ing to develop their volleyball Yupa loves playing and training the competition. A ninth-place fin- program,” Bob said. in Phuket. “Karon beach is defi- ish beckoned, but a thrilling third “Yupa’s Asian tour begins on nitely one of my favorite places to set saw Canada push Thailand into April 7 with three tournaments in compete and prepare,” she said. 17th out of the 80 teams entered. southern Thailand. She will also “The deep, natural sand is ideal Since her career began, Yupa has be helping me with coaching in for strength and conditioning train- accumulated over 20 wins on the Phuket tour stops,” Bob added. ing,” Yupa said. “I train for two Asian tour. This year’s tour has an With talented people like Bob hours in the morning then another extra edge as it will also lead to quali- and Yupa at the helm of Phuket’s two-hour session in the afternoon.” fication for the Olympics in 2012. volleyball program, more gold “Being able to cool off in the Bob Selznick is a coach with medals are surely on the way. GIVING IT HER ALL: Yupa trains four hours a day on Karon Beach. Patong CC win puts cricket league final in sight IN A must-win match last Sunday, eted berth in the final. nicking one behind wicketkeeper A.Rawat joined VanBlerk and Blerk were soon involved in a mix- Patong CC put in an all-round per- Patong skipper S.Raju won the D.Mehra for a total of 40. between them posted 34 runs. up, resulting in VanBlerk being run formance to defeat unbeaten Is- toss and decided to bat first. Open- R.Folds and A.Van Blerk kept Rawat was clean bowled by Yatin out for 33. land CC to keep their hopes alive ers D.Watson and R.Desmond put the run rate up by putting together for 15 after dispatching two pre- Whetton went on to make 21 of a place in this season’s Island on a 52-run partnership before a solid 27 runs. Folds then tried vious deliveries to the boundary. runs from 12 balls before being Furniture T20 final on April 24. Desmond was caught for nine to hit Sumit out of the park once Patong were now on 127/4 after caught at mid-off. The remaining Another win against Laguna CC runs off the bowling of Sumit. too often and found his middle 14 overs. batsmen chipped in to push the should secure Patong CC the cov- Watson followed four balls later stump removed for 21 runs. New arrival J.Whetton and Van score to a healthy 171/8 off their 20 overs with Raju reaching 11 and P.Cotter scoring eight. Patong CC went into the lunch break confident of defending the 172 runs Island CC needed to win. Island CC openers Mehra and A.Chand (captain) survived some early nerves, but five overs later Patong CC were back in charge. Mehra, Chand and Ibrahim added 30 runs to the scoreboard. After Mehra’s dismissal, Ibrahim was clean bowled by Raju for 13. Surender scored just one run, leav- ing Island CC at 33/3. However, through steady batting and smart rotation of the strike Chand and Virender increased the run rate, getting to 69/3. When the breakthrough came off Folds’ bowling in the 14th over, ICC were 117/3. Chand went after a good innings of 48, combining with Virender to put on a match-changing 84 runs. Fizal and Virender were caught on the boundary by R.Sadarangani within two balls in exactly the same spot. The next over saw Is- land CC lose two more wickets to find themselves at 124/8. The win finally came in the last ball of a Sadarangani over when M.Khan was stumped for five. Island CC were all out for 132 in 16 overs. March 26 - April 1, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 47 FC Phuket off to a flier After just four matches, our boys are on the heels of the league leaders in their quest for promotion

GAINING MOMENTUM: FC Phuket are racing up the table after being promoted to Division 1 this season.

By Stephen Fein Poonprakhone cleared the defen- JW Rangsit coach Kawin Surakul Stadium held up well de- sive wall with a free kick from 22 “Tuy” Khachaindecha accepted spite the heavy rain on Saturday EXCELLENT teamwork led FC yards and FC Phuket keeper the defeat gracefully, admitting his and the groundskeepers deserve Other fixtures Phuket to a 3-1 win over JW Theerawat Pinpradup was unable side did not play their best. credit. this weekend: Rangsit FC in rainy conditions at to field it cleanly. “But we were without six start- The Southern Sea Kirin’s Surakul Stadium last Saturday and JW Rangsit’s Amnat Songrum ers. If they are all healthy for the proven ability in wet conditions lifted the club into second place drilled home the deflection to pull rematch that will be played on our will likely serve them well as the Saturday: after four weeks of play in Thai back his side to within 2-1. home field, I am sure we will give monsoon conditions strengthen League Division 1 football. Rather than shift the momen- a much stronger performance,” he across the southern region. Rajpracha v Samut Prakarn FC Phuket dominated a first tum of the game, the goal only said. Apart from Songkhla FC, the Customs half played in a driving rainstorm served to rally the Southern Sea Saturday’s match was origi- Southern Sea Dragons are the only Saraburi v Thai Honda that started just minutes into the Kirin. nally scheduled to be played at JW southern region team in the 18- CCFC v Bangkok FC game, forcing many fans on the A great individual effort by Rangsit’s home pitch at Rangsit team Division 1 of the Thai Air Force United v PTT uncovered far side of the stadium winger Thawil Butrsombat saw University, near Don Meuang Air- League. Rayong to scramble for cover. him shake off a JW Ransit defender port in Bangkok, where they Now in second place in the 18- Great goals by Niran Phantong deep in the Rangsit far-left corner typically draw crowds of up to team Division 1, FC Phuket will Sunday: and Ivory Coast player Nenebi then skirt along the byline to set 50,000 – mostly university stu- be looking to bag another three Sylvestre at nine and 20 minutes up Sarach Yooyen. dents. points when they play at home Chainat v Songkhla respectively gave FC Phuket a Sarach made no mistake, strik- It was agreed to play the first again on Sunday against last-place Buriram v Chiang Mai well-deserved 2-0 lead at halftime. ing a perfect volley from the top match in Phuket after it became RBAC FC, who have yet to col- Suphanburi v Bangkok Utd It could have been much worse. of the penalty area that JW clear the pitch at Rangsit was in lect a single point after four BBCU v Rangsit FC Phuket totally dominated play, Rangsit keeper Thawatchi unsuitable condition. matches and have a dreadful mi- keeping the ball in the JW Rangsit Bootdee could only watch as it To the contrary, the turf at nus-nine goal difference. end throughout the half and nar- sailed past into the net. rowly missing on several other The goal sealed a 3-1 win for excellent chances. FC Phuket and won the teenager After both coaches fielded the Sarach the honor of “man of the same sides for the start of the sec- match”. ond half, the 2,000-strong FC FC Phuket Coach Surachai Phuket “The Hulk” supporters Jirasirichote told reporters after the expected the one-sided play to match: “I am pleased we won in continue into the second half. such fine fashion. I felt pressure A defensive blunder silenced when they came back to make it The Hulk supporters at 61 min- 2-1, but our players just kept their utes, however. concentration and raised their game JW Rangsit captain Thana even higher to secure the victory”. 48 PHUKET GAZETTE March 26 - April 1, 2011

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