AV Eye Front

Volume 14 Issue 40 News Desk - Tel: 076-236555October 6 - 12, 2007 Daily news at www.phuketgazette.net 25 Baht

The Gazette is published in association with New retail Knudsen murder center slated near Tesco IN THIS ISSUE suspects arrested By Sangkhae Leelanapaporn NEWS: Memorial service for RASSADA: A group of Thai in- air-crash victims; Patong By Sompratch Saowakhon vestors have bought and cleared trash sorting initiative. the only remaining section of un- Pages 2 & 3 CHALONG: Two teenagers ar- developed land at the Tesco-Lo- INSIDE STORY: Vegetarian rested by police have confessed tus intersection with the intention Festival history: In gods we to the brutal stabbing murder of of developing a large retail and trust. Pages 4 & 5 Norwegian Simen Sparre Knud- entertainment complex there. sen on September 23, along with Phuket Governor Niran AROUND THE SOUTH: Pubic several other armed robberies of Kalayananamit told the Gazette hairstyles go public. Page 8 foreign tourists driving motor- recently that a group of - AROUND THE ISLAND: Budding bikes alone late at night. based investors had approached local artists at Phuket Ani- A source from Chalong him to discuss the proposed de- mation Festival. Page 9 Police, who requested that his velopment, which is still in the its name not be printed, identified initial design phase. The devel- PEOPLE: Dishy international the two suspects as 18-year-old opers also have yet to apply for DJ from Isarn plays Phuket. Narongsak “Sak” Tongviset and any building permits from any Pages 14 & 15 his half-brother “Pong”, 16, relevant agencies, he said. LIFESTYLE: Serious drinkers whose full name cannot be Without disclosing the enjoy the Phuket International printed because he is a minor. name of the group, Gov Niran Beer Fest. Page 19 Both youths are registered said it was comprised of Thai as residents of Surat Thani’s nationals who intend to invest 4 P ERSPECTIVES: Governor Phunphin district, but live in billion baht to develop the site Niran recounts London visit. Kathu, where their common fa- with facilities including a depart- Page 27 ther is a taxi driver. ment center, hotels and a small SPORTS: Phuket athletes get A third suspect, 18-year-old convention center. One of the gold; Marco makes history; Theerapat Saivaree, remains at landmarks would be a large ob- Darts; Cricket; Bowling. large. Police said he is originally servation tower offering pan- Pages 34 & 35 from Satun province, but has lived oramic views of Phuket City and in Phuket for many years. Po- the ocean beyond, he revealed. PROPERTY: Gardening: Drag- lice believe he is hiding some- Although still far from the ons in the garden; Design: where on the island. ground breaking stages, Gov Ethnic fusion; Home of the The source said that after Niran said he had heard that the Week: Funky and affordable; the youths’ arrest, the brothers The first of the two brothers arrested for the September 23 murder group’s board has already ap- Construction update: Wichit admitted to using the same ap- of Norwegian Simen Sparre Knudsen was identified by police only proved funding for the project. Songkram Rd expansion proach in this robbery that they as ‘Pong’, aged 16. Before the killing, he spent a year at the Phuket In addition to the parcel of stalled by Gazumping. had in previous attacks: arriving Juvenile Observation and Protection Center on theft convictions. land on the northeast quadrant of Pages 36-39 on two motorbikes, parking on The main break in the case The section also lies just the intersection, which is bor- a dark section of road late at came about 11:30 pm on Septem- before the border with Kathu dered from behind by Soi PLUS night and yelling abuse at their ber 27, when the three youths District and thus falls under the Paniang and to the south by target, always a foreign tourist held up a Swiss tourist riding a jurisdiction not of the nearby Yaowarat Rd, the investors have QUEER NEWS, TRASHING PHUKET alone on a motorbike. rented motorbike on the dark Kathu Police Station but of the also acquired a large parcel of 6; AROUND THE N ATION 7; ACROSS If the tourist slowed down stretch of the road from Patong Chalong Police, whose head- land along Yaowarat Rd behind THE BAY 10; CHEAP EATS 13; or stopped, they would force him to Karon. quarters are some 15 kilometers Tesco Lotus for the project. HAPPENINGS 16; LARGER THAN or her from the motorcycle then The hilly stretch of road away. They hope to connect the LIFE 17; AMBROSIA'S SECRETS beat the tourist into submission near the entrance to Le Meridien The motorcycle stolen from two plots via an underground tun- 20; MOTORING 21; TAKE A B REAK using Thai boxing skills all three Phuket Beach Resort has been the Swiss man was rented to him nel that would pass under 23 & 24; BOOKS, PHUKET D IARY had acquired from a local Muay the site of many robberies over by Pol Sen Sgt Maj Boonler Yaowarat Rd and be lined with 25; EDITORIAL, LETTERS 26; GRAY Thai camp. the years. Part of the reason is Samngamya, who heads a small kiosks for retail sales, he AREA 28; HOROSCOPES 29; KHUN They would then rob the that it is dark and winding and Chalong Traffic Police unit and said. WOODY'S COMPUTER 30; BUSI- tourist of all his or her valuables must be passed by tourists re- operates a small motorcycle The investors’ interest re- NESS, MONEY TALKS 32 & 33; and ride off on their stolen mo- turning to Karon after a night in rental agency in Karon. flects the healthy business devel- CLASSIFIEDS 40-51. torbike, they said. Patong. Continued on page 2 opment of Phuket, he added. 2 PHUKET GAZETTE NEWS October 6 - 12, 2007

From page 1 Killer teens caught Airport sets Although he was unaware that the bike had been stolen, he recognized his Honda Click as his bi-monthly own as he stood beside Wichit Songkram Rd in Ketho, Kathu, fire drills about 7 pm on September 29. He followed the driver, PHUKET AIRPORT: Phuket International “Pong”, and his companion, Airport (PIA) Director Sq Ldr Pornchai Eua- “Sak”, riding pillion as they turned aree has told the Gazette that a fire drill for south onto Chao Fa West Rd and fire fighting rescue staff will now be held continued all the way to Soi Nai every two months at PIA. Trok in Chalong. The first drill, hailed as a complete The out-of-uniform officer success by Director Pornchai, took place pulled alongside the pair and or- from 10 am to 11:30 am on September 26 dered them to stop. When they and was attended by 20 staff from PIA sped up Sgt Boonler gave chase, security and Bangkok Hospital Phuket. eventually pulling alongside them Director Pornchai said that the drills, and kicking the bike to the ground. which will be used to prepare firemen for He arrested Pong, who was emergencies, are not related to the crash found in possession of a replica of One-Two-Go flight OG269 on September 16. pistol, but Sak managed to escape into a nearby rubber plantation and evade the five-hour police PHUKET (Gazette, Nation): A manhunt that followed. series of interfaith memorial ser- Using a police sketch based vices were held at Phuket Inter- on a description given by his half- national Airport on September 29. Memorial held for brother, Phuket City Police ar- The services were open to rested Sak riding another motor- the public and all attendees were bike around Baan Borrae, Ao asked to wear white. Makham, on September 30. The service started with a He was found in possession one-hour Theravada Buddhist air-crash victims of an unregistered pistol and a ceremony by 33 monks, includ- knife, which he later confessed ing Somdet Phra Phuttacharn, or to having used to stab Mr Knud- “Somdet Kiaw”, the Acting Su- DEATH TOLL HITS 90 sen, 53, the source said. preme Patriarch of Thai Bud- All of the other victims have Dhipaya Insurance jointly handed of 100 times the minimum wage, A search of their home in dhism. been identified, said Royal Thai over a check for 20 million baht or 19,100 baht. Kathu ended in the seizure of This ceremony was fol- Police Region Eight Commander to the relatives of Chawaphon The pilots’ families will also several other stolen motorcycles. lowed by shorter services by Lt Gen Thani Thavitsri on Sep- Boonmeemeechai. receive monthly payments of The brothers and their ac- Muslim, Protestant, Catholic and tember 25. K. Chawaphon, Marketing 12,000 baht per month for eight complice had all previously Sikh clerics. The last three corpses, all Manager at the TOT office in years, equivalent to 60% of the served time in Phuket Juvenile The services followed the Iranian, were flown out of Phuket Phang Nga, was a KTC platinum 20,000-baht wage ceiling over Observation and Protection Cen- death of Welsh tourist Bethan September 26. card holder who used his credit that period. ter. Pong had been released a few Jones, 22. Miss Jones was being Phuket Provincial Insur- card to book his seat on the ill- Families of the three dead months earlier after a one-year treated at Bangkok General Hos- ance Office Chief Suwimon fated flight. cabin crew will receive 5,400 baht theft conviction. pital in Bangkok after surviving Sealim on September 27 said her KTC Card Country Opera- per month for eight years. The The source explained that the crash landing of One-Two-Go office had summarized the insur- tions Manager Thawatchai Thiti- families of both pilots and crew the brothers said that to rob Mr flight OG269. ance carried by all the victims of sakdiskul said the families of are also eligible for a collective Knudsen they had to punch him She was confirmed dead the disaster. Of the 89 confirmed KTC regular card holders total of 79,456 baht in funds paid repeatedly in the face, kick him September 28 as a result of se- dead at the time the report was Theerayuth Manoochinakorn and into the social security retirement hard in the groin and stab him vere burns. issued, 31 carried policies with Sinchai Chai-aroon would receive fund. twice. Miss Jones received severe Thai-registered insurers. one million baht each in claims. In addition to compensating They left Mr Knudsen on burns to 50% of her body in the Fifteen Thai insurers will Nuanphan Tantimas, re- the families of the dead, the So- the road from the Kata Viewpoint fire that followed the crash and pay out a total of 45.3 million baht gional manager of American In- cial Security Office will pay medi- to Rawai about 1 am. He was was flown from Phuket to Bang- in individual claims, ranging from ternational Assurance (AIA), told cal expenses for two Dutch sur- rushed to Phuket International kok on September 18. 50,000 baht to 20 million baht, she the Gazette that AIA had paid a vivors incurred in under Hospital, where he later died. Miss Jones, from Porth in said. total 9.9 million baht to the fami- a mutual assistance treaty be- Mr Knudsen was a resident South Wales, was on a round-the- Nearly half the total com- lies of nine policy holders who tween Thailand and the Nether- of Phuket for over 30 years. His world trip with her boyfriend, pensation was paid out the after- perished in the crash and fire. lands. widow, Sommai Knudsen, 39, and Alex Collins, 22, who also died in noon of September 27 on Soi Claims ranged from 200,000 baht Thus far, One-Two-Go has 13-year-old son Chanon person- the crash. Mae Lamai in Chalong, where to 2.8 million baht, she said. announced that the families of ally thanked the officers respon- Her death brought the total representatives from Krungthai In addition, the Social Secu- each deceased victim will receive sible for arresting the youngsters. dead in the disaster to 90. Card Public Co Ltd (KTC) and rity Office has paid compensa- US$150,000, the Phuket Provin- tion to the families of 18 deceased cial Insurance Office said. passengers and crew, including Relatives of the deceased three of the five cabin crew and needing assistance with insurance both pilots. The families of those issues can contact the Phuket who died during normal work Provincial Insurance Office at hours were paid an initial amount 076-219269. October 6 - 12, 2007 NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 3 Patong launches new Phuket police facing manpower crisis trash-sorting project By Sompratch Saowakhon grant all the transfers at the same time because Phuket is already PHUKET: Some 10% of all po- suffering a police manpower By Natcha Yuttaworawit lice officers in Phuket have ap- shortage. plied for transfers out of the prov- Although the province PATONG: Residents of Patong ince, with many citing overwork needs about 500 more police staff should get ready to start sorting as their reason, adding to the to deal with the anticipated influx their trash, as Patong Municipal- problem of Phuket’s already un- of tourists during the upcoming ity plans to improve its waste derstaffed police force. high season, several requests to management system by distrib- Word of the widespread dis- Royal Thai Police headquarters uting plastic garbage bags in 10 satisfaction in the ranks came to fill these positions have been colors, each designated for a par- from Lt Gen Thanee Tavitcha, denied, Gen Decha said. ticular category of waste. Commander of Royal Thai Po- Part of the reason that his The scheme, developed lice Region 8. requests for an additional 500 jointly with the Thai Industrialist Some 10% of Phuket’s cur- staff has been continually re- Development Forum (TIDF), rent police force have requested fused by police headquarters in was announced at a press con- transfers out of the province for Bangkok stems from dwindling ference hosted by Patong Mayor easier postings elsewhere, Gen numbers of new recruits nation- Pian Keesin on September 26. Thanee said. wide. “Sorting all our trash into In a telephone interview An insufficient number of these 10 categories will make it September 28, Phuket Provincial new recruits pass the police civil a lot easier to dispose of. More Police Commander Maj Gen service exam each year end and useful types of trash then can be Decha Budnampeth confirmed enter the force, Gen Decha ex- recycled. that some 100 officers had re- plained. “This initiative will not only ‘This initiative will not only reduce the volume of trash, it will improve our environment and way of life by giving everyone a useful role to quested transfers. Currently there are about reduce the volume of trash, it will play in the community,’ Patong Mayor Pian Keesin. Many officers wanted 1,050 police in Phuket, far fewer improve our environment and easier assignments elsewhere, than the 1,600 officers needed, he way of life by giving everyone a The thick plastic bags will Gray: cement and bricks. while others wanted to return to said. useful role to play in the commu- be distributed free and the new Pink: fabrics, such as cloth work in their home provinces, Gen The shortage of law en- nity. It will also be a useful source system is scheduled to go into and silk. Decha said. forcement officers is thought to of income for some people,” said operation in early December. Red: glass. “There is so much going on be due in part to Phuket’s regis- Mayor Pian. To dispose of the sorted Green: paper. all the time because Phuket is so tered population, which is just Finer details of the plan, waste, the TIDF will deploy a Brown: twigs and other popular with tourists. This makes more than 300,000, being roughly such as what penalties will be mobile grinding machine capable plant matter. it very hard to work here, so I only half the number of Thais imposed on those who fail to sort of rendering many categories of Orange: rubber, foam and understand their reasons for actually living in the province, their garbage, were not dis- trash into re-usable litter. leather. wanting to leave,” he said. according to figures provided by cussed. The bag designations by Purple: toxic items, such as However, he added that the Phuket Governor Niran Kalaya- However, it was mentioned color are: batteries and aerosol canisters. Royal Thai Police is unable to namit. that the new system is intended Black: food scraps and or- During the meeting it was to eliminate the need to truck ganic matter. announced that Patong now has refuse to the island’s overbur- Blue: cans, buckets, scrap 3,581 registered households and Man stabs monk, walks free dened trash incinerator at Saphan iron. a registered population of 17,653 PHUKET CITY: A man arrested stabbed the cleric in the back Hin. Yellow: plastics. people. September 27 for stabbing a before fleeing, Capt Atthapol monk at a Phuket temple on Sep- said. tember 26 has been released Pra Pinnateepo was rushed Governor calls for parental punishments without being charged. to Vachira Phuket Hospital, PHUKET: Phuket Governor Col Veerawat Chantaravijit. many times, which makes them Pol Capt Atthapol where he received 10 stitches and Niran Kalayanamit has called for The three teenagers, part of outlaws. After the police arrest Wannasaengthong of the Phuket was released later that day, said stricter punishments to be en- a gang of five all aged between them and they go to juvenile court, City Police told the Gazette that Capt Atthapol. forced on the parents of unruly 14 and 17 years old, were ar- they always get out after mini- about 4 am September 26, Uthen The man who stabbed Pra teenagers who consistently break rested by police the next day. mal punishment or on bail when “Pra Pinnateepo” Ronnarit, 52, Pinnateepo was arrested when the law, after a spate of robber- The gang used a replica its requested by their parents. was in his living quarters when returned to the scene of the crime ies by a gang of youths. handgun and a one-meter long “We need to look at impos- he heard a man shouting in the the next day. At a Security Committee knife to steal cash, cigarettes and ing a law that punishes parents temple grounds. He was released from into Meeting at Katina Hotel on Sep- phone cards, added Lt Col Veera- who continually refuse to take He went outside to ask the the care of his relatives, as po- tember 27, Phuket Provincial . good care of their children,” he man to stop shouting, as the noise lice have opted not to press Police Superintendent of General “The robberies occurred added. was disturbing the other monks. charges on the grounds that he is Staff Pol Col Peerayut Karajedee after midnight, and we had al- Members of the teenage The man, who police declined to suffering from mental-health reported to Governor Niran on the ready warned shop owners in the gang are currently out on bail. name, became enraged and problems, said Capt Atthapol. robberies of three 7-Eleven area to install CCTV cameras. stores and one local gas station Most shop owners lock their by a gang in the Cherng Talay stores after midnight, but the gang and Kamala areas. sent in someone well-dressed to “They live in Village 3 pose as a customer, then the other Cherng Talay and Village 3 Ka- gang members would enter and mala. On September 12, three of rob the store,” said Col Veerawat. them robbed two 7-Elevens in Governor Niran said, “I think Cherng Talay and one in Kamala, these teenagers are behaving like as well as a local gas station in bandits, not youths any more. Bang Tao,” said Cherng Talay “Even though they are still Police Station Superintendent Lt young, they have broken the law 4 PHUKET GAZETTE INSIDE STORY October 6 - 12, 2007 In the name of Purity

By Marque A. Rome through chaos, whereby they may emerge unscathed. As such, lthough the citizens of Phuket’s “Jia Chai” is an essen- China have spread tially Taoist festival. across the globe over These belief systems are Athe ages, their culture often described as “the three re- has largely been preserved ligions of China”, but they were through a firm belief in the spirit not mutually exclusive – Chinese world. This other world, accord- were at once Confucian, Bud- ing to ancient belief, is thickly dhist and Taoist. populated by spirits of every de- The Chinese also worship scription, though roughly catego- Guan Yin (called Kuan Im in rized either as demons or gods. Thai), the goddess of Mercy, the The Chinese and their de- equivalent to the Virgin Mary scendants in Thailand are keen among Roman Catholics. Many diplomats with the spirit world, Chinese also adhere to the de- calling on the gods for assistance tailed system of Fung Shui, or or to chase off demons. Such Chinese geomancy, which spells- thinking is central to the belief out the dos-and-don’ts of ensur- system that spawned Phuket’s ing good luck and prosperity. Vegetarian Festival. The spiritual world was con- How, when and why the ceived as being much like the festival began is debated among physical world; similarly hierar- local scholars,. Two schools ex- chical and with an emphasis on ist: one holds that the festival de- material wealth. rives from a Chinese opera Gods existed in countless troupe performing for tin miners numbers. The greatest were de- in Kathu in the 19th century; the A crowd looks on as mah song perform ritual self-torture for the good of the community. ceased emperors of China, the other asserts that it began among This is also less controver- mals is not certain. by Thai people. But the Phuket most friendly and useful being refugees fleeing a crackdown by sial than the Boxer Rebellion, Today, one frequently finds Vegetarian Festival is largely un- one’s own ancestors, who de- Empress Dowager Tz’u-hsi on which was directed against Eu- New Age-tinged publications ex- related to Thai culture – ex- pended upon the living for the participants in the 1899 Boxer ropeans, such as Christian mis- plaining the fest in such terms at cept as an import. The rites are necessaries of life in the spirit Rebellion. sionaries, who were torn limb- shops serving vegetarian food; but mostly Chinese, with a nod per- world, meaning they can be Regardless of its roots, how- from-limb – hardly the most at- modern interpretations – alluding haps to Shivite worship rituals coaxed, threatened or even ever, it has grown into a much- tractive legend to entice European to celebration of the sanctity of popular among the Tamils. blackmailed by the living. anticipated, modern-day tourist tourists with. life and rites associated with the To throw a light on what Demons were also numer- attraction. It appears the stories of bodhisattva Guan Yin – are just happens during the festival, it is ous, and uniquely stupid. Chinese Phuket’s older citizens con- both sides may be equally cred- that, modern, and have little rel- useful to know something of tra- devils, for example, cannot turn firm the intense rivalry for pre- ible, as well as similar tales from evance to ancient thinking. ditional Chinese beliefs. Faith in corners, are impeded by stair- cedence between followers of other sources: for the Vegetarian In the old days, people were China was of three types: Con- ways, and must turn back upon San Jao Taoist temple in Kathu Festival undoubtedly springs, like worried – or wracked – by the fucianism – with an emphasis on encountering a mirror. and those of San Jao Jui Tui in the Pearl River, from more than depredations of hungry ghosts: ancestral worship; Mahayana – Chinese devils, however Phuket City, a rivalry which on one stream. ghosts of wicked men, especially or Great Cycle – Buddhism, powerful, find it impossible to at least one occasion erupted into If its origins are mysterious, recently executed criminals; and which involves moral teachings exist in the near proximity of a general melee. then one aspect of the fest should ghosts of animals, with tiger not unlike those in the Bible; and Emperor gods, fleeing to the ends In recent decades, the offi- be clarified: Two centuries ago, ghosts known to be especially Taoism. of the earth at their approach. cial version has become the leg- Chinese laborers and adventur- predatory. “Tao” simply means “the This was the belief structure end of the Kathu temple opera ers came to Phuket seeking their Visitors to Phuket during the way”, in this case the middle path of Phuket Chinese when the fest troupe performing vegetarian fortunes in the tin mining indus- festival often imagine that the through Chaos, which is popu- originated. That they aimed rites to ward off an unspecified try. Whether they abstained from rites are Thai, this being Thailand, lated with good and bad spirits. purely at driving off devils – who epidemic. eating meat out of pity for ani- and seeing they are undertaken Taoists study to discover the way were blamed for disease and all manner of other ills – cannot be affirmed, but it is a fact that the demons must flee, for during the festival’s nine days (really 10 – but nine has better Fung Shui), the nine highest of the Emperor gods October 6 - 12, 2007 INSIDE STORY PHUKET GAZETTE 5

Singapore and Malaysia each January or February. Celebrants commonly pierce their cheeks or tongue and WHERE TO GO shiver in ecstasy, apparently pos- sessed. In the hour or so before sunset on October 10, every During the hey-day of tin- Chinese shrine on Phuket will stage a pole-raising mining, from the mid-19th century ceremony to invite the gods to join us mere mortals onwards, Phuket Chinese main- here on earth – marking the beginning of the annual tained close connections with Vegetarian Festival. Singapore, headquarters for the For the following nine days, the Chinese shrines principal tin ore buyers, and with will hold street processions and an array of spectacles other communities of Chinese during which mah song (spirit mediums) will prove miners scattered along the Malay their purity, their worthiness of being the “horse of Peninsula. the gods”, as their title literally translates. Inter-marriage with Tamils Here is a list of the major events to be held occurred – opening the possibil- during the festival. ity that Tamil rites were adapted and spread to purely Chinese com- October 14. Mah song purification by hot oil at Baan Don Shrine Mah song proceed through Phuket City, immune to their self-inflicted munities. in Cherng Talay, starting at 8 pm. wounds. Another likely Tamil influ- are invoked and are thought to Timing of the festival, the ence involves fire-walking, nor- October 16. Fire walking ceremonies will be held at: Saphan Hin reside on Phuket in curtained cu- ninth lunar month, also finds an mally performed as tribute to the - 8 pm (by Jui Tui Shrine followers); Tha Reua Shrine - 9 pm; Soi bicles behind each participating explanation in traditional Chinese Hindu goddess of epidemics. Panieng Shrine - 8 pm; Sapam Shrine - 9 pm; Jang Ong Shrine - temple’s main altar. beliefs. In Spring, all things are Anyone injured in the fire-walk- 8 pm. Emperor gods, of course, go growing, scholars reasoned; in ing ceremony is assumed to have nowhere alone but bring myriad Summer, they are in bloom; in violated prohibitions against alco- October 17. “Crossing the bridge of nails” ceremonies will be warrior spirits from the four cor- Winter, all is in abeyance. hol and sex. held at Sapam Shrine at 8 pm and at Jang Ong Shrine at 6 pm. ners of the earth (formerly be- The proper time for execu- Lest readers imagine Baan Pasak mah song purification by hot oil - 8:30 pm. lieved to be square), and some of tion of condemned prisoners, there’s nothing behind this talk of these manifest themselves by then, must be Autumn, when na- ghosts and spirits, I conclude with Tha Reua Shrine mah song purification by hot oil at 8:45 pm possessing the bodies of devotees ture is in retreat. The effect of a personal anecdote. In rushing followed by the tying of blessed thread around children’s wrists. selected to march in procession. executing all prisoners about the to meet my deadline for this very To demonstrate their super- same time was to release an story, I jumped in the car to get a Knife-ladder climbing ceremonies will be held at: Bang Neow Shrine - 9:09 pm; Samkong Shrine - 8 pm; Cherng Talay Shrine natural powers, mah song (liter- army of hungry ghosts upon the glass of iced coffee from 7- - 7:59 pm; Bangkoo Shrine - 8:45 pm. ally, “entranced horses”) wound city, making doubly necessary the Eleven. themselves in a variety of spec- presence of tutelary spirits – and “It would be most inoppor- October 18. Jui Tui Shrine “crossing the bridge of nails” tacular ways, thereby striking who better to invoke against these tune,” I said to the car, a product ceremony - 8.09 pm. fear into any lurking kwei (or criminal ghosts than the invincible of France, “were you to malfunc- demons, whence follows the Chi- Emperor gods themselves? tion. I have no time today for re- Fire walking ceremonies will be held at: Bang Neow Shrine - 8 nese-language epithet kwei lo or A curiosity – indeed, what pairs.” pm; Samkong Shrine - 8 pm; Cherng Talay Shrine - 8:09 pm; “foreign devil” – a phrase oddly makes Phuket’s festival unique I don’t know why I said that, Bangkoo Shrine - 8:30 pm; Baan Pasak Shrine - 8 pm; Baan Don reminiscent of the Englishman’s among Chinese rites – is ritual it was running normally; but Shrine - 8 pm. “damned foreigner”). self-torture. Whether this aspect within 60 seconds a seal on the Emperors were notoriously was part of the fest from the be- transaxle burst, hydraulic fluid October 19. Kathu Shrine fire walking ceremony at 3 pm followed finicky about odors. Their agents, ginning is unclear. Chinese think poured out and the clutch ceased by “bad luck purification by bridge crossing” ceremony for in touring the provinces to pro- it distinctly alien. After all, bloody to function. followers. cure concubines for the harem, piercings, lopping-off tongues, The imp of mechanical fail- were instructed to inspect not only slashing and so on, certainly seem ure had struck – just to let me “Bridge crossing” ceremonies will be held at other shrines at: the face and figure, but the breath to contradict the strictures against know, I suppose, of his existence. Bang Neow Shrine - 5 pm; Baan Tha Rue Shrine - 8 pm; Sui Boon of candidates. meat-eating and the presence of Displaying the extent of his pow- Tong Shrine - 9 pm; Samkong Shrine - 7 pm; Cherng Talay - Thus, during the festival, we menstruating women. ers, he allowed me to drive the 6:30 pm; Soi Panieng Shrine - 8 pm; Sapam shrine - 7:45 pm; find devotees dressed in spotless The explanation, oddly, may clutchless car to a mechanic who Bangkoo Shrine - 9 pm; Baan Pasak Shrine - 6 pm; Baan Don white, venues ritually cleaned, lie with rites performed in honor repaired it within an hour, on a Shrine - 8 pm. and a ban on savory foods, on- of Shiva, the Hindu god of death. Saturday afternoon, and even ions, garlic, meat and fish, and Ritual self-torture similar to that delivered it to my house – for just October 20. Pole-lowering ceremonies to mark the end of the menstruating or pregnant women seen in the Phuket Vegetarian 600 baht. Vegetarian Festival will be held at all Chinese shrines from about – for Emperor gods will not abide Festival is performed during the The gods of China surely 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm. a smelly city. Thai Pushan festival by Tamils in deserve respect. 6 PHUKET GAZETTE October 6 - 12, 2007 Q u eer News Stressed cleric seeks karaoke

SRISAKET: Apart from impart- recognize them, they drove down ing knowledge, a key role for any to “Nong Tom Karaoke” and educator should be setting a good cheerfully cracked open a bottle moral and ethical example for his of whiskey. or her students. This is especially Unfortunately for them, true if the teacher is in charge some other residents of Kanthar- of disseminating religious doc- arom district had also fancied a trine. spot of karaoke that night – and Teaching can be a stressful they could make out that one of TRASHING business, however. Thus, it was their fellow crooners was, in fact, his mess is directly across the road from “the need to unwind” that one the second-highest-ranking monk T Supercheap on Thepkrasattri Rd on the north side of Phuket City. high-ranking monk gave as his in the whole district. Phuket It seems once the trash can was full, local excuse after he was caught in a So they reported the inci- vendors and passers-by saw no point in piling the trash karaoke joint on the night of Sep- dent to the police. by the bin, instead opting to leave it strewn along the fence. At least it will not be clogging any drains tember 16, microphone in one When officers arrived, they there, as trash filling the gutters along that stretch of road is known to do – causing the road to flood hand and whiskey glass in the were met with the sight of Phra during rainy season downpours. other. Mahathanin clutching the micro- Wonder if the Rassada Tambon Adminstration Organization has noticed it yet? Phra Mahathanin Thitiuro, phone in one hand and sitting next 34, was deputy dean of Kanthara- to a hostess, behind a table laden rom district and responsible for with alcohol. teaching monks at Wat Srakam- On seeing the police, the Phuket Film Festival to paengyai in Uthumphonphisai dis- unfortunate dean reportedly could trict, which functions as a cam- not hide the look of shock from pus for a Buddhist university. He his face. was also pursuing a doctorate The officers, recognizing attract international artists degree. their target, demanded that he PHUKET: Phuket will be rolling the festival is the Spanish com- Arun Khaisi, as a representative After a hard day of ex- identify himself. On confirming out the red carpet for Thailand’s edy, Dance Machine, which will of the Thai National Film Ar- pounding the evils of immodera- that the reveler was indeed a television and movie stars along be followed by a Disco Party at chives. tion on September 15, Phra high-ranking monk, they took him with international VIPs when they Jungceylon’s Port Zone. Other Rare footage compiled by Mahathanin felt the need to to Kanthararom District Police arrive at Jungceylon Shopping movies and events scheduled dur- the National Film Archives will be loosen up a bit. Station. Complex for the Opening Gala of ing the festival are: shown during the workshop, with Returning to his cell at Wat Under questioning, Phra the first Phuket Film Festival at 6 October 21: Sand Dan- a 15-minute montage and includes Khanthararom, he invited three Mahathanin claimed that he had pm on Saturday October 20. cer by artist Peter Donnelly, in film of a 1928 trip to Phuket by other temple monks to join him in been teaching very hard recently During the week long festi- the short film category. Peter will King Rama VII. a covert mission into Srisaket and felt stressed, so he invited the val, running from October 20 un- also be performing his amazing A restored copy of The King Town. three young deacons out with him til October 27, a variety of inter- art on Patong Beach from Octo- of the White Elephant will also Led by Phra Mahathanin, to try and relax. national and local films will be ber 20 to 22. be screened after the montage, the faithful foursome dumped He will now have all the shown at Phuket SFX cinemas as A workshop at Jungceylon followed by a high tea reception. their yellow robes and put on time in the world to relax outside well as a series of film making entitled “Preserving the Past Tickets are 200 baht. street clothes. Phra Mahathanin the structured world of the Bud- workshops, presentations and Present and Future on Film” will October 21: Official mer- donned a wide-brimmed hat to dhist clergy, as his night out on talks conducted by prominent fig- be held from 12.30 pm. During chandise from the the Sony Ani- conceal his shaved head and high- the town has reportedly resulted ures in the film making industry. this workshop UNESCO will mated feature, Surf’s Up will be profile face. in him being defrocked. The first movie to be award the Fellini Silver Medal to on sale at Jungceylon from 2:30 Confident that no one would Source: Kom Chad Luek screened on the opening night of the Thai Culture Minister, HE Si- pm onwards. A screening with Thai subtitles will begin at 4 pm. October 22: Two movies under the banner, Focus on Fili- pino Film will be followed by a reception held by the Philippine Embassy to Thailand. October 23: A free semi- nar entitled “What the Heck is Making Movies all About Any- way?” will be held at the Millen- nium Hotel from 11 am. Discus- sions will be led by James Mimikos. October 25: Gay and les- bian themes will dominate four films. October 27: The world premiere of six short films about Cambodian life will be shown, plus Across the Universe, which originally premiered at the Toronto International Film Festi- val. The festival’s partners, sponsors and organizers include: Phuket Gazette, Thai Air Asia, Malaysian Airlines, Kinnara Travel, GUE. Rockfish, Jung- ceylon Shopping Complex and SFX Coliseum Cinema. For more details visit www. phuketfilmfestival.com. October 6 - 12, 2007 AROUND THE NATION PHUKET GAZETTE 7 B40m Ferrari destroyed by Customs he Customs Department scheme to track the canine popu- destroyed a 40-million- lation by requiring all dogs to get baht Ferrari smuggled microchipped kicked off on Sep- Tinto the country in order tember 29. to deny criminal gangs that “laun- On the first day about 7,000 der cars” the chance to buy and dogs and their 1,500 masters sell it for a large profit. showed up at City Hall to avail Customs Director Chawalit of the free implanting service Satemethakul presided over the being offered by the Bangkok destruction of the unclaimed Metropolitan Administration for Ferrari 456 GT, seized from a three months, or until the initial Samut Prakan garage on June stock of 50,000 microchips is ex- 28. hausted. The car was found to lack Now that the campaign is several key parts such, including under way, dogs without owners its engine interface box. or chips will be removed from the Instead of putting the streets at the rate of about 200 Ferrari up for auction as usual, per day “and trained for official K. Chawalit said, the department uses,” said Bangkok Deputy Gov- destroyed it so the criminals could ernor Wallop Suwandee. not buy it. Stray dogs make a bad im- The car, valued at 35 to 40 pression on foreign tourists com- million baht, was crushed by a ing here, he added. heavy excavator and would be sold as scrap metal. Flu alert. Public Health Minis- Criminals were suspected Customs destroyed the 35- to 40-million baht Ferrari so that car smugglers could not buy it cheap at ter Mongkol na Songkhla has of smuggling expensive cars into auction and then sell it at a huge profit on the open market. called on provinces to keep an the country then removing key eye out for symptoms of bird flu parts to devalue the vehicles, be- depict people who used monks’ of a walking stick that enables “Our survey found the ma- because the virus might re- fore allowing Customs officials to saffron robes as a cover for their visually impaired people to detect jority of people in this country emerge and spread in the cooler seize them. sins. obstacles – including those at consume fewer than the required months. With seized cars usually His inspiration was taken head level. 400 grams of fruit and vegetables Dr Mongkol said he had in- auctioned later, “car-laundering” from the Buddhist scriptures, he The cane detects objects a day,” said Dr Wichai Ekapala- structed 25 provinces in lower- gangs then bought the cars at said. and warns its holder through a vi- korn, director of the ministry’s Northern and Central Thailand, very cheap prices then reinstalled bration in the handle. survey unit. where poultry farms are abun- the key parts and sold them for Social insecurity. In the face of Realizing that the conven- As diet is a fundamental dant, to keep a close eye on de- hefty profits. the growing “gray population” tional cane for the blind could not factor contributing to obesity and velopments. “We want to send a mes- and the disintegration of extended detect objects at higher levels, the other chronic diseases, the min- Although no bird-flu cases sage that those who involved in families, many academics are team developed a cane equipped istry decided to turn to promoting in humans have been reported this can no longer take advantage calling on the government to in- with ultrasonic sensors to detect nam prik as a way to improve recently, health officials and vol- or cheat others like they did be- troduce a pension system for objects at levels from waist to diet, he explained. unteers should still keep a close fore. If we find anymore cases working people outside the pub- head. A dish of chili paste contains eye on locals and poultry and sub- like this, we’ll destroy the cars lic sector. The smart cane, which runs 100 different herbal ingredients, mit daily reports to the province, without regard of who the people In the next 16 years, the on batteries, has an energy-sav- said Narumol Yuwanaboon of he said. involved are,” said K. Chawalit. number of Thais turning 60 will ing design allowing it to operate BioThai, an NGO working on He also urged the public to be nearly one million every year, for a full day before needing a natural resources and diversity. stay away from ill or suspiciously Artful antagonist. Despite pres- demographics expert Dr recharge. “Nam prik contains a wide dead chickens. sure from the National Legisla- Pramote Prasatkul of Mahidol The cane is expected to sell variety of herbal ingredients com- Permanent Secretary for tive Assembly, award-winning University told a recent seminar at 1,800 baht apiece. monly good for health. The basic Public Health Dr Prat Boonya- artist Anupong Chanthorn re- in Bangkok. ingredients are chili, garlic, red wongwirote said that in the most fused to withdraw his controver- According to Dr Pramote, Spicy solution. The medicinal onion, salt, shrimp paste, fish recent round of checks, 1,909 sial painting Bhikku Sandan Ka there are now 6.9 million people powers of nam prik, or chili paste sauce and pla ra, or fermented pneumonia and flu patients in 67 (monks with crow-like natures) aged over 60 in the country, ac- condiment, have prompted the fish. They can naturally increase provinces were tested for bird flu. from the 53rd National Exhibition counting for 11% of the popula- Public Health Ministry to launch antibodies, improve circulation Lab results have yet to de- of Art. tion. a national campaign to promote and respiration which automati- tect any H5N1 infections, he said. K. Anuponng said he was Currently, one-third of its wider consumption. cally reduces cancer, heart dis- not bothered by the criticism and working Thais are in the public The move follows the re- ease and diabetes risks,” she Around the Nation news round- wanted to remind the public about sector and entitled to govern- sults of a survey highlighting its added. up is sourced from the pages of monks who indulge in vices. ment-supported pensions. significant health and economic The Nation and Kom Chad Luek The painting is being fea- benefits. High-tech hounds. A Bangkok newspapers. tured at an exhibition at Silpakorn Smart stick. A team of re- University’s Sanamchan Palace searchers from King Mongkut campus in Nakhon Pathom until Institute of Technology at Lad October 30. Krabang won first prize at the Explaining that he did not “Embedded Systems on New In- mean to offend Buddhists, K. dustrial Design Camp and Con- Anupong said he only wanted to test 2007” for their development

Ad- Kan Eang @ Pier 3x4 K. Able 8 PHUKET GAZETTE AROUND THE SOUTH October 6 - 12, 2007 Village leader fights off gunmen deputy village chief in “I’ve caught a few youths Narathiwat survived using this new formula,” K. an assassination at- Somphong said. “When I asked Atempt September 23 them why they were taking it, they after he shot back at his attack- replied that it improved the ers. Baan Kayae’s Sulaiman mixture’s taste and made them Hami, 47, sustained three gunshot feel strong. It’s very worrying; wounds before his assailants fled. this chemical could be very dan- According to witnesses, K. gerous when ingested.” Sulaiman stopped at a roadside tea shop in Tambon Duzongyor Short back and sides. A new when he saw his friends sitting fashion among female students of there. wearing no underpants and put- As K. Sulaiman parked his ting highlights in their pubic hair motorcycle and walked toward is spreading across Nakhon Sri his friends, a man riding pillion on Thammarat, outraging Thai stan- another motorcycle opened fire dards of propriety. on him. The fashion was brought to Five gunshots were heard light by a senior government of- before K. Sulaiman pulled out his ficer from a district in Krabi prov- own pistol and shot back. ince who declined to be named The attackers fled the scene in the press. after K. Sulaiman returned fire. The officer told reporters K. Sulaiman was rushed to that he had first seen the fashion Narathiwat Rajanagarindra Hos- when he came across the after- pital with injuries to his left hip math of a motorbike accident in- and left arm. volving three female students. Police found five assault “The students were laying rifle ammunition casings and 15 unconscious and had many cuts. pistol casings at the scene. Po- Their skirts had been nearly lice said they believed the attack pulled off in the accident. I was was linked to the ongoing insur- SOUTH BOUND shocked to see that two out of gent violence in the Deep South. Soldiers receive phuang malai during a blessing ceremony in Chonburi’s Sattahip district, before the the three were wearing no under- In neighboring-province departure of some 1,110 troops for the restive Deep South. pants so I didn’t dare to go and Yala, knife-vendor Jan Jantha- help them,” the official said. wong, 52, was shot dead while “I told the policeman at the working at his stall in Muang dis- between six and 14 years old. Srisaan said the projects were of Songkla University, Pattani scene about this and he just trict. Dr Wattana said 11-year- divided into seven fields, includ- campus, to independent univer- laughed and said that it’s an es- Witnesses said two men old Rusamarin Phupoln-garm re- ing compulsory education to sity status. tablished fashion among female approached Jan posing as poten- mained in hospital because she Grade 9 for more students as well students,” he added. tial customers but suddenly had lost a large amount of blood as the expanded teaching of Thai Bright idea. Youths have begun A teacher, who also asked opened fire. and needed close medical super- language in Islamic classes. adding the florescent chemicals not to be named, said that pupils Police said that they believe vision due to damage to her leg The seven development from light bulbs to the krathom- liked to dress in “kiku” style, the gunmen intended to spur un- bones. fields were: security and training based drug known as “four times which involves wearing short rest in the province. “But she’s out of danger,” for government teachers; guar- a hundred”, according to the head skirts or shorts and figure-hugging Dr Wattana said. antees for the basic quality of all of the Nakhon Sri Thammarat tops. Explosion aftermath. In the lat- schools; upgraded curricula; ex- Area 1 Center for the Promotion “The style also involves est development following the ex- Multicultural plan gets green pansion of education to compul- of Pupils’ and Students’ Behav- highlighting their pubic hair many plosion that injured nine children light. The Education Ministry on sory and university levels; more ior. different colors. They like it in Yala province late on Septem- September 24 approved 16.7 bil- religious teaching in Buddhism Somphong Yuthao, head of when people stare at them in the ber 22, Muang District Police Sta- baht for a four-year plan to and Islam; vocational training and the center and better known as street, the more shocked the tion Superintendent Col improve teaching and education the provision of employment op- the pupil inspector, said that he people look, the better. Poomipetch Pipatpetchapoom in the three strife-torn southern portunities; and the strengthening had come across youths smash- “I’ve tried to warn them said that two suspects were be- provinces of Pattani, Yala and of social and religious groups ing fluorescent light bulbs and [against dressing like this], but to ing pursued. Narathiwat, including further pro- along with the participation of the adding the powder inside to “four no avail,” the teacher said. Yala Hospital Director Dr motion of multicultural education local private and public sectors. times a hundred”, an already po- Wattana Wattayakorn said eight involving the interrelation be- The 16.7 billion baht includes tent mixture of krathom (a pro- Around The South news round- of the injured children had been tween Buddhism and Islam. budgets for regular projects ear- hibited Thai indigenous plant and up is sourced from the pages of allowed to return home Speaking at a ministry semi- marked until the end of this year, mild narcotic), cough medicine, The Nation and Kom Chad Luek The children are all aged nar, Education Minister Wijit such as the upgrading of Prince mosquito repellent and cola. newspapers. October 6 - 12, 2007 AROUND THE ISLAND PHUKET GAZETTE 9

K. Somchai receives 20,000 baht as the first-place prize in the short animation category for his piece “Asian Fantasy”. Central Festival gets animated

By Natcha Yuttaworawit ogy is constantly becoming more advanced, so it’s easier to make rtists and companies an animation story than it was in from Phuket and the past,” he said. neighboring provinces K. Somchai is a graduate of Ashowcased their ani- Phuket Rajabhat University, and mation and multimedia works at now he is a freelance computer the Phuket Animation Festival graphics artist. “I started to learn (PAF) 2007, held at Central Fes- about animation with SIPA [Soft- tival Phuket from September 14 ware Industry Promotion to 16. Agency] two years ago. I was PAF 2007 attracted around interested in animation for a long Ad-Holiday Inn Phuket 3,500 onlookers about 500 entries time but there are not any institu- in the four categories of compe- tions that specifically teach ani- 3x14.5 tition. mation,” he said. K.Ann Booths displayed graphic The demand for animation designs, animations and multime- in Phuket is mostly for property dia works. For budding animators, designs driven by what custom- key figures from famous anima- ers want, leaving little opportunity tion company Kantana Group, to present independent work, he who helped create the Lord of explained. the Rings trilogy and I-Robot, “SIPA has asked me to join delivered a seminar about using the Thailand Animation and Mul- the Adobe CS3 program. timedia (TAM) 2007 competition, Also with samples of their but it depends on my time be- work on display were Thai cause the deadline to enter is heavyweight animators Bangkok soon. I want to enter a piece with ACM Siggraph and TAGCA. a different concept from my first- Winning the short animation prize entry. I want to enter some- category was 33-year-old Phuket thing based on the philosophy native Somchai Sae-Pua. He re- about lifecycles,” said K. ceived 20,000 baht as the first- Somchai. place prize for his piece titled The PAF hopes for contin- “Asian Fantasy”, which was in- ued to growth and success, and spired by international fantasy will be held again next at Central movies, especially those about Festival Phuket. monsters. His aim was to present Other winners in the PAF a unique Asian style within a fan- “Short Animation” competition tasy theme. It took about three were Rungnapa Aikwanich, who weeks to create Asian Fantasy, placed second with the animation said K. Somchai. called “Por Luang”, and He also won second place Theerakit Nanthiwatakul and in the Logo and Character De- Adisorn Rodluam, who won third sign category with his piece “Blue place for their entry “Speed”. Dragon”. “This one was inspired Thanisorn Yanpaisarn won by Phuket culture and way of life. the “Logo&Character Design The blue represents the sea while competition, in which K. Somchai the dragon embodies Phuket cul- placed second, while third place ture, because Phuket is shaped went to Panuwat Sa-Ngiam. like a dragon,” K. Somchai ex- In the “Multimedia Presen- plained. tation” competition, all three par- “I used many programs on ticipants – Tessban Baan Bang this work, including 3D studio max Niow School, Papa Palance Ho- version 9, Adobe Photoshop and tel in Patong, and Phuket Tech- Vegas. I think many people are nical College – received prizes. interested in animation. When I Winners in “Multimedia see a fantasy or monster movie, eCard” competition have yet to I think about how they made it. be announced do to an over- “These days, the technol- whelming amount of entries. 10 PHUKET GAZETTE ACROSS THE BAY October 6 - 12, 2007 Earthquake panics

ACROSS Krabi residents vian phenomenon, it is becoming THE BAY more common for three genera- By Gus Reynolds tions of families to travel together; Krabi is seeing many large fam- n Sunday September ily groups of six to eight people 12, the Indian Ocean on holiday. was rocked by another These groups tend to have Olarge earthquake – an difficulty finding hotel accommo- 8.4 temblor on the Richter scale. dation suitable for their needs, The epicenter was 130 kilome- which often include the use of ters southwest of Bengkulu on kitchen facilities. Holiday villas the southern end of the island of for family use are scarce in Krabi, Sumatra. While this area is far and the market is just starting to from Thailand and separated by realize the potential. a large land mass, a tsunami Baan Oriental was the first watch was issued for Thailand. luxury villa in Ao Nang and re- For all of us who have lived mains the most popular today. through the tsunami, this added This 340-square-meter vigilance was most welcome. home on a 1,600-sqm plot was What is unnecessary, however, is created by Ton Loriers, who pre- irresponsible over-reaction creat- viously ran Café 154. This villa, ing panic amongst the local popu- which sees occupancy rates of lation and tourists. over 90%, is the only high-end, While no official tsunami fully-serviced vacation villa in Ao alarm was issued, some local au- Nang. thorities thought it best to err on Somchit Kingman, director the side of caution and evacuate of YourKrabi.com, runs a tourist the beach area. Some 30 minutes information and online news ser- after the earthquake, several vice for the Krabi area. shiny new rescue vehicles sped He said that starting last into Ao Nang with sirens wailing year, he has been receiving more and lights flashing. Police and inquiries from large family groups, rescue workers emptied all the but there has been limited supply beachfront businesses with warn- of vacation homes to provide ings of an approaching tsunami. them. Panicked customers and His website just added two staff ran for the hills. Meanwhile, homes with pools from the re- Indonesia itself had let its tsunami cently completed Na Thai Estates warning lapse by 8:10 pm as there project that he hopes will help was no reported tsunami activ- satisfy the demand. ity. Still, local officials were driv- Chuan Phukaoluan, president of the Sriphong Phukaoluan Foundation, and Robert Reynolds, director of A few high-end vacation ing around Ao Nang in trucks with the Sriphong Phukaoluan Foundation, receive the award for The Number One Foundation for the Tsunami- villa projects are underway, and loudspeakers telling people to Affected Provinces given by the League of Foundations of Thailand. they will be on-line next year at prepare to evacuate. the earliest. Restaurateur Gidi The beachfront businesses fected by the 2004 tragedy. The Number One Foundation for the Family business. As we ap- Mevisson of The Carnivore Steak were shuttered, and hundreds of Sriphong Phukaoluan Foundation Tsunami-Affected Provinces. proach the next high season, lo- House, has just converted the tourists were needlessly fright- has been working since day one, The second honor, just re- cal merchants, hotels and busi- building upstairs into a four-bed- ened. Obviously, better coordina- helping Krabi residents to get ceived, was the Top Five Foun- nesses are getting themselves room family apartment named tion is needed between the local back on their feet, and recently dations of Thailand. This will be ready in anticipation of another The Talmaj that can accommo- officials and the national tsunami opening the Krabi Community presented to the foundation by strong season. Resorts are ex- date 10 guests at a time. alert system, with the aim to de- Center. Prime Minister Gen Surayud panding and upgrading facilities, In a market to itself, The velop an educated, balanced ap- In the past month, the Foun- Chulanont on October 9 at a cer- shophouses are being painted and Talmaj Family Apartment will proach based on scientific facts dation has garnered two national emony in Bangkok. offices re-opening. most likely see a brisk business. rather than hysteria. awards for its work. The first As a Director of the Foun- One business trend that With the hefty rates these family The recent earthquake re- award, presented by the League dation, I would like to thank all started in Krabi last year and is accommodations charge, local awakened fears of a tsunami. of Foundations of Thailand, un- the donors, sponsors and volun- expected to continue is the arrival hoteliers may want to consider Some organizations continue to der Royal patronage of HM King teers who made these awards of large family groups to the area. this trend in their future plans to work with those adversely af- Bhumibol Adulyadej, was for The possible. Once a predominantly Scandina- add capacity. October 6 - 12, 2007 PHUKET GAZETTE 11 12 PHUKET GAZETTE October 6 - 12, 2007 October 6 - 12, 2007 GOOD LIVING PHUKET GAZETTE 13

his latest serving of Cheap Eats is a real gastronomic gem in the T jungle. Tucked away with a lakeside view and a hilly backdrop, Peang Phai is at the end of a lane off the Pa Khlock- Ao Por Road that leads to Bang Pae waterfall; right on the edge of protected forest. The two-story octagonal restaurant with an authentic am- biance stands open to the ele- ments amid tranquil surroundings, giving guests a taste of nature and traditional Thai culinary treats. Open just under a year, this home-style, family-run restaurant should be kept a secret so that it stays the way it is; with the kind of friendly service that makes you feel like a family guest, but any- one who dines here instantly be- comes a regular customer and it goes at the top of the list of af- fordable places to eat when friends and relatives come to visit. Sit on the upper level and get an all-encompassing view of the aged tropical flora bustling with wildlife. Colorful birds chat- ter and busy themselves flying to and fro, the occasional butterfly dances among the tables, and the whooping of gibbons can be heard in the distance at the foot of the jungle-clad hill in the background. Not only is the scenery a Nestled among lush surroundings on the edge of a national park, diners enjoy a dramatic view of jungle-clad hills. INSET: K. Pimpa’s treat, but the food is excellent, signature dish, blaa saam kasat (three-sauces fish), combines fish sauce, sweet and sour and chu chi (curry) sauces in one taste-bud- home-style cooking, with a wide bursting culinary creation. selection of Thai and Western dishes, each one sizable enough to fill and presented with decora- tive carved fruit and vegetable Dining with Mother and Nature garnish. The restaurant is owned and dishes alive, while also perfect- 100 baht. There are also a vari- run by K. Pimpa and her son, K. ing her own creations. K. Pimpa ety of sandwiches priced from 70 Ball, plus a few other family has her own spicy chili-paste to 100 baht. members. recipes. Her signature dish at Main courses include tom The mother-and-son team Peang Phai is three-sauces fish, yum at 90 baht or a generous fried want to give their combining fish sauce, rice from 80 to 90 baht, depend- guests a taste of sweet and sour and ing on what’s in it. traditional Thai CHEAP chu chi (curry) The most expensive items dishes, with most sauces. on the menu are the variety of of the preparation eats K. Ball’s forte whole fish dishes and the three- done by hand. is whipping up hot and sauces-fish costing 250 baht. Mother iced coffees, from Aside from the fresh Pimpa makes her By Nick Davies creamy cappuccinos coffees, the drinks menu features guests feel at home to energetic espres- fresh pineapple, watermelon and with complimentary dishes of sos. He roasts and grinds the cof- lemon; all perfectly balanced cutely-cut fruit or dishes of fee beans himself, getting through without artificial sweetening and freshly made desserts, such as about 100 grams a week to make costing between 35 and 55 baht. fruit jelly and delicate banana-frit- sure it’s always fresh. He uses Other tempting drinks in- K. Pimpa and her son K. Ball give visitors a taste of the real flavor of Thailand. ter balls, served hot and lightly native coffee beans, such as Doi clude milkshakes of caramel or sprinkled with icing sugar. Chaang and Doi Nua WaWee hazel-nut for between 40 and 45 To get to Peang Phai com- The area is steeped in his- Before opening the restau- from the north of Thailand. baht. ing from Phuket City, take the tory. A generation or so ago, the rant, K. Pimpa taught home eco- Recommended light snacks 500 baht will easily feed a road to the airport. At Heroines’ well-to-do would ride elephants nomics at Cherng Talay and starters include the variety of family of three to four and the Monument, take the right towards to traverse the hills on official vis- Wittayakom School, keeping tra- salads, such as crab, fish and natural scenery provides a wel- Ao Por and follow signs for Bang its to Thalang. K. Ball will be ditional cooking methods and lemon-grass, for between 80 and come addition to a hearty meal. Pae waterfall. happy to talk about the area’s his- tory if you go there. 14 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PEOPLE October 6 - 12, 2007 We go, Indigo ndigo Pearl celebrated final completion of the trendy resort’s uniquely styled rooms Mixing and facilities dubbed “industrial elegance”, conceived by renowned landscape Iartist, Bill Bensley. lubbers in Phuket have been foaming at the The lavish cocktail reception on September 21 gave guests a taste of Indigo Pearl’s culinary creations and an insight into the hotel’s inspired contemporary de- mouth in anticipation of some fresh talent sign. Carriving on the island. With the limited appeal The evening began in true Inigo Pearl fusion style, bringing old and new together of the clubbing nightlife Phuket has to offer, a visit with the showing of a dynamic 360-degree virtual-tour of the resort at the Tongkha Tin from an internationally-renowned DJ is just what the Syndicate snooker hall and whiskey bar, which is designed to reflect the resort location’s tin mining industry history. scene needs. The contemporary industrial theme continued throughout the night with innovative However, this visit comes from no ordinary DJ. hors d’oeuvres and A former nude model who started out as a normal international delica- Isarn girl, DJ Nakadia packs a punch on the dance cies accompanied by fire-poi displays floor and has been hailed by the international mu- from Indigo’s tal- sic community as “next big thing”. ented bar tenders at Matt Crook talks to Thailand’s first superstar DJ the Coliseum Gar- to see what all the fuss is about. dens. emale DJs are nothing in the UK, DJ Nakadia has spent new, there are plenty the past five years playing with playing in Europe and the boys and representing Thai- Fthe US, but they are a land. rarity in Thailand. Aside from a “I have been touring a lot select few in this year. Just Bangkok such two weeks ago as DJ Pichy and I came back Magic Muffin, from my Euro- they are few pean tour. It was and far be- six months of tween. Take a hard work, play- stroll through ing over 50 gigs. Patong or any of I just started my Phuket’s popu- own record la- lar nightspots bel, K-Dia, for and you won’t me to release see a single fe- my music on. male DJ. Now I’m even All that is busier than about to change ever,” said – albeit for one PRIZED POSSESSION: An Nakadia. night only – with ecstatic DJ Nakadia holds the Nakadia’s the arrival of coveted FIFA World Cup story is unique. Thailand’s hot- trophy. After growing test export. up in the paddy Fresh on the heels of a lengthy fields of Northern Thailand, she tour across Europe and poised to met a photographer in a chat room jump into the coveted annual top- on the Internet in 2001 and moved 100 DJ list compiled by DJ Mag to France to pursue a career in modeling. Capitalizing on her ample figure, Nakadia did a num- ber of nude photo shoots; a few can still be found on the Internet today. During her time in Europe,

Take me home!

Soi Dog Foundation Tel: 081-7884222 October 6 - 12, 2007 PHUKET PEOPLE PHUKET GAZETTE 15 it right to the top in 2006 and 2007. She has been flying the flag for Thailand, meet- ing the right people, making the right friends, but for now she is on a much-needed vacation. “For the next couple of months I am going to try and re- lax in Thailand, playing only five or six gigs around Asia. I will carry on producing music and then embark on another European tour on November 15. “Next year I have plans to help organize a Thai float at the Love Parade, which will be held in Dortmund, Germany. More than a million people will get to see a DJ team from Thailand,” said Nakadia. “I’m aiming to help promote electro in Thailand so that people have more than just hip hop to lis- ten to. I hope Thailand is ready for this,” she added. If this is enough to whet your appetite, then there is only one place to be this coming Fri- day: Club Lime on the beach road in Patong. Located next to Rock City and part of Club Andaman Resort, Club Lime is shaping up as the center of nightlife in Phuket. Nakadia will be gracing the WELL SPUN: DJ Nakadia shows off at the Berlin Love Parade, where she performed in front of more than a million revelers. decks on October 12. There will be no cover charge for the event Nakadia traveled to Germany soon made a name for herself as look at me,” said Nakadia. great and sad at the same time,” and you can be sure this is going where she was first exposed to she began touring the world, vis- Nakadia’s biggest achieve- said Nakadia. Thai TV refused to be a busy one as rumors of the the clubbing scene and dance iting Thailand only when she had ment to date was being the only to air Nakadia’s performance, Nakadia date spread like wildfire music. time off for short holidays. DJ to play at the World Cup final inciting rumors that it was be- even before it was confirmed. In 2002, she had a change “In Europe at interviews, in Berlin in 2006, although the set cause of her dark skin and stir- “This is the first time I have of heart for her chosen career people always ask me a lot about didn’t turn out quite how it was ring up the debate about how been to Phuket and I am really and started working as a DJ. Thailand. I am happy that I have supposed to. Thailand’s media treats darker- excited because I have already Combining modeling with DJ the chance to promote my coun- As well as meeting the skinned people. received so many emails about the work is a path many female DJs try in that way, but people have players, holding the trophy and Nakadia’s greatest suc- gig. People have been mailing me take, but to go from a regular to understand that the world is one touching the World Cup final cesses have come outside of to say that they are waiting for Isarn girl to a nude model, to a big dance-floor. game ball in front of a packed Thailand. On her trips back, she me, and some tourists who know superstar DJ in five years sets “There are good DJs from house at the Olympiastadion, regularly plays at Glow in me from my world tours have Nakadia apart from the rest. every part of the world. You don’t Nakadia was promised that her Bangkok and Qbar in Samui, but contacted me as well,” said Nakadia quickly learned the need to be from the UK to be set would be shown live on tele- opinion is still polarized on her Nakadia. tricks of her trade and latched on good or to have good records. vision around the world to almost talent. “I think it will be a lot of fun. to famous DJs including Westbam When I started DJing, this was three billion people. The plans Controversy aside, no other I don’t know what I will play be- and Timo Maas for support and a little bit different. In the begin- were tossed and turned and in the Thai DJ can claim to have played cause I will have to see what the guidance. With energizer-bunny ning, the people did not care end Nakadia’s performance was live to more than a million people, people there will like, but I will enthusiasm and a look that had about the Thai chick behind the broadcast only in some countries. which is exactly what Nakadia did try to make it an unforgettable men falling at her feet, Nakadia decks and they only came to “The World Cup final was at the Love Parade in Germany part for sure.” 16 PHUKET GAZETTE HAPPENINGS October 6 - 12, 2007 T his week

MANGROVE MOVE (above): Niyom Tassaneetipagorn (3rd from left), Laguna Vice-President – Corporate Affairs, leads fellow Laguna notables (from left) Suthasinee Rukmit, Jan Verduyn, Anthony Loh, David Campion and Kontee Warapitayut and hundreds of staff in planting 2,000 mangrove trees at Baan Para in Pa Khlok on September 17. DECADE OF DON’S (left): Donald Battles (right), owner of Don’s Mall, poses with well-known Mr Jack (left) at the 10th-anniversary celebrations of Don’s Café in Rawai on September 13.

SOUTHERN SUPPORT (above): Safari World Assistant Managing Director Ampornsri Kewkacha (in yellow shirt), on behalf of Safari World and Phuket FantaSea, hands a 100,000-baht check to Panya Nirandkul as a donation to the Sai Jai Thai Foundation to go towards supporting teachers in the restive Deep South. ICE INTO SILVER (right): JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa Chef de Partie Boonserm Aksornnit (right), cook helper Monton Patcharavej (left), and fellow team member Chalermkiet Khaosoong (center) pose after winning the silver medal in the IFHS 2007 Ice Craving Competition at the Royal Paragon Hall, Bangkok.

TASTEFUL TIPPLE: Wine Collection Producer Errol Hanna (center) joins (from left) TWO-TONE TOPS: Layan Beach Resort & Spa Village “Blue” and “Yellow” teams pose Maitree Pakitanang from Euro Deli Restaurant, Mom Tri’s Kitchen Food & Beverage for a photo after competing in the resort’s annual round of friendly staff matches of Manager Mongkol Suwannahong, Wine Director Georges Ciret and Mom Tri’s Villa beach volleyball, football and rattan ball on September 15. Royale Chef Sura Putta at a special wine tasting at Mom Tri’s Kitchen Royale. October 6 - 12, 2007 FEATURE PHUKET GAZETTE 17

his photo was worth tak- ing; it was just around the corner from my of Tfice at Layan Beach. I Reveling the land of plenty know that Thai people can sleep anywhere, but this was pretty blocks of cheese, such as good. parmesan, cheddar, camembert, Usually people write a story stilton as well as rarities includ- and take a photograph to illustrate ing Crotin du Chavignol. A won- the story. This time I had a pho- derful place of smells from my tograph with no story attached to memory. it, but seeing people sleeping in My grandfather was always and under trees reminds me of in the food business. “It’s the only my grandfather. thing that everybody needs,” he My grandfather used to tell used to say in his weekly dinner me many things that were inter- table lectures. My grandmother esting, many things would usually fuel that were not and the conversation by some things that I LARGER saying that people didn’t want to hear. also needed He was a bit THAN clothes and a strange, a sort of LIFE house preacher. He used By Graham Doven “No they to stand on street don’t, he would corners on a Sunday night and say. They can wrap themselves every time a fire truck went past up with leaves, hay, feathers or he used to tell surprised passers animal skins if they have to, and by that if they didn’t repent, they they can sleep in a cave or under were going to the fire as well. a tree. The only thing that they He was also a successful have to do is to eat.” businessman in the markets in There didn’t seem much to Sydney, importing and packing be gained from pointing out to my vegetable oils and other foods. He grandfather that if I had to get an had the biggest cheese room in animal skin to wear, I would also If we live in a place where food is in such abundance that there is no need to punish yourself with hard Sydney and all the Italian and have an animal to eat and there- work, then things can’t be all that bad. Greek shopkeepers used to come fore not need to buy it from his in and poke metal tubes in to the shop. Why is the “first” or “old didn’t work hard and grow food Fish in the ocean, rice in the fields, cheeses. However, that would have world”, the “new world” and the in the summer, and store food and fruit on the trees and, as my They twisted the metal tube only resulted in a cuff around the “third world” called as such. Ac- fuel before the snow came, you grandfather said, “you can sleep and pulled it out with a core of ear for impertinence. It was the cording to my grandfather, it’s all died. Simple as that. under a tree” or “in it”, as in the cheese inside, off which they bit about sleeping under a tree that about cold winters and food. If you lived in tropics or on case of many animals and birds broke a small piece for tasting. always started my grandfather’s “People worked harder in cold islands, there was always plenty – and the lad from the road con- These were huge round “history of civilization”. places with harsh winters. If you of food. There was no winter. struction gang in the picture.

Ad- Floyds (Clear Cut) 3x8 K. Ann 18 PHUKET GAZETTE LIFESTYLE October 6 - 12, 2007 Phuket Beer Fest goes down a treat he annual Phuket Inter- national Beer Fest was held at the Watermark TBar Restaurant at Boat Lagoon Marina on September 22. Kingfisher Beer from India was the winner this year, presented by yacht skipper and native Indian Avnish Dhall. People brought their favor- ite beers from all over the world and lobbied them to their peers, hoping to take home the coveted title. The festival was founded in 1997 after the Asian economic crisis when it was decided that relaxed competition, involving beer, could raise spirits and calm nerves. Thus, the Phuket Inter- TOUCHDOWN (left): Will from Norfolk, England, ‘out downs’ national Beer Fest was born. a fellow competitor in the half- The Beer Fest is held to co- yard competition. incide with the beginning of Oktoberfest, but it does not hold BEER-BOOZLED (above): A on to the staunch rules of tradi- participant in the ‘blind’ beer tional German Beer Festivals. test scrutinizes six glasses of The Beer Fest was an im- unknown ales at the Phuket mediate success and it became Beer Fest. an annual event until 2003 when a lack of attention, sobriety and fervor put an abrupt end to the on its first game of the season. registered in advance and no one All of the entries must tech- Japanese brew is no longer con- festival. The rules were straightfor- was allowed to register on the day nically qualify as beer itself. The sidered a novelty beverage. The Beer Fest prevailed, and ward: each competitor had to sup- of the event. In addition, the beers definition of beer according to Rather, according to its pundits, after two years it was back with ply 12 bottles of the international nominated had to be international; Webster’s dictionary is, “An ale it is a well-balanced golden beer all the energy of a football team beer they had nominated. They no local brews were allowed. beverage made from malted ce- that has a sharp, dry finish, leav- real grain (barley) and flavored ing the palate feeling clean, and with hops while being brewed by ideal with seafood or meat slow fermentation.” Any entries dishes. that did not satisfy these basic In third place, Rooftop beer tenants were not admitted. was presented by Andrew De Sam Burns, l Scoring of the beer adhered Bruin. The Australian brew ap- to eight criteria: the packaging parently gets its distinctive taste and the style of the beer, the ap- from peculiar brewing practices, pearance of the beer in the glass, including adding Hersbrucker aroma, flavor, mouth-feel, hops late in the brewing process strength and originality, and a to give the beer’s flavor a faint two-minute brag during which tinge of caramel or toffee. contestants lobbied for their beers However, the Beer Fest and tried to convince their peers was not just about people bring- that they should be the winner. ing their favorite beers to win a The beer that accumulated prize. the most points was declared win- There were activities for ner. contestants and spectators alike, Kingfisher Beer, this year’s including a half-yard drinking winner, is brewed by United competition, won by “Will” from Breweries Limited. The company Norfolk, England with a time of has been around for over 50 years 11.44 seconds. Will does not live and started with five breweries on the island but had heard about in Southern India. United is now the festival and decided to show considered the top brewer in In- up. dia. Other activities included a The company’s flagship “blind” beer test, a silly hat com- beer is Kingfisher and its popu- petition, darts and pétanque. larity is rapidly spreading The Phuket International throughout the East and the West. Beer Festival is growing into an Kingfisher has won many inter- island tradition. It has weathered national awards and now has one lack of enthusiasm and battled more notch to add to its belt. back to popularity. Kingfisher is distributed in 52 In true Phuket spirit, spon- countries and is the fastest-grow- sors Lady Pie, Image Asia, IRC ing brand of beer in the UK. and Pimex donated all proceeds In second place at the from the event to a children’s Phuket Beer Fest was Sapporo, party at Watermark Bar and Res- presented by Ian Hewitt. The taurant. Gazette Online Classifieds 10,000 readers every day! October 6 - 12, 2007 LIFESTYLE PHUKET GAZETTE 19

By Janyaporn Morel

iving in Phuket, you’re al- ways going to have friends and relatives Dishing up dinner in style Lcoming to see you and it’s easy to impress them with the wonderful scenery and your lo- cal knowledge of places to dine out. Of course, if you’ve spent a small fortune on your sea view villa or condo, then you’ll be wanting to show it off with a few dinner parties or perhaps there’s a special someone you’d like to impress, if not with your cooking skills then with a decorative table set up that will win you points for creativity. Thankfully, there’s no short- age of places to buy all the ingre- dients you need to create a unique dinner, whether it’s a fusion of something spicy or a good old slap up meal from your homeland, but what you really need to impress guests is a unique way of deco- Above: Channel 7 actor and model Sukonwat rating your table that will make “Weir” Kanarot shows his traditional Indian-style Above: “Balance of the meal that much more memo- table setting “Planet’s Whisper”. Nature” by Thiti Thong- rable. benjamart of Mövenpick First, you have to think of a Right: “Save Phuket Save our Planet” by Phuket Resort and Spa Karon theme. Is it nouveau cuisine, Governor Niran Kalayanamit. Beach Phuket. something traditionally Thai, Japa- nese or Korean or your own out- of-this-world creation? rine life and heart of Phuket’s Thawin “Win” Other interesting table If you’re in need of some culture in the creation entitled Yaowapolkul. His top arrangements included inspiration, take a look at some “Fantasy of Sea” by Natiya inspiration came “Travel is for Giving” by of the table top creations con- Vongyai, Deputy Director of from a love of Ko- travel company Pacific ceived by 30 celebrities who were Sales at Phuket FantaSea. rean culture and a desire for joining the event included Thiti World Co Ltd. Thammasak invited to come up with at a re- “Benjarong”, the classic people to respect all cultures for Thongbenjamart of Mövenpick Niyomadun of Blue Marine Ho- cent table setting contest at Cen- Thai look using porcelain featur- a peaceful world. Resort and Spa Karon Beach tel & Resort created “Color of tral Festival Phuket as part of the ing the five traditional Thai col- “Planet’s Whisper” by Phuket, who created “Balance of Blue, Color of Life”, while guests department store’s third anniver- ors, was created by Channel 7 actor and model Nature”; Niya Media of 108 Mad K. Nonthakorn and Jirayu sary celebrations. Praewpayome Aikwanich of Sukonwat “Weir” Kanarot was Radio created “Our Lovely Piewlamsam arranged a table as Prominent members of the Thainaan restaurant. arranged in traditional Indian style, Planet” and Mahogany Radio “Life is Nature! Love is All Phuket community, including “Natural Princess” was a based on the theme of his current 103.0 wanted to put across the Around”. Phuket Governor Niran Kalaya- striking table top creation that movie Dang Duang Haruthai. message “Cool down our planet”. Central Festival Phuket is namit, put their creative ideas on won approval from onlookers. “The earth and the environ- The Phuket Reporters Club also helping shoppers do their bit the table under the theme,“Save The concept for this design by ment is a precious thing and it’s came up with “Heal our World” for the environment by planting Phuket Save our Planet.” Channel 3 star Yardthip Rachapal up to us to take care of it. Just as and a team from the Phuket one mangrove tree in Phuket for In keeping with a tropical was to highlight natural beauty Indians take care of their culture, Gazette created a table arrange- every 800 baht spent by custom- theme, Phuket Governor Niran from within as opposed to focus- so should we. Phuket is such a ment with the theme “Media”. ers. Kalayanamit came up with a ing on material beauty. “We need beautiful place that attracts tour- simple but elegant design that to help each other, take care of ists from all over the world. I want used a decorative branch with our planet before it’s too late,” local people to care of Phuket; bright, colorful flowers and orna- said K. Yardthip. who else will if we don’t?” he mental parakeets with the mes- “I Love My Country” was said. sage; “The longer we take care a creation by Channel 7 presenter Other Phuket celebrities of our planet, the longer we will able to enjoy the beauty of na- ture.” Decorative coral and shells with cartoon-like curvy crockery represent the lively Phuket ma- 20 PHUKET GAZETTE FEATURES October 6 - 12, 2007

don’t have one any more. I’ll write that again, because the very concept seems almost Iimpossible for most people to grasp. I haven’t got one. Yes, I’ll give you hands free… I had one, but I have no intention of ever getting one again. But I am not a technophobe. a mobile” experiment. My main I no longer have a mobile I’ve had an email address for as objection to owning one was that phone, and I don’t understand long as the technology has ex- it had become a shrill interjection why my refusal to surrender and isted, I now have a Vaio habit and into my precious little time off. buy another one of those mad- a myriad of useful digital and bat- I began to observe people dening little machines causes tery-operated devices, but I am and discovered reasons to feel such incredulity. I am being called determined no longer to follow the superior for freeing myself of this a liar and a Luddite, a snob, a fogy herd and sign up for 24-hour sur- tawdry invention. Do people and a fraud. veillance. know how silly they look walking I was even recently stopped Were I to rob a bank or mug down the street mumbling to at an airport by an irate official a couple of old people, chances themselves like lunatics? who refused to believe I wasn’t are that a judge would decide I Do you know how rude it is trying to smuggle my non-existent am a menace to when some- mobile through his detector. I tried society and body interrupts to explain that I haven’t got a should have an a face-to-face mobile phone any more because electronic tag conversation if I did people might ring me up, put around my AMBROSIA’S with a real per- and that would be a very bad leg to track me son to talk to a thing. wherever I go. machine? Do As from the end of Septem- But a mo- you have any ber I am no longer available. bile phone is idea how em- Check the calendar. little more than barrassingly If I am not at my desk at exactly the banal most ut- home, or in the car driving around same thing, and terances are? like a lunatic from one appoint- you even have Have you ment to the other or picking up to pay a bill ev- looked at your- my kids, then I am not working ery month for self in the mir- and therefore not contactable. idea of meditation. ing or thinking then I do not want the privilege of ror with that You’ll just have to wait. I If I’m happily strolling to talk to you, because I cannot having it. [email protected] ear-piece thing don’t want a bell, a buzzer or through the market stalls shopping imagine what can be so urgent Why do SECRETS attached? even a tinny rendition of Bee- for fruit, at home watching a that it cannot wait until I return you think com- As for all thoven’s “Fifth” disturbing my movie, or even having a massage, to base. My mother thinks I’ve panies provide the other things serenity. As I no longer have time I am not available. gone mad, and that I should see their workers with phones? Why phones can now do, surely it’s for yoga classes either, this is my If I am eating, drinking, flirt- a shrink. do you think parents – including only hyperactive teenagers who myself – ensure that their way- get any pleasure from text mes- ward teenage kids have one with sages. Grown-ups maladroitly jab- them at all times? bing away at a tiny keypad to Your other half wants to pass some puerile, misspelt mis- natter or nag, your boss wants to sive are like grandfathers danc- know why you haven’t completed ing at discos. Games are for very a certain task or, in my case, sent small children and cameras should in a column on time, and your be cameras. bank wants to discuss your over- I have, in my lurid mobile draft. past, also had many a text ‘argu- It’s easy – any time, any- ment’ with my partner, because where, everybody’s got your he was busy at work and could number and you’re always on not reply in time for me to under- call. If you’re a call-girl, doctor, stand what the hell he was rant- drug dealer or drone, sure, you ing about. need a mobile. If not, then rise The real point about not be- above it: do as I did that last Sun- ing a slave to a mobile is that it day in September and declare marks you out as a cut above. It’s your independence by cutting the the last truly elitist gesture. In an string to your personal cocoa tin. age of mass consumerism, when Yes, you do have an off but- every trick and toy is available ton, but how often do you use it? and affordable to all, you gain How much grief do you get for your kudos by the things you having a tracking device switched choose not to own. off when somebody ‘important’ Every now and then I meet wants to contact you? another person – more men than And don’t try to tell me that women, actually – who has also it’s essential for emergencies. If opted out of the mobile chain I were planning to climb an un- gang or who has been through a tamed Andean peak then I would self-induced mobile detox. In- probably take some kind of com- variably such types are people munication device with me. But of a certain stature: successful, a stroll along the high street is gen- discerning, easy-going and abso- erally not a threatening experi- lutely confident that our conver- ence in which you have to report sation isn’t going to be punctured back every few minutes. by an unwanted electronic intru- If the mobile phone is such sion. a vital, life-saving tool, how do you PS A note to my partner – think people got through daily life if you are reading this, I do not unscathed 15 years ago? You want that Prada phone for Christ- (and I until my recent escape) mas. Just use your imagination have fallen into the trap. Deep instead. down, you know that your phone is just another way of making you Ambrosia Sakkadas, a UK-born work harder, keeping you in touch Greek Cypriot and graduate of and in line. Another buckle of the Central St Martins College of straitjacket. Art & Design in London, is an Recently, having been artist, designer and newspaper bogged down by work and hec- columnist. Her first novel, Greek tic family life, I sat down and de- Girls Don’t Cry, is available from cided to try the “I refuse to have amazon.com October 6 - 12, 2007 MOTORING PHUKET GAZETTE 21 Audi Q7 takes on SUV big guns BEHIND On the road, the Q7, despite THE its bulk, handles just like a sedan. THE It has surprising agility and a far- WHEEL from-firm ride that is often asso- By Jeff Heselwood ciated with large SUVs. Visibil- ity is excellent all round, except perhaps when reversing in tight s luxury SUVs go, confines. Optional, however, is a there are a whole rear-view camera and an elec- bunch to choose from, tronic parking system. but one of the more The interior is, as you would A expect, extremely sumptuous, interesting – certainly in terms of styling – is the Audi Q7. with plenty of space, supple The first luxury SUV in re- leather upholstery and a deluxe cent years was the Mercedes- automatic air-conditioning sys- Benz ML-Class; the Range tem. A panorama glass sunroof Rover and Jeep Grand Cherokee is optional, as is a sophisticated in their original incarnations were warning system for lane-chang- rather more agricultural. The ing maneuvers. Also optional, but ML-Class, built in Tuscaloosa, probably of greater use, is a ra- Alabama, was first introduced in dar-based distance control sys- 1996, with the second generation tem incorporated in the adaptive coming earlier this year at the cruise control. Detroit show. Audi is justifiably proud of The Audi Q7 is one step fur- its SUV, although inevitably it ther in terms of luxury, combin- comes up against a great deal of ing adequate off-road perfor- competition: the new Mercedes, mance with superb on-road man- the BMW X5, the latest Jeep and The Audi Q7 looks slick, but packs quite a punch beneath the bonnet. Combining performance with even the greatly improved Range ners – it has comfort, speed and luxury, this is one of the top SUVs in its class. handling. Rover. Somehow though, the As Audi says without a hint and 440Nm. ticularly useful unless you intend tions. One is hill-descent assist, Audi has just that little extra some- of modesty, “The Audi Q7 is the A six-speed tiptronic trans- to travel over a multitude of ter- an additional off-road mode that thing that needs a second look. It performance SUV from the cre- mission is fitted with manual-shift rains; for normal road driving, the optimizes brake performance and is a superb motor car and one ator of Quattro.” option and, naturally for an Audi, standard independent set-up is traction, particularly on loose sur- worthy of consideration. Its load-carrying capabilities Quattro permanent four-wheel fine. Most of the axle compo- faces. Prices vary according to are also of the highest order, with drive is standard. The central dif- nents on the vehicle are made of Should you be towing – un- options but start around 6.7 mil- room for up to seven passengers ferential conveys power to all aluminum, greatly reducing un- likely in Phuket – there is a trailer lion baht. For more information in three rows of seats. The sec- four wheels – both on- and off- sprung weight. stabilization system that reduces visit www.audi.co.th ond row of seats can be adjusted road – and its demand-based dis- Standard on the Q7 is an the risk of a fish-tailing trailer by individually, offering the longest tribution of torque provides maxi- electronic stability program (ESP) means of targeted brake interven- Jeff Heselwood can be con- legroom in the class, while the mum traction and lateral stabil- that includes numerous new func- tion. tacted at [email protected] rear seat row can be folded flat ity. to provide an exceptional cargo The standard torque split is area. 40:40 front to rear, but this There are two power plants changes according to require- available: a 4.2-liter, direct-injec- ments and road conditions. The tion, gasoline V8 motor, which is weight distribution is also slightly not currently available in Thailand; biased towards the rear in order and a rugged three-liter, common- to enhance the agility of the Q7 rail injection diesel engine. The as well as improving steering pre- diesel develops 233bhp (171kW) cision. and a massive 500Nm of torque Available as an option is air – available from just 1,750rpm – suspension – as the latest Range while the gas motor offers 350bhp Rover features – but it’s not par- 22 PHUKET GAZETTE October 6 - 12, 2007

Ad-Digital Gazette Full page October 6 - 12, 2007 TAKE A BREAK PHUKET GAZETTE 23 PPUZZLESUZZLES The BIG Crossword Hidden Words Hidden in the grid below are at least 25 words relat- ing to footwear. The words may read vertically, horizontally or diagonally. They may also read right- to-left or down-to-up. Score: 15 or more, good; 20 or more, very good; 25 or more, excellent. Solution on the next page.

SASRLMOCCAS I NS S ZYATBFSMQZAPGZ J ZRLR I I PUVTNI YWU FOSERLAVTBDGVRT SLZEESERKYAOSIM P LHOOHZT F TLMO I U I EMXEHZKTSSBCJ B TRSR IQSSROAELEV GBGOOUTEPWS J MGU NLOZQOPCSKQKUSW IALAOPHLARTFMSU WDCBIQZTPEOIKPP RETLNHEUNEYHUOL YS FAZ SHNBDODCLA KNCSEK I P SFLOGF T YICDQSKKSRMRGPF FQGUSCXLD IHBP I O FWTHSREKAENS I LR YNOV J EELK J SVWFM YEL JHLUPOJ IOURS © Lovatts Puzzles – www.lovatts.com.au SUEHBTEMPABATVY Across 73. Sausage in roll (3,3) 2. Clump of hair broadcasting XUGS TAE LC I F T BD S 1. Desert plant 76. Rule 3. Tennis ace, Pete… 65. North American 4. UN children’s fund 78. Tourist accommoda- 4. Inclinations Indians MI CONVERS ELEVG J 7. Besides tion, …park 5. Lay to rest 67. Chopped HGETASNUKBNS RAG 10. Available (2,4) 83. Parish incumbents 6. Impose money 69. 1860s conflict, 13. Smoke disinfection 85. Daughters’ penalty on American… War DNOKNDKTZNMKVSW 15. Replies husbands (4-2-3) 7. Taj Mahal city 70. Bee’s liquid harvest 17. Nuisance 88. Bargain 8. Actor, …Harrelson 74. Did (business) 19. Olympic award 90. Family shield, 9. Pulls sharply 75. Courteous 21. Dad …of arms 10. Past arrival time 77. Passenger balloon Solution, tips and 23. Maintain 91. Dusting powder 11. Clasp 79. Expected 25. Put away (3,5) 92. Motorbike stuntman, 12. Design transfers 80. California’s San… computer program 28. Actress, …Knievel 14. Last Greek letter Fault at www.sudoku.com …Anderson 93. Lacking rain 16. Actress, …Barkin 81. Matures 29. WWII German subs 96. King cats 18. Computer-modeled 82. Story books (1-5) 97. Vertical part of stair situation 84. Aircraft stunts 30. Operate 98. Paid sportsman 20. Actor, …Bogarde 85. Leafy side dishes 32. Correcting 99. Castle water barrier 22. Snow/land slides 86. Sergeant (1,1,1) (exam paper) 100. Regular customer 23. Not singular 87. Tread heavily 36. Spider’s trap 101. Singer, …Horne 24. Long tale 89. Humanitarian, 37. Back tooth 102. Unnerve 26. Corrosive liquid Mother… 38. Exaggeratedly 103. India’s New… 27. Receding 94. Prima donna masculine 105. Collect 31. Internet post (1-5) 95. Fragrances 40. Push 107. Theatrical piece 32. Specific instants 98. Table-tennis bat 42. Sir… Newton 108. Nevada’s …Vegas 33. Bureaucracy (3,4) 104. Auld… Syne 44. Actor, …Alda 110. Processions 34. Set alight 106. Aid in crime 45. Holy Mother 114. Tot up 35. Ground (teeth) 109. Normally (2,1,4) 46. Actress, Goldie… 116. Guesthouses together 111. Deep chasm 47. Israeli port, …Aviv 117. Impish 36. Feebly 112. Singing pitch 49. Absurd 119. Brutally 37. Mutilate 113. Anesthetic gas 51. Specter 122. Hot spell (4,4) 39. Historical records 115. Mechanisms 53. Primary 125. Concludes 41. Grave robbers 116. Dog-like predators 54. Scheme 127. Tilt 43. Purges 118. Abdominal rupture 55. Juicy part of fruit 130. Soviet states (1,1,1,1) 48. Coveted 120. Pre-Columbian tribe 56. Cry to stop horse 131. Judicial building 50. Once again 121. Hard black wood 57. Missed alarm call 132. Senior clergyman 52. Elect 123. For a particular 60. Soon 133. Toboggan 54. Car crash purpose (2,3) 65. Philippines capital 134. Sri Lanka’s old name 58. Singer, Sir… John 124. Exercise (influence) 66. Rustling sounds 135. Walked affectedly 59. Tablets 126. Gulf War missile Sudoku is very simple: each row, each column and each “box” of 68. Lyrical verse 136. Canada’s Nova… 61. Animal welfare 128. Writer, ...Uris nine squares within the puzzle must contain all the numbers 69. National head count group 129. …Beach, Florida from 1 to 9 with, naturally, no repetitions. Beware: there is only 71. Active European Down 62. Acidic 130.Reverse the effects one solution to this puzzle, which is on the next page. volcano 1. Arise unexpectedly 63. Audacity of 72. Animal skin (4,2) 64. Newspapers & Solution on the next page 24 PHUKET GAZETTE TAKE A BREAK October 6 - 12, 2007 GetGet youryour brainbrain inin geargear withwith TheThe MonsterMonster QuizQuiz Kids! Ask Mum and Dad to help you find the answers to these ques- tions. They’re not easy but, if you do some research, you should be able to find the answers to all of them.

1. What does a speleologist 8. Which has the largest 15. What did Aztec study? collection of animals in the emperor Montezuma world? drink 50 golden 2. Which English word has goblets of daily? the most definitions? 9. Which island is the smallest in the world with 16. What is banana oil 3. What is the correct country status? made from? response to the Irish greeting, “Top o’ the 10. What do the “Ms” stand 17. What was used for morning to ya?” for in the brand M&M blood during the Quick Crossword candies? famous shower scene in Alfred Hitchcock’s ACROSS 22. Misstakes 4. What does the scientific movie Psycho? 1. Not drunk acronym DNA stand 11. Which was the first 3. Pokes DOWN for? American consumer 1. Aussie beer product sold in the then- 18. What is the world’s 7. Unfair tallest type of grass? 8. Bad tidings 2. French jewel 5. The symbol for pounds Soviet Union? 9. Japanese cash 4. Sky spectrum sterling is known as the what? 12. What is the most widely- 19. What is the most 10. Christmas ball 5. Robe fastener eaten fish in the world? abundant metal in the 12. Flower 6. Eye problem Earth’s crust? 6. Which Latin-American 14. Constrictor 11. With heart 13. Compositions capital city is sinking six 13. By age 60, most people 15. Gems to eight inches a year? have lost half of their 20. What did Julius 15. Cowgirl Calamity… 18. By way of… what? Caesar and Napoleon 16. Fit out Bonaparte both suffer 19. Chipmunk 7. Which international 17. Chances are… from? 20. Heavenly cluster event was the Eiffel 14. What is the most popular 21. Rests Solution below Tower built for? beverage in the world? Answers below Puzzle Solutions

Hidden Words SOLUTION S + S + + M O C C A S I N S + Solution to + Y + T + + + + Q + A + + + + this week’s + R L + I + + U + + N + + + + Quick + O S E + L A + + + D + + + + S L + E E S E + + + A + + + + Crossword P L + + O H + T + + L + + I + I E + X + H + + T S S + C + + T R S + + + S S R O + E + + + G B G + + + T E + + S + + + + N L O + + O P + S K + + + + + Solution to this week’s BIG Crossword I A L + O P + + A R T + + S + W D C B I + + T + E O + + P P + E + L + + E + N + + H + O L Monster Quiz Answers + S F + + S + N + + + + + L A 1. Caves; 2. Set; 3. And the rest of the day to + + + S E K I P S F L O G F T yourself; 4. Deoxyribonucleic acid; 5. An + + + + + S + + S + + + + P F octothorpe; 6. Mexico City; 7. The 1889 World’s + + + + S + + L + + + + + I O Solution to this Fair; 8. The San Diego Zoo, California; 9. + + + H S R E K A E N S + L R week’s Sudoku + + O + + E E L + + + + + F M puzzle Pitcairn, Polynesia; 10. Mars and Murrie, the + E + + H + + P O + + + + + S developers of the candy; 11. Coca-Cola; 12. S + + H + + + + P A + + + + + Herring; 13. Taste-buds; 14. Coffee; 15. Hot + + G S T A E L C I F + + + + chocolate; 15. Petroleum; 17. Chocolate syrup; + I C O N V E R S E L E + + + 18. Bamboo; 19. Aluminum; 20. Epilepsy. H G E T A S + + + + + S R + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + S + October 6 - 12, 2007 FEATURES PHUKET GAZETTE 25 Memoir fails to hit the mark anielle Trussoni’s memoir Fall in Vietnam, which allows the adult author Now when you read such over- ing Through the Earth (Henry to recreate the war, not too successfully, wrought prose, it makes you sympathize Holt and Company, New York, through his narrative point of view. These with her hard-bitten father who would call D2006, 240pp) bears some re- war stories are interspersed it “emotional hogwash”. semblance to Mary Karr’s masterful with scenes of her own trip Her fearful, guilty trip Liar’s Club. to Vietnam. In fact, Viet- to Vietnam – allowing her- Mary Karr is the American queen nam becomes an obsession self to be ripped off by a of the memoir genre. Her Liar’s Club for her. hairdresser, throwing gleefully depicts her hard-drinking playboy Off the “As a girl, I believed money at a beggar – con- father and the tough world of the Texas the war had taken him firms this sort of febrile sen- oil port of Port Arthur. away from us. It was an sitivity and her writing is of- Danielle Trussoni also had a hard- SHELF amorphous monster that ten painfully literary: fingers drinking playboy father and a tough up- would grab hold and pull us “spidering” through the bringing in the Wisconsin town of La By James Eckardt into it, kicking and scream- ground, trees “electro- Crosse, on the Mississippi river. ing. Vietnam claimed cuted” against the sky. Hu- The difference is that her father had A construction contractor, he built his Dad’s past, his future, his mor is sometimes forced been a “tunnel rat” in Vietnam – one of own house in an idyllic country setting health, his dreams. It was and dialogue stilted. those small, wiry nutcase soldiers who known as Trussoni Court. He was a de- never satisfied. It came to But she redeems her- crawled through the underground maze of voted father, sharing the rituals of deer- live in our house, eat din- self with a raucously funny Vietcong shelters armed with a flashlight hunting with his daughter. But he stayed ner at our table, sleep in our account of growing up a re- and a pistol. Danielle Trussoni travels to out late in bars and kept up a string of girl- beds. It trailed me home bellious drug-taking teen- Vietnam to crawl through a tunnel herself. friends until his wife got fed up, got a job from school; it lapped at my heels as I ager. A high point is when her father and It’s a likely premise for a memoir. and an education, got divorced and remar- walked to Roscoe’s. It was an elusive yet his drunk girlfriend catch Danielle in her Her father Dan was a hard case, one ried to an office co-worker. inescapable thing skulking through my life, bedroom bare-assed with her boyfriend. of the five fighting Trussoni brothers who Dan moved out to a small dump of a a Jack-the-Ripper presence that hid in al- The two couples wind up at the kitchen were famous for breaking up bars. He house and daughter Danielle Trussoni de- leyways and in the sewers, waiting to get table, smoking cigarettes and drinking te- grew up on a farm in Wisconsin, grandson cided to stay with him. me alone. We could ignore it, but it would quila shots. A family that drinks together, of Italian immigrants, and was expelled There are some very good early not go away. If we managed to shake it, it stays together. from Catholic high school for beating up scenes of the 12-year-old Danielle hang- would track us down, hungry for more. Though fitfully entertaining, this is an abusive teacher. He wound up in Viet- ing out in her Catholic school uniform with Although there was no way for me, as a just not on a par with the first rank of re- nam and came back even more of a hell her pool-playing father amid the denizens child, to understand this presence, I knew, cent memoirs: The Liar’s Club, The Ten- raiser, married for the second time and of a dive called Roscoe’s. when I saw my father’s sadness, that he der Bar, Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs To- sired three children. Occasionally, he’ll talk about his days had never really left Vietnam.” night. EVENTS CALENDAR Upcoming events on the island

Until October 11. Rugby formed at all Chinese temples in October 23. Chulalongkorn information call the Boathouse at 500 participants will be conducted World Cup live. Phuket. Day – Public Holiday. 076-330015. during the event. IRB France kicks off, pow- The processions from each Chulalongkorn Day com- For further information call ered by Guinness. Watch all the temple show spectacles of strict memorates the reign of Rama V, December 1-8. Phuket King’s 076-324060 or visit www. action at Angus O’Tool’s Irish vegetarians, known as devotees, who is best remembered for abol- Cup Regatta. lagunaphukettriathlon.com Pub, Karon Beach. Let the ostensibly possessed by gods, ishing slavery in Thailand. The King’s Cup Regatta is games commence! Big men play piercing their tongues, cheeks and held every year to honor the birth- December 5. HM The King’s hard on two big screens because other parts of the anatomy with November 14-17. Chalong day of HM King Bhumibol Adul- Birthday – Public Holiday. size does matter! Live broadcast sharp implements. Bay Fishing Tournament yadej. The week-long event is HM King Bhumibol Adul- from France with English com- 2007. Asia’s biggest and most popular yadej’s birthday, also marked as mentary. Late games will also be October 20-27. Phuket Film Registration night is No- regatta with great sailing and Father’s Day in Thailand. shown. Festival. vember 14 and the registration great parties along the way. Open from 10am until Join us as the 2007 Phuket fee is 7,000 baht per team, includ- For details visit www. December 10. Constitution drunk. Eat, drink and sleep rugby Film Festival kicks off with a star- ing free beer. Fishing days will be kingscup.com or call 076-273380. Day – Public holiday. at O’Tool’s! studded Gala Opening at the Cen- November 15-17 with prizes For further information con- tral Courtyard at Jungceylon given on November 17 from 8 December 2. Laguna Phuket January 12-27, 2008. French tact John. Tel: 076-398262. Email: shopping complex, followed by pm. Triathlon. Cuisine Festival. [email protected] the opening movie, Dance Ma- For further information con- Southeast Asia’s premier Mom Tri’s Boathouse will chine. After the show will be a tact Uwe Schittek. Tel: 081- multi-sport event, the Laguna host the annual “Quinzaine de la October 8. Juvé y Camps retro disco dance party. 7195766. Email: uweschittek@ Phuket Triathlon, presented by Gastronomie Française” extrava- Wine Dinner at Mom Tri’s On October 21, the festival yahoo.com Thai Airways International and ganza of French cuisine from Boathouse. will present the newly restored the Tourism Authority of Thailand, January 12 to 27, 2008. Mom Tri’s Boathouse will Thai film The King of the White November 24. PIWC Gala is now in its 14th year, with a new Guest Chef Maître-Cuisinier host, in collaboration with Maison Elephant (1941), the only remain- Ball. swim course, altered bike and de France Jean Noël Lumineau du Vin Bangkok, a wine dinner ing full-length, English-language Phuket International Wo- running routes, and a new start with Executive Chef Tummanoon featuring Champagnoise wines feature film made entirely in men’s Club will hold the most time of 7 am. Punchun will present a four- from renowned Spanish vineyard Thailand. prestigious event this year - the The 1.8km swim, 55km bike course menu from 7 pm to 11:30 Juvé y Camps from 7 pm until Check the Gazette website annual Gala Ball – on Saturday ride and 12km run offers a pm, with each course accompa- 11:30 pm. The vineyard’s wine- for more-detailed information, or November 24 at the Indigo Pearl, US$20,000 prize purse. nied by a superb French wine cho- maker, Mr Mariano, will be intro- call 02-9824525 or email Nai Yang Beach. The event expects to attract sen by Boathouse Wine Director, ducing various wines of this ex- [email protected] For further information con- some 800 athletes from over 30 Georges Ciret. ceptional estate. Superb menu For further information visit tact Carol (Tel: 087-4178860. countries competing in both the For details contact Pinyo by Boathouse Executive Chef www.phuketfilmfestival.com Email: carol@aplusplussoftware. individual triathlon and the Thippimas at Tel: 076-330015 or Tummanoon. com) or Sue (Tel: 087-277694. Herbalife Corporate Challenge Email: fb@boathousephuket. As seating is limited, reser- October 21. 3rd Phuket Inter- Email: [email protected]). Team Relay. A 6km fun run for com vations are required. national Mountain Beach For further information call Marathon. November 29. Wine Dinner at 076-330015 or email pr@ Starting at Karon Circle Mom Tri’s Boathouse. boathousephuket.com early Sunday morning. Full mara- Mom Tri’s Boathouse will thon, half marathon, Mini Mara- host an exclusive wine-tasting October 11-19. Phuket Veg- thon and a five-kilometer fun run dinner, featuring wines of two Ad- Paul Poole etarian Festival. and walk. Cash prizes, lucky dips, very prestigious wine châteaux in 2x2 This festival is an annual free T-shirts, souvenirs, breakfast France: Château Pichon Com- K. Ann event held during the ninth lunar and drinks. Events will take place tesse de Lalande (Pauillac, month of the Chinese calendar, from 3:30 am until 10:30 am. France) and Chateau L’Angelus which normally falls in late Sep- For further information (Saint Emilion, France). tember or early October. email [email protected] or visit Seating is limited and res- Sacred rituals are per- http://bluewaterphuket.com ervations are required. For more 26 PHUKET GAZETTE EDITORIAL & LETTERS October 6 - 12, 2007

367/2 Yaowarat Rd, Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000 Tel: 076-236555 - Since 1994 - Fax: 076-213971 Email: [email protected] Patong shows rare initiative The Gazette greets with cautious optimism the September 26 an- nouncement by Mayor Pian Keesin that Patong will begin distribut- ing plastic trash bags in 10 different colors to encourage trash sepa- ration as the first step toward improving the municipality’s much- maligned waste management system (See News pages). The announcement follows the signing in August of a Memo- randum of Understanding (MOU) by all 18 of Phuket’s local admin- istrative bodies. Under the agreement (see Gazette issue of September 1), ev- ery tambon and tessabaan administration on the island agrees to de- velop waste management practices, such as separation and recy- cling, that will reduce the volume of refuse they send daily to the overburdened incinerator at Saphan Hin. Since the MOU was signed, attempts by the Gazette to follow up on the issue with a number of administrations were met with a standard reply, “We are awaiting budget approval before we can move forward.” Such replies are hardly unexpected given that the terms of nearly all of the island’s smaller local administrative bodies have already expired, while larger ones including Phuket City and Patong are nearing their ends of their terms – with most of their budgets already dedi- cated or spent. Letters Thus it came somewhat as a surprise that Patong Municipality – certainly a dark horse given its track record on environmental is- The Gazette is pleased to receive mail from read- with your views for publication in our next issue. sues – was the first administrative body to announce an initiative ers. Please write to us at 367/2 Yaowarat Rd, We reserve the right to edit all letters. Pseud- demonstrating some sort of commitment to the MOU. Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000, fax to 076-213971 onyms are acceptable only if your full name and That said, the recent announcement by Patong is in many ways or send an email to [email protected] address are supplied. as vague as it is surprising. For a start, the initiative is to be devel- oped jointly with the Thai Industrialist Development Forum (TIDF), Gazette nearly not there is difficult to articulate; she instead of worrying about the a non-government organization whose past success has been in pro- looked as lifeless as a corsage left consequences for ourselves we viding free artificial limbs for amputees. what it used to be on the floor by an emotionally should worry about the true vic- The TIDF plans to deploy in Patong a “mobile solid waste dis- Returning to Phuket after a year detached dance date, wilted and tims. posal vehicle”, reportedly capable of disposing nine of the 10 waste away, I read the two most recent alone. Which is better – not pay- categories into which Patong residents will be asked to sort their editions of your paper and am dis- What struck me beside the ing the victim’s hospital bill, or trash after the project kicks off in December. mayed, and not just because of a carnage was that the driver sped looking back at the carnage left Given the huge volume of trash produced in Patong daily, it is swear-word in the headline of a off without any regard for the behind? hard to imagine a single machine – or even fleet of machines – ca- letter in the September 1 edition. woman he had just mangled. Sad New Yorker pable of disposing of it all. Equally difficult to imagine is how Patong’s Where once we had the At first I was confused as Via Internet relatively small population will be able to sort all the garbage pro- pleasure – under the now seem- to whether to pursue him or to duced by guests in its 10,000-plus hotel rooms during peak periods. ingly-absent guiding hand of rush to my friend’s girlfriend – in- Sink or swim? Other questions about the initiative are too many to be listed Alasdair Forbes – of Messrs Pe- stinct instructed my friend and I So, with some of the most beau- here, but at least Patong is doing something to solve its waste prob- ters and Johnstone to entertain us to do the latter. tiful natural scenery in the world, lems other than waiting for the next budget meeting. – The Editor with travel, spas and food, we Coming from the New York great dive sites and clean beach- now have sixth-form efforts by City area, I am all too familiar es never more than a few min- Do you have an opinion you want to share? with accidents. Battered bumpers Email [email protected] Scott Mallon, Nick Davies and utes away, Phuket is to get its Alistair Why, and article upon and flaring tempers weave a mo- own water park, which will guzzle article about boxing. saic over all bridges and tunnels 300 cubic meters a day with about The trashy Tsowndings re- in and out of the city. 7,000 cubic meters of chlorinated mains, sadly, and is joined by the Punches are thrown and water remaining in the pools for nonsensical writings of Barry obscenities are uttered, but as the 2,000-plus expected visitors In association with The Nation Multimedia Group PCL Daniels in his Andaman Rant. callous and careless as many to splash around in (see Construc- The less said about Marque A New Yorkers are, they never flee tion Update in the September 29 Rome the better. the scene of an accident, espe- issue of the Gazette). Editor: Parichat Utintu At least Ambrosia still cially if someone has been in- According to the article, the graces the pages. Her wit and jured. water will be supplied from the Managing Editor: Chris Husted I have even witnessed News Editor: Stephen Fein wisdom is one of the paper’s few public mains and supplemented redeeming qualities. drunk drivers sit and wait for their by underground supplies at the Chief Reporter: Sangkhae Leelanapaporn CA punishment to be handed out. site. Editorial Team: Natcha Yuttaworawit, Janyaporn Morel, Phuket I am at a loss for an expla- It’s a shame that we won’t Sompratch Saowakhon, Semacote Suganya, nation of this hit-and-run mental- get to drink this natural spring Hosptial hit-and-run ity in Phuket. The driver of the Nick Davies, Matt Crook, Skyler Swezy. water before the well eventually stuns New Yorker motorbike that mowed down my runs dry, but if the park is as popu- Managing Director: Oranee Pienprasertkul friend’s girlfriend was a young lar as the developers predict, then My friend and his girlfriend were man. Interestingly, the Phuket General Manager: Niladaa Mastanawattanakul at least the beaches will be a bit accompanying me on a walk to governor recently proposed that less crowded. Sounds good to me! Marketing Manager: Natthira Susangrat the bank to drain the remainder parents should be responsible for Nature lover Publisher: The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd of my funds back in New York the actions of their children. Phuket City. However, we all remember Contact us While walking along the when we were first let loose on Resurfacing perils sidewalk in front of Vachira the roads. Advertising Sales: [email protected] Phuket Hospital, my friend’s girl- But driving is a privilege and The stated goal of the resurfac- Classified Advertising: [email protected] friend was struck by a motorbike. a responsibility. When people ing of Patong Hill road may be Website Services: [email protected] She became entangled with the race through the streets with a safety, but I am afraid the dan- Gazette Guide inquiries: [email protected] hissing and screeching machine daredevil mentality, we not only gerous state they have left it in at and it dragged her for a few put ourselves in danger but also night during construction will Telephone: 076-236555 (10 lines) Fax: 076-213971 yards. endanger other people who are claim more lives than it will save When she finally became smiply going about their business. in te long ruin. The views expressed in the Phuket Gazette are those of the writers and contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, the editor, the shareholders, or the free from the bike she lay on the I’m sure there are reasons Night Rider directors of The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd. street. The scene of her laying why the driver did not stop, but Phuket Letters conveying views and suggestions are published here. Those seeking comment from government Copyright © 1994-2007 The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd officials or business owners are published as Issues & Answers on the facing page. October 6 - 12, 2007 PERSPECTIVES PHUKET GAZETTE 27 Phuket’s recovery from air crash will be quick

he crash of One-Two- nors of the six Andaman coast Go flight OG269 at provinces together to discuss the Phuket International Air The regional network of tsunami Tport last month was the Governor’s warning towers, for which the first airplane crash in the prov- central government still has 175 ince in more than 20 years, going million baht in remaining funds. back to when an airplane crashed Letter However, as Phuket already at Ao Por in Pa Khlok. ow in his seventh year assigned to the has 19 fully-functioning warning Given Phuket’s impressive towers covering all the important track record for air safety, we Nprovince, Governor Niran Kalayanamit was risk areas, I did not request any have to view this disaster as a a Vice-Governor in 2004 when the tsunami additional funding. This will allow rare accident. Of course, we ravaged the island’s shorelines. the remaining funds to be ear- must continue to conduct regular marked for areas that need it. training and simulation drills to After a recent study tour and roadshow to ensure that all elements of our England, Gov Niran’s return to Phuket was Old smoky. While in Bangkok, I emergency response capability delayed when One-Two-Go flight OG269 had a chance to personally lobby are always ready and up to inter- PM Surayud for a budget to build national standards. crashed on September 16. a second trash incinerator for the Personally, I continue to Here he tells Gazette Chief Reporter island. I explained the grave cri- believe that commercial aviation Sangkhae Leelanapaporn about his reaction sis we are facing and told him that remains the safest long-distance to the tragedy, what he accomplished on his trip many leading firms had put for- transport option available, with ward good plans to incinerate our the chances of a disaster like to the UK – along with updates on other trash in ways that would not harm OG269 being extremely remote. important issues facing Phuket. the environment. From the 2005 downturn in In requesting the 1.3 billion tourism after the tsunami and the baht we need, I explained that fact that most people realize that We received good feedback an opportunity arises. addition to providing round-the- the government should consider air crashes can happen anywhere there and are glad for the expo- clock surveillance to monitor traf- how much money our province and at anytime, I think the effect sure we gained, both in England TV eyes. While in London, I had fic and threats to security. They generates for the county through on tourism will only be short term. and other Euro-zone countries. a chance to view firsthand opera- have a professional team on-duty tourism revenue. I also men- In fact, we have many an- I had the chance to visit tions at the control center of their 24 hours there. tioned that if the government nual events to attract tourists, in- Edinburgh and see firsthand how famous closed-circuit television Phuket could benefit a great cannot afford to fund the incin- cluding the Vegetarian Festival, long people have to queue up to (CCTV) security network. With deal by expanding the current erator, it should at least consider which begins next week, and the wait for treatment and how only more than a million cameras in- CCTV system around the island. amending existing laws or regu- Phuket Carnival in Patong to mark the most seriously ill can be ad- stalled around the city, their If our local administrative bodies lations to allow private-sector the start of the high season for mitted. I think the option of com- CCTV network is on a totally dif- are interested in bearing some of investment. tourism on November 1. ing to Phuket is very attractive ferent scale to what we have here the costs, we could invite the ex- PM Surayud ordered the During my visits to hospitals for them because they can come in Phuket. perts in London to help us. departments involved to stage an to meet with survivors of the to Phuket and receive the medi- This visit was the result of This might be expensive, but emergency meeting to brainstorm crash, I was touched by the ap- cal treatment they need, then have my sending an official introduc- it would be worth the investment. ways to come up with the fund- preciation many of them felt to- a nice holiday here and return tion letter to the Mayor of Lon- Unfortunately, there is currently ing. We plan to meet again on this wards the Thai people who had home having spent less than if don Ken Livingstone, who gave no central government funding most important topic before Oc- helped them to safety, especially they had paid for the same pro- us a very warm welcome. for this so we have to wait for a tober 20. the man in the yellow shirt cedure in their own country. I was fortunate to have a new central government to be [Paiboon Phaphan of Pa Khlok, These cost savings extend chance to see the control room, installed. who risked his own life to pull over a wide range of medical ser- as it is a secretly-located place fellow passenger Robert Borland vices, from routine checkups to with very tight security. Tsunami scare update. Not to safety] and all the rescue more complicated procedures, I was impressed with the long after my return from En- workers and medical personnel. such as knee replacement sur- entire system, which can respond gland, Prime Minister Gen Sura- Niran Kalayanamit, In this sense the feedback gery. automatically to emergencies in yud Chulanont called the gover- Governor of Phuket. was similar to what happened I think these services are after the tsunami; it showed that also attractive to people in Scan- Thai people really know how to dinavian countries, where all but pull together in the face of ad- the very richest people rely on What hours are construction versity. government medical facilities However, we also heard where treatment costs are part complaints from them that it took of their social security benefits. rescue teams who were not al- I think the private hospitals sites allowed to make noise? ready stationed at the airport a in Phuket provide good-quality, Are there any regulations regard- long time to arrive. This is true, international-standard services as ing working hours on construc- but I could only explain to them well as Thai hospitality. Many tion sites? I once lived in a quiet Issues& that our airport is located quite far foreigners appreciate this. area of Rawai until two construc- from this island’s main population tion sites began work next to my ANSWERS centers and that the accident hap- Busy schedule. While in En- house. pened on a Sunday, which was gland for three days, we didn’t One site works normal Write to: The Phuket Gazette, 367/2 Yaowarat Rd, Muang, also a reason for the slow reac- have a chance to conduct a study hours: 7:30 am to 6:00 pm. How- Phuket 83000. Fax 076-213971, or submit your issue at tion time. tour of a state-of-the-art garbage ever, the other site starts at 7:30 www.phuketgazette.net incinerator built by the Sepco am and finishes at 11 pm. It is London calling. I recently went Company, as planned. While we very noisy and they are using working hours must not exceed In regards to the noise that on a health tourism roadshow to were in England, their represen- heavy machinery about 10 meters eight hours a day, consequentially disturbs you and your family, I England, during which represen- tatives had to attend a special from my house. Some nights I restricting the maximum work advise you to contact Rawai tatives from Bangkok Hospital opening ceremony presided over cannot even hear the TV. week to 48 hours. Tambon Administration Organiza- Phuket, Phuket International Hos- by a government minister. Richard Starkey However, the owner is al- tion (OrBorTor) and inquire about pital and the Phuket Provincial Unfortunately, my agenda Rawai lowed to request overtime hours what can be done. Heath Office presented demon- was too tight to allow reschedul- that must not exceed 36 hours a Another option would be to strations on the high-quality, low- ing. However, they did send An officer at the Phuket week, though it is up to the offi- file a compliant with the Dam- cost medical services Phuket has people to Edinburgh to meet my Labour Protection and Wel- cial at the Labor Office who rongtham Center at Phuket Pro- to offer – as well as being a great team, apologize, and ask us to fare office replies: handles the request to decide vincial Hall, which may allow you tourism destination. please come again the next time In Thailand, regulation whether or not to grant overtime. to raise the issue the governor. 28 PHUKET GAZETTE FEATURES October 6 - 12, 2007 Mega-liners on the horizon

have just returned from the risking their lives looking for a fifth International Coastal CITIES AT SEA: The lunatic. We could do something a and Marine Tourism Con- gigantic Carnival Destiny, bit safer – like a group paddle gress, a project founded in pictured here dwarfing from Langkawi to Phuket. We I quayside resorts in Castries, 1990 by Dr Jan Auyong, then tried that in the mid-90s, but once with the University of Hawaii Sea St Lucia, weighs a huge the authorities got involved in the Grant Program. 101,000 tons. project, the result was the usual Dr Auyong wanted to cre- Her big sister, Carnival – nothing. ate a worldwide dialog on marine Freedom, was launched on With Phuket’s horrible wa- activities, the fastest growing sec- in Venice on March 4. ter-safety record, all the island’s tor in the world’s fastest growing Weighing a massive hotels and travel agents should industry. 110,000 tons, Freedom sponsor Dr Jeff Wilks of Surf We became good friends sports a 13,300-square-foot spa, a jogging track, and Lifesaving Australia to repeat his while working on the Hawaii four swimming pools – one performance on water safety Marine Master Plan together, and with a 214-foot-long water management – not only lifeguard just after I left for Thailand, Dr slide. training, but developing and man- Auyong organized the first Ma- aging safe practices, proper rine Tourism Congress in Hono- credentialing, risk reduction and lulu. response management. Seventeen years later, al- Jeff was especially proud of most 200 academics, scholarship Aussie-European wholesalers’ students, practitioners and marine evitable wall-to-wall yacht basin cording to Prof Marc Miller at the tuations. The latest version is safety audits, contracting only managers gathered for the fulfilling Arizona’s thirst for the University of Washington, the Freedom. Displacing 2,700,000 hotels and activities who meet Auckland-University-of-Technol- sea. When I Googled “San Carlos future holds surprises that will tonnes of water in a 1.33-kilome- rigid water-safety standards, so ogy (AUT) production, organized Bay”, the first page of results was shock even the most mainstream ter (4,320 feet) hull, Freedom will I must wonder why those same by AUT-Professor and Phuket- nothing but condominium sales tourists and their agents. host 50,000 residents, 15,000 staff wholesalers sell the worst junk on visitor Dr Michael Leuck. We listings. The entire Congress gasped and 20,000 day guests. Obviously, local waters, conveniently filtered marveled in the mistakes of the From San Carlos, we boated simultaneously when Mark un- Freedom and her predictable through local agents. past and the promise of the fu- up the coast to our favorite desert veiled cruise ships of the future. clones won’t fit in any port, but The lesson – host countries ture. The obvious, spontaneous beach, eventually named Catch- The first passenger ship of that’s okay – the top floor of this dictate safety and quality. theme for discussion was that our 22 after the movie filmed there. 100,000 tons wasn’t built until floating world will be an airport. That leads me to my last in- planet is already overpopulated, Bare earth above the sea, lush 1997: Carnival’s Destiny, at Both Freedom and America triguing example: Dr David yet humankind welcomes more marine paradise underwater, 101,000 tons. In 2009, Carnival’s World City have marinas in their Fennell’s study of tourism and eth- due to expanding market implica- Catch 22 in the 50s was where I three Genesis sister-ships will sterns to house ics. Fennell’s tions. learned scientific marine biology boast 220,000 tons with 5,400 “day boats”, and THE premise is that If you think Phuket is grow- from my mom. berths each. By 2012, 20 new in Freedom’s humans evolved ing fast, just check out the devel- In the 60s, we watched our cruise ships in excess of 100,000 case, the private GRAY AREA in small, enclosed opment map for the Mexican indigenous friends lose their an- tons will motor the seas, averag- yachts of communities West Coast: wall-to-wall resorts, cestral land – with no compen- ing over 3,000 berths per ship. wealthy resi- where altruism with a ferry bridge across the sation – to a movie set trans- These floating cities are dents. Enjoy made a differ- Gulf of California that allows formed into a chain hotel. When current generation. Next genera- your own floating ence – it was rec- people to spend one week in the time was right two decades tion cruise ships will be floating tax shelter. ognized and re- Sonora and another in Baja, or later, that unjust land-grab took me continents. The 400-meter These gi- warded. vice versa. into alternative tourism. America World City is on the ants take us full Because Old-time Southern Califor- If we don’t learn from San pallet (design, not dock) complete circle from San mainstream tour- nia eco-tourists and environmen- Carlos and pre- and post-tsunami with a 2,000-seat theater, a bow- Carlos Bay. As ism is transient, talists with a strong interest in the Phi Phi, the Andaman Triangle to-stern theme mall, and four 400- open coastlines short-term rela- ocean, my entire family was will become one wall of concrete person “day cruisers” to get all dwindle, human- tionships lead to Scuba certified in 1957, and the from Promthep Cape to Krabi those bodies on shore and visit- kind’s exploding short-term ethics Sea of Cortez soon became my Town. Of course, the losers are ing Phuket’s attractions. The 11- population still from both host backyard. The Gray family always the salt-of-the-earth local meter draft makes all this pos- craves the “ma- and tourist. parked its camper-boat combo in people. Don’t laugh – that hap- sible, even in the Andaman’s shal- rine experi- Therefore, it’s remote locations, including San pened to Costa del Sol and low waters. ence”. When we easy to complain Carlos Bay – 30 kilometers of Mazatlan by the early ’70s. Eco- There are downsides. Con- run out of land, By John ‘Caveman’ Gray about tourism desert north of Guaymas, where nomic development is good, but sider the infrastructure implica- we build cities on downsides. we often went one or two weeks just one element in the true hap- tions of loading food and water, the sea. Tourism embraces the Ethics require sacrifice, yet without seeing another soul. Then piness indicator, the quality-of-life off-loading sewage, garbage and population boom head-on, and will are in all of us. Times are chang- came the grass shack in 1965. index. passengers, and designing busi- find ways to accommodate the ing as the world interfaces, pri- Today, San Carlos is an in- So much for the past. Ac- ness plans that fit huge daily fluc- guests. marily thanks to tourism. For ex- Extreme marine sports are ample, tipping is a form of bond- another angle. I expected unlim- ing – an unusually altruistic ges- ited hydroplanes and 60-foot surf, ture considering tourism’s transi- but Dr Mark Orams’ presenta- tory relationships. tion contained only natural power Quoting Einstein, Fennell and the unorthodox: round-the- ended his talk with an upscale world yacht races, marathon promise to the future: kayak explorers (do you really “Strange is our situation want to paddle from Sydney to here on Earth. Each of us comes South Island?), and trans-Atlan- for a short visit, not knowing why, tic rowers. yet sometimes seeming to divine If you aren’t risking your life a purpose. From the standpoint just for fun, you didn’t even make of daily life, however, there is one Mark’s cut. Why look death in the thing we do know: that humans face? For the buzz of course! are here for the sake of other hu- But not everybody wants to mans—above all, for those upon risk the ultimate price – especially whose smiles and well-being our sponsors. Phuket has its share of own happiness depends.” sailing regattas, but there are Ethical, properly planned other clean and dramatic direc- tourism respecting planet Earth, tions that can be exploited; all humans and all living things can powerful PR tools. fulfill Einstein’s dreams of smiles One solo kayaker was in and well-being. We’ve got a head sight of South Island when he dis- start in Phuket, creating thou- appeared in a storm so severe that sands of smiles every day, but we the rescue party complained of can always make more. October 6 - 12, 2007 FEATURES PHUKET GAZETTE 29

In The Stars by Isla St ar

LIBRA (September 24-October 23): Bet- prepared to go out on a limb will have the ter financial luck arrives just in time for best chance of success. On Wednesday, you. If your birthday falls during the com- be on the lookout for a tricky Aquarian ing days, splashing out on a celebration for What this week has who could take advantage of your gener- friends will be on the agenda. While you ous mood. Sunday is a good day for mak- may not be feeling over the moon about ing the right impression on someone who’s your monetary situation at present, there’s caught your eye. every reason to expect that things will im- prove soon. Love comes knocking at your in store for you CANCER (June 22-July 23): Do not to let door this weekend when Leo is ready to indecision cloud your week. Trusting your make an approach. instincts will lead you to the right place. A tions can sometimes be too rigid. The only gresses better than you anticipated, but Scorpio should be treated with respect SCORPIO (October 24-November 22): A area in which you should not soften too having your own space remains important. early next week; you will be unable to beat rather mixed week lies ahead. While your much is finances. An unpaid debt could be bureaucracy. Relocation will become an home situation is still a cause for concern, pushed to the back of someone’s mind ARIES (March 21-April 20): Take the op- issue that you hadn’t been expecting, but help is at hand if you are prepared to swal- unless you issue a reminder. A dream you portunity to wipe the slate clean this week. you will discover that the grass could be low your pride. The chance to enhance have this weekend sheds light on a long- Fresh beginnings will be showered with greener on the other side of the fence. your career should arrive by the end of term mystery. inspiration and it appears that little can this week, but you will need to make a stand in your way until the end of the year. LEO (July 24-August 22): Excitement at lightning decision. The number eight can AQUARIUS (January 21-February 19) The Cancer can’t decide whether they’d like work starts to brew on Monday and could bring some good luck on Tuesday. chance of last-minute travel could be too to jump into the boat of romance with you; continue to stimulate you until the middle tempting to resist. Juggling work commit- it’s up to you to be more tempting. Wear of the month. Those of you ready to show SAGITTARIUS (November 23-December ments to everyone’s satisfaction may be papaya orange to boost your allure. the world what you’re really made of will 21): Freedom becomes important this easy, but convincing someone close to you shine, but if you’re not looking for chal- week as you tire of having limits imposed. personally could be another matter. It’s TAURUS (April 21-May 21): October is lenges, others will understand. A Piscean If this relates to a personal relationship, high time you assessed how important this the month for you to recharge batteries, friend has some surprising news this week- avoid making demands too hastily; a rea- relationship is. Monday is the best day to but social demands are probably proving end; your support will be welcomed. The sonable discussion will be more fruitful. If negotiate a tricky business deal, but com- irresistible. Your charm can attract new color charcoal gray encourages better bal- you would like more independence at work, promises required to do so could cause you romance this week, which will do won- ance of energy. arrange a meeting for Wednesday when concern. ders for your self-confidence. Where work the astral atmosphere will be more sup- is concerned, the present lull comes as VIRGO (August 23-September 23): Wet- portive. October should be the month when PISCES (February 20-March 20): Your sweet relief. Spend time on creative pur- weather blues are forecast this week. Your you can make beneficial changes. The tendency towards escapism is likely to be suits and spiritual matters to enhance peace pessimistic mood will affect family rela- color ruby red encourages quiet strength. a problem until the middle of this month. of mind. The chance of a monetary gift tionships that are already a little rocky, so Those of you who have difficulty facing from overseas is high. make an effort to see the sunny side of CAPRICORN (December 22-January 20): up to the fact that you made a wrong move life. Wish upon the first star that you see Your outlook on life is due to mellow, which should realize that it will be easier to put GEMINI (May 22-June 21): Dissatisfac- on Saturday night and think positively; at will encourage higher achievement during matters straight now. Tuesday is a good tion with your career could lead to a pro- least one dream will come true by the end October. Personal relationships will also day for inviting others to listen to your side ductive meeting with Leo this week. Those of the year. The number one is lucky on flourish as you accept that your expecta- of the story. Romance with Virgo pro- born under the sign of Gemini who are Wednesday. 30 PHUKET GAZETTE COMPUTERS October 6 - 12, 2007 Fast wireless Internet is back ast week’s PC Group an agreement that is supposed to though, because 3G phone tech- Therapy session brought merge the networks – equipment nology is changing fast, the com- exceedingly good news that you buy from CAT will work panies that do a good job with it Lfrom an unexpected on the Hutch network and vice- (notably Huawei) haven’t been source: The Communication Au- versa – but as best I can tell for household names for very long. thority of Thailand (CAT) has now, only certain kinds of tele- Second, the CCU-650 uses EV-DO cards back in stock! But phones can bridge the gap. “old” EV-DO technology, known you better move fast – I bet they Heaven only knows if the as Rev. 0. The AirCard 580 uses will sell out in a couple of days, if general elections in December Rev. 0, as well. The newer CCU- they haven’t already. will toss it all in the bit bucket, 680 and all of the currently avail- For those of you who but the promise at this point is that able AirCards use Rev. A, which haven’t been following the ongo- CAT and Hutch equipment will works better and faster, particu- ing saga, here’s the much-abbre- work on each others’ networks larly for Skype. If you don’t use viated version. by the end of the year (yes, this EV-DO for Skype or other VoIP Much to its year). applications, though, Rev 0 and credit, CAT has KHUN WOODY’S One of the Rev A aren’t all that much dif- invested billions nice qualities of ferent. of baht in a new the CDMA net- Third, C-motech’s driver for type of mobile COMPUTER work is its fast the CCU-650 (see www. phone technology that goes by Internet access. You can think of cmotech.com/english/customer/ many confusing names. Outside fast Internet as icing on the cake; program.html) isn’t listed as Win- of Thailand, most people call it 3G started as a whiz-bang mo- dows Vista-compatible, although 3G. CAT markets it under a some- bile-phone technology, but in CAT assures me they’ve been what less-efficient name, Phuket, and in most of the world, able to install the driver on Vista CDMA, which stands for… oh, 3G receives the most attention for CAT’s latest DO “air card” brings reasonably-fast Internet access to computers. never mind, computer acronyms its ability to provide broadband your PC, without any wires. On the plus side, the CCU- don’t mean much anyway. speed without any wires. 650 uses a USB port, so you can I don’t know how CAT To use the 3G network expect 500 to 600 Kbps (thou- spots, including parts of Nanai plug it into just about any com- managed to clear the countless “normally” you need a 3G tele- sands of bits per second). Road in Patong, Nai Harn, and puter. That’s a far cry from the regulatory hurdles, or how they phone. To use the 3G/CDMA You can use a CAT Internet the hills in Kamala. You won’t AirCard 580’s PCMCIA-only summoned the courage (and network with a computer, you modem like the Huawei EC321 know for sure if your new CCU- requirement. It also has a (rudi- capital) necessary to roll out the need something called an EV-DO and get 100 to 120 Kbps; or you 650 will work at your home or mentary) antenna. You can attach network, but CAT’s CDMA net- card. can buy one of CAT’s wireless office until you try it. Fortunately, a USB cable extender to the card, work now covers most but not all For the past year or so, telephones and connect it to your CAT will give you a refund if you and twist and turn the CCU-650 of Phuket. CAT has sold an EV-DO card computer. It sits on your desk tell them immediately. to try to maximize signal strength. The rest of the world is manufactured by Sierra Wireless and acts like a real telephone, The CCU-650 costs 10,990 For those of you in marginal ar- catching up quickly. In the US, called the AirCard 580. Demand except it doesn’t need a phone baht, and unlimited Internet ser- eas, that can be a real boon. Verizon is rolling out its 3G net- has been so high for the AirCard wire. vice runs at 790 baht per month. On the other hand, the fact work. In various parts of Europe, 580 that CAT ran out of them The wireless telephone also It ain’t cheap, but unless you are that the CCU-650 uses a USB 3G is hot and getting hotter. Pre- more than a month ago. Sierra runs at about 100 to 120 Kbps. willing and able to get the 2,600- port means that most wireless dictably, South Korea and Japan Wireless no longer manufactures For comparison, the CAT wired baht CAT ADSL line, it’s the best network hubs won’t be able to have copious 3G networks. the AirCard 580, so CAT had to ADSL lines that I use in Phuket game in town. attach to the Internet directly There are several alternatives to find an alternative. At last, the commonly run at 1,200 to 1,600 The AirCard 580 had its fair through the CCU-650. You may 3G on the horizon, but right now alternative has arrived: the CCU- Kbps (although the speed has share of problems, which I’ve be able to find a wireless router it’s the best, most-widely-avail- 650 manufactured by a company been tapering off in the evenings, documented in this column for that’s compatible with the CCU- able mobile phone technology – called C-motech. No, I’ve never as of late). many months. The CCU-650 also 650 (for example, the D-Link and Phuket was one of the first. heard of them either. You have to buy your 3G has problems, but they’re differ- DI524UP or 604UP). Otherwise, In a curious historical twist, It’s confusing. Right now, card, phone or modem from CAT. ent from the AirCard’s problems. if you want to share your CAT CAT owns the CDMA network there are three very different You can’t buy one say in Swe- Here’s what I know so far. connection over your home or in Phuket and most “upcountry” ways to get onto CAT’s high den and expect CAT to let you First, the CCU-650 is made office’s wireless network, you’ll parts of Thailand, whereas some- speed wireless information high- on their network. by a company called C-motech. have to use the Internet Connec- times-rival Hutch owns the way (gawd, I hate that term). You CAT’s 3G network works I’ve never heard of it, and I bet tion Sharing approach I discussed CDMA network in Bangkok. can use an EV-DO card such as well in most locations on the is- you’ve never heard of it either. in August. CAT and Hutch have announced the AirCard 580 or CCU-650 and land, but there are many marginal That shouldn’t be too off-putting, All in all, the CCU-650 seems like a reasonable choice. (Tech specifications are at ARE YOU HOT? www.cmotech.com/english/prod- Here are a couple of absolutely free Wi-Fi access ucts/pro_10.html.) If you can jus- hotspots on the island. tify the steep price of admission at 10,990 baht, the monthly • Liquid Lounge, Surin Beach. Open daily 4pm to 1am. charge isn’t bad at all. Recent tests show: Download Speed 428 kbps; Upload To get a CCU-650, go to the Speed 206 kbps. CAT office in Phuket City (on • Jimmy's Lighthouse. Free WiFi on the Ao Chalong Phang Nga Road), or the office beachfront road, just north of Chalong Pier. in Patong (off Rat-U-Thit, near Andaman Beach Suites). When I asked at the CAT office in • Kamala Beer Garden. Free wireless lan DSL. Open Patong, they had 15 CCU-650s 4pm-2am daily. left. By the time you read this, I’d be surprised if they aren’t all If you’re hot – and free – just drop Woody an email at: sold out. [email protected] When he isn’t writing computer books and magazine and news- letter articles, or knocking Microsoft around on his website, Woody Leonhard ([email protected], www.askwoody.com) runs Khun Woody’s Bakery and the Sandwich Shoppe in Patong. Woody’s latest book, Windows Home Server For Dummies, will be available all over the world, in several languages, this No- vember. October 6 - 12, 2007 B U S I N E S S & MONEY PHUKET GAZETTE 31 32 PHUKET GAZETTE B U S I N E S S & MONEY October 6 - 12, 2007 ON THE MOVE Jirada Deechaiya from Wanpen Upton, 45, from Pablo Lopez, 26, from Bangkok has been pro- Songkhla, has been pro- Guatemala has been ap- moted to Director of Radio moted to Director of Tele- pointed Latin Chef Man- of Thailand, Phuket. K. vision of Thailand Channel ager of Latinos Restaurant, Jirada has a master’s de- 11, Phuket. K. Wanpen Nai Harn. Mr Lopez gradu- gree in Strategy Develop- graduated in English Lit- ated at Institute Vatel in ment from Phuket Rajabhat erature at Srinakarin Wirot Nimes, France, and has University and a degree University. She has worked experience working as a from Chankasem Univer- as Chief of News for Ra- management trainee at the sity in Bangkok. K. Jirada’s dio of Thailand, Phuket. Jebel Ali Golf Resort & experience includes work- Before being pro- Spa. Mr Lopez has served ing for five years as a pre- moted, K. Wanpen worked an internship in the south of senter for Channel 11, for six years as Chief of France and in the French Phuket, and 11 years as a News Programing for Tele- West Indies as F&B Man- presenter for Radio of vision of Thailand Channel ager for the restaurant at Thailand, Phuket. 11, Phuket. Le Manapany hotel.

By Semacote Suganya PHUKET: TOT is expanding its coverage in Phuket with the ad- TOT moves ahead with dition of 11 telephone exchanges, switchboards that connect calls, this month, together providing 5,400 new phone lines for the is- land. Copper cabling across Phu- Phuket line expansion ket will also be upgraded to sup- port high-speed ADSL Internet demand in certain areas has led phone lines will be installed currently in development. where the cable length exceeds access and improve the quality of to a shortage. throughout Thailand by TOT un- Fueling the expansion, three kilometers, TOT will install services offered. “In the case of Patong and der its nationwide upgrade. TOT’s gross profit has risen 38% more telephone exchanges. Many Phuket residents some other areas, if the tele- “The price of installing a in the past year and is expected The budget for this project have been complaining about phones lines are full, we have to new phone line is now set at 3,350 to rise even further after the in- has been granted and received, problems with telephone lines as send technicians to the area to baht, excluding VAT, with a stallation of the 20 and all that remains demand has come to outweigh design a project for how we can monthly fee of 100 baht. The exchanges. Most of is the actual con- supply in some areas, leaving source new cables from our price is subject to change. The the company’s in- “By the end of the struction of the phone operators unable to cope. warehouse in Bangkok because process of getting a new tele- come is derived year, Phuket is likely telephone ex- In Patong, where many we don’t have a warehouse in phone line usually takes about one from services such to have an additional changes and short- new businesses continue to start Phuket,” said K. Pairoj. week,” said K. Pairoj. as the rental of cir- ening of the cables, up, there has been increasing de- Mae Luan Rd in Phuket City The speed of ADSL con- cuit boards, lead 20 telephone K. Pairoj explained. mand for new phone lines, which is another black spot suffering a nections on the island will be in- lines and the laying exchanges, with 11 With the ex- has in turn meant that local resi- shortage of phone lines, but the creased from 1MB to 2MB at the of fiber-optic pansion in the num- dents have had to go without. high demand and limited space to same existing price of 1,000 baht cables as used by coming by the end ber of new phone Residents have also been hang cables on telephone poles per month, said K. Pairoj, who large hotels for of October.” lines in Phuket, K. disgruntled with problems en- means that meeting the demand added that some islanders had ISDN access. Pairoj explained countered connecting to the is a slow process. become frustrated with waiting The copper phone cables in that eventually Phuket’s current Internet, while those applying for Using underground cables for phone lines and had turned to Phuket are now being upgraded, phone number allocation will need new phone lines have been told is one alternative, but consent TT&T, which operates under a with the distances between tele- an overhaul. To help allocate new by operators that there are no must be given by residents before government concession, in the phone exchanges being shortened numbers TOT has a new geo- new phone lines available. the cables can be installed, ex- hope of getting a line quicker. to three kilometers. graphic information system (GIS) Pairoj Somsri, director of plained K. Pairoj. “We have tried TT&T is allocated a num- This will enhance the qual- system in place to allocate based Phuket TOT, told the Gazette that to do this on Thalang Rd for years, ber of phone lines by TOT that it ity and speed of ADSL connec- on customers’ house addresses. there are 60,000 phone numbers but the residents in the area are thens passes on to customers. tions, but will mean that all phone All customers will be given available in Phuket, with 43,000 not willing to let us,” he said. The prices with TT&T are numbers will have to change due ample warning of the impending currently in use, although high A total of 560,000 new the same as TOT, but the services to the existing cables being cut, changes before they take place, differ slightly, said K. Pairoj. said K. Pairoj, although he was he said, and all replacements of K. Pairoj said that by the unable to confirm how long the existing phone numbers will be end of the year, Phuket is likely upgrade will take. free of charge. to have an additional 20 telephone Reducing the lengths of The changes will be gradual, exchanges, with 11 coming by the cable will reduce the number of although a time-frame has yet to end of October and another nine connection problems. In areas be set for the changes, he added.

VITAL STATISTICS: Company Registrations Aug ’06 Aug ’07 Limited company registrations 122 101 Limited partnership registrations 39 37 Limited companies restructured 379 356 Limited partnerships restructured 32 46 Companies deregistered 18 18 Partnerships deregistered 5 10 Source: Phuket Business Development Office Take me home with you!

Soi Dog Foundation Tel: 01-7884222 October 6 - 12, 2007 B U S I N E S S & MONEY PHUKET GAZETTE 33

he decision by Ameri- ca’s Central Bank, the US Federal Reserve, to T to reduce interest rates China holds yuan from by 50 basis points from 5.25% to 4.75% was accompanied by a further slide in the value of the US dollar. This resulted in the Canadian dollar reaching parity sliding against US dollar with the US dollar, an event not seen since the 1970s. The US dollar also reached In a bid to reduce excess li- record lows against the euro, but quidity from the domestic econo- as the latter was introduced only my, the Chinese government an- in 1999, it means little from a sta- nounced that it would allow its tistical point of view. However, citizens to invest in the Hong from a psychological perspective, Kong stock market. This was the US dollar moving to 1.40 to countered after some internal dis- the euro provoked panic from Eu- agreement inside the government ropean exporters and French that the scale of the concession President Nicholas Sarkozy. was to be significantly reduced. Sarkozy called on the Euro- No figures were ever published. pean Central Bank (ECB) to re- A significant danger is on the duce interest rates to weaken the horizon: the US Congress, now euro. One of the European controlled by the opposition Union’s strengths is its Central Democrats, is likely to introduce Bank’s independence. Chancellor legislation against Chinese im- Angela Merkel of Germany im- ports. This could include import mediately contradicted the French tariffs. Should this happen, the president’s statement and gave Chinese will immediately retali- public support to ECB policy. ate, and this has the potential to It is interesting to note how become a “trade war”. very public their disagreement on Unfortunately, trade wars monetary policy was. This was have no victors. Opportunistic in stark contrast to the previously politicians in the US, looking at linked and often muddled think- The Chinese central bank, the Peoples Bank of China, whose Beijing headquarters is pictured above, is presidential elections in 2008, are ing of their predecessors in the keeping the yuan artificially weak to allow Chinese exports to remain competitive. unlikely to worry about the 1990s, when it was agreed that broader picture. The story that is France and Germany would nication from any politician re- ate against other currencies as a eign exchange reserves, totaling being portrayed is that, with the somehow follow a joint fast-track questing that he raise interest freely traded currency would be- over US$1.3 trillion. China also playing field uneven, the US is policy, leaving rates. This is a great have. has tight exchange-control regu- facing unfair competition and this other members of strength of an inde- In August 2005, the Chi- lations and the result of this has is causing a loss of jobs to the the European MONEY pendent central nese government, under pressure been a massive build up of liquid- American population. Union to catch up bank: the ability to from many other countries, al- ity in the domestic market. This US Treasury Secretary – if they could. raise interest rates lowed the yuan to revalue from liquidity in China has resulted in Henry “Hank” Paulsen is con- This was con- TALKS when required. its previous peg of 8.28 yuan per various bubbles in both property cerned that a trade war will cause fused thinking, as The core of US dollar. Since then the cur- prices and stock markets. damage and has publicly stated both Germany and the problem in the rency has only moved upwards The Chinese government, the dangers. France were expe- US is the massive by around 10% against the dol- via its non-independent central Japan, which also has huge riencing high unem- trade and current lar, and much less against other bank, the Peoples Bank of China, foreign exchange reserves and a ployment and low account deficits major world currencies. has raised interest rates five times trading surplus with the US, is in economic growth. that require vast China is following a very this year in an attempt to cool the an entirely different position. The However, po- amounts of foreign simple economic policy, keeping economy. Other measures taken Japanese economy is too complex litical rhetoric borrowing to main- its currency artificially weak al- include capital gains tax on prop- to also discuss this week; we’ll aside, the French By Richard G. Watson tain the value of the lows China to compete in export erty held for short periods of time deal with it another time. and German lead- currency. If left markets, which in turn sustains and an increase in stamp duty on ers are vast improvements on alone, market forces will, over the country’s economic boom. stock market transactions. Richard G Watson runs Global their predecessors and are mak- time, push down the value of any Because China is consid- To date, however, these Portfolios Co Ltd, a Phuket- ing progress inside the political re- currency experiencing substantial ered a totalitarian state, the need policies have had little real effect, based personal financial-plan- alities in both countries. deficits. to continue high economic growth and this is being felt in various ning service. He can be In a televised interview on The US dollar is simply fol- is essential. A booming economy areas. Stock market valuations reached at Tel: 076-381997, Bloomberg, Alan Greenspan said lowing market forces, but the removes any focus on govern- are at dangerous levels with price Fax: 076-383185, Mobile: that during his term as US Fed- market is being rigged and the ment fundamentals. and earning multiples at over 40. 081-0814611. Email: imm@ eral Reserve chairman (1987 to main culprit is China. China is not This has led to the accumu- Inflation has risen to over 6% and loxinfo.co.th. Website: www. 2006), he had never had commu- allowing its currency to appreci- lation of the world’s largest for- looks likely to continue rising. global-portfolios.com 34 PHUKET GAZETTE SPORTS October 6 - 12, 2007 Divers team up for underwater cleanup

Beneath the SURFACE A bowler lets fly at the business bowling tourney. By Sylvie Yaffe

High-fliers bowl for business he high season is ap PHUKET: The Phuket Chamber Of Commerce, Phuket Tourism proaching fast and Association, Southern Hotel Association, and Federation Of Thai members of the dive in Industries, Phuket Chapter, held a bowling competition on Septem- T dustry have had their ber 29 to foster good relations between local businesses and to raise annual underwater clean up. All money for charity. efforts were purely voluntary Each team, consisting of three players, competed for trophies and dive operators Dive Asia, Sea only – no prize money was at stake. Fun and Scandinavian Scuuba Phuket Governor Niran Kalayanamit officially opened the day Doo, generously and charitably of competition, and presented a check for 20,000 baht to a represen- donated their vessels and ser- tative from Baan Lung Pitak children’s charity, which cares for chil- vices. dren whose parents are serving sentences in jail. PADI Project Aware pro- More than 30 teams joined in the competition, with the team vided certificates of participation from Tarn Tara Spa & Health Cuisine Phuket winning first place, to all volunteer divers. followed by Phuket Center Tour in second place and Royal Phuket Despite the cloudy skies and Marina third. rainy weather, 71 dedicated vol- unteers, including six from the Phuket Marine Biological Center Cricketers prepare for new season (PMBC) gathered 460 kilograms PHUKET: The Cricket Associa- The courses aim to bring of rubbish from popular diving tion of Thailand (CAT) is orga- coaches and umpires up to speed destination Racha Yai. nizing free courses in preparation so they will be able to umpire and Unsurprisingly, common for the upcoming cricket season. coach next season, ahead of the items retrieved were fishing gear With plenty of action scheduled 2008 CAT Thailand Inter-Re- (ropes, lines, hooks and nets) for both seniors and juniors in the gional Tournament, which will be which can cause severe damage Eefje Pattyn of the SSS Re-compression Chamber Network frees coming months, some ground- held from February 22 to 24. and death not only to the reef it- coral from a fishing line. Photo by Joel Tomalin. level preparation is being orga- The courses will be in En- self, but also to the marine life that nized to help the season run as glish. Accommodation and meals inhabit it. Common victims in- Green Fins program aims to (PMBC), which now falls under smoothly as possible. will be provided on course days clude dolphins, turtles and dug- encourage tour operators to ob- the Department of Marine and The first course will be held along with transfers. ong. serve a set of guidelines for en- Coastal Resources, Ministry of October 12 to 15 in Bangkok for Each participant will be Participating sponsors in- vironmentally-friendly diving and Natural Resources and Environ- Level I umpires and scorers will given a shirt and a pair of shorts, cluded Green Fins, an initiative of snorkeling at popular sites as well ment. be given by Roger Binny, Dr as well as a travel subsidiary and the United Nations Environment as implement systematic monitor- Of recent concern to the Vece Paes, Mohideen Kader, 200-baht daily allowance. Programme (UNEP). ing at dive sites. dive industry, already a misunder- Saurabh Dhanuka and Thiti The number of registrants Green Fins aims to protect Green Fins, which is free stood segment here in Phuket, Kader. A Level I coaching course is limited. Those interested should the reef by promoting sustainable for dive centers to join comes with were international media reports will be held in Chiang Mai Octo- apply as soon as possible by email dive tourism. Unaffiliated with free training provided, is being that 55 Israeli tourist were return- ber 27 to 30 and given by the at [email protected] or kader_9 any particular diving organization implemented in Thailand by the ing from a diving trip when their same group of cricket gurus. @hotmail.com (such as Padi, SSI or TDA), the Phuket Marine Biological Center boat sank. Having worked and dived on many dive boats, some of the largest in Phuket and Bali, I have yet to be on a boat that can hold 55 divers. Dive professionals who read the news reports knew something was amiss because they too have never been on a dive boat holding 55 divers. Many people expressed their concern that Phuket’s dive industry was undeservedly taking a bad rap. The international and na- tional media reports reflected a lack of safety regarding diving vessels in Phuket that was not true. Although subsequent re- ports by the Gazette correctly stated it was a tour-operator boat, for the record it should be noted that this boat was run by a tour operator carrying snorkel- ers, not divers, although at one time it may have been a diving boat. At the time of the boat’s sinking, however, it was not be- ing used by any of Phuket’s dive operators. October 6 - 12, 2007 SPORTS PHUKET GAZETTE 35 Marco pedals his way into history Phuket Gold akhon Sri Thammarat hosted the 36th Thailand By Nick Davies NNational Games from September 15 to 25 with a PHUKET: Luxembourg national number of Phuket athletes managing to fend off stiff and environmental activist Marco competition from around country to win four gold, Reinard completed his 24-hour solo bike ride around Phuket at 6 one silver and four bronze medals. pm on September 22, arriving at Here our just a few of Phuket’s sporting heroes. Yoonique Stone bar, Nai Harn, the same place he had set off from the day before at 4.30 pm. Buatip Boonprasert won gold in Marco’s pedal-powered the women’s 800 meters but ride to promote environmental had to settle for silver in the awareness covered a record 522 1,500 meters. kilometers, clocking an average speed of 22kmh. His mountain bike, specially the Gazette. built for endurance riding, was Aside from his pasta meal, provided by sponsors Hotel Marco sustained himself with Travel.com and was delivered the energy drinks, which helped re- day before his ride. plenish some of the 22,000 calo- About 40 cycling enthusi- ries he burned during the ride. asts joined and encouraged To continue his campaign to Marco at various points during his create awareness of pollution and Tuntipong Petchaiya (center) threw a marathon. environmental issues facing national record of Marco stopped for a dish of Phuket and the world, Marco is 52.29 meters to win pasta during his ride and took a planning a 5,000-mile journey gold in the men’s few 10-minute massage breaks from Burma to Taiwan on a cus- hammer. when his leg muscles threatened tom-made Hobie catamaran in to seize up, meaning that he fin- November this year. ished his ride slightly later than Marco, who will be sailing anticipated. with a Burmese sea gypsy he be- “Apart from the occasional friended earlier this year, plans to cramping of my calf muscles, the complete the wind-powered trip most painful problem was my in 100 days. knees,” a sunburned Marco told

PATONG DARTS LEAGUE Petanque heroes (left to right) Salif PATONG: With one-third of the matches played in the 18-week Nooset, Sompong league currently underway, Queen Mary’s lead now sits at just one Pongklang, point over Piccadilly, who took their third consecutive three-point Tamrong Koompate win on the road at Valhalla. and Tanyawat Jack, the Piccadilly bartender making a rare road appearance Inklub won gold at to give Piccadilly the minimum five-man side, got the high score of the National Games 140. Aussie Jeff of Piccadilly scored a 93 close (3, T20, x15). this year. In a Nanai Road derby, newcomers Market Bar clobbered Beach House 8-1 before Beach House salvaged a point in the beer leg. Mark from Market Bar went home happy after flipping in an unassailable high score of “One Hundred and Eighty!” Send all match results to [email protected] for inclusion in this article.

September 25 results: Market Bar 8 Beach House* 1; Valhalla 2 Piccadilly* 7; Shakers* 3 Queen Mary 6; Simply Red* 1 Dogs Bollocks 8; Offshore=bye. (* = winner of beer leg)

Standings: 1. Queen Mary (13); 2. Piccadilly (12); 3. Dogs Bol- locks (10); 4. Offshore (9); 5. Simply Red (8); 6. Shakers (7); 7. Market Bar (6); 8. Valhalla (5); 9. Beach House (2).

October 9 match-ups: Offshore v Market Bar; Dogs Bollocks v Beach House; Simply Red v Queen Mary; Shakers v Valhalla; Piccadilly=bye. (home teams first) 36 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PROPERTY October 6 - 12, 2007

Gardening by Bloomin’ Bert

egends are silly. They’re Do I really need to spell that one not cute, they’re not his out? torical; they’re complete ”I’m not sure there’s any- Lnonsense. Where do thing normal about this plant at they come from? What form of There be dragons all. The ornate flowers the plants bored mind dreamed them up in produce only appear during the the first place? Did they have night and last just one night, so nothing better to do with their pollination has to take place at that time? Why do we, in the 21st point to get a crop of dragon fruit. century, have to put up with these However, to counter this, the inanities? plants can produce four to six Ghosts and witches, goblins crops of fruit each year. and elves. What are these things Propagation is child’s play. even supposed to be? Please! By just scooping out some of the Even kings aren’t immune to hav- flesh and separating out the seeds, ing daft tales perpetuated about you’re ready to start planting. them for centuries; King Arthur Sow them in pots containing gritty pulling a sword from a stone and potting compost, water and then some helpless young lady (“moist- enclose the whole thing in a poly- ened bint”, as so delicately de- ethylene bag. It really is as easy scribed in Monty Python and the as that. Holy Grail) from a lake? Come ”You’ll then need to be pa- on – this is silly. tient for a couple of weeks be- Does anyone really think fore you’ll see seedlings start to that some bloke in green tights appear. Initially, the seedlings and a dodgy hat ran around have two leaves on them; these Sherwood Forest with lots of are the only leaves this plant will other wholesome chaps a few ever produce. centuries back and took from the They might look fierce, but these dragon fruits won’t bite. They don’t even breathe fire. From this point onwards, a rich so that he could hand out the spiny stem will grow between the dosh to the poor? And was Maid Perhaps our most famous legend Although it’s usually grown center of these leaves, and the Marion really the only female There are hundreds of them revolves around a bloke called in tropical climates, it’s unclear leaves will drop off after a few around? Either there’s more to floating around; we’re all guilty “George”, who probably never where the dragon fruit plants months. In theory, you should this than meets the eye, or it’s a of retelling them. Most people existed, with the title of “saint”. came from in the first place. then be able to grow your own complete fabrication. have probably heard the tale, usu- He is supposed to have gloriously They are native to Mexico, Cen- dragon fruit. Who cares what happened ally imparted as a “something that slain a mythical dragon while sav- tral and Southern America, and Alternatively, you can cre- at Stonehenge? It’s a load of really happened to a friend of a ing a damsel in distress – a prin- are today cultivated in Southeast ate new plants by stem cutting. rocks in a big circle – nothing else. friend”, of the dotty grandmother cess, supposedly – from being Asia. The dragon fruit is now This means you’ll need to find a Urban legends are even who tried to dry her damp poodle burnt to a crisp by the dragon’s Vietnam’s leading fruit export. willing neighbor with a dragon worse – people actually believe by placing it in the microwave fire-breathing party trick. “When you cut through the fruit cactus, cut off a section of in them. Stories abound. The set- oven. The dog cooked from the There’s actually a dragon in melon-like skin into the flesh of his stem and plant it directly into ting is a rock concert for some inside out, then exploded, and the plant world that has very little the fruit, there’s a stark contrast the ground. second-rate band in the US, at Grandma has never been quite in common with its legendary with the outside skin. You’ll find This method is a lot faster some unknown time in the past. the same since. namesake. This dragon is a fruit; an opaque white inner with black than growing through seeds, After playing for some time, What about the one about a fruit not exactly renowned for seeds throughout. The seeds are which would usually take at least just after a featured guitar solo, the young lady alone in her apart- spouting flames. a bit like the ones found inside a six months for the first bloom and someone near the front of the ment who goes to bed with her It’s not like any other fruit kiwi fruit, in that they’re edible. another 45 days or so for the crowd boos loudly. In response dog on the floor beside her. In the that I’m aware of. The dragon The cactus that the dragon fruits to develop from the flower to the booing, a member of the middle of the night, she is woken fruit is kind of an oval shape, about fruit comes from can grow any- buds. band comes to the microphone up by a strange sound. She’s the size of a grapefruit. It has a where between a few centime- I was going to polish this and issues a challenge, saying, “If alarmed, but reaches down to the particularly vivid pink color and a ters up to about six meters for the inane, prolix discourse off with a you think you can do better, come dog, who licks her hand. Reas- few weird reptilian scales on the more mature plants. In nature, legend about how the dragon fruit on up here.” Eric Clapton climbs sured, she goes back to sleep. The outside – presumably where the these plants survive by growing got its name, but I thought better on to the stage. next morning, she finds the dog “dragon” epithet originated. on trees – they grow out of the of it, as I’d rather finish a couple Yeah, right. There are those has met a grisly end in the The dragon fruit is also soil and over it until they find a of sentences sooner and go down who will insist that this is a true shower. Where the dog slept, she known as the strawberry pear, tree they can grow on using their to the pub. tale – the sort of anecdote you picks up a note which reads, “Hu- pitaya, pitahaya, or kaew mung aerial roots. I wonder if the Stonehenge can chuck in at parties to amaze mans can lick, too”. korn in Thai, or hylocereus They’re not particularly designers ever realized that it and entertain. Unfortunately, the Anyway, back to those undatus if you want to get tech- fussy about the type of soil they would be a lot more fun to sit opposite happens, as this is of regular legends that are so often nical. It doesn’t even come from grow in, although they grow best down with an ale than dream up course complete nonsense – an perpetuated. I’m from England, a fruit tree as such – this is the when the soil is kept high in nu- reasons to put big rocks in a urban legend. as you may by now be aware. fruit of a species of cactus. trients by adding organic matter. circle. Cheers.

Want to know more about a plant in your garden? Email Bloomin’ Bert at: [email protected] October 6 - 12, 2007 PHUKET PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 37

Construction by Pathomporn Kaenkrachang Gazumping stalls Kathu road expansion

KATHU: The two-year-old, road, the banks of Klong Bang 62.35-million-baht project to ex- Yai where it runs alongside the pand Wichit Songkram Rd from road will be reinforced with con- two lanes to four was scheduled crete to prevent the banks from for completion last month but re- collapsing, added K. Charoonlert. mains far from finished. Kathu “Now the construction [on Municipality, who is managing the the road project] is behind sched- project, now aims to have the ule. Work on the project started widened road open and fully op- on September 26 last year and erational by April 2008. was scheduled to be finished by Although the project spans September 25, 2007, but now it’s a distance of only one and a half late,” Charoonlert Logoottara, Part of the project includes reinforcing the banks Klong Bang Yai with a ferro-concrete barrier to kilometers, disputes with private Architect of Kathu Municipality’s prevent the road from collapsing and flooding. land owners and Wat Kathu have Public Works and Town Country stymied progress. Planning office, told the Gazette. important that we start moving While the roadworks are Engineering consultants Sompong Wattana Ltd is “The reasons are that we the power poles back away from being carried out, Kathu Munici- Suwannapoom Co Ltd has been the contractor hired to widen cannot widen the road in front of the road along the front of those pality is moving ahead with its hired to oversee and manage the Wichit Songkram Rd from nine Wat Kathu and on some private plots so we can later proceed with 229.5-million-baht project to in- project, while SKY Co Ltd and meters wide to 17 meters wide, land plots as agreement with the the road widening,” said K. stall an entire sewer network Construction Co Ltd are the con- from Kathu District Health Of- landowners about the price of has Charoonlert. throughout the district. The tractors carrying out the work. fice to Loch Palm Golf Club. The still not been reached. So we have However, although the con- project includes the installation of “The sewers in the same company will also install a me- to negotiate again with the own- struction has been an inconve- concrete cylinders, one meter in areas where the road has been dian strip to separate traffic trav- ers of the private land and with nience to drivers for several diameter, along roadsides. widened are the last to be in- eling in opposing directions, re- the abbot of Wat Kathu,” he said. years, the expanded road will be The sewer-network project, stalled for the entire project, but ducing the danger of head-on “The construction should be much safer with a median strip which started on September 30, we still have to install the tanks collisions. 100% completed before Song- separating vehicles traveling in 2005, is scheduled for completion and pumps,” K. Charoonlert ex- In addition to expanding the kran next year. Right now, it’s opposite directions, he added. on March 18, 2008. plained. 38 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PROPERTY October 6 - 12, 2007

Design by Semacote Suganya

hree types of villa are planned on three tiers on Leam Yang beachfront Thillside as part of the lat- est development by The Estate Design by ethnic fusion Group. Thailand,” said Matthew. Each villa on the hill, with Matthew also explained sea view and an infinity-edge the importance of having a team swimming pool, will incorporate of designers comprised of people fusions of architectural styles that from various ethnic backgrounds bring ethnic elements together to incorporated in the design. take full advantage of their hill- “If a house is to be de- side location in tropical surround- signed with Asian elements, ings. then you need Asian people in- The Estate Beachfront is volved in the design process. the second Phuket residential This is equally true for ensur- project by developers The Estate ing a design contains all the nec- Group, overseen by Chairman & essary Western elements that CEO Matthew Rayner, an expe- will attract a Western buyer.” rienced chartered surveyor and Matthew avoided using urban planner. Matthew has been curves in the home designs, opt- involved in real estate in Thailand ing for clean lines that retain a for the past 15 years and moved sense of smoothness and allow to Phuket from Bangkok about for easy decoration when com- four years ago. plete. Favoring practicality over “My father was an archi- superfluous styling, his choice of tect, so I have seen and experi- designs are distinctive in that they enced many kinds of designs. In The clean lines of the villas incorporate a fusion of ethnic elements in order to offer designs that are maintain clean lines to offer the practical and take advantage of the hillside location. my opinion, although unusual most practical use of space. angles may be attractive, homes “I am not overly concerned cending the slopes to the top of “We chose this hillside lo- on either side of the property,” designed with rounded curves how these designs are labeled as Laem Yang hill, challenges had to cation because it is special in that Matthew explained. can be very hard to live in and we are not necessarily trying to be overcome in designing the it gives us the chance to take ad- Having lived around the impractical when it comes time define a particular style – our goal homes to ensure that they took vantage of the wonderful views, world, Matthew was inspired by to decorating them with furni- is to create a comfortable living full advantage of their elevated but it was a challenge to create a oriental lifestyles and wanted to ture,” he said. environment,” he said. location and the surrounding practical design that gives the ensure that he created a contem- “Although the villas may With the villas on tiers as- views. home-owner unobstructed views porary living environment that seem to be of a simple design, I fuses Western and Eastern living believe that the very structured, concepts. grid-like form actually gives a lot “I wanted to create some- of freedom to the owner. The thing that is convenient with the homes can be open to the ele- elegance of the Western house, ments or they can be closed up but with the style and freedom of and cozy. an Asian home. There are fea- “We want to give as much tures in the design that were freedom as possible to the buyer added to ensure a balance of cul- to customize their design, al- tural elements. For example, we though it is important that all the were careful to ensure we had a villas have unobstructed views suitable number of steps and there and are set far enough away are raised shelves specially for from the road to maintain the main placing Buddha images,” he said. concept of seclusion,” said Matthew. “The tropics and Asian cul- Lighting is also important for ture inspire me and I wanted to Matthew. “The homes are de- ensure that the designs fit in with signed and positioned to take ad- these concepts,” he added. vantage of the ample sunlight in To ensure the desired fusion the day time and flood into the of styles, Matthew called on ar- house, but we also attach equal chitects Tomaryk Design, a importance to ensuring the artifi- Bangkok-based firm headed by cial lighting is aesthetically pleas- Australian architect Krys Tarn- ing to enhance the clean lines of owski. The company’s previous the villa’s design,” he said. projects include Katamanda in Kata and Baan Zeman at Surin Beach. For more information, visit “I chose to work with Tom- www. theestatebeachfront.com aryk Design as they have been or contact Matthew directly. involved in many hospitality and Tel: 081-7873193. Email: high-end residential projects in [email protected] October 6 - 12, 2007 PHUKET PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 39

Home of the Week Nai Harn Funky affordable abode

his ready-to-move-into, for more than one family or a fully-furnished, semi-de permanent home where friends tached, three-bedroom and family can stay while retain- Thouse with a private ing their privacy. pool is set on a quiet residential Built to European standards, street in Nai Harn, surrounded by high quality finishes are featured green fields with a forest back- throughout the house, including drop. granite tiles and counters, hard- The funky freehold property wood floors, and marble counters with a European feel is divided in the kitchen. into two living spaces that cover The bedrooms have built-in 230 square meters on 320sqm of wardrobes and the two ceramic land. tiled bathrooms, including the The main living section on master bedroom en suite, are This luxury, three-bedroom property could be yours freehold for 10 million baht. Highlights include a the lower level contains a west- equipped with rainwater showers roof terrace and a 32-square-meter swimming pool. ern kitchen, a living room, dinning and have clear glass sinks on room and a private office or study. granite counters. comforts include a central water- with a whirpool, which can be lion baht. The upper level is complete Paradise windows are heating system and air-condition- shaded with a remote controlled, with a living room and Thai double-glazed with mosquito ing units. retractable awning. There’s also kitchen, plus a roof terrace. Each screens and decorative wrought- Large sliding glass doors in a garage for two vehicles. For details call Tanya at Siam level can be accessed separately, iron security bars. the living room open out onto a The property is availble for Real Estate at 076-288908 or making it ideal as a holiday home Additional built-in home patio and a 32sqm swimming pool sale with freehold title for 10 mil- visit www.siamrealestate.com 40 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS October 6 - 12, 2007 Property Gazette

Properties BEAUTIFUL NAI AO POR LAND LAND FOR SALE UNIQUE SEAVIEW HEAVEN ON EARTH For Sale YANG LAND URGENT SALE

KARON LAND FOR SALE

Flat land, 119sq wah in Top investment: New 5-bedroom, Thai-style villa in 5 mins to Phuket airport, Maneekram between Cha- seaview pool villa overlook- Phuket. Magnificant Phang- close to the beach, 10 rai. 150 rai, Chanote, panoramic long and Central Festival. Ac- ing Karon Beach. 450sqm Nga Bay sea view. 3 big bed- 120 million baht. Must see. sea view. From 2.3 million cess from roads on 2 sides. build area , 950sqm plot, rooms are en-suite with Tel: 089-7727012. Email: baht per rai. Contact for Full public utilities, quiet and Chanote. Sale directly seaview. Private swimming [email protected] more information. Tel: 089- area. Price: 1.9 million baht. from Swiss owner. Docu- pool. Land plot 730.8sqm. 15 million baht per rai, 7727012. Email: se_rim@ Tel: 084-8516115. Email: mentation and pics avail- construction area approx. Chanote, hillside, pan- hotmail.com [email protected] able. Tel: 089-5938690. 573sqm. Full security ser- oramic sea view, quiet [email protected] vice. Located at Rommai area. Please contact for SURIN/BANGTAO Chailay Estate. 27 million additional information. APARTMENT TOWNHOUSE SURIN LAND baht. Tel: 081-7191705. Tel: 089-7727012. Email: Club Lersuang, 2-bedroom 2 story, 2 bedrooms, 2 bath- FOR SALE BARGAIN LAND Email: [email protected] RAWAI [email protected] apartment, ground floor, rooms, kitchen, living room, 1,016sqm: 6 million baht. big pool, gym, restaurant, garage. Next to Kathu Munici- 996sqm: 5 million baht. 5-min- 2.1 rai, 3360sqm, with Chanote bar, etc. 6 million baht. Tel: pality Office, 3 minutes from ute walk to Surin Beach. Call title. Flat land in developing area. TWIN GARDEN 076-271870, 087-079 Big C, Central and Lotus. Spe- Tel: 081-8687676. Great investment, private sale. HOUSE FOR SALE BUNGALOWS 0650. Email: mlcberg@ cial price: 1,350,000 baht. Tel: 081-5697127. Email: Substantial 2-story house [email protected] Up to 6 bedrooms, 4 bath- netvigator.com Tel: 076-236590, 081-895 LAND PLOT situated in much-desired, rooms in secure estate near 5628. Fax: 076-236590. AT SAI YUAN secure compound. 3 bed- PRIVATE HILL VILLA room, 3 bathroom, living top bilingual school. 4 aircons, Email: phuketspeedboats@ Ocean view with private ac- 4 bedrooms, pool, golf course room, kitchen/diner, garage 2 ADSL lines, satellite TV, ga- LAND IN KHAO LAK yahoo.com cess. Nor.Sor.Sam.Gor. 7-3- view in Loch Plam, Kathu. 20 ,mature garden backing on rage. 3.9 million baht Includes Five rai of Chanote land with 81 rai at 6.5 million baht per million baht. Tel: 085-7839062. klong, Furnished with ADSL CRV or Soluna car. Tel: 089- 50 meters of road frontage SEAVIEW rai. Tel: 081-5384989. Email: and UBC. Price 6.9 m baht 9546433, 089-2885028. on Pakarang beach road. 1.5 APARTMENT [email protected] Email: [email protected] million baht per rai. Tel: 053- 2 bedrooms, top floor, north 5.5 MILLION BAHT neg. Tel: 084-8439579. 904873, 081-8817075. POOL VILLA Email: [email protected] Patong, 20 steps to the beach, HOUSE RAWAI Fax: 053-904873. Email: 3 bedrooms, over 1000sqm NICE LAND PLOT freehold. Price: 9.7 million 3 bedrooms, European specs, [email protected] of land, 350sqm of living 356 Sq wah. Chanote title, baht. Tel: 086-2765117. For 6.2 million baht. More photos space. Unique offer in Yamu. VERY NICE 4 BED optional. 2-bedroom pool villa photos, please send email: available. Tel: 089-6666726. [email protected] Tel: 085-7839062. HOUSE W/ POOL ready to build. 10 minutes to Email: [email protected] A nice 4-bedroom house w/ Laguna Phuket. Tel: 081- LUXURY VILLA - LAGUNA 100 MILLION RAWAI POOL VILLA private garden, large swim- 5399269. LAND IN RAWAI ming pool, sala and Jacuzzi. This is a Luxury Villa. Email: BAHT VIEW New house, 2 bedrooms, gar- 5.8 million baht per rai. Pointe 6 rai with small pond. 2.3 mil- den and parking for sell. 3.5 mil- Email or call for more info. Tel: POOL VILLA [email protected] For lion baht per rai. It's not di- 076-378361, 081-676- IN NAI HARN further information, please East Estates. Now Completed. lion baht. Tel: 086-9408914. All separate Chanote titles. 6- vided. Tel: 089-6666726. 4849, 081-7722300. Email: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, contact me and/or see our Email: [email protected] meter roads and underground Email: [email protected] [email protected] Western kitchen. 5.5 million website at: http://www. electric. Last two major view baht. Tel: 076-288047, 081- saitaan18.com PATONG CONDO lots. 5% to brokers. OCEAN VIEW CONDO TOWNHOUSE 8941660. Email: cottrell@ Seaview, 35sqm pool, free- Contact Chris Fisher. Two-bedroom apartments, all hold, 2.3 million baht. Please FOR SALE loxinfo.co.th with sea views, starting from INEXPENSIVE LAND Tel: 086-9421930. contact me for further details. Chalong, fully furnished, all 0.5 rai, Chanote lots near 72sqm. Last freehold units Tel: 925-8254731, 925- teak furnishings, 3 bedrooms, KAMALA HOUSE available (foreigners eligible) Golf Course. 970, 000 baht. HOUSE IN PATONG 2168506. Email: guntmit 4 bathrooms, 2 kitchens, 2- 1,700 sq ft, 3-bedrooms, 2 Quiet location. Tel: 086- from 3.4 million baht. Tel: 076- @aol.com car garage, utility room and 2 baths, fully furnished. Garden, B4.7 MILLION 282394, 086-0043008. Email: 9421930. 23sqm, furnished, 3 bed- balconies. 7 million baht. Tel: clubhouse and pool. 7.2 million [email protected] for further LAND IN 076-280709, 085-7950779. baht. Tel: 852-98169116. rooms, aircon, 1 bathroom, details, please see our website living room, kitchennette, RAWAI/KALIM Email: [email protected] LARGE VILLA at www.kataoceanview.com 20 rai seaview in Kalim Bay. IN CHALONG washing machine. Tel: 081- LAND IN KATHU 5690664. Fax: 076-344485. 7 rai land project in Rawai. Land for sale near market. SIMPLY THE BEST 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, CHALONG big garden. 4.5 million baht. Email: [email protected] SHOPHOUSES Good for house project. No Backs onto rubber plantation. value in Patong. 12 studio brokers. Pls contact 081- 91wah, or 364sqm. Moun- apartments to be sold. Up- Tel: 081-8951826. Email: 2 units with 3 stories for sale on [email protected] road leading to pier in Chalong. 6913029 or 089-7286242. tain views. Chanote title. Tel: market resort. 5 minutes to SEA VIEW APARTMENT Email: purimas_re@yahoo 087-2786439. Email: shall@ beach, Jungceylon, Bangla Rd Only 8 million baht for both units. PATONG Installment option available. Tel: .com loxinfo.co.th and use of fantastic facilities. BEACHFRONT LAND One-bedroom apartment Great investment opportunity Phuket, Natei, and Khao Lak. 076-282211, 081-8926251. with stunning sea view of Email: [email protected] at 2.5 million to 2.7 million 100, 120, 405, 300, and 10 Patong Bay. Located on baht. Contact Jeff. Tel: 083- rai. Tel: 081-5395454. Fax: the 10th floor of Patong 2807152. 076-260311. Tower. Only 100 meters OCEANVIEW LAND to the beach. Asking 6.2 PLOTS, BANGTAO million baht. Tel: 081- Infrastructure complete, 50% 8924655. Please email sold. Ready to build. Tel: 086- [email protected] 2670157, 089-5903665. Email: [email protected] October 6 - 12, 2007 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 41 Property Gazette

PRIVATE RAWAI 5 MINUTES TO MAGNIFICENT HOME BANG TAO BEACH SEAVIEW

Land 895sqm, 306sqm living and Laguna. Newly built, area, 4 bedrooms, maid's 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, over many tropical islands room, 3 bathrooms, Jacuzzi, open plan kitchen and liv- toward Krabi and Phang 6 aircons, 2 Tel lines, and UBC ing room. Ready to move Nga. Probably best views in in 4 rooms. 2 car garage and in. 6,000,000 baht. Call Cape Yamu. 4 bedrooms, 4 storage. Well and 3500L Tel: 089-8131447. Email: bathrooms, large colonial tank. large open plan in living [email protected] mansion, on over 1/2 rai. areas, ceiling is foam insu- With swimming pool. In fin- lated, remote gate, security HOUSE FOR SALE ished, exclusive develop- features, and Chanote title. 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, ment. Only 25 million baht. 12.5 million baht. Tel: 081- kitchen, aircon, shared pool. Tel: 086-2796283. 5697127, 081-4776662. Quiet area, 10 mins to air- 3-STORY HOUSE LUXURY VILLA BEAUTIFUL HOUSE port. Contact Tom. Email: FOR SALE NAI HARN RAWAI FOR SALE SEAVIEW LAND [email protected] NAI HARN Located in Patong, nearly 1rai. BEACH CONDO Comes with building license LUXURY APARTMENT Located in a lovely residence and plan. Tel: 081-8918082. IN PATONG of 8 units. Modern, 60sqm of Email: seagullphuket@hotmail with lots of elegant furniture. living space, sleeps up to 4 .com 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, people. 1 bedroom, 1 bath- well-equipped kitchen. Club- room with Jacuzzi, spacious EMERGENCY SALE house including swimming living room with European 2-story house near Laguna pool, snooker, sauna and bar. kitchen, full aircon, elegant 720sqm land plot, guest- Layan Beach. 2 bedrooms, 3 Comes with new Toyota For- furniture, cable TV. Nice ter- house, ADSL, UBC, sala, bathrooms, and mini-pool. tuner. You can have private race overlooking landscaped swimming pool. Quality Chanote. 400 sqm. Best offer. swimming; just open the side garden and swimming pool. building and finishing. 12.5 Tel: 087-2660592. door. Best views of Patong, Parking. Walking distance to million baht. Must see! especially when standing out- beach. Only 2.6 million baht. Please contact for more KHAO LAK side on the balcony. 190sqm Tel: 087-2815795. Email: information. Tel: 089- 51.47sqm, in Chanakran LAND FOR SALE in a nice location. Bring your [email protected] Near Chalong circle. 7310283. Email: harrij@ Property Village, 3 bed- Next to upcoming 5-star Le baggage to stay immediately. 405sqm, fully-furnished, 3 loxinfo.co.th rooms, 3 bathrooms. Be- Meridien Khao Lak resort. 7.5 Please contact the owner. bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, hind TOT Public Co Ltd in rai at 5 million baht per rai. For Tel: 085-1982577. FOR SALE OR LEASE aircon, garage for 2 cars. Chalong. The house is un- more details please email: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1 Good location for business. HOUSE AT KARON der construction and will [email protected] 2 BEACHHOUSES story, fully furnished, new Tel: 089-8742960. Email: 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, living be ready within one month. FOR SALE modern house on private road [email protected] room, garden, terrace, and Price: 3.5 million baht. KAMALA HOUSE Kamala: 15 million baht. in Kathu. Electric gate, nice car park. Tel: 083-1807794. Please call for more de- 1 rai land, 2 bedrooms, hill Rawai Beach: 29.5 million walled garden, large terrace, tails. Tel: 081-9562406. view, big garden, quiet place. baht. Both are ready to move private parking, telephone, RAWAI BEACH VILLA in. Contact Marc at Tel: 085- Internet. 6.2 million baht ono. RAWAI 2-STORY 400sqm house, pool, 3 bed- 8.9 million baht. Please call RAWAI BEACH Tel: 081-6697814. 7839062. Must sell due to move to Bang- HOUSE rooms, 3 bathrooms. Garden kok. Tel: 087-3865200. 140sqm, 2 bedrooms, 2 and covered terrace. Price: DUPLEX KAMALA HOME @ bathrooms, close to the 7.5 million baht. Tel: 086- 15-year lease, 107sqm du- SEAVIEW PLOTS plex house, pool, carport, gar- 2.89 MILLION BAHT IN BANG TAO LAGUNA AREA VILLA beach. 1.5 million baht. Call 9408914. Email: freeholdprop @yahoo.com den. Price: 1.5 million baht. Furnished, 2 bedrooms, 2 Fantastic view, ready to Luxury villa with 3 bedrooms, Tel: 086-9408914. Email: [email protected] Tel: 086-9408914. Email: bathrooms. Land: 200sqm. build, underground utilities. 3 bathrooms, swimming pool, [email protected] 100m to beach. Pls call 038- Starting at 3 million baht. garden. Great location near HILLSIDE HOMES for sale/barter. 4 brand-new, 720980, 083-1206042. Call to view. Tel: 089-590- Laguna Village. Tel: 087-893- 2-STORY quiet, natural, luxurious 2-bed- RAWAI BEACH CONDO Fax: 038-720215. Email: 3665, 086-2670157. Email: 4636. Email: annericphuket@ TOWNHOUSE room and 2-bathroom villas. Sea view, foreign freehold. [email protected] [email protected] hotmail.com Living area: 98.5sqm. Land Fully-furnished with outdoor 650,000 baht. Tel: 086-940- plot: 144sqm. 3 bedrooms, 2 whirlpool. Approx 180sqm on 8914. Email: freeholdprop@ bathrooms, carport, and gar- a 100sq wah plot of land. In the yahoo.com 25% Discount on Classifieds for Shopper Card Holders den. 618,000 baht. Last pay- most guarded, prestigious es- ment: 1,472,000 baht. Tel: tate of Saraburi. For sale at 4.75 THAI BUNGALOW 081-4940450. Fax: 076-264- million baht each or barter with Rural Ban Liphon, Thalang. IF YOU... 517. Email: [email protected] seaview-land plots or condo de- 2 bedrooms with aircons, velopment in Phuket. Telephone lounge, dining room, large Place your ad in these pages; HOUSE FOR SALE 081-8142040. Or send email: back patio with garden. 8 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, [email protected] Visit mins to Boat Lagoon, 15 mins Present your Shopper Card; and garden, big kitchen, balcony, our website: www.ziam.com to the airport. 920,000 baht aircon, tank, furnished, near ono. Call Clare at Tel: 083- Pay for the ad at our offices, Kathu Waterfall. Tel: 076- KATA BEACHFRONT 3906700, or evening Tel: 323696, 084-7597880. LUXURY 086-4702787 (English). Tel: you’ll enjoy a 25% discount* AND have your ad appear free of 5-star, exotic, 1 bedroom, spa, 086-0918355 (Thai). pools, ADSL, furnished. Price charge in the Phuket Gazette Online. HOUSE FOR SALE POOL HOUSE Villa California, Chao Fa East reduced to 8 million baht. Email: [email protected] For further BANG TAO With more than 10,000 visitors a day, the Island Trader Online is Rd. 2 bedrooms with aircons, For sale. 3 bedrooms, 2 bath- 2 bathrooms, fully-fitted details, please visit our website: Thailand’s most active classified marketplace. http://koumbele.com/kata1/ rooms, 2 car park, big living kitchen. 1.3 million baht. room, 2 levels, only 4.7 million Tel: 089-8684644. *Ads may be submitted in person or online (phuketgazette.net/classifieds), but baht. Tel: 084-8516121. PATONG HOTEL must be paid for at the Gazette offices. The discount is not available when KHAO LAK SHOPHOUSE New, fully-furnished, 14- SEAVIEW payment is made at our agents. FOR SALE room hotel with splendid APARTMENT A 3-story shophouse on the view in Patong for sale. 20 2 bedrooms, top floor, north The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd main road in Khao Lak. 300 million baht. Call now! Patong, 20 steps to the beach, 367/2 Yaowarat Road, Phuket City meters from the beach & Tel: 081-5976195. Email: freehold. Price: 9.7 million baht. Tel: 086-2765117. For Tel: 076-236555 Fax: 076-213971 shophouse center. Opposite unique_property@hotmail. Khao Lak Laguna Hotel. Tel: com photos, please send email: 084-8432949, 086-2717979. [email protected] 42 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS October 6 - 12, 2007 Property Gazette

LUXURY VILLAS MAGNIFICENT HIGH-QUALITY 58 RAI Properties For Rent SEAVIEW HOME BEACHFRONT LAND CHALONG TOWNHOUSE BALI STYLE for rent. 2 bedrooms, Fully- JUNGLE HOMES furnished, big kitchen. Aircon, telephone line, cable TV, mini- Close to Laguna. Best ne- mum 6-month lease. No pets. gotiable price. Brand new. 2 stories, 4 bedrooms, o n ½ in Koh Yao. Chanote. Half 9, 500 baht per month. Utilities extra. Tel: 076-344487, 087- 1,100sqm land, 4 bed- over many tropical islands rai in Rawai. Separate build- the land is flat with 300m 2814535. rooms, pool, lotus pond & toward Krabi and Phang ing with maid's unit, store- of beachfront, and behind a garden. Contact K.Gai. room, laundry, large kitchen. calm river crossing. Ideal for Nga. Probably best views in SEAVIEW BUNGALOW Tel: 081-7344324. For Cape Yamu. 4 bedrooms, 4 300m to Chalong Circle. yacht pier. The rest of the Fully furnished, 2 bedrooms, more info, please visit our bathrooms, large colonial Large living areas, and 2-car land has a little slope with and aircon. Prime location in website: www.phuket mansion, on over rai, with garage. Too many features to nice sea view. Thai owner. Live in the cooler mountain air ½ Chalong, quiet and safe. 22, greenlandvillas.com swimming pool. In finished, list. Price: 12.5 million baht. Price: 3.5 million baht per at Tewana Village, Chalong. 000 baht per month. Tel: 081- exclusive development. Only Tel: 081-4776662. Email: rai. Please contact Sakorn. Just minutes to the beach or 6064279. 25 million baht. Tel: 086- verndono@ yahoo.com Tel: 087-6050365. Email: Central, our jungle setting SEAVIEW PLOTS 2796283. tim.kamalaparadise@ cottages and great design IN BANG TAO hotmail.com make for a perfect hideaway. Fantastic view, ready to KOH YAO YAI HIGH END RENTALS WANTED One furnished double bed- build, underground utilities. LAND FOR SALE room, Bali bathroom, kitchen, BIG HOUSE FOR SALE 4.5 rai, Chanote, hillside pan- Siam Real Estate have cli- Starting at 3 million baht. living room and terrace costs Thalang area, 3 bedrooms, 2 oramic sea view, close to KALIM ents waiting for good quality Call to view. Tel: 089-590- as little as 16, 000 baht per bathrooms, 532.2sqm, fur- beach. Please contact for BEACHFRONT LAND rentals NOW - both holiday 3665, 086-2670157. Email: month. Call Tewana Village. nished, nice view, quiet. 8 mil- more information. Tel: 086- and long term rentals. If you [email protected] Tel: 089-5930986. Email: lion baht. Tel: 086-7401969. 5955574. Email: kraisorn@ want to rent your property [email protected] ppfashionworld.com quickly and get top dollar, KATHU GOLF LUXURY contact us urgently. Tel: VIEW LAND SEAVIEW VILLA 076-288908. Email: pinky 1.9 million baht per rai. Near 18 ROOMS FOR SALE Direct from owner. 32 mil- 18 rooms/bungalows on 5 rai @siamrealestate.com For CHALONG Loch Palm Golf Club and BIS. lion baht or rent. No agents. further details, please see The land totals 70.5 rai (Nor of land with 14 years remain- SHOPHOUSE Tel: 089-4742958. Email: ing on land lease. Lots of Beautiful land for sale. 21- our website at http://www. This new 3-story shophouse Sor 3 Kor). Quiet and scenic [email protected] siamrealestate.com with access to water, elec- room for expansion. Photos 3-49 rai at Kalim Beach, is available for long-term tricity and road (800 meters and price provided on request. Chanote title, water, elec- lease. Ideal for home office/ tric. Tel: 081-7474742. is frontage road). Please con- HOUSE FOR SALE Tel: 081-7193375. Email: HOUSE FOR RENT shop accommodation. Inquir- tact Sumon for details. Tel: [email protected] 1 bedroom, fully furnished, ies to Tel: 089-6521473. 2 story house in a most de- 076-352069, 081-6919346. URGENT SALE with seaview on Patong hill. Fax: 076-261028. Email: sirable and secure estate. 12 RAI IN PATONG Foreign landlord. Every thing Khao Lak. Bang Niang bunga- NEW CHALONG HOME [email protected] 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, Beside main road entering Included plus car for right per- low-apartment resort. 8 bunga- Furnished, 2-bedroom home study, living room, kitchen, Patong. 12 rai of mixed flat son. Rent negotiable, ideal lo- lows with 2 rooms and 2 bun- for rent with phone, UBC, and laundry room, set in fenced land and hill land, sea view, cation. Tel: 081-2710465. PATONG HOTEL galows with 3 rooms. 6m x aircon. Tel: 089-6521473. garden. Furnished, ADSL, perfect for commercial, FOR SALE 12m swimming pool. Sauna, UBC. Price: 7 million baht homes and apartments. VILLA MAGNOLIA Built 1 year ago. Successful. Jacuzzi, and restaurant. All HOUSE FOR RENT obo. Tel: 084-8439579. Chanote title. 3 million baht per 3.5 bedroom pool villa with 60 million baht. Phone: 085- rooms with aircon, TV, DVD New 2-story house. 3 bed- Fax: 076-323421. Email: rai. Tel: 086-5950188. Email: ocean view. Tel: 66-81- 7839062 (English), 086- player and ADSL. Parking avail- rooms, 2 bathrooms, 300m [email protected] nsupin @yahoo.com 6919106. Email: kent@ 2767510 (Thai). able. 9 million baht. Tel: 076- from Monument. Go to Pa karlssons-phuket.com For 346-065, 081-8914844. Khlok. 25,000 baht per further details, please con- Email: [email protected] month. Minimum 6-month tact me (as above) or see lease. Tel: 083-1743880, our website at: http://www 087-2646808. HOUSE FOR .karlssons-phuket.com/villa URGENT SALE Large 4½ -bedroom house in KATA LUXURY APARTMENT APARTMENT Chalong. Up for urgent sale due KATA BEACH 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apart- to relocation. Selling at 10.5 Cable TV, furnished, and ments, 2 bathrooms, en-suite million baht only. A bargain Internet. Call Tel: 076-284- in master, fully fitted, teak deal. Tel: 076-282211, 081- 065, 086-5958512. Email: kitchen, huge terrace, park- 8926251. Email: mrsouza@ [email protected] hotmail.com. For further de- ing, furnished or unfurnished. tails, visit our website: www. 3 BED BUNGALOW, Long or short term. Starting at phuketdreamhome.com BYPASS RD 20,000 baht per month. Tel: 089-5926890. Email: north Furnished with full a/c, fitted [email protected] NEW SEAVIEW kitchen & ADSL. Very conve- CONDOMINIUM nient location. 20,000 baht per We have a variety of units at 60, BEACHFRONT HOUSE month. Tel: 087-2715785. for rent. 1-4 bedrooms. Con- 120 and 180sqm. Overlooking Email: [email protected] Chalong Bay and Rawai Bay. tact for specific details. Tel: 076-381181, 076-381189. From 1.8 million baht. Contact QUIET AND SAFE Kuno. Tel: 66-81-9685963. SINGLE HOUSE Email: [email protected] For BEACHHOUSE 5km from Laguna. Furnished, FOR RENT further details, see our website UBC, satellite TV, telephone House on beach at Silay, fully- at http://www.bayproject.com/ line, Internet, big garden. 3 furnished, 10 minute drive to invest/index.htm bedrooms, 2 aircons, 2 big Phuket City. 25,000 baht per bathrooms, bathtub, hot wa- month. Tel: 081-5351269. ter. Short- or long-term rent. FIRST CHOICE Email: sutida@sinohouse 16,000 baht a month or PATONG phuket.com New real estate agency look- 13,000 baht for 1-year lump ing to sell your property, sum. Contact telephone: 087- condo, villas,and commercial 4172757 (English), or 086- PALAI GREENHOUSE or residential land. Contact 6829804 (Thai). AND BIG GARDEN Mimi at Tel: 087-9766385 Fully-furnished, 2 aircons, (English/French), or Linjee at RAWAI BEACH DUPLEX 2 bedrooms, hot shower, homes, 93sqm each, pool, Tel: 081-4940450 (Thai). living room, kitchen, and garden, parking. Promotion: Tel: 076-600151, 087-976- garage. Price: 11,000 15, 000 baht per month. Call 6385. Fax: 076-600153. baht per month. Palai area. Tel: 086-9408914. Email: Email: mimi@firstchoice- Call Tel: 081-892 4311. real-estate.com [email protected] October 6 - 12, 2007 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 43 Property Gazette

LUXURY VILLA - HOUSE NEAR BUNGALOW FOR RENT HOUSE FOR RENT PATONG BAY HOUSE FOR RENT LAGUNA CENTRAL FESTIVAL 400 BAHT/NIGHT IN RAWAI VIEW HOME This is a Luxury Villa. Email: [email protected] For further information, please contact me and/or see our website at: http://www. saitaan18.com on Soi Ruam Nanachart, KAMALA VILLAS 65 sq.wah, 1.5km from Cen- 4 new bungalow units for Fully-furnished, 1 bed- Enjoy the views from this Saiyuan, in Rawai. 2 bed- BEACHFRONT tral Festival, 3 bedrooms, 2 rent. Fully-furnished, cable room, fan, cable, 29" TV, 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom rooms, 2 bathrooms, big Fully-furnished to a high stan- bathrooms, bathtub, fully- TV, etc. Weekly or long hot water, oven, store- house. Full kitchen, dining garden, aircon, furnished, dard. Western kitchen. 3 bed- furnished, garden, sprinkler, term. Contact Tel: 081- room, washing machine, area, pool, ADSL, UBC. telephone, ADSL, 5 minutes rooms, 2 bathrooms, lounge well, and pump. Contact 6913029, 089-7286242. kitchen utensils, and The view says it all! Price: to Nai Harn Beach. Long- and dining areas. Large balcony Mongkon. Tel: 084-0628040. Email: purimas_re@yahoo. fenced yard. In nice and 50,000 baht per month. term rent, only 35,000 baht overlooking swimming pool and com safe area. Call Tok.Tel: Tel: 087-8821963. Email: per month. Tel: 076-215- 087-2668728. [email protected] 367, 081-5351570. landscaped garden. Stunning MODERN APARTMENT seaviews, only meters from the WITH INTERNET beach. Private, gated, parking KARON STUDIO 3-BEDROOM POOL SECLUDED VILLA 2 room apartment off Nanai VILLA LONG TERM with storage. UBC & ADSL. Rd, 40sqm, fully-furnished. APARTMENTS RENTAL RENT ONLY Includes daily cleaning and Fully furnished luxury villa in Includes TV, large fridge, New, luxury rooms. Good One of only three European 2-bedroom furnished house washing. Pool & gardener ser- small compound. 5 mins to hot water, fans, aircon and prices and 5 mins to Karon standard villas near Rawai with UBC in quiet central vice. Daily rental: 8, 000 baht. Boat Lagoon & BIS. 70,000 kitchennette. 9,500 baht Beach. ADSL. Five room beach sharing a beautiful pool Patong. No pets, smokers or Monthly rental :140, 000 baht. baht. Includes pool and garden per month for long term. Op- styles. Daily: from 550 and tropical garden. Fully fur- children. 35,000 baht per Contact K. Suchada,Tel: 084- maintenance, water, cable TV tional ADSL internet avail- baht. Monthly: 9,000 baht. nished, aircon, UBC, TV, tele- month. Tel: 081-6932759. 8436837. Email: info@phuket- & Internet. Tel: 085-4737847. able. Tel: 087-2650652. Tel: 076-398436-7, 086- phone, ADSL. 25, 000 baht Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] island-homes.com. For futher Email: [email protected] 5945121, 089-7247148. per month. Minimum 6 months. details, please see our website Tel: 087-2810452, 085-473- Fax: 076-398436-7. AMAZING SEAVIEWS at: www.phuket-island- www.karonstudio.com 3607. 2 BIG HOMES homes.com BUILDING FOR New large luxury house on the WITH POOL RENT URGENT coast with 5-star views. 3-4 Special price for 6-month 5 min from Lotus. 3 stories, 2 HOUSE AT KATHU B.L. APARTMENT NICE PATONG CONDO bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, swim- lease: 20, 000 baht, 30, 000 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Fully-furnished, parking, TV, ming pool, and garden.Only 10 10 mins to Patong. 1.5 stories, baht. Near Laguna spa. Cable New in Kathu. Big rooms, 1 kitchen, aircon, telephone. 2 bedrooms with aircon, 2 bedroom, 1 living room, aircon, aircon and pool. 10, 000 baht/ mins from BIS. Very private in TV, quality furniture. Luxury Long-term rental. Contact month. Tel: 085-7977786. top area, no dogs. 80, 000 bathrooms, and fully fur- living. Tel: 089-594 4067. cable TV, ADSL, hot shower, Bee. Tel: 081-8951581. nished. Tel: 089-6459527. garden, car park. Price: 8,000 Email: [email protected] baht/month. Tel: 086- 2796283. baht per month. Contact Tel: CHALONG HOUSE DESIRABLE HOUSE 081-6923163. RAWAI SEAVIEW HOLIDAY VILLAS APARTMENT CHALONG TOWNHOUSE for rent in Land & Houses. for rent or sale. Suituated in Near Rawai Beach. Beautiful secure environment, 2-story New deluxe furnished stu- Furnished, 2 bedrooms, big 3 bedrooms, fully furnished, 2 bedroom villas with private house, 3 bedrooms, 3 bath- NICE VIEW HOUSE dio. Kitchen, cable, DVD, kitchen, aircon, telephone aircon, TV, UBC. Tel: 081- or shared pools. 2kms from rooms, living room, study, Quiet area, 1-2 bedrooms, great view. Long-term rental line, cable, minimum 6-month 9560241, 089-4740645. Naiharn Beach. Available all kitchen, dining room, garage, reasonable price. Please con- 6,000 baht a month. Tel: lease. No pets. 9, 500 baht year. Special price from 10, ADSL, UBC, mature garden. tact for details. Tel: 084- 084-0571420. per month. Utilities extra. Tel: 500 baht per week for Oct Rent: 35, 000 baht per month. 8989274. 076-344487, 087-2814535. only. Tel: 081-9701716. BOAT LAGOON Sell: 6.9 million baht. Tel: 084- LUXURY RAWAI BEACH www.coconutparadise.co.uk 8439579. HOUSE FOR RENT STUDIO MISSION HEIGHTS Waterfront townhouses Fully furnished house located Luxury 4-bedroom house for for rent. 2 & 3 bedrooms, Furnished, kitchen, ADSL, BUNGALOW in nice and safe area. 24-hour UBC, aircon. 4,500 baht per rent. Large swimming pool, UBC, TV. Long- or short- CONDO FOR RENT security, swimming pool in IN KARON garden service included. Long term rent from 35,000 in Rawai area. Renovated, month. Contact Khun Noki. Aircon, cable TV, fully-furnished the village. Long-term lease Tel: 086-6865567. or short term. 60,000 baht baht per month. Call K. So. aircon, cable TV. 400 baht per only, minimum 6 months to 1 and 500m from beach. Con- per month. Call Khun So. Tel: Tel: 081-3444473. day. 6, 000 baht per month. year: 18, 000 baht/ month. tact Kip. Tel: 081-1965212. 081-344 4473. Tel: 084-1899868. Tel: 081-5399269. HOUSE IN CHAO FA AREA VERY NICE 4 BED 4-STORY HOUSE 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, HOUSE W/ POOL Private area, fully furnished, 1 2 aircons (in bedroom and Nice 4-bedroom house with pri- bedroom, big bathroom. hot drawing room), fully-fur- vate garden, large swimming water, ADSL, cable TV, and nished, 2 car parks. 10, 000 pool, sala and Jacuzzi. Tel: aircon. 13, 000 baht / month. baht per month. Tel: 089- 076-378361, 081-6764849, Tel: 086-6862467, 081- 9728686. 081-7722300. Email: info 7972884. @etwood.com

Looking for a place to stay? See more classified ads at www.phuketgazette.net 44 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS October 6 - 12, 2007 Property Gazette

KARON BUILDING PLOT Property We want to buy a building plot Accommodation ROOMS FROM Building Wanted in or around Karon or Kata Available 430 BAHT PER DAY Products suitable for one small house for a 1-month stay or daily or bungalow. A plot of 200 to for 600 baht. Aircon, fridge, & Services WANT TO RENT 400sqm would be ideal. Must Sat TV, maid service, close 3- to 4-bedroom villa, bungalow have Chanote, electricity, to Yanui Beach. Call 087- 8844663 for more informa- or house for 1 month over water and telephone avail- TEAM OF TWENTY Chrismas period. Dec 27 to able. Owners only. Please tion. Jan 16. Send info to email: email with your complete Skilled finishers ready to [email protected] details. Will reply to all re- BEACHFRONT HOTEL start on next project. We do sponses. Email: ken.devitt@ Low season, long-stay promo- mainly renovations but will LAND FOR PROJECT btopenworld.com tion, pool, spa, free Wi-Fi. consider complete builds as Our VIP client wants to buy 18,000 baht per month. Con- well. Tel: 081-8921250. land - seafront or good view - tact for more details at Tel: Email: [email protected] on which to build a resort and THAI-STYLE VILLA 081-8920038. residential project. At least 20 16 million baht. Thai-style rai is needed. Please send full villa. 610sqm. For utility CHALONG ROOM Household details and photos by email. area. Contact Chaya at Hot water, aircon, TV, DVD, Services Urgent. Tel: 076-524000, Tel: 081-3317693. Email: Wi-Fi and fridge. 5,500 baht per 081-8912333. Fax: 076- [email protected] month. Please contact for 223237. Email: surin123@ more information. Tel: 089- csloxinfo.com 4727304. BANDHIT CONSTRUCTION LONG-TERM LAND WANTED RENTAL WANTED VERY NICE 4 BED Additions, extensions, Suitable to build house, quiet HOUSE WITH POOL renovations and remodel- area with trees, prefer sea Retired British couple living KATA BEACH PATONG A nice 4 bedroom house with ing. Tel: 083-5253108, view, near electricity/wa- in Phuket require a 2- to 3- Beautiful guesthouse with Wi-Fi. APARTMENT & private garden, large swim- 089-5913996. Fax: 076- ter, access to road, proof of bedroom spacious villa or Best value. Tel: 081-8948446. ROOM ming pool, sala and Jacuzzi. E- 238548. Email: info@ ownership. Will pay up to 1.5 apartment with pool, all in a Email: [email protected]. Long- and short-term room for mail or call for more info. Tel: bandhitconstruction.com million baht. Please contact secure environment. Please visit our website at: rent. From 800 baht per night. 076-378361, 081-676 4849. For further details, please David by telephone to 085- Internet and cable TV re- www.southernfriedrice. com Tel: 076-512151, 089-2909 Fax: 081-7722300. Email: see our website at http:/ 7908241. quired. Must be of high 567. www.brommathai [email protected] /bandhitconstruction.com standard and well present- house.com ed. Your property will be ROOMS IN PATONG FREEDOM WHEN YOU WANT very well taken care of! hot water, AC, Cable TV, BUDGET SUITES APARTMENT PHUKET LAND Please contact via email: Wifi. 7, 000 baht/ month. Guesthouse rooms available on Near Patong temple on Soi for commercial building or phuket [email protected] HOME Please contact for more quiet soi, minutes walk to Khuan Yang. European MAINTENANCE homes in Phuket. We information. Telephone: Patong Beach. Daily or monthly kitchen, fridge, aircon, WiFi, have quality choices from 081-6936099. Or visit us rates. Call for more informa- cable TV, hot water. Safe area. Construction, renovations, WOULD LIKE TO electricians, plumbers, car- a variety of locations for RENT LONG TERM at www.villapatong.com. tion. Tel: 085-0648079. 9, 500 baht/ month. Please you. Please contact for penters, painters, tilers, Nice condominium or house comtact for more information. more information. Tel: gardeners, aircon servicing, with access to communual NICE APARTMENTS Tel: 084-8450541, 081- 085-2575711. Email: HIGH END RENTALS sandwash and curtains. swimming pool. Minimum 2 with pool. 1- or 2-bedroom 8914561. [email protected] WANTED apartments available. Quiet Contact K. Rin at Tel: 084- bedrooms. Rent up to 30,000 Siam Real Estate have clients 1935124. baht per month. Needed from hillside location. 3 mins to the Accommodation waiting for good quality rentals beach. Fully furnished, cable February 1, 2008. Danish NOW - both holiday and long Wanted PATONG TOWER person. Please send details by TV, Wi-Fi, parking. Long- or GARDEN condo with a sea view. term rentals. If you want to rent short-term rent. Tel: 076- LANDSCAPING email. Tel: 086-9974572. your property quickly and get Keen buyer ready to pur- 296621, 081-6916147. Fax: Design and build. Turf, decks, Email: [email protected] top dollar, contact us urgently. WOULD LIKE TO RENT chase. Please contact with 076-344689. Email: info@ Townhouse, villa or apartment lighting. Garden and pool main- Tel: 076-288908. Email: more information if you baan suanvilla.de. For further for short- or long-term. Tel: tenence. Tel: 087-2658002. RESTAURANT OR [email protected] For have one available for sale. details, please see our website mobile 087-888 5529 or 084- Website: www.irisracha GUESTHOUSE further details, please see our Tel: 084-447 1978. Email: at http://phuket-patong.com wadeegardens.com Wanted for rent only, central 8989274. [email protected] website at: www.siamreal Patong. Tel: 081-0907809. estate.com Agents for Classified Advertising Classified Advertisements PHUKET Please use this form to write your classified advertisement. Then hand it to any of our agents. K.L. Mart Tel: 076-280400/3 Patak Rd, Chalong Fax: 076-280403 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| (heading) Earth Language School Tel: 076-232398/9 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Phang Nga Rd, Phuket City Fax: 076-232398 Sin & Lee Tel: 076-258369 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Thalang Rd, Phuket City Fax: 076-211230

Taurus Travel Tel: 076-344521/2 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Aroonsom Plaza Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd, Patong Fax: 076-344523

41 Minimart Tel/Fax: 076-324312 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Srisoontorn Rd, Cherng Talay

Deli Supermarket Tel: 076-342275 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd, Patong Fax: 076-344314 Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 95 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. Looking for land to buy? All advertising must be paid for in advance. Deadline for Property Gazette page: Friday 3 pm. See more classified ads at Deadline for all other ads: Saturday 12 noon. www.phuketgazette.net/classifieds October 6 - 12, 2007 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 45 Boats & Marine

FISHING COMPETITION SUNSEEKER 47 FERRY FOR SALE SPEED BOAT 17.5-METER Due to a late cancellation our PORTIFINO SPEED BOAT Length: 30m. Gross: 322 FOR SALE DIVING BOAT boat DORADO is available for This is an oppotunity to own tons. Seats 244 passen- charter for the annual fishing one of the best looking sport gers. 12.2 million baht. competition, Nov 15-17. Tel: boats in SEA, a near-new 47- Docked in Phuket. Tel: 081- 086-1247528. Email: phuket foot Portofino with Thai regis- 4084991. [email protected] tration. This alluring beauty www.phuket-fishing.com has a full-options package, BENETEAU FIRST 40.7 including a convertible hardtop for sale. Import 100% fiber- This is a true paragon of el- MORGAN 38’ and a hydraulic swim plat- glass. Length: 4.5m, beam: egance from the Farr design 100% fiberglass. Length: For sale or charter, width For sale. Newly renovated 38- form. Well below replacement 1.9m. Engine : Yamaha team. A rare opportunity to 7.5m. Beam: 1.8m. Engine: 4.5m. Diesel engine, 320hp foot Morgan yacht from 84. cost. Free delivery within Thai- 85hp. Tel: 081-8947565. obtain a near new 40.7-racer/ Yamaha 85hp. Please con- generator at 20kW. 30 per- Very beautiful and well main- land. Contact Simpson Ma- Email: [email protected] cruiser from Beneteau. Con- tact me for more informa- son capacity. Great buy. tained, first to see will buy. Price rine. Tel: 076-239768. tion. Tel: 081-8947565. Price: 890,000 baht. Call 65,000.Tel: 089-5208503. tact Simpson Marine. Tel: 22M SCHOONER 076-239768. Email: [email protected] Tel: 081-9680571. Email: nips63@ yahoo.com DIVING/FISHING motor sailor "PHINNISI" speed boat steppa 37 with fly POWER DINGHY Thinking of lazy days sailing bridge, sun deck and customer 4.7m with 120hp inboard jet around topical islands, this is cabin, onboard toilette, Thai reg- and trailer. Only 400,000 baht. your chance to do just that with istration for 22 Pax. 2x200hp Please contact for more infor- plenty of room to relax below Yamaha engines’ top speed: 30 mation. Tel: 081-7370557. or above the decks. Tel: 076- knots. 1,300,000 baht. Tel: Email: [email protected] 239768. 081-8945061. Email: pointner @edendivers.com SEA RAY 630 Hardtop. This sleek lined, hard- top is ready to please the most discerning of buyers. High speed and comfort. Highly recom- mended for viewing. Contact Simpson Marine. Tel: 076- 239768.

"TEMPO"

Symbol 57. If you are after comfort at affordable value, this is for you. The current owner has just carried out an extensive refurbishment in- cluding a complete mechani- cal overhaul, refitting most of the internal fittings and fur- nishings, new teak decking and external painwork. A spa- cious yacht with live aboard and sports fishing potential. We have been instructed to present all offers. Don't wait, with these conditions it will sell quick.Contact: Simpson Ma- rine. Tel: 076-239768. 46 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS October 6 - 12, 2007 Island Job Mart

BUNGALOW RESORT TELEMARKETING ALL POSITIONS EXECUTIVE * Receptionist We have a number of oppor- WEB DESIGNER/ PHUKET TOWN * Chef tunities to work in an ex- DEVELOPER NEEDS * Waiter/ waitress panding company in South- Looking for Thai nationals with English-speaking staff, full- east Asia. Are you money ori- * Cashier skills in one or more of the fol- and part-time available, SIMPSON MARINE MANAGER REQUIRED entated, goal driven, have lowing: Web design, Photoshop, good salary given. Please Asia’s leading yacht brokers for new nightclub in Patong. * Beach boy / life guard confident & polite telephone Flash, CSS, HTML, PHP, SEO. contact for more details at and new yacht-sales company Must have previous experience. * Trainees and more... manners? Interested in work- Tel: 084-8522006. Email: Tel: 086-5097510.Email: require the services of a pro- Must also be self-motivated and ing abroad? If so, apply now Looking for Thai Nationals with karl@ imagevuex.com Please [email protected] fessional receptionist. Candi- enthusiastic with an outgoing by sending your CV to email: good command of English. You visit: www.imagevuex.com date must be young, dynamic personality. Must also have [email protected] should be motivated and ser- and outgoing with a service- good English skills. Staff man- Native-English speaker only. vice minded. Please send your RECEPTIONIST COOK NEEDED oriented mind. High profi- agement and motivation are Flights and accomodations resume, expected salary and & MESSENGER Cook urgently needed. Fe- ciency in English and computer essential. Open to Thai nationals will be paid for. Please con- recent photo to email as above. Must be able to speak, write male only. Tel: 076-286061 skills are a must. Interested only. Excellent opportunity for tact for more information at Tel: 076-324260, 087- English well. Messenger must or 081-8914019 or send email candidates please send re- the right person. Tel: 085- Tel: 087-7731327. Email: 2681925. Email: pia@phuket- have own motorbike. Email: to: tkoschig2000@hotmail. sume and photo to email: 4737781. Or email to: [email protected] bangtaolagoon.com [email protected] com [email protected] [email protected]

Looking for a job? Still haven’t found the perfect candidate? Find more Recruitment Classifieds at www.phuketgazette.net! October 6 - 12, 2007 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 47 Island Job Mart

NEW OPENING!!! We are looking for motivated individuals with a passion for people and service. Must be flu- ent in English. - Receptionist (day & night) - Restaurant manager and wait- ers - Chef, cooks, and stewards (Western food) - Spa therapist & hostess - Maids - Driver Attractive salary and career opportunities are offered. Tel: 076-279336-7.Email: [email protected] Please send your resume via email. Email: to: info@royal-em- bassy-resort.com COOL SALES STAFF Dharma Bum are opening 2 new boutiques. 1 in Cherng Talay and 1 on Surin Beach. We are in a need of motivated sales staff fluent in English and with a genu- ine interest in fashion. Call Susanne. Tel: 084-8529522.

SALES REPRESENTATIVE We are seeking a sales repre- sentative with a good person- ality and a good command of Chinese or English. We offer great salary. Contact PJ. Tel: 085-4715150.

RAIN HAIL RESTAURANT&LOUNGE We understand that work and life cannot be separated in our modern day workplace. Rain Hail is a prestigious and socially responsible family of employees which care for our Phuket com- munity and are dedicated to quality and financial success. We are looking for customer- savvy individuals with outgoing personalities and strong social skills in the following positions: -Host and hostess -Waiter and waitress -Bartender/ DJ/ Cook We offer competitive salary, service charge and other benefits Tel: 081-9791967. Fax: 076- 279338

TICKET AGENT Albatross Lufthansa City Center is hiring 2 staff with previous ticketing experience. ENTHUSIASTIC NANNY WANTED Salary commensurate with PERSON We are looking for an English- experience. Contact Khun for small guesthouse in Karon. speaking nanny in Patong. Tel: Busababyemailto: Take care of reception, staff, 084-6470468. [email protected] tourists, give info, etc. Tel: 086- 2718254.

OFFICE ASSISTANT Office assistant to company PA to Managing Director re- quired. Good written and spoken English, plus com- puter skills. Contact Khun Jak . Tel: 076-263992, 081- 968 0094. Fax:076-263708. Email:siriporn@islandfurniture- phuket.com

Online Classifieds 10,000 readers every day! 48 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS October 6 - 12, 2007 Island Job Mart

PCS SERVICE MANAGER Property Care Services re- quire a service manager for its rapidly expanding Koh Samui operation. Preferred applicants are aged over 27 years, possess a degree in business-related field and have very good English skills. Own vehicle required. Great salary package available. Tel: 076-376557, 081- 9586879. Fax: 076- 376560.Email: [email protected]

SALES ASSISTANT Elite Yachting, with offices in the Boat Lagoon and Yacht Haven, is looking for a Thai national to assist our charter sales team in daily communi- cation with our customers. NATIVE ENGLISH JUNIOR SALES PERSON Good English language and TEACHER ACCOUNTANT STAFF FOR WANTED ADMINISTRATOR computer skills are a must. Candidate should have car Qualified female nursery Bachelor degree in Account- MASSAGE An experienced sales person with good English skills, age drivers license and like to school teacher needed for a ing. Knowledge of taxation New shop in good loca- is required for retail and whole- 18-25, single and must have work in a dynamic, open- new nursery school in reporting. A/P-A/R ledger. tion, in Karon, is looking sale icecream company based driver's license. Also, minded team. Tel: 076- Chalong. Tel: 076-381523, Please contact for more de- for new staff. Please con- in Jungceylon. Salary and teacher for children. Please 273476, 081-978 6086. 081-894 9600, email your CV tails at Tel: 076-239111. Fax: tact formore additional in- commission, immediate start. contact for additional infor- Please send your CV to to [email protected]. 076-238974.Email: formation at Tel: 087- Contact Bay Blue Co Ltd, Tel: mation Tel: 076-239209, [email protected] [email protected] 2663767. 086-9519406. 084-1885828. Find more Recruitment Classifieds at www.phuketgazette.net! October 6 - 12, 2007 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 49 Tout, Trader & Trumpet

BARGAIN Articles Business GUESTHOUSE For Sale Opportunities 19 rooms, located in Patong, 400m to the beach and enter- tainment venues. Key money EQUIPMENT FOR SALE only 500,000 baht for a 9- Hairsalon, beautysalon equip- year lease contract. Rental ment for sale. Good price. fee: 137,500 per month, pay- Please contact for more info. able every 6 months. Tel: Tel: 086-2718254. 076-282394, 086-0043008. Email: [email protected]

SEAVIEW LAND Patong, good location, suitable for resort or condominium de- velopment. Asking price: 15 million baht per rai. Tel: 076- 282394, 086-0043008. Email: [email protected] FOR SALE OR RENT Large restaurant and bar. Equipped and furnished. Must ONLINE TRAVEL BIZ see! Seats 60+, room for 40 FOR SALE more. No key money. Parking. Profitable and reputable In Rawai next to condo/ resort. online hotel reservations SPONSOR A Tel: 089-9711038. Email: business for sale. Estab- NEEDY CHILD [email protected] lished in 2001. Includes 15 related websites targeting The Phuket International customers globally and ex- Women's Club is a volun- cellent English-speaking tary organization raising APARTMENT BUILDING staff. Also includes business funds for educational schol- premises - secure 3 story arships. We rely on the Profitable business: Apart- house. High booking season goodwill of our donors and ment building, consisting of is starting now! Excellent sponsors – small and large. 48 studios, manager's cot- opportunity for an investor If you would like to put tage, and mini-mart. A great seeking a fully-operational something back into the business returning a healthy online business system with community in which you yield. Asking for 15 million prospects for growth. Seri- live, contact us to find out baht. Tel: 086-9822888. ous inquiries only, please. more about giving a prize or Fax 02-9607051. Email: Tel: 083-2014621. Email: being a sponsor. [email protected] [email protected] Contact Carol (Tel: 087- 4178860 or KATA RESTAURANT [email protected]) or MINI MOTORBIKE Pool table, 3 TVs, seats 80. track for sale, excellent loca- Sue (Tel: 087-2776948 2nd floor: 4 bedrooms, 4 bath- tion, good business. 495, 000 or rooms. Rent: 14,000 per baht. Tel: 085-7962857. [email protected]). WOOD-FIRED month. Sell: 1.8 million baht. Tel: 081-5395948. PIZZA OVEN RESTAURANT & BAR for rent in Kata. Ready to run TASTE SURIN RESTAURANT and fully-furnished. Tel: 085- BEACH FOR SALE 2616344. Newly opened restaurant Pizza restaurant with bar on and lounge on Surin Beach. Nanai Rd for sale. Bargain buy for non-high season, ready to INTERNET CAFE We are located on the 8 computers, all fixtures, 10- beach, three restaurants open. 150,000 baht. Cheap rent. Tel: 084-8520862. month lease remaining, with LIVE-IN MAID Employment down, left, from the main ability to extend for 3 more parking lot. A new idea in Couple (2 adults) need a maid years. Quick sale at 275,000 Wanted dining, traditional favorites ALL NEW CLUB as soon as possible for long baht, or 375,000 baht with 3- with an innovative twist. RESTAURANT year lease. Situated on busy term at private luxury house in Artisan builders since 11am til late. Please contact PATONG! 50m from the Nanai Rd. Tel: 076-296730. Kamala. Duties: cooking, MASTER MARINER 1994. Made with refrac- AND LAWYER for more information. Tel: beach on famous SOI POST Email: [email protected] cleaning, laundry, grocery tory bricks in 7 days, any OFFICE! All New Construc- Dual qualified British National 66-87-8866401. Email: shopping. We offer: live-in pri- size and decoration. Ideal tion! Long term lease avail- residing in Phuket seeks op- [email protected] vate room with private bath- for pizzeria or in your Gar- able. Ready to open! Must portunities to apply his experi- www.tastesurinbeach.com LEASE room. 10,000 baht salary for den for making pizza, BBQ see! Tel: 084-6644050. Email: ence in a maritime or legal or RESTAURANT first and second month. Then and excellent roasts. 5- [email protected] 12,500 baht for good work. otherprofessional year guarantee. Oven ac- in Phuket Town. Great loca- Want Thai female, age 24 to capacity.Email:[email protected] cessories also available. PIWC tion, fully -equipped. For rent, KARON BAR FOR 50,000 baht per month. Key 38. More than 1 year of expe- Please email for details or GALA BALL ONLY 200,000 BAHT! rience in a hotel is a must. Ba- ENGLISH TEACHER money 300,000 baht. call Mr Lio. We speak Italian, The Phuket International Great location, low rent, sic English required. Tel: 086- AVAILABLE Please contact. Tel: 081- English and Thai. Tel: 084- Women's Club announces quick sale! Please contact 1727974.Email: Highly-qualified, British English 6930599. 0603477. Email: attivita the most prestigous event me for further details in [email protected] For teacher with 20 years’ experi- [email protected] this year – the annual Gala English or Thai. Tel: 089- further details, please see our ence available for any type of Ball on Saturday, Novem- 2142528, 085-7884080. websiteathttp:// work. Good rates. Please con- GUESTHOUSE ber 24 at the Indigo Pearl Email: [email protected] www.romsai.ch or email: tact for information at Tel: AND RESORT Bulletins in Nai Yang Beach. Watch Best location, in center of [email protected] 086-7458832.Email: for more details. Tickets gregmackay67@ hotmail.com RESTAURANT Patong with long-term lease will be in great demand. for sale or rent, excellent loca- and no key money. No bro- Please contact for tion in Patong on Bangla Rd. kers. If interested, please con- ANYTHING IS MEXICAN NEPAL HIMALAYAS additional information. Fully-equipped and operational. tact. Tel: 081-6913029, 089- POSSIBLE RESTAURANT HOLIDAYS K.Carol at Please contact for more infor- 7286242. Email: purimas_re mation. Tel: 089-5897368, @yahoo.com Vibrant Thai company with Staff wanted: 1 cook and 2 For the ultimate Nepal holi- Tel: 087-4178860, 085-7815340. Australian expertise wants English-speaking wait- day- hiking, rafting, safa- Email: carol@ your energy, ideas and resses. You are needed for ris, cultural stays at first- aplusplussoftware.com RESTAURANT enthusiasm. Come and talk a new Mexican restaurant LARGE HOTEL For rent,10 years. Located class hotels, and safe ad- or K.Sue at to us for more information. located in Chalong. Please INVESTOR next to Sheraton Resort ventures. Email: leighw7@ Tel: 087-2776948. Tel: 084-1845162. Please contact us for more informa- hotmail.com please visit Unique renovation opportunity. Krabi. Please contact me for visit our website: http:// tion. 089-1638166. Email: our website: www.itrek Email: Beach hotel on 100 rai.Please further details. Tel: 075- www.shades.co.th [email protected] nepal.com [email protected] contact via by email: 600071, 089-8711178. [email protected] Email: starkrabi@ yahoo.com 50 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS October 6 - 12, 2007 Tout, Trader & Trumpet

Business Products & Services Cameras & Miscellaneous Equipment for Sale

PHOTOGRAPHY Exterior & interior packshot journal. Please call K.Sumet Sirithanawuth Tel: 089- 7884864, or zuintheroom @yahoo.com

Computer

ADVANCED HOSTING SERVICES We are dedicated to pro- Personals viding reliable web hosting solutions of the highest quality. All of our plans BACKGAMMON come with a 99.9% up- Retired businessman looking time guarantee. Our focus for backgammon players in is on reliability, uptime, and Phuket. Tel: 081-5778443. customer support. Please contact for more informa- LADY COMPANION tion. Tel: 076-296443. I am an international single busi- Fax: 076-296427. Email: nessman and have come to live [email protected] in Phuket. I live a five-star BARGAINS FOR YOU Please see our website at: lifestyle, and I would like to OSTEOPATH If you' re a small developer or www.gasserweb.com meet a lively, intelligent and Tel: 076-388524, a smart builder. Please con- attractive lady for companion- 081-6072343. tact for more info. Email: ship. If you are interested email: phuketwanderer@ www.garnettsymonds.com [email protected] IMAC INTEL 17" googlemail.com like new 2 GB RAM, 160 TAXI SERVICE HD, iLife 2008. Original, VISA & LEGAL still under 2-year protec- Personal SERVICES tion plan. 33,000 baht. Services Tel: 087-2849690. Con- tact by phone or email: [email protected] TRUCKING SERVICES Moving off the island? Loading and unloading. Tel: 081-7761490. 2 LAPTOPS Email: henri195@ gmail.com Transfer service by car or Ultralight: 10,000 baht. Media- van ,will go anywhere at your Center: 18,000 baht. For de- request. Good, careful driver. tails, call Tel: 089-9087350. Personal Please contact for more Email: [email protected] Services information. Wanted Tel: 076-522041. Golf Stuff Company registration 2,229 Email: NANNY FOR CHILDREN baht; 1-year visa 7,900 baht; [email protected] Any age, any area of retirement visa 7,900 baht; FULL GOLF SET Phuket 100 baht/ hour. Tel: 085-7829252. work permit 7,900 baht; ANDAMAN LEGAL Ben Sayers clubs, putter and UK&US visa 19,999 baht. ADVISERS bag. 30,000 baht. Please con- Pets No more visa runs, get a 26 Hongyok-Utit Rd, Talaad tact for more information. Tel: 1-year visa for only 7,900 Yai, Samkong, Phuket. Asso- 087-8885944. baht. Establish your Thai ciated with Advocates and company today to buy land Solicitors Bangkok, Phuket FREE TO A or start your business for and UK. We provide a wide Musical GOOD HOME only 2,229 baht. Property range of high-quality and spe- Instruments 2 handsome dogs. Male, title search, sales contract cialized legal services to indi- neutered. Easy care, live out- and land registration. vidual and corporate clients. side. Well-trained, child- Thailand's largest legal ser- - Legal consultations SINGER / MUSICIANS friendly, fine around other vice network. Always low dogs. Travel well. Love the - Conveyancing and WANTED prices by our licensed Thai beach and walks. English lawyers. commercial Van Halen style band.... Look- ing for singer, bass and drums. owner has to leave Phuket Tel: 076-290376, 076- - Alien business soon. If you think you can pro- establishment Want to find out more? Ring 290487. me or email, please. Tel: 085- vide a loving home, please call - Notarial certifications Email: info@siam- 7965767. Email: simonscuba Clare. Tel: 083-3906700, or legal.com - Trademark and patent @hotmail.com 086-4702787 (evening). For additional information, licenses please visit our website: - Immigration and work permits www.siam-legal.com - Court disputes - Wills, married, divorce Take - Settlemet agreement me JEAB'S JUMPING - Juristic contract FITTED WARDROBES CASTLES Tel: 076-236124, 02- home CHIROPRACTIC Built-in kitchen, built-in living- 8 models. 5113264, 081-9377219. with Dr. Richard Cracknell room furniture. Interior de- For children' s parties. Email: Andaman [email protected], Tel: 076-330889. sign drawings. Please con- Tel: 081-8939742. you! www. tact for more information. Tel: [email protected] www. Website: chiropractic-phuket.com 076-321651. Website: Soi Dog Foundation Tel: 081-7884222 www.modernlifefurniture.net phuketjumpingcastles.com www.Haroldstock.com October 6 - 12, 2007 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 51 Wheels & Motors

Saloon Cars Pickups Motorbikes 4 x 4s Rentals

BMW X3 FOR SALE ISUZU D-MAX CAB 4 HONDA CHOPPER ISUZU CAB 4, 4WD A1 CAR RENTAL 400 CC

First registered 09/2006. Only Phuket’s Most Trusted & 2003. 100,000km, perfect 2001, 56,000km, manual, Cars, and trucks that are all 15,000km. Top condition, blue, Reputable Supplier of the Finest condition, runs great, 3.0L, Only 18000km, good condi- 3.0L, good condition. fully insured for rental. Best beige interior. Price new: 3.8 Quality Used SALOONS, automatic, only one owner. tion, includes insurance. Price: 430,000 baht. Tel: prices for long-term rental: million baht. Bargain For sale at SEDANS, JEEPS & PICKUPS Price: 470,000 baht. Con- Price 105,000 baht. Tel: 087-2709093. Email: 12,000 to 22,000 baht per only 2.8 million baht. Tel: 086- New cars or trade-ins – tact for more information. 084-0596294. [email protected] month. For more information 6826099.Email: we have what you’re Tel: 087-2709093. Email: on specific vehicles, contact [email protected] looking for. [email protected] FORD RANGER Tel: 089-8314703.Email: 2007 HONDA [email protected] For more info please call us at 2005, 1, 300km, diesel, open CBR 150 cab, first owner, TV/VCD, TOYOTA COROLLA Tel: 076-224632, 076-216243 www.suremotor.com TRITON MEGACAB 2D Under 4,000kms, original many extras. 330, 000 baht. SUZUKI CARIBIAN 1995 2006, 2+2, new condition, owner, 2 1/2 years left on Tel: 081-5395948. 10,000 baht per month. Full in- blue, low kilometers, CD, warranty, 6 months left on surance. Long-term discount. farang owner. Must sell. accident and theft insur- ISUZU D MAX Please contact at Tel: 089- MITSUBISHI LANCER Price: 435,000 baht. Please ance. 50,000 baht, helmet CAB4 4X4 4727304. and rain jacket included. 1993, 1.5L, manual, good contact for additional infor- Like new, 2004, auto, 3L Tel: 086-9477957. Email: condition, runs great. Price: mation at Tel: 085- turbo, 49,500 km, premium P.M.P CAR FOR RENT [email protected] 160,000 baht. Tel: 086- 7959105 (English). sony sound system, 7 months Toyota Vios: 1, 000 baht per 7432011. first class insurance, new pan- day. Honda Jazz: 1,000 baht ther canopy. 510, 000 baht. per day. Suzuki Jeep sporty: 1.5L, manual,140,000km. 2005 HONDA VTX Tel: 081-5697127. 600 baht per day. Toyota HONDA CITY FORD RANGER XLT 1800 Fortuner: 2, 000 baht per day. Well-maintained and ser- for sale. 3 years old, 34,000 2002, 71,000km, diesel 1962 JEEP - Toyota Wish: 2, 000 baht per viced, good condition. Price: km. Immaculate condition. Honda VTX Retro 1800cc. engine, runs great, excel- REFURBISHED day. Tel: 083-1743880, 087- 105,000 baht. Must see. Lots of extras. Tax insurance Year 2005. 99% new. Black lent condition. Price: Cool car, more info by phone 2646808. Tel: 087-2709093. Email: included. 435,000 obo. Tel: color with registration book. [email protected] 270,000 baht. Contact Price: 435,000 baht. Tel: 076- or mail. 175,000 baht. Tel: 081-2710465.Email: for additional details. Tel: 081-8924282.Email: [email protected] 352069, 081-6919346.Fax: ISUZU D-MAX 086-2812899. 076-261028.Email: [email protected] FOR RENT SUBARU WRX [email protected] 2003 model, space cab, runs MAZDA MX-5 MAZDA FREESTYLE great, very reliable, interior and ROADSTER NISSAN NV CB, luxury, 2004, 2 tone, exterior in new condition. FOR SALE HONDA NSR ABS, 12-valve turbo diesel, all Great deal. Long- or short-term Classic 1993 NA, silver, re- 150 - QUICK SALE electric standard, 78km, one conditioned, mint condition, Automatic, new tires, rent: 13,000 per month. Tel: seats, battery, new plugs. Priced at 30,000 baht (ovno). owner. Price: 350, 000 baht. 076-263989, 081-3702540. reluctant sale. 780,000 baht Modified - looks like CBR400. Tel: 085-4730414. ono. Please contact for details CD player. Nice car at great Fax: 076-263424. Email: price. 145,000 obo. Please All in good working order. [email protected] at Tel: 089-8748804. Email: Documents complete. Tax & [email protected] contact for more details. ISUZU DMAX 4-DOOR Great condition, 500,000 insurance paid. For sale 2.5L, diesel, 58,000km, baht ono. Please contact Tel: 081-6891116. Email: [email protected] due to purchase of a car. 2002, Carryboy sport lid, very Others for more details at Tel: Email for photos.Tel:087- good condition. 450, 000 baht. 085-7977786.Email: MAZDA 3 SPORT 3809066.Email: Tel: 086-1588752. [email protected] [email protected] NEW BRIDGESTONE This car is in nearly show- TIRES NISSAN NV 2005 room condition. Just 2 years 4 new tires 265/70 “16” on old, only 11,000 kms. Still one WING ROAD FORD RANGER BENZ SLK200 HONDA PHANTOM New Toyota Hilux Vigo rim 6 year left on warranty. Includes Bronze-gold color, 1,600cc, Open cab, blue, 13,000km, bolts.Tires cost 14,000 baht. SPORT 1997 Gold. 2 years old. 3,500 one year of full insurance. manual, good condition, CD/VCD/TV. First owner, With rims: 18,000 baht. kms. Good condition. Perfect condition, 80,000km, 890,000 baht. Tel: 076- 22,000km. Price: 290,000 excellent condition. 350,000 Please contact for more in- 60,000 baht o.n.o. Tel: 1.85 million baht. Please con- 388465, 086-7421708. baht. Please contact for baht. Please contact for formation at Tel: 076- 087-2714685.Email: tact Tel: 087-2849690.Email: Email:graham@thai- addition information Tel: more information. Tel: 089- 288385, 089-7234029. [email protected] [email protected] connexion.com 081-3670991. 5880839. Email: [email protected] 52 PHUKET GAZETTE October 6 - 12, 2007

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