Volume 12 Issue 22 News Desk - Tel: 076-236555 May 28 - June 3, 2005 Daily news at www.phuketgazette.net 20 Baht

The Gazette is published in association with Phuket Air Interpol chief suspends flights from IN THIS ISSUE Bangkok NEWS: B280m needed for tsu- nami victim ID; Tsunami slams lack of archive to be set up – in to Bali Bangkok. Pages 2 & 3 By Sangkhae Leelanapaporn INSIDE STORY: Alarming de- velopments in Patong. THAILAND: Phuket Air has Pages 4 & 5 funds for DVI suspended its Bangkok-Bali ser- vice after passenger numbers AROUND THE ISLAND: Fetal By Alison Winward slumped following a ban on the care in 4D. Page 6 airline flying to and from Am- PEOPLE: Katoey costumier PHUKET: Interpol boss Ronald sterdam, imposed earlier this reveals all. Pages 10 & 11 K Noble, during a visit to the is- month. land on May 21, lashed out at the Sribenja Semmeesook, LIFESTYLE: Miss Universe beauties spread their love. lack of funding from the inter- Communication Consultant of Page 12 national community for work to Aziam Burson-Marsteller, which continue in identifying victims handles public relations for STICKER FEVER: Tourist Po- of the December 26 tsunami. Phuket Air, told the Gazette on lice show their love for Phu- “We, as a world commu- May 20, “Many customers from ket. Page 13 nity, should be embarrassed that the Netherlands and the rest of SPA MAGIC: The blissful The the people in the DVI teams, who Europe [previously] used Phuket Spa. Page 14 should be [regarded as] heroes, Air to fly from Amsterdam to aren’t getting all the support they Bangkok and then from Bangkok AFTER DARK: Jammin’ till the need,” said Mr Noble, who is to Bali. jam is through at Yoonique. Secretary General of Interpol. “But since the airline was Page 15 “These dedicated police barred from Amsterdam, the re- FIRST PERSON: Landbridge officers and experts, who have sulting drop in passengers has ‘incompatible’ with tourism. come here to look at these re- forced Phuket Air to stop flying Page 21 mains and take DNA samples, to Bali.” are having to raise money [for K. Sribenja said one of the BUSINESS: MICE in Phuket; their investigations].” problems that had caused the air- Business registrations falling; Mr Noble said that he had line to be banned from Am- Money Talks.Pages 22 & 23 heard of DVI (Disaster Victim sterdam – faulty emergency SPORT: Rugby 10s match- Identification) staff having to lighting – had been fixed the day ups; Putting perfectly; ITF write up business plans to get after the Dutch civil aviation Week 3. Pages 24 & 25 equipment and funding or to con- authorities acted against the air- tact friends and colleagues to line. PROPERTY: Home of the As regards the other prob- Week: Chalong; Update: source ink cartridges for print- ers. Interpol Secretary General Ronald Noble: ‘We, as a world com- lem – the fact that a Filipino pi- Baan Sapum. Pages 28-30 munity, should be embarrassed…’ The situation had become lot held a medical certificate so bad that Mr Noble approved is “inefficient” said Mr Noble, cation center’s executive com- valid for a year, while the Dutch PLUS the establishment of a 5,000-euro as it can lead to duplication of mittee in its attempts to secure authorities insist on six-month QUEER NEWS 4; AROUND THE (about 250,000 baht) petty cash some resources, but shortages of international funding for its work medical certificates – K. Sriben- NATION 7; AROUND THE REGION fund to cover expenses. others. in Phuket. ja said only that the certificates 8; HAPPENINGS 9; HOROSCOPES Since January, Interpol – “Individual countries can He said this was particu- were “not compatible”. 10; OUTSIDE IN, BOOKS, TIME which is based in Lyon, France say they have been here from the larly important because since the She continued, “As I’m MACHINE 16; KIDS 17; PAT- – has been co-ordinating the ef- very beginning and they have tsunami slipped off the front sure you can appreciate, it isn’t TAYA, MOTORING, STOOL PIGEON forts of DVI teams from around donated enough resources, but pages of the world’s newspapers all that easy to reinstate routes 18 & 19; EDITORIAL, LETTERS, the world to return tsunami vic- really, that isn’t good enough for and foreign victims were being after being banned – it takes time ISSUES & ANSWERS 20 & 21; tims to their families. the family members. [They] identified, foreign governments to fix everything. COMPUTERS, ON THE MOVE 22; At present, the work of the want their relatives to be identi- are facing less pressure to con- “I’m surprised it has taken DIARY, WINE 26; GUEST CHEF 20 or so DVI teams operating in fied as soon as possible,” he said. tinue contributing to the as long as it has, though, and I 27; GARDENING 31; CLASSI- Phuket is funded solely by their Mr Noble supported the effort,even though it could be hope we will be allowed to fly FIEDS 32-39. home countries. But this system Thai Tsunami Victims Identifi- necessary for many years. into Amsterdam again soon.” 2 PHUKET GAZETTE NEWS May 28 - June 3, 2005 B20m needed for DNA tests on tsunami dead By Anongnat Sartpisut However, investigators are Gen Noppadol was speak- turning increasingly to DNA, ing during a visit to Phuket by PHUKET: Around 20 million particularly to identify the Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Inte- baht is needed to pay for testing victims, as many of them – espe- rior Minister Pol Gen Chidchai DNA samples from victims of the cially from Phang Nga – had no Wannasatit. tsunami who have yet to be iden- dental records and, in places The minister said the gov- tified, the head of the Thai Tsu- where buildings were washed ernment plans to establish a new nami Victims Identification cen- away, it is difficult to find finger- DVI center to continue the work tre (TTVI), Pol Gen Noppadol prints to compare with those of the foreign teams after they Somboonsap, said on May 22. taken from the dead. have gone, but added that he An additional 260 million The DNA samples are now could not give more details at baht, or more, may be needed to being sent to the International present. set up a proposed Thai-run disas- Commission on Missing Persons Pol Col Pornprasert Kanja- ter victims identification (DVI) (ICMP) in Bosnia for analysis. narin, the Joint Chief of Staff, center to continue identifying Gen Noppadol said, “We said that around 140 million baht Phuket-born Tawat Tongtem, 27, is the latest winner in the bodies after foreign teams have have already sent about 750 would be needed to set up a sys- Gazette's 'We Love Phuket' sticker drive. Spotting the license gone home. DNA samples … but with each tem to compare fingerprints, and number of his pickup truck on the front page of the Gazette Altogether, 1,663 victims, test costing 10,000 baht, and 120 million baht for software to issue of May 21, he promptly called up to claim his prize – Thai and foreign, have now been there still being nearly 2,000 bod- analyze the results of the DNA 2,500 baht in cash. He is pictured receiving the money from identified. Most of the foreign- ies yet to be identified, we are tests – but added that these would Gazette Managing Editor Alasdair Forbes. For details of the ers have been identified through looking at a bill of 20 million be only the initial costs. The cen- sticker drive, and how to win fabulous prizes, see page 40 of dental records or fingerprints. baht for DNA analysis alone.” tre would have a staff of 105. this issue. Tourist Police love Phuket: page 13. IN BRIEF Charity Art Auction at Mom Tri’s Villa Royale Jungceylon opening postponed KATA: A charity buffet dinner and art auction will be held at Mom PATONG: The developers of the after the tsunami, but most of The wave actually attracted Tri’s Villa Royale on June 18. All proceeds will go directly towards Jungceylon shopping, entertain- them were small traders. new business. “Small traders, the a scholarship fund for victims of the tsunami. ment and hotel complex have “The big businesses stuck ones who had sold souvenirs and Donors of art objects for auction include Soul of Asia, the decided to delay opening it until with us because the tsunami was such things on the beachfront, Phuket Art Movement and Phuket Ceramics. All works to be auc- October, seven months later than a natural disaster and … they felt approached us about renting tioned will be on display at Villa Royale from June 10. planned, because of the tsunami. it would not really damage the space,” claimed K. Khemawat. For more information contact Donna Tudge at Tel: 076-330015 Jungceylon public relations potential of Phuket tourism.” – Sangkhae Leelanapaporn or Email: [email protected] or Joan Watson at Tel: 07-2820422. and events supervisor Khemawat Pudpuang told the Gazette on Top English clubs to run soccer ‘camp’ in Phuket May 24 that the management PHUKET CITY: Representatives of English Premiership teams team, meeting after the tsunami, Everton, Bolton Wanderers and Manchester City on May 20 gave decided not to open the center in their approval for Surakul Stadium to be the venue of a one-day March, as originally intended, kid’s soccer camp on July 21, run by three coaches and two players “because they were worried there of each team. would be no tourists.” Eam Thavornvongwongse, President of the Phuket Sports As- He continued, “We also sociation, said, “The purpose of this course is to give about 300 talked with people who were to children in the tsunami-affected areas in Krabi, Phang Nga and rent space here, and everyone Phuket, the opportunity to study techniques with Premier League agreed to postpone the opening teams.” because there would be no tour- Derek Fazackerley, Head Coach of Manchester City, said “This ists immediately after the tsu- stadium is in excellent condition for coaching.” nami or during the following ‘green’ season. “We pointed out to them that it would be better for them if we delayed opening the center than it would be for us to open on time and have them paying rent without having customers. “They accepted what we PATONG: Officers from Kathu Police Station will find it easier to said and decided that it would be patrol the sands of Patong Beach with the new 4x4 off-road better to wait until the start of the vehicles presented to them on May 19 by the US Embassy in next high season.” Thailand. K. Khemawat continued, The vehicles, called ST 4x4s, were donated by E-Z-Go Company, which is owned by Textron, well-known for its Bell “A few businesses that had al- Helicopter and Cessna Aircraft brands. ready reserved a space canceled Two of the vehicles, which have a top speed of 40kmh, will be used for patrolling Patong Beach, while a third will be reserved for use by American officials visiting Phuket. Our picture shows Dan Boling (left), of E-Z-Go, and David L Turner, of the Force Protection Detachment at the US Defense Department, taking one of the new “beach busters” for a spin on Patong Beach. May 28 - June 3, 2005 NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 3 Democrat leader drops in for coffee Drug cases

PHUKET: Democrat party leader top crime Abhisit Vejjajiva took part in a “coffee council” discussion with stats again people in Mai Khao on May 23, during a visit to Phuket. More than 500 people wait- PHUKET: Drugs were yet again ed to see the opposition leader the main cause for arrests in arrive with Phuket Democrat MP Phuket in April, according to the Chalermlak Kebsup and Phuket latest Provincial Police crime sta- Provincial Administration Orga- tistics. nization President Anchalee A total of 93 people were Vanich-Thebabutr, both staunch arrested for drug-related offenses Democrats. between April 1 and April 30, K. Abhisit said the party’s compared with 81 arrests in “coffee councils” were a good March. way to learn what voters were Possession of ya bah (meth- thinking and to discuss party amphetamine) accounted for the policies with them. largest number of arrests – 38 – He explained, “It is difficult in April, followed by marijuana for us to get our message across possession, for which people 30 to the voters, that’s why we set were arrested. up the coffee councils as a way Of the remaining 25 drug of having direct communication arrests, 20 were for substance with local people. abuse, three were for using “Prime Minister Thaksin krathom (a plant that acts as a Shinawatra does a radio broad- mild stimulant when ingested), The PM has TV; the opposition have coffee: Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva (wearing tie) one involved Ecstasy and one in- cast to the nation every Saturday. at the ‘coffee council’ in Mai Khao. – Photo by Yodsoi Deechaiya We sent a request three weeks volved hashish. ago to the Public Relations De- addressed students at the Prince lives, during which they can learn considering its controversial de- Three murders were re- partment to clear things for us to of Songkhla University, Phuket. useful things and prepare to take cision to run courses in casino ported, with one arrest made in do the same, but we haven’t had He said, “I hope the stu- their place in society.” management in Thailand, where each of two cases. The remain- a reply from them yet,” he added. dents realize that they are enter- K. Abhisit added that he casinos are illegal. ing case is still under investiga- In the afternoon, K. Abhisit ing an important period in their had heard the university was re- – Sangkhae Leelanapaporn tion. Four attempted murders were reported, with no arrests made, as well as 26 cases of caus- ing bodily harm, for which 14 arrests were made. B10m tsunami archive to Two rapes were reported, with an arrest made in each case, while 24 people were arrested for prostitution. There were 52 reported be set up – in Bangkok cases of theft, with 35 people ar- rested in connection with 28 in- By Anongnat Sartpisut data should be included in the (NAT) which will consider the due to start next month. K. Su- cidents. Six of the thefts were Tsunami Information Center input before deciding on the data reerat added that Phuket Rajabhat snatch-and-run, with two people NAI YANG: Some 200 govern- (TIC), which will be built in to be kept as part of the archive. University has been helping col- being charged in connection with ment officers from Bangkok and Bangkok at a cost of 10 million Contemporary History Re- lect information from local four of the incidents. the six tsunami-affected prov- baht. cords Officer Sureerat Wongsa- people. A total of five motorcycles inces gathered at the Pearl Vil- The hearing was organized ngiem said the archive will cover “The NAT has been accu- were reported stolen, with six lage Hotel on May 19 to come by the Fine Arts Department’s five aspects of the tsunami: what mulating information about the arrests made in relation to four up with suggestions as to what National Archives of Thailand happened during the tsunami, tsunami since January, and we of the thefts. One car was re- how victims were helped, the expect to continue doing this un- ported stolen, with no arrest yet damage caused, the post-tsunami til September,” she said. made. recovery process, and measures Donors look for tsunami introduced to protect the region from future tsunamis. aid projects to fund “The [TIC] will be built in Bangkok. The government has PHUKET: ThaiTogether, the tsu- project proposals, by email to already approved a budget of 10 nami aid organization started by [email protected]. million baht. Mark Weingard of the Annike Successful organizations “The money hasn’t arrived Linden Foundation, has a num- will be invited to make presenta- yet, but when it does, we will start ber of donors coming to Phuket tions to the donors in Phuket at to build the TIC,” K. Sureerat at the end of May to meet with the end of May. For details visit said. organizations seeking funding for www.thaitogether.org. Construction of the TIC is tsunami-related projects. There are substantial funds available for successful appli- cants. Any organizations wishing to be considered should initially register with ThaiTogether by visiting www.thaitogether.org/ yellowpages/ and entering their organization and projects details. After registration they may also submit details, including their mission statement and

With almost 3,000 active classified ads, the GAZETTE ONLINE at www.phuketgazette.net is Thailand’s LARGEST classified marketplace! 4 PHUKET GAZETTE INSIDE STORY May 28 - June 3, 2005 Queer News THOROUGHLY ntil the three National ready audible along the entire Disaster Warning fter the tsunami, government agencies rushed to set up early length of Patong Beach. A quiet Center (NDWC) tow- Awarning systems and establish evacuation plans for risk areas. Dr Jirachai Amornpairoj, Uers are linked by sat- The National Disaster Warning Center tested its pilot warning system General Manager of the Royal ellite to their heaquarters in in Patong on April 29 amid great fanfare. Paradise Hotel, said the reason Nonthaburi, the job of maintain- Patong was getting so much at- night in But while most people think this system alone should be suf- ing, testing – and sounding warn- tention was probably because of ings if necessary – has fallen to ficient, there are now no fewer than five separate warning systems its high international profile and NAKHON SRI THAMMARAT: Patong Municipality. for Patong – two already in place and three more budgeted. also because of the death toll A man in Srichon District put a Patong Deputy Mayor Chai- Are so many warning system really necessary? Here the from the last tsunami. shotgun in his mouth and blew rat Sukbal told the Gazette that He told the Gazette that he his brains out after his wife re- the municipality has installed Gazette’s Sangkhae Leelanaporn and Anongnat Sartpisut review thinks there is no reason to have fused to let him attend a neigh- phone lines to the towers, allow- the different systems and the confusion they are creating. more early warning systems than bor’s funeral with her. ing municipal officials to test is really necessary. Arriving at the scene on them remotely from Patong Fire He also disputed K. Chai- May 8 with doctors from Srichon Station – and test the system they rat’s claim that the public has Hospital, police found the body have, as often as twice a day. been adequately informed before of 36-year-old Wimol Phetchoo “The Municipality tests the tests of the NDWC sirens, say- lying on a bed, dressed only in a NDWC alarm tower often be- ing his hotel hadn’t been in- loincloth. A shotgun was found cause it is connected to the of- formed— and therefore had no at his side, the barrel near what fice by a telephone line; we don’t way to warn its guests that the was left of his mouth. have to walk to the towers when alarm was only a test. Pol Lt Col Suchart Chana- we want to test them. We test Testing the alarm too often, khum said K. Wimol suffered a them to make sure they’re work- he pointed out, might also result single blast to the head which ing well, and every time we do, in a “boy who cried wolf” effect, blew apart his cranium, leaving we make public announcements with people becoming condi- a rather nasty mess all over the using sound trucks, fliers, send- tioned to ignore it. This could bed. ing faxes to hotels, and via our result in a real tragedy if a tsu- Police suggested that K. public address system,” he said. nami were really on the way, he Wimol had possibly discharged K. Chairat doesn’t think the said. the weapon by pressing his toe current proliferation of warning English tourist Suzanne to the trigger, indicating a sce- systems will continue. Busby agrees that testing the nario similar to the way in which “We haven’t been con- alarms too often will generate Kurt Cobain, famed frontman of tacted by any agencies that have complacency. grunge band Nirvana, left this plans to build more towers here, “I don’t believe there will vale of tears. and I think we have enough,” he be another tsunami [soon], but I Col Suchart put the time of added. think there are enough towers death, which must have been in- But while K. Chairat may already … we don’t need one stantaneous, at two hours earlier. not have been informed about it, every 100 meters. That might Police questioned K. Wi- many more towers are on the scare people. If everyone on the mol’s wife K. Sujit, who told way, courtesy of the Royal Thai beach can hear three towers, why them she had left to attend a Navy, the Tourism Authority of build 10?” she asked. neighbor’s funeral earlier that Thailand (TAT) and the Phuket Sutin Thongmesuk, who evening, leaving her husband at Provincial Administration Orga- runs a beach chair and umbrella home and feeling somewhat noi nization (see facing page). rental operation at the southern jai – slighted. Noppadon Pakprot, Direc- end of the beach, said he had wit- When she returned home, tor of the TAT’s Services Promo- nessed the confusion caused be- she found he had shot himself in tion Division, said his agency cause too few people, residents the head, she said. plans to build three more towers and tourists alike, received ad- “He killed himself because in Patong as part of its 200-mil- vance warning when the alarm he felt noi jai that I wouldn’t let lion-baht project to “reland- was tested on March 18. him come to the funeral with me, scape” the Patong shore. The “When some people heard because normally we went every- budget for the project was ap- the siren, they began to run in a where together. We loved each proved May 10, though the funds panic because they didn’t know other very much and had a nice have not yet been made available. Patong Municipality’s warning system, consisting of loudspeakers it was just a test. People who ex- life together. Work is scheduled to begin next attached to power poles, was the first to be wired up, but it is perienced the first tsunami pan- “But on the night of the fu- December or January, he said. not linked to the National Disaster Warning Center in Nonthaburi. icked the most, especially people neral I told him not to come with When asked if another set living along Klong Pakbang. me – I said that I would go, pay of towers was really needed, he cation of effort.” He added that He said that the proposed “What they really need is a my respects, and be back shortly. admitted, “After the tsunami it was too late for the TAT to set locations of the siren towers good system to warn people be- That made him feel noi jai so he there was a rush by several agen- up its system in another area that might be changed so that they forehand, not 100 different points took a gun and shot himself in cies to take action. Without any needs one because the plan has don’t annoy tourists during con- broadcasting warnings while the the head,” she said. central body overseeing the ef- already been granted design and struction or “duplicate” the public has no idea what is going Source: Siang Tai fort, there has been some dupli- budget approval. NDWC towers, which are al- on,” he said. May 28 - June 3, 2005 INSIDE STORY PHUKET GAZETTE 5 ALARMING FIVE IN ONE: PATONG’S CACOPHONY OF KLAXONS

Patong Municipality Warning System: The first “warn- Each tower will be manned by two OrBorJor beach ing system” in operation, this 560,000-baht public ad- guards, who will be equipped with walkie-talkies allow- dress system was donated by UA Thai Industry Co of ing them to communicate and relay information though Nakhon Pathom and was first tested in early March. It the 8.8-million-baht OrBorJor Emergency Radio Net- comprises seven sets of two loudspeakers installed on work, which is now under construction. power poles at the following locations: 1. Kalim School; The network will comprise a series of “repeater” 2. Loma Park; 3. Bank of Asia branch; 4. Sai Nam Yen antennae spaced at a distance of approximately three intersection; 4.Baan Yin Dee Hotel; 5. Suwan Keree kilometers apart. These will form a ring around the is- Temple School; 6. Sea Pearl Hotel Intersection. land and allow local officials to communicate even if The speakers can emit both sirens and voice mes- mobile phone networks collapse, as happened after the sages and are controlled from the Patong Municipality tsunami and again after the March 28 tsunami scare. Public Relations Office at Patong City Hall, which is The system is scheduled for completion by Sep- usually closed evenings and holidays. Authority to sound tember 30. Oddly, there are no reported plans to link the alarm lies with the municipality. the system direct to the NDWC or to the Meteorological The system is not linked to the NWDC, but by tele- Department. phone to the Meteorological Department in Chiang Mai, Royal Thai Navy (RTN) Project: Patong will get three which will send a warning in the event of a major earth- of 19 watchtowers to be built around the island at a cost quake. Criticisms of the system are that it is unclear, of 80,000 to 100,000 baht each. doesn’t cover the entire Municipality, and thus far has Atop each 13-meter structure will be 105-decibel broadcast only in Thai. speakers and searchlights capable of illuminating ob- NDWC Warning System: Comprises three solar-pow- jects as far as 500 meters out to sea to assist in RTN ered siren towers soon to be linked by satellite direct to emergency rescue missions. the NDWC headquarters in Nonthaburi. the system was There appear to be no plans to link the towers to tested and declared a success on April 29 after the the NDWC or to the OrBorJor system, though the RTN evacuation drill. The siren towers emit a range of 121- has said it will coordinate with the OrBorJor to minimize decibel sounds and messages in different languages. redundancy. The towers (see picture, right) were donated by The RTN will discuss the towers’ locations in Bangkok-based Ele Sat Engineering and use commu- Patong with the OrBorJor, which, along with Tambon nications equipment from Swedish company Kockum Administration Organizations, will be responsible for Sonics and an Inmarsat satellite system. They are lo- their maintenance after they are built. cated at the Seaview Phuket Hotel, Phuket Cabana Other watchtower locations will be: Mai Khao, Hotel and Sunset Beach Resort in Kalim. Surin, Nai Harn, Rawai, Nai Yang, Chalong, Koh Racha Although the NDWC will be able to issue warn- Yai, Kata (2), Karon (2), Kamala (2), Bang Tao/Cherng ings direct once the satellite link is established, Patong Talay (3). Municipality will retain the authority to test and broad- Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Project: Patong cast messages through the system. will get three more alarm towers to be budgeted under The Municipality will also be responsible for main- the TAT’s 200-million-baht coastal redevelopment tenance of the system, which will be linked by telephone project for the Municipality’s shoreline. line to Patong Fire Station so that it can be accessed Although few details have been released, the sys- around the clock. tem will include a siren tower with beacon light and will OrBorJor Project: Patong will get three permanent initially be linked only to the Meteorological Department, watchtowers as part of this project, which will see a to- according to the TAT. tal of 16 towers built around the island at a cost of More details about the system will be released Until the National Disaster Warning Center gets 250,000 baht each. The Phuket Provincal Administra- soon, the agency says, and a similar system with two its satellite link working, its three warning tion Organization (OrBorJor) said Bangkok Phuket Hos- warning towers will be installed in Kamala as part of the towers on the beach will be operated by Patong pital has offered to cover the cost of 10 of the towers. TAT’s 100 million-baht redevelopment project there. Municipality. 6 PHUKET GAZETTE AROUND THE ISLAND May 28 - June 3, 2005 Womb with a view By Rungtip Hongjakpet For just about all parents, taking photographs or videos of their newborn is almost as natural as the act of reproduction itself. But for parents who just can’t wait the full nine months before before catching a glimpse of their precious child, Bangkok Phuket Hospital now offers a high-tech, so-called “4D” ultra- sound imaging service that pro- vides high-resolution moving images of the unborn child while it is still in the womb. The Gazette visited the hos- pital recently to learn more about the service from radiologist Dr PRENATAL PAPARAZZO: Dr Rujirek Uthis Tahratanawong and resi- Leelanapapat (right) gives a mother- dent gynecologist Dr Rujirek to-be her first view of junior. Leelanapapat. They explained that “4D” refers to images in four dimen- sions: the three spatial dimen- sions of length, width and depth explained. Dr Uthis said 4D im- joy they had conjured up in their parents mentally, as well as giv- ter and the imaging quality de- – all over time, the fourth dimen- aging in the US and other west- mind’s eye. ing them more time to consider pends on the amount of amniotic sion. ern countries generally costs That’s where the 4D imag- treatment options, such as sur- fluid in the womb, which varies In short, the parents can re- three to four times what it does ing comes in, because it offers far gery. from mother to mother. ceive VCDs of their child before at Bangkok Phuket Hospital, clearer pictures. According to “The only problem we oc- The less amniotic fluid it is even born. where the imaging is just 3,000 Drs Uthis and Rujirek, it even al- casionally have is that the fetus there is, the less clear the images Dr Uthis explained that the baht per session. lows the parents to see the fetus is out of position, so we have to are likely to be. 5-million-baht Voluson 730 Ex- Dr Rujirek explained that sucking its thumb, smiling, kick- ask the mother to come back at a These restrictions aside, the pert unit by GE Medical Ser- for the medical purposes alone, ing – whatever a fetus might get later date,” said Dr Uthis. service has overall been a big hit. vices, imported from the US, is standard “2D” sonograms, which up to while it bides its time wait- How’s that for learning to After finishing the ultra- thought to be the only one of its are also available at the hospital ing for the white light to appear turn your back to the camera at sound the proud parents-to-be are type on the island. for about 1,500 baht, usually suf- at the end of the tunnel. an early age? given a CD copy of the images – It went into service at the fice. The doctors told the Ga- Fortunately, the hospital not a bad head start in putting hospital about two months ago However, unlike trained ra- zette that another positive aspect doesn’t charge anything extra in together the baby’s photo album. and has already met strong de- diologists, most parents see ul- of 4D imaging is that helps par- such cases. mand from mothers-to-be and trasound images of their eagerly- ents to see with their own eyes Dr Rujirek explained that For more information, contact their doting partners – even anticipated progeny as little more when there is a health problem there were some limitations to the Bangkok Phuket Hospital at Tel: among visiting tourists. that a blur of hazy lines, which with the fetus, such as a cleft lip procedure, however. 076-254421 or visit Web: The reason the service is so in reality seem to bear scant re- or cleft palate. It is only appropriate for www.phukethospital.com or popular is the price, the doctors semblance to the little bundle of This helps to prepare the fetuses well into the third trimes- Email: [email protected] May 28 - June 3, 2005 AROUND THE NATION PHUKET GAZETTE 7 Energy-saving drive begins

n June 1, the govern- cidents in the Deep South last ment will launch a year – the raid on an army camp comprehensive en on January 4, the April 28 upris- ergy-saving campaign PRESSURE ing and the Tak Bai tragedy – in O COOKER: A police that will include appealing to the a bid to gain a clear picture of public to switch off lights and air bomb-disposal the cause of the violence. conditioners at home – and to expert checks a drive more slowly. box left outside a Mutant virus: Thailand is beef- Minister of Energy Viset travel agency in ing up its pandemic preparedness Choopiban said the campaign, al- Pattani’s Muang in response to a World Health ready approved by the Cabinet, district after local Organization (WHO) study that residents alerted is aimed at saving 15 billion baht authorities to its shows bird ’flu is becoming more a year by cutting annual energy presence. capable of spreading between consumption by 10%. People na- people. tionwide will be asked to drive The box was later The WHO report indicated below 90kmh, turn off air condi- found to contain that the deadly H5N1 avian ’flu tioners from 12 am to 1 pm and an electric cooking virus had the potential to infect to switch off one light at home pot. people and that a pandemic could after 8:30 pm. be growing. Operators of billboards will The Public Health Ministry be asked to turn off the lights il- plans to call in more than 800,000 luminating their hoardings after village health volunteers from 8:45 pm, the minister added. around the country in June to in- The Cabinet has already in- struct them in how to educate structed all public offices and their communities about the state enterprises to immediately threat of an influenza pandemic. reduce their energy consumption by 10-15%, and an Energy Min- Gothom Arya, Director of mier heritage sites. Work will creases on cigarettes, extending Dangerous daughter: Thaptim istry committee will randomly Mahidol University’s Research begin next year and take about the use of graphic labels to pack- Yossorn, 34, was arrested in Nan check to see that they are follow- for Peace-Building Center, said 10 years to complete. It will in- ets of cigars, and doing away Province’s Phu Phiang District ing the order, he added. such a provision would definitely clude further digs to study the with “light” and “mild” labels for trying to kill her mother, violate basic human rights. temple site, and the relocation of that could mislead smokers into Banyen Mongkolwisut, 58, who Plea for justice: On the 13th an- Deputy Prime Minister nearby communities. thinking that those types of ciga- had demanded her daughter re- niversary of the 1992 Black May Wissanu Krea-ngam, who is in Government Spokesman rettes would be less detrimental pay 700,000 baht that had gone incident, the mother of one vic- charge of drafting the new law, Chalermdej Jombunud said the to their health. missing from her bank account. tim pleaded with authorities to said he might include the pro- rest of the budget would be spent Police said Thaptim at- disclose the fate of her son, who posal for police to tap phone on developing the province’s Homegrown violence: The vio- tacked K. Banyen while they were disappeared during the pro-de- lines, albeit with provisions for water resources and tourism in- lence in the Deep South is appar- driving through Phitsanulok Prov- mocracy protest. advance court permission. dustry. ently motivated by local griev- ince to vistit Thaptim’s sister. “I am an old woman and I “I’ve instructed officials to ances and there is no evidence of Thaptim allegedly pulled want to perform a funeral for my consider if we can include the Death stick displays: Open external involvement, claims a the car over and tried to strangle son before I die,” said Sangwian suggestion of phone tapping, racks of cigarettes at checkout report by the International Crisis her mother with a nylon rope, Phomuang, 71. with court permission, as we counters across the country will Group, a multinational organiza- then beat her head against the K. Sangwian said she could have in the law governing the have to come down on Septem- tion committed to preventing and ground. Two men driving past not find closure because authori- Department of Special Investiga- ber 24, said Narong Sahametha- resolving deadly conflicts. stopped to help and insisted on ties had still not concluded their tion,” he said. pat, Deputy Director-General of “But if this situation is left taking the mother to hospital reports on what happened to the the Disease Control Department to fester, it could attract jihadists while Thaptim fled in her car. hundreds of people who disap- Buri Ram bonanza: Cabinet has (DCD). from outside Thailand,” said peared after the protest. approved a 340-million-baht The DCD views the dis- project director Sidney Jones. Around the Nation news roundup budget to restore and develop plays as a form of advertising The report, entitled “South- is sourced from the pages of The What’s my line? Civil rights Prasat Phanom Rung temple in tobacco, which is prohibited in ern Thailand: Insurgency Not Nation and Kom Chad Luek groups have voiced their opposi- Buri Ram as part of a 2.3-billion- Thailand. Jihad”, examined three major in- newspapers. tion to a police proposal that new baht development package for Aware of the ban’s poten- security laws being drafted to re- the northeastern province. tial impact on large retailers, the place martial law in the Deep Culture Minister Uraiwan authorities have given them four South should allow authorities to Thienthong said the project is months to adjust, K. Narong said. tap into phone conversations intended to ensure that the temple Other anti-smoking regula- without court permission. remains one of the world’s pre- tions in the works include tax in- 8 PHUKET GAZETTE AROUND THE REGION May 28 - June 3, 2005 Senator slams full moon parties egative comments authorities, whom he claims are important questions to answer made recently by a working extremely hard to clean were: whether a second airport member of the Upper up the image of the full moon is necessary; where it should be N House following an party. built, and what impact would it inspection visit to a full moon Pornled Chokchai, the have in terms of noise pollution? party have prompted an angry re- Chief of the Koh Pha-ngan Dis- Meanwhile, a former cap- sponse from officials on Koh trict Office, was also angered by tain for Thai Airways, Anusorn Samui and Koh the comments, and Wuntwisudweht, claimed that the Pha-ngan. FROM THE said that not once current proposed location was Senator Ra- in three years of in- ideal, because it allowed access biat Pongpanit GULF OF spections had he from four different directions. complained that witnessed foreign- He commented that a large she saw batik Bud- ers having sex on segment of the tourism market dha images dis- THAILAND the beach. was being lost because of the played next to biki- He admitted airport’s limited capacity. nis on Samui, and that the senator Some of those present, in- that during the full may have seen cluding Samui Spa Association moon party she couples hugging President Wanwalee Thantikan, witnessed foreign- and kissing, which believe that, as a major destina- ers eating magic he says is quite tion, Koh Samui should have a mushrooms and normal behavior public airport, but the meeting having sex in pub- for foreigners. He appeared to favor negotiation and lic on the beach. added that even reconciliation with the owner of Several high- this is not encour- the existing private airport. ranking local offi- aged in public, and To many people on the is- cials, including the officials often ask land, constructing a new airport Governor of Surat partygoers to re- when there is already a busy fa- Thani, Vichit frain from too cility in place seems both ex- Vichaisarn, have By Commander much “heavy pet- travagant and irresponsible. criticized the Sammy Swan ting” on the beach. senator’s com- K. Pornled Koh Tao ministerial visit: Som- ments, and even suggested that said his two priorities for Koh sak Thepsutin, the Minister of she may have been mistaken in Pha-ngan are to make it drug-free Tourism and Sport, recently paid what she saw. and pollution-free, and that a visit to Koh Tao to find out first- Gov Vichit stressed that se- projects in both these areas are hand what local residents feel curity is now very tight at the full already proving very successful. they need as the island grows into moon party, especially in terms The head of the Koh Pha- OCEAN LOTION: Staff and owners of some 14 Samuian dive a major international destination. of drug control, and that police ngan Tourism Association, Chan- shops took part in a clean-up operation as part of Dive Into Earth Koh Tao has expanded con- rarely find anyone taking illegal chod Piriyasatit, echoed these Week, on April 25. Photos of the cleanup were taken by Collin siderably over the past two years, substances at the event, which assertions, and added how im- Parker, a dive instructor and videographer. especially as a dive destination, suggests that there are not many pressed he and his colleagues be thought of as a hotbed of de- assess again the prospects for a but development is taking place drugs available. were by the level of official pres- bauchery. Some argue that such second airport. Around 50 people without either controls or regu- He invited other members ence at the monthly full moon publicity is at least part of the rea- attended the meeting. lation. of Parliament to visit the island party. son for its lasting success. The survey found that a sec- A number of suggestions and see for themselves, and Most tourists, he said, visit Whatever the attitude of the ond airport was feasible, but that were given to the Minister, in- added that careless criticism the island to relax surrounded by government, economic concerns it should be built on land re- cluding ideas for improving would not help the Surat Thani nature, not to take drugs and have seem certain to guarantee that the claimed from the sea, rather than transport services from the main- sex, and he expressed concern party never ends. on the current proposed site, land, upgrading the supply of that rumors would only encour- which is an important agricul- basic utilities such as water and age young Thai people to attend Samui airport survey: Follow- tural area as well as one of the electricity, and providing better the party as spectators. ing the completion of a survey by island’s main water storage ba- medical services. Despite strong denials, Koh researchers from Kasetsart Uni- sins. Pha-ngan – during the full moon versity in Bangkok, a meeting Project director Gasen Cdr Sammy Swan is a writer for party in particular – continues to was held recently on Samui to Chankeaw said the three most Samui’s community magazine. May 28 - June 3, 2005 H A P P E N I N G S PHUKET GAZETTE 9 This week

PREPPIN’ FOR A PUNCH-UP: Phuket Senator Paiboon Upatising (3rd from left) and Phuket Provincial Administration President Anchalee Vanich-Thepabutr (hands crossed) were on TOP FLIGHT: Anuphas Group CEO Phummisak Hongsyok accepts a plaque hand to watch the Southern Thailand Muay Thai Championships on May 11 to raise money from Phuket Governor Udomsak Usawarangkura to commemorate the for Sawang Arrom Temple in Rawai. The event was organized by Raywat Areerob (4th from Phuket Golf Association’s naming of Phuket Country Club as the best right) and held at the Phuket Muang School in Rawai. course in the Andaman Region.

FISHY BUSINESS: Among fisheries experts leading the Asia Pacific Economic CLEAN CUISINE: Royal Paradise Hotel General Manager Dr Jirachai Amornpairoj Cooperation (Apec) group’s 18th Meeting of the Marine Resource Conservation (3rd from right) hosted a dinner for visiting Public Health Minister Dr Suchai Working Group (MRCWG) were Canadian Donna Petrachenko (black dress) and Charoenratanakul (center), Phuket Provincial Health Office Dr Wanchai American Stetson Tinkham. The talks also included a joint session with Apec’s Sattayawutthipong and other local officials at the Royal Kitchen Chinese Restaurant Fisheries Working Group. on the 25th floor of the hotel.

SEA-CONDO: Phuket Marina Residence Managing Director Kavinvit Boonudomsum (left) was joined at Andavana Spa by Bob Andrews, Managing Director of Phuket SILKY PARTY: SilkAir, which has a daily service to Singapore, held its annual LandSearch Co Ltd, and others in a press conference to announce the May 14 staff party for its Phuket office at Laguna Beach Resort. This year’s theme was soft opening of the luxury condominium development on Koh Sireh. ‘traditional Thai costumes’. 10 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PEOPLE May 28 - June 3, 2005

In The St ars by Isla St ar

GEMINI (May 22-June 21): A LIBRA (September 24-Octo- AQUARIUS (January 21-Feb- person who you’ve always re- ber 23): Librans who are climb- ruary 19): Romance is subject garded as a platonic friend will ing the walls in wet weather frus- to unsettling cosmic disturbances reveal their true feelings to you tration are advised to channel this during the first week of June. But The Boa this weekend. If you can’t re- negative energy into something even if parting is sweet sorrow, ow does someone born spond with mutual interest, be more positive. Aries has been try- it doesn’t mean that the break will in Bangkok as a man careful how you handle this po- ing to run a reasonable proposi- be permanent. This is an auspi- and who holds a di- tentially complicated situation. tion past you lately and is about cious time to take stock of what ploma in accounting Ask a third party for advice; Sag- to put it to someone who is pre- is really going on in your life and H end up designing flamboyant ittarius has had a recent similar pared to listen. A passionate at- decide which areas could benefit costumes for the Moulin Rose, experience. On Tuesday, you’ll traction can only lead to a short- from more of your attention. one of Patong’s leading ladyboy be singing in the rain when a lived relationship; if you’re Grab work opportunities quickly shows? monetary bonus boosts your searching for something more and firmly – someone else is Pichet “Lek” Orapinpong is dwindling bank balance. Wear meaningful, resist temptation. poised to sneak one from under only happy to explain how. red to encourage further financial Number 3 holds the key on your nose. The younger of two sons, improvement. Wednesday. K. Lek, now 37, graduated from PISCES (February 20-March Dusit Commercial College, CANCER (June 22-July 23): SCORPIO (October 24-Novem- 20): Picky Pisceans may find that Bangkok, with a diploma in ac- The wheels of your social life ber 22): Minor health worries it’s not the right season to be too counting. She became a ladyboy will start to turn more smoothly occupy your attention this week. choosy. There’s some room for while in Bangkok, and moved to this week. If you are dismayed Try not to blow these out of pro- negotiation where a business Phuket seven years ago. over a fallout with a close friend portion; a visit to a recommended contract is concerned, but it will She said, “I came to Phuket last month, you are about to dis- doctor will put your mind at ease. be a tight squeeze. Leo has some because my friends invited me to cover the real reason for what had Single Scorpios have not been free words of wisdom to offer this come here. One suggested I get a happened. The only way to over- looking for true love in the right weekend that could cause you to job in a bar, and offer some kind come obstacles blocking your places. Expand your horizons to wonder if expensive advice re- of sexual service, but I wasn’t path to career success is to run increase your chances of meet- ceived earlier this year was re- prepared to do that. It’s not my right over them; circumnavigat- ing a prospective partner. On ally worth its weight in gold. The style. ing them will eventually result in Monday, take advice offered by scent of lavender will help reduce “So I tried to find other bigger problems. The number 8 Gemini with a generous pinch of stress levels. work, perhaps involving the per- has special meaning on Wednes- salt; this is one get-rich-quick forming arts. I was offered a job day. scheme that’s certain to sink. ARIES (March 21-April 20): at Andaman Queen Cabaret, Arians who are pining for a spe- which was what the Moulin Rose LEO (July 24-August 22): SAGITTARIUS (November 23- cial someone who has had to was called then. Where close relationships are December 21): Your enthusiasm leave temporarily will be cheered “It was only just getting concerned, many Leos will be for life is compromised by part- up by a comminiqué this week. started, and I was the first per- is that I wanted to make dresses tempted to play with fire this nership problems during the first It appears that absence really is son employed to look after the that suited the song, the chore- week. If you ignore an instinct week of June. If you have been making your heart grow fonder, performers’ costumes.” ography and the performer. that is telling you to walk away economical with the truth you and the feeling is being recipro- K. Lek had never worked “I learned by doing, and I with your pride intact, there will should lay all your cards on the cated. This could even mean that with costumes before, but be- seemed to get good results. That certainly be burnt fingers to tend table if you want to continue this wedding bells will be ringing cause she thought the job made me feel very proud of my- to later this month. Keeping up relationship. Another source of over your head before the end of sounded interesting, she took it. self.” with local news can open doors interest is about to be revealed, the year. On Wednesday, Capri- At first K. Lek’s job was Before the tsunami, Mou- to new business possibilities that which will probably conflict with corn will try to run rings around solely to make sure the outfits lin Rose Cabaret had 30 perform- will involve doing little work for your present commitment. The you concerning a financial mat- were in good repair, and to fetch ers. Now it has just 19, but as impressive financial gain. Wear coming weeks are going to be a ter. and carry them for the perform- there are 13 routines per show, the color indigo to make a seri- period of change for the better. ers. K. Lek still has many costumes ous impression. TAURUS (April 21-May 21): However, her employers to devise. CAPRICORN (December 22- May should have proved to be a were so impressed with her abil- She bases her designs VIRGO (August 23-September January 20): There will be sev- very positive time for Taureans. ity and professionalism that they around the performers’ person- 23): A spider’s web of intrigue eral knocks on your door with As long as you didn’t dig your promoted her to costume man- alities and the dance routines is about to be woven around you. requests for help this week. Many hooves too deeply in the sand ager. they will be following. Inspira- As May turns into June, you are Capricorns have acquired a repu- concerning an irritating business Eventually, K. Lek was tion comes from a variety of advised to sharpen your wits and tation of having a heart of gold, situation, there are further ben- tempted to try designing cos- sources. keep them that way. If you allow but this could be easily exploited. efits to be reaped during the first tumes as well as caring for them. “Sometimes I watch mov- others to believe that the silk can If there’s someone who you feel two weeks of June. If it’s too wet She said, “I had never studied ies on TV, which give me ideas, easily be pulled over your eyes, genuinely deserves assistance, it to venture far out of doors this costume design, but I have al- although I don’t do straight cop- they will do just that. Luckily, would still be best not to lend weekend, you should consider at- ways loved to learn new things, ies. I use them as a guide then someone close has already got more than you can afford to lose. tending to overdue correspon- and to learn more about things create my own styles,” she said. wind of the situation; listen to a Romance is well-starred this dence – it will encourage some that I like. “Our shows are rather sexy well-intended warning from Li- weekend – your partner has a sen- interesting information to flow “I don’t know where my in style, so the costumes are sexy bra. sual surprise in store. your way. first ideas came from; all I know too, and fairly revealing.” May 28 - June 3, 2005 PHUKET PEOPLE PHUKET GAZETTE 11 Constructor

FEMMES FATALE: (right) Performers at the Moulin Rose show off just a few of K. Lek’s creative designs.

GIRL POWER! (left) Pichet “Lek” Orapinpong (in striped top) trained as an accountant. She retains a good head for figures – and the clothes to go around them.

FEATHER IN HER CAP: (right) ‘Our shows are rather sexy in style, so the costumes are sexy too, and fairly revealing,’ says K. Lek.

The costumes K. Lek de- portive, too, and understanding, “But I wouldn’t want to signs are made at a small tailor’s and they don’t try to persuade me make only cabaret costumes, I shop in Patong, although K. Lek to find another job.” would like to make clothes for often finishes off the outfits by If K. Lek ever decides she day-to-day wear as well.” adding trimmings herself. has had enough of the cabaret, She continued, “Anyone, Sometimes she buys ready- she would like to own either a man, woman or ladyboy can suc- made dresses from the market coffee shop or a clothes shop. ceed in a job – if they are inter- and customizes them by adding She said, “Even now I want ested in it. trimmings, such as leather. to learn more about designing “It’s the same with design- She continued, “Feathers clothes and tailoring. ing costumes for ladyboys – you [also] look great on dresses – the “I’m not very good at put- don’t have to be a ladyboy your- more feathers, the better, but ting my ideas on paper, so I have self to do it well. feathers cost 350 baht each, and to explain to the tailor what I “You just have to be open- our budget is quite limited. want the costume to look like. minded, and have faith in your- “I have to find materials “Perhaps if I study more, I self, and your colleagues.” that fit in with our style, but will be able to design even better which aren’t prohibitively expen- costumes. –Athiga Jundee sive.” The most expensive dress in the show cost 20,000 baht, but K. Lek is adept at re-trimming old costumes to give them a new look, so they can be reused in new routines. Most of the fabrics and trimmings are bought locally, on the grounds of cost. According to K. Lek, “Many people in the audience must think our dresses are very expensive, but with a little bit of imagination, I can make them look good, without spending too much money.” K. Lek has now become general manager of the cabaret, and choreographs shows and trains performers as well as de- signing the costumes. Away from Moulin Rose, K. Lek has a boyfriend, a for- eigner. She said, “He is really sup- portive and he always tells me what a good job I have done if he enjoys the show. He knows how hard I have worked to get this far.” She continued, “My parents and my older brother, are sup- 12 PHUKET GAZETTE LIFESTYLE May 28 - June 3, 2005 Tops in the tropics

uring the Miss Universe contestants’ recent visit to DPhuket, islanders had the opportunity to see first-hand what the world’s most beautiful women choose to wear in the tropics, and the message was loud and clear — anything you like as long as it’s cool, colorful and comfortable. Here are a few pictures showing what the beauties donned as they went out and about during their stay.

SOUND THE ALARM: A bevy of the beautiful contestants show that bright and light is the key to looking good on Phuket.

BIKINI BOMBSHELLS: (from left) Miss Australia Michelle Guy, Miss Canada Natalie Globova and Miss Ethopia Atetegeb Tetfaye Worku are happy to wear matching bikinis on board Royal Phuket Marina Big dots and a big smile work for Miss developer Gulu Lalvani's motoryacht Divia II at the Phi Phi Islands. Guatemala Aida Estrada.

Miss Croatia Jelena Glisic sports a hat in the midday sun. Miss Hungary Szandra Proksa shows that pink can still look pretty.

A low-cut neckline with frills keeps Miss Norway Helene Traasavik smiling. May 28 - June 3, 2005 STICKER FEVER PHUKET GAZETTE 13 Sticker fever continues unabated

PHUKET: Since its launch on The third surprise in the May 7, the Phuket Gazette’s “We campaign has been the response Love Phuket” sticker campaign from Phuket businesses. continues to yield surprises. Hotels, many of which now Originally budgeted for hand the stickers to guests as they 8,000 stickers, the project has check-out, as well as airlines, res- now printed and placed 14,000. taurants, golf courses and other Conceived primarily to businesses on the island have LOVE PATROL: Above, Pol Maj raise spirits, the sticker campaign thus far donated prizes valued at Bundit Khaosutham (left), is now also raising money. Un- more than 240,000 baht. Inspector of Phuket Tourist Police, and Pol Sgt Maj Wichai expected demand from abroad, The prizes, known as Rak Pheawpanchoo show their love where the item is priced at 50 Mak! (Love A Lot!) Awards, are for Phuket by putting the “We baht (plus postage and handling), distributed weekly to owners of Love Phuket” sticker on all the is currently producing 50-60 or- vehicles identified at random by Tourist Police patrol cars. ders a day. Gazette staff as displaying the The Gazette is donating sticker. LOVE IS A BEAUTIFUL THING: 80% of the proceeds of these The winning vehicle num- Right, Miss Ecuador Ximena sales to charities monitored and bers are announced on the front Zamora (left) and Miss El approved by the newspaper. page of every edition of the Ga- Salvador Irma Dimas show The response from the mar- zette. they Love Phuket. ket of many millions of former Stickers are available from visitors to Phuket, from places as the Gazette office for local resi- far flung as Milan, Mindanao, dents, while those wishing to Local businesses interested in sup- Santa Barbara, Sydney and St show their support for Phuket porting the campaign through do- Tropez, confirms not only fond from overseas may order the nation of prizes are invited to con- memories of Thailand but also a stickers online at www. tact Khun Pam at Email: desire to actively spread the phuketgazette.net/welovephuket. [email protected] word. asp. or by calling Tel: 076-236555. 14 PHUKET GAZETTE SPA MAGIC May 28 - June 3, 2005 Happily taking the bliss

ou don’t become one worked at the previous spa at the of the world’s leading Arcadia before the hotel was hotel brands without rebranded and taken over by Yknowing your stuff, so Hilton last year. I was interested to find out how All staff received additional that knowledge had been applied training from a Bangkok-based to the new spa at the Hilton spa consultancy before moving to Phuket Arcadia Resort at Karon the new spa. Beach. My therapist for the after- Developed at a cost of 60 noon was K. Waree, and my tem- million baht, or around US$1.5 porary “home” was the spa’s million, this has to be one of the most luxurious villa, which is most – if not the most – expen- aimed at couples and has a cru- sive spas on the is- ciform marble Jac- land. uzzi and a pair of I was expecting rainwater showers in something out of the its own private gar- ordinary, and some- Spa den. It also features thing extraordinary MAGIC two treatment beds was certainly what I in the air-condi- got as I arrived – a By Alison Winward tioned interior, as peacock crossed my well as an indoor The Spa path as I walked to shower, WC and the reception. steam room. The spa was “conceptual- After I had showered and ized” by Hilton International’s had a spell in the lemongrass- Director of Spa Development – scented sauna, K. Waree gave me Asia, Simon Littlewood, as a The Spa’s signature treatment, “village” of 15 villas set in its “Equilibrium Therapy”. own garden within the resort’s This combines massage grounds. with specially-created wild mint By my reckoning, after de- oil and the application of a luk ducting the cost of the reception pra kob Thai herbal poultice. It area, boutique, beauty salon and lasted for around an hour, which juice bar, the average cost of each was probably a lifetime too short. villa is just under US$100,000 – I could have stayed there forever. more than a “real” house in many But I couldn’t, and, after a parts of the world. cup of zingy ginger tea, it was And it shows. From the im- time for my Tropical Fruit Facial. ported-from-France L’Occitaine In its raw form, this looked beauty products on sale in the more like dips for crudités than a ROOM FOR ONE MORE? The only thing better than sampling the delights of the cruciform Jacuzzi boutique to the sturdy toilet beauty treatment: bowls of alone is enjoying it with a friend. Well, it does save water… doors, to the innovative menu of mashed papaya, puréed banana, “spa cuisine” and drinks offered brown sugar, pulped cucumber WELL BALANCED: A combination of wild mint oil and a luk pra kob poultice makes up The Spa’s at the juice bar, the spa simply and yoghurt, to exfoliate, soothe signature treatment – Equilibrium Therapy. exudes quality. and nourish my skin. The spa treatment menu “Putting back a little of could almost be interchanged what life takes out,” is – accord- with the spa cuisine menu, rich ing to the publicity material – the as it is with honey, sesame, co- aim of the spa. conut, mint, lemongrass, cucum- Mission accomplished. ber, milk and other edibles. The similarity ends, how- Equilibrium Therapy: 2,300 baht; ever, with the “facials”, which Tropical Fruit Facial: 1,600 baht; include Rene Guinot’s highly re- herbal steam: 450 baht, plus 10% garded Hydradermie. service charge and tax. “The menu is a blend of Thai therapeutic ingredients and The Spa at the Hilton Phuket Western technology,” said Spa Arcadia Resort & Spa, 333 Patak Manager Siripen Amornsiri- Rd, Karon Beach, Tel: 076- chutipon. 396433, website: www.hilton. K. Siripen heads a team of com, email: spa.phuket@hilton. 15 therapists, some of whom com

Do Not Drink Tap Water! May 28 - June 3, 2005 NIGHTLIFE PHUKET GAZETTE 15 After DARK by Sam Wilkinson Yoonique jamming

nce upon a time there artists like JJ Cale and Oasis, or was a fairy tale loca “Shorty” Jamie’s version of tion, agreeably off the Psycho Killer, or Marty’s won- beaten track, where derful Joni Mitchell repertoire. It O all adds up to Yoonique’s happy, would-be Jimis, Jims and Van QUALITY Morrisons would gather to act KARAOKE: ego-free way. out their musical fantasies. Yoonique’s open Local bands use the venue The alfresco (mostly al ‘mike’ policy ensures as a home away from home, re- caldo) bar was a rough diamond, a lively variety of hearsing there while enjoying a featuring old fashioned outdoor acts, but without few beers. There are theme pissoirs that brought ammonia- the ‘frog squawk’ nights, open birthday parties, induced tears to punters’ eyes, crowd making a Mardis Gras to Halloween to mosquitoes the size of a single- show of it. Christmas celebrations, and engine Cessna and grisly ham- more often than not a party gets burgers that could wilt a vegetar- started at Yoonique at the drop ian at 20 paces. of a hat. It was cheap, tacky and – If you’re into tattooed bra- best of all – it was the musical zen ladies of the night and tele- heartbeat of southern Phuket. vised sports, don’t bother with One could sometimes catch Yoonique – it’ll likely bore you flashes of passing brilliance from stiff. But if your idea of a good artists traveling through and lo- night out is to meet friendly cal improvisators, often on their people in a relaxed atmosphere way to or from a hotel gig. Some- with food and drinks at reason- times the music was worse than able prices, check this place out dreadful, driving drinkers away wall space with modern art mind. The fact that people from putting the “oo” back into cool – but don’t forget to take your with ringing ears, swearing never works. Antiques and curios are Surin, Patong and Kata regularly while their competitors struggle guitar and to wear flowers in your to go back, but they usually did. casually strewn around, and there make the trip south for to keep the “er” in beer. They hair. After all, where else could are piles of interesting books to Yoonique’s Tuesday evening run a successfully smooth opera- they go for live music at the borrow. John Lennon and Jimi jams and Friday Mexican food tion and still stay musician- Yoonique: 14/61-62 Wiset Rd, Nai southern end of the island? Hendrix gaze down onto a drum speaks for itself. Yoon and Sh- friendly. Harn. Tel. 06-6836362. Email: That location today has re- kit and ready-to-use amps and annon Bunna, a young Thai-Ca- The music? Check out bluephoenixdesign@hotmail. alized its commercial potential guitars. A red sofa arrangement nadian couple have succeeded in Spacey Steve’s interpretations of com with high-grade accommodation, sits to the right of the stage and a swimming pool, a canny chef several pine tables and benches as well as Sunday afternoon jazz stand outside in a tropical garden sessions. So where has the rough setting. and tumble stuff gone to? Where There’s a marked mobile can you get a good jam for very theme to Yoonique’s décor, little bread? Where’s the coolest which features scooters such as live music bar in the south of the a Vespa, an MZ, a Supercup, an island? old Honda and a glorious Lam- It’s at Yoonique, an eclec- bretta. One could easily imagine tic place just behind the Reggae Ornella Muti and Giancarlo Bar by Nai Giannini Harn’s lake/ propping up temporary di- the bar in saster area. lightweight Here, you can cotton suits catch live sipping rock, reggae, espressos, ex- soul, blues, cept for the folk, Thai sad fact that “songs for they’ve both life” and just moved on to about any- the big cin- thing else ex- ema in the cept Gregorian chant. sky. There’s even an ancient Mer- The setup is similar to the cedes-Benz parked in the field southern funsters’ old haunt, ex- outside that doubles as a kids’ cept for one important thing: it’s playroom. a lot quieter, because the live mu- The clientèle, appropri- sic is usually performed indoors. ately, is from all walks of life, Unusual portraits vie for nationalities, ages and frames of 16 PHUKET GAZETTE FEATURES May 28 - June 3, 2005 The truth, pur-lease! A lame imitation o put it lightly, it’s hard itself must be nice this spot is to get straight informa- horrible! Fat dumb white guys of a comic gem tion about Phuket on the OUTSIDE with Thai girls.” Internet. At the other end of the gen- n recent weeks I’ve gone When they discover that he has T IN through a hefty 900-word relapsed with a couple bottles of Take the example of simple der question, a girlsofpatong. financial transactions on the is- By Lis Kinswoman com reassures the insecure male history of colonialism in wine each night, they throw him land. One site states, “Fixed visitor that “if you want a vaca- IAfrica, some vintage early out. prices are the norm in department Throbing and whining. tion where you are treated like Evelyn Waugh and three price- Thus begins a five-day stores, but at other places (hos- The website goasia.about.com Elvis, Patong will be your next lessly funny novels by PG Wode- journey, first to Sharon Springs pitals, bars, police stations for cheerily informs us that “Pa- booking for sure.” house, a new discovery for me. in upstate New York, where he example?) bargaining is accept- tong’s nightclubs are throbing A load of old rubbish. In But since Wodehouse died 30 gets drunk in a bar and winds up able and expected”. with the beat of disco again.” my desperation to find a truly no- years ago, his books hardly call with a broken nose and two black Again, 1stopchiangmai. Well, we’re hapy to hear that. holds barred positive statement for a newspaper review. eyes, then to the Rose Colony in com gives some hot tips on bar- Reuters claims that “The about Phuket’s nightlife center, I Then I made the serendipi- Saratoga Springs, a refuge for gaining such as, “Your opening annoying whine of jet-skis is no cheated and went to a Thai site tous discovery of novelists, poets, gambit should always be in Thai. longer heard.” If only. www.beachpatong.com, but even Wake up, Sir! painters and sculp- This way they will take you for a Meanwhile, trv.net boldly there things looked a tad rough. (Scribner, New tors. local expat (God forbid).” states, “When Bangkok goes to “The official permanent York, 2004, 334pp) There are times But then, according to the sleep Patong really begins to population (of Patong) is 14,797 by American novel- when the loopy hu- site, a typical Thai store owner rock.” persons but the real number is ist Jonathan Ames. mor of Bertie will ignore the canny tourist’s Yeah, sure. At the 7-Ele- probably as high as 60,000, esti- This purports Wooster leaks out three-month intensive Thai ven? mated from the garbage.” to resurrect the char- and here is one of course and reply in pretty good Patong polemics. Just More confusion. A classic acter Jeeves, the va- Off the them, as the woman English – well, good by Phuket when will anyone out there say Net FAQ is, “When is the best let to Bertie Wooster. admitting him to the standards, anyway. something nice about Patong? On time to visit Phuket?” Jeeves, fond of SHELF Rose Colony in- “This one is good quality, thorntree.lonelyplanet.com a The Lonely Planet states quoting Latin poets spects his battered sure. I buy from factory 150 baht. young lady belches out the fol- authoritatively “The best time to and Shakespeare, in- By James Eckardt face and asks if he’s In Bangkok it’s more expensive, lowing invective about the resort visit Phuket is from January to variably saves the seen a doctor: maybe 300 baht.” town. May” whereas a sister website in- day for his master Bertie “I didn’t go to a doctor, but Strangely enough, in order “What a disgusting, taste- forms us that “The best overall Wooster, the upper class twit who I’m fine. The nose is swollen and to obtain goods for a premium less, highly commercialized, time for visiting Phuket is be- attended Eton and Oxford but is pushed a little to the right, but it’s price you are then recommended tacky sh*tpit. Full of tattooed tween November and February.” an incurable dim bulb. nothing drastic. to employ pidgin English. “300 gorillas on ’roids. I’ve only met However, bbc.com glibly In Wake up, Sir!, Jeeves be- “I could stand to be more baht? Where? one [Thai] there who actually cites “…December and August” comes an imaginary playmate to on the right. I tend to be too lib- “Maybe you buy 300 baht comes from Phuket.” as the peak tourist visiting times. the narrator, young novelist Alan eral in my policies, though I’m in Phuket. Tourist in Phuket he Another contributor to the What the hell, anytime’s the Blair – like Calvin’s Hobbes. not against prayer in schools, have too much money.” site at least tries to balance the right time if you want to be While the new Jeeves does which I thing would help with Transaction concluded. situation: “Although the island treated like Elvis. a passable imitation of the old – test scores.” impeccably formal diction al- Then his reflections on ways accompanied by “Sir” – the vice: novel fails badly with the substi- “That’s always the lure, TAT intervenes in jewelry fraud tution of Alan Blair for Bertie though, this time it will be better, Wooster, who may different, which Phuket Gazette than they had been led to believe. off”. They returned to Phuket have been a feckless seems to be the hook May 1995 The Yuens were on holiday and, with the help of the TAT, protagonist but a with most vices. in Phuket and were approached descended on the offending shop keen narrator. His “Gambling, PHUKET: Euamporn Jirakan- by a tout from Bangkok who en- and demanded full repayment of running jokes just sex, alcohol, drugs, wisai, Assistant Manager of the ticed them, with the promise of their money. Despite attempts by got funnier each Chinese food – you Southern Thailand bargain-price the shop to retain 30% – for han- time they came always give these Region, Tourism jewelry, into a Pa- dling charges – the Yuens were around. things a second Authority of Thai- THE TIME tong gem shop. finally successful in obtaining a A novel about chance or a hun- land (TAT), dis- There, they spent full refund. a novelist is always dredth chance, but closed last month machine 162,000 baht, of a risky proposition, something healthy, that the TAT had which 122,000 Helicopter dash and more so in this like kayaking, if you received a com- News from the past was for gems and one since Alan Blair don’t go for it the plaint from Hong 40,000 for gold. fails to save heart just isn’t very inter- first time, you never Kong tourists Mr and Mrs Wi- Later, in Singapore, they esting. Tedious and try again.” seen Yuen, who had bought jew- had their purchases profession- failure woman self-obsessed, he is Blair gets elry in Phuket, only to discover ally assessed and discovered that trying to be funny but isn’t. drunk every night, and stoned on later that its value was far less they had been “severely ripped Phuket Gazette Like Jonathan Ames, who marijuana to boot, and manages May 15-31, 2000 received praise from Philip Roth to bed a beautiful sculptress. and Joyce Carol Oates for his There is no plot to speak of. MAITHON ISLAND: The Po- first novel, I Pass Like Night, Wodehouse’s plots varied lice Aviation Division’s helicop- Alan Blair published a preco- little from book to book but at the ter flew to Maithon Island on cious first novel, I Pity I. end each contentious issue was April 28 in an unsuccessful bid Ames followed his novel satisfactorily wrapped to a con- to save the life of a woman who with The Extra Man, about an clusion, thanks to the brilliant had had a heart attack. elderly Manhattan sophisticate intervention of Jeeves. Duangjai Kullawanich, 50, paid to go on dates with wealthy Jeeves plays no part in the and her husband, Dr Suppachai women. Blair is in the throes of resolution of Wake Up, Sir!, Kullawanich, a top heart special- writing an identical novel called which simply shambles to a ist from Ramathibodi Hospital in The Walker. highly improbable conclusion. Bangkok, were walking on the After treatment for alcohol- To anyone familiar with the real beach in front of the resort when ism, he is living with an uncle and thing, this novel is a lame trav- her heart failed. aunt in a New Jersey suburb. esty. About 50 heart doctors were on the island at the time, on a break from a seminar they were attending on Phuket. Wordly wise Attempts by some of the doctors to restart K. Duangjai’s “Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no bet- heart were unsuccessful and the ter than we deserve.” helicopter was then called. She was pronounced dead an hour – George Bernard Shaw. Irish dramatist, Nobel Laureate after arriving at Wachira Phuket and democratic socialist (1856-1950). Hospital. May 28 - June 3, 2005 S M A L L W O R L D PHUKET GAZETTE 17 KKIDSIDS Get your brain the Fun Page in gear with for all the Family The Monster Quiz 1. The book Skellig was 8. Russefeiring is cel- 15. The Social Ground written by whom? ebrated by whom? Coffee Lounge com- pany operates in which Spot the Difference 2. Which famed regiment 9. Who created the comic- country? is sometimes called book character Astérix, Can you find the seven Les Képis Blancs? and when? 16. Darling, Herzog and differences between the Higgo Crescent are two cartoons below? And 3. What is the Norwegian 10. What, in the French thoroughfares in which can you find them faster national costume version, is the name of metropolis? than the rest of the family? called? his Druid friend? 17. Which landmark 4. Which legendary 11. Adrian, Brodie and edifice in New York WWII operation took Stahlhelm are all types opened May 28, 1930? place May 17, 1943? of what? 18. Lexus vehicles are 5. Who designed Colos- 12. Who was the first produced by which sus, the first program- female member of the auto manufacturer? mable digital elec- fictional Justice Society tronic digital com- of America (JSA)? 19. Which chemical puter? element has the sym- 13. What was her first job bol Ds and the atomic 6. David St Hubbins, in the JSA? number 110? Nigel Tufnel and Derek Smalls formed 14. Deviation from an 20. Noctilucent clouds which rock group? intended course due to generally occur when rotation about the and between which 7. What was the name of vertical axis of a craft is latitudes? their 1992 album? called what? Answers next week. Never a Cross Word! ACROSS 1. Could it be turned into a sword? 7. Assassination. 8. Bird’s home. 10. Software should be friendly to him. Brain Buster!! 11. Seed used in cooking. 12. He was beaten by Will- A bridge is four kilometers long and strong iam at Hastings. enough to hold 10,000 kilograms, but no 14. Very important people. more. A loaded truck weighing exactly 15. Desire. 17. In wrestling, can be full 10,000kg drives onto the bridge. At the or half. halfway point, a sparrow weighing 30 18. Device for measuring grams lands on the truck, yet the bridge temperature.

doesn’t collapse. Why? DOWN

Therefore the sparrow’s weight would have had no effect. no had have would weight sparrow’s the Therefore

of fuel in the first two kilometers of crossing the bridge. the crossing of kilometers two first the in fuel of 2. State between Texas and Answer: The truck would have burned off more than 30 grams 30 than more off burned have would truck The Answer: Mississippi. 3. The first layer of paint, usually. ANSWERS TO LAST WEEK’S MONSTER QUIZ 4. Buffalo’s defenses. 1. The garibaldi; 2. Peek Frean in 1861; 3. The adjutant stork; 4. 5. Mr Lincoln. The branch of forestry dealing with the development and care of 6. Consume. forests; 5. A donut-shaped structure; 6. Tokamak; 7. The Men’s 8. Hometown of C&W. Choir Shouters; 8. Amelia Earhart; 9. The Channel Islands; 10. 9. Signalling with flags. Kisumu; 11. Nyanza; 12. Helios; 13. The Northern Lights and the 13. Aussie dog. Southern Lights; 14. The Barents Sea; 15. Edward Fitzgerald; 16. 15. Not dry. Eldrick. 17. The Masters in 1997; 18. Mel Tormé; 19. Where Eagles SOLUTION TO LAST TO SOLUTION

Dare; 20. Canillejas-Casa de Campo with 30 stations. 16. Opposite SSW. WEEK’S CROSSWORD Solution next week. 18 PHUKET GAZETTE FEATURES May 28 - June 3, 2005 Pickup truck up in Pattaya The Lexus nder normal circum- imagine the surprise they’d get if stances a newspaper terrorists attached a few kilos of item concerned with gelignite to an ornamental foun- Uthe machinations of tain and blew the thing into its next Pattaya City Hall would elicit incarnation. about as much interest from me The minutes of the next as watching a nil-nil council meeting draw in a soccer might contain a match. Yet, an item couple of entries – in the Pattaya To- tainted with a hint of day caught my eye. incredulity – such as: The article “Any ideas about noted how the what happened to elected representa- the Dolphin Round- tives had rejected a about? Oh, and by request by the De- the way, we seem to partment of Hole FROM THE have mislaid a Digging and Shovel STREETS couple more pick- Leaning for money O F ups.” to buy more ve- Of course, hicles. The reason PATTAYA there is the chance for the refusal to re- By Duncan Stearn aliens have become lease funds was so bored with based on the knowl- snatching half the edge that, according to the books, population of the Mid-Western there were sufficient vehicles to states of the US and performing spread around the number of em- experiments on the victims that ployees. they’ve taken to beaming up pick- he Lexus brand has been become ultra-successful – par- receive the same kind of critical The crunch came in the next ups from Pattaya. around for 16 years but ticularly in the US, where it is acclaim as the LS400, despite line when it was stated more than It’s probably more fun and it is only now that third- market leader in its sector – al- carrying much of the same hard- 100 pickup trucks had gone miss- a sad commentary on the aver- Tgeneration models are most despite itself. ware. ing in the past couple of years. age brain capacity of a farmer coming into their own and prov- To maintain this position, In 2000, the model was up- That just begged the question: from Incest, Illinois, that a Thai ing just what masterpieces of en- Lexus has recently introduced the graded and a 4.3-liter V8 was How do you just lose over 100 pickup – sans driver – might gineering these cars really are. new GS430, a revised four-door made available, to complement pickups? prove of greater scientific value Strangely, Lexus does not sports sedan of the previous the existing 3-liter V6. Think about it. K. Chitt- and possibly possess a greater introduce new models on a regu- GS300 and GS430 models. The 2005 GS430 is shortly furbrains turns up at the depot frontal-lobe capacity. lar basis, perhaps demonstrating The original GS series was to go on sale in Europe, sporting bright and early on Monday I can tell that you’re think- the strength of the brand. It has launched in 1993 but it did not a revised 300bhp (220kW), 32- morning and is told to go and take ing, “Well, that’s just typical of the pickup No 303 and travel down Thais.” Perhaps, but it is a qual- to the intersection of Third Road ity shared by others, too. and North Pattaya Road and A report in the Sydney “look busy”. Morning Herald newspaper Off he goes in a cloud of noted that the Australian Depart- Aye, there’s the rub… diesel fumes, returning to the de- ment of Defence (DoD) couldn’t pot some eight hours and six plates account for the exact where- of som tam later … on foot. You abouts of AUD$500 million – hai massage. The very Stool Pigeon has chosen to ignore The Pattaya Mail recently would think that somebody in the yes, a number with more zeros words evoke a range of the overpriced and/or excessively reported that the Department for depot, even if it was only the than a WWII Japanese aircraft images as diverse as the immoral elements of the local the Development of Thai and Al- cleaner, might no- carrier – of hard- Tdesires of those who massage industry – at least for ternative Medicine – the same tice that K. Chitt- ware. aspire to get one: from the entic- the purposes of this review – and people who last year were en- furbrains was miss- The Australian The DoD ing and exposed back of the beau- narrow his field of reference to a couraging us to drink our own ing something? Department of commented that tiful farang precise geo- urine – has now opened its 17th OK, let’s as- Defence (DoD) there is no evidence lady, flower in graphical entity, “motorist massage” venue, this sume no one no- couldn’t account for to suggest anything her hair, under- Phuket City. one at a Bangchak filling station ticed. Next day, K. is missing, but then going “aroma- But even in in Sing Buri. But now I am really Wotchmepull- the exact again they can’t therapy treat- this limited starting to digress … arabbitoutofmyhat whereabouts of really be sure. ment” at an realm there Stool Pigeon has already turns up at the de- AUD$500 million – It was admit- over-priced ho- seems to be a been to about 20 different places pot and he is told to ted in a report that tel spa all the new establish- in the city, yet feels he has only jump in the nearest yes, a number with the DoD’s financial way down – lit- ment offering just begun to scratch the surface pickup and drive more zeros than a management prac- erally in some some sort of of this dynamic, ever-expanding off into the traffic WWII Japanese tices were not all cases – to the massage ser- domain. maelstrom of they should be. smelly old man getting a down- vices popping up every day – and As a result, this review Pattaya and “do aircraft carrier – of They couldn’t be and-dirty hand job or oral equiva- just about everywhere you look: doesn’t claim to be comprehen- something”. Eight hardware. certain where lent in a smoke-filled rabbit war- beauty parlors, fire-trap shopping sive, nor completely up to date. hours, five plates of items such as air- ren along a seedy soi. arcades, nondescript shophouses, But for what it’s worth, som tam and three cans of Chang craft engines might be at any But between these two and as adjuncts to restaurants here is Stool Pigeon’s guide to the beer later he returns to the depot given time, although they were black-and-white extremes lie the with low turnovers … the list goes top three places offering tradi- on foot. sure no “crucial” items were shades of gray that make up the on. tional Thai massage in Phuket Does anyone seriously ex- missing. rich tapestry that is Thai massage. Phuket is becoming to mas- City at reasonable rates – 120 pect the ratepayers of Pattaya It’s comforting to know that But just how does one approach sage what Nevada is to gambling. baht an hour or less. City to believe that no one noticed we are not likely to see an Aus- a topic so vast – and so inscru- In Nevada, you can’t even pull Let’s give them a hand, as that he had forgotten to return a tralian armored vehicle plying the table to most foreigners? into a highway gas station with- for sure they’ve given many of rather large item to its appropri- streets of Pattaya with K. No person, apart from a out being confronted by a row of us one or two in the past. ate place? Wotchmepullarabbitoutofmyhat human sponge with unlimited slot machines. Did no one ask him where at the wheel, in place of his mis- free time and financial resources, And if you think getting a 1. Madam Massage (Phuket it was?It does make me wonder laid pickup nor K. Chittfurbrains could possibly hope to review massage – perhaps with a lube Merlin Hotel, 158/1 Yaowarat Rd, about our overall security. sailing about Pattaya Bay on his every massage service offered in job thrown in – at the local Shell at the intersection with Thungka If City Hall can’t figure out day off in a guided-missile de- Phuket. station sounds rather far-fetched, Rd, open daily 10 am to 10 pm, what’s happened to 100 pickups, stroyer. So, rising to the challenge, guess again. It’s already here. Tel: 076-212866) May 28 - June 3, 2005 FEATURES PHUKET GAZETTE 19 nexus valve V8, or a new direct-injec- – traction control, wa- tion V6. ter-repellent glass for Both engines are mated to the front doors and the an all new, close-ratio, six-speed usual side-impact automatic transmission, complete door beams and de- with steering wheel-mounted se- formable front and quential manual shift. rear structures. A number Adap- of other innova- tive head- tive features are lamps are part of the com- fitted, prehensive which equipment list in move ac- the GS, including BEHIND cording to variable damper THE the steering settings: normal WHEEL angle, an innovation FAR LEFT: A true thoroughbred, the new Lexus GS430 mode for every- By Jeff Heselwood pioneered by BMW is built upon the bloodline of its previous incarnation to day comfort or and fellow Teuton produce a vehicle that should see its dominance in the sports mode for improved han- Mercedes-Benz. North American luxury car sector continue. It even dling. As with all previous and has a sonar safety system. A new, variable-assistance current Lexus models, there is a electric power-steering system is superb, concert-hall reproduction The steering wheel itself is This is the fitted, while there is a sonar sen- audio system fitted as standard, fully adjustable for both rake and best Lexus yet and sor that detects obstacles in front complete with multiple speakers reach, and incorporates a tilt- should stem the tide of the car and activates a pre- and an dashboard-mounted, six- away mechanism when the of European im- crash safety system that will au- disc CD player. driver’s door is opened. ports that threaten tomatically optimize seat belt and When the first Lexus hit the Standard on the GS430 but Toyota’s supremacy in North emergency braking efficiency. streets in 1989 it was the sound optional on the GS300 is a fea- America. TOP: A dual-zone automatic By comparing the informa- system that received the most tures a memory that adjusts the Despite the excellent BMW climate control with a smog tion received from the radar with compliments and Toyota should driver’s seat, exterior mirrors and 5-series and the success of the sensor and a recirculation mode the speed of the vehicle, the be congratulated for continuing steering wheel position. E-Class Mercedes-Benz in many should mean that even a drive steering angle and the yaw rate, this high-quality audio in its luxury Other nice touches include countries, including it’s near- through Asia’s polluted city the system takes up any excess brand. automatic headlamps, a dual- dominace of the market through- centers will be like a drive in the slack in the front seat belts and Similarly, the quality of the zone automatic climate-control out Southeast Asia, the new countryside. activates the brake assist to aid wood trim cannot be bettered. system with a smog sensor and GS430 is certainly worth a closer look. INSET: With an audio system the emergency braking. Using the same walnut veneer as automatic recirculation mode – envy of a concert hall and acres Other safety features in- Yamaha pianos, the GS430 is su- useful in Bangkok traffic jams – of walnut and leather, the GS clude vehicle stability control – perb throughout, including the and a universal transceiver that Jeff Heselwood may be con- 430 cossets you from the now able to detect the onset of a walnut-and leather-trimmed will operate electric gates, garage tacted by email at: jhc@ moment you get in. skid and automatically correct it steering wheel. doors or home security systems. netvigator.com A guide to Phuket City massage parlors

hot towels and herbal tea. Unlike time to turn up is at 8 pm when 120 baht an hour for Thais and many of the 20 or so places I vis- they have the evening shift 220 baht for foreigners. They ited, sheets here are changed change and the display cabinet- priced themselves out of this re- promptly after every guest. cum-goldfish bowl is full. view. This is an important consid- The girls tend to be cuter Finding a good masseuse is eration for Stool Pigeon, who has and younger than at other ven- largely a matter of chance, and – caught the cooties in less well- ues in this price range, but they like playing the lottery – it all run establishments. do get a good deal of in-house comes down to choosing the right Regular clients here tend to training and most are capable of number. be local businessmen with the odd giving a competent massage. expatriate thrown in. The girls do Expect fairly frequent mobile the full two hours and keep the phone interruptions, however. mobile phone chatter to a mini- Rates are 120 baht an hour, mum. minimum two hours. Herbal tea The only thing Madam Mas- complimentary. (Note: this re- sage is missing is marketing. view only encompasses what There isn’t even a sign on Yao- goes on at the second floor; wan- warat Rd in front of the hotel der up two more floors and you’re alerting passers-by to its exist- on your own.) Phuket’s oldest massage parlor, Fairy Barber & Thai Massage, ence. Stool Pigeon passed by this opposite the Thavorn Grand Plaza Hotel, has been laying on hands place for years, on the way to 3. Manohra Hotel (17/4 Kom- for almost 20 years. dingier venues, not even aware arapaj Rd, Tel: 076-219842) Here you can get two hours Like most hotel massage of its existence. A bit dingy and subject to of relaxing, traditional Thai mas- places, the beds are divided by high turnover among staff, but sage for 120 baht per hour. They partitions that can be opened or 2. Rome Place Hotel (23/8 with a core of highly-competent have 30 massage beds and all of closed to cater to group or pri- Phuket Rd, Tel: 076-213425) masseuses. The rate here is a the masseuses are professionally vate massage, but unlike most Likely the biggest massage reasonable 100 baht and hour, trained – most with years of other places set up this way, it venue in Phuket City, the tradi- with VIP rooms (hotel rooms hands-on experience. It’s also the doesn’t result in the massagee tional Thai massage section here with king-sized beds and firm only massage joint in the city I being blasted by cold air condi- comprises the entire second floor mattress, and TV) charge at an am aware of that actually en- tioning, loud music, or both. of the hotel, with 24 massage additional 100 baht an hour. forces the no-smoking ban that The entire operation is calm rooms and three massage beds Brickbats to The Metropole supposedly applies to all air-con- and relaxing; they have nice, clean in each – 76 beds altogether. hotel, which although it has a ditioned, public venues – and you bathrooms with a sauna (80 baht/ Officially it’s open from large massage facility, chooses to can smell the difference. hour), along with complimentary midday to 2 am daily. The best employ a double-pricing policy of 20 PHUKET GAZETTE EDITORIAL & LETTERS May 28 - June 3, 2005

367/2 Yaowarat Rd, Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000 Tel: 076-236555 - Since 1994 - Fax: 076-213971 Email: [email protected] Dengue fever threat must be countered The recent announcement that Dulwich College in London has sev- ered its ties with Phuket’s Dulwich International College is only the latest in a string of setbacks for the island in the past six months starting, of course, with the tsunami. Despite the efforts of the tourism industry and the government to lure back visitors, there can be little doubt that the next six months will give new meaning to the term “low-season”. Already there has been a sharp drop in bookings from impor- tant sources of low-season tourists such as Taiwan, where ancient Chinese beliefs deter people from traveling to areas where many have died. While there is little that most island residents can do to prevent events such as tsunamis, rising oil prices and the re-branding of pri- vate schools, the island is faced with another threat that each and every one of us can and should take steps to combat. That threat is dengue fever. The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has urged the public to protect themselves from the bite of the vector mosquito, Aedes aegypti, and also to drain, cover or chemically treat any standing Letters water where the mosquito larvae can develop into the adult form. This year we need to be more vigilant in this effort than ever. The Gazette is pleased to receive mail from read- your views for publication in our next issue. Despite spraying of insecticide in coastal areas after the tsunami, ers. Please write to us at 367/2 Yaowarat Rd, We reserve the right to edit all letters. Pseudonyms the incidence of dengue on the island, with 68 reported cases from Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000, fax to 076-213971 are acceptable only if your full name and address January 1 to April 30, is already about twice what it was during the or send an email to [email protected] with are supplied. same period last year. The MoPH is also investigating the possibility that a new, dead- A concrete claims? And why does the Ga- plus tip to the guy and his four lier sub-type may have mutated from one of the four serotypes of the zette publish this nonsense when kids who clean, vacuum and dry dengue virus that are common in Thailand. complaint anyone who lives in or around my pickup truck every couple of Many factors have contributed to the continuing rise of dengue I like Phuket and I spend time Patong knows that many enter- weeks. as one of Thailand’s most serious public health problems. Foremost here almost every year. The thing tainment venues remain open I can’t imagine a machine among them is rapid urbanization, with Phuket being a prime ex- that I do not like is that every year way past the 1 am curfew? being better than the four or five ample. I see a large increase in concrete Walk along Soi Bangla, Soi pairs of eager hands that remove Our inadequate water, sewage, and waste-management systems construction along the coastline, Sea Dragon, Soi Tiger, Rat-u- every trace of dirt from the in- are creating perfect conditions for the Aedes aegypti to thrive. with a large decrease in the green Thit 200 Pi Rd and you can see side and outside of my vehicle. Each new housing project or resort becomes a potential breed- landscape that once edged the that most places stay open until Okay, they may take 40 ing site for the insect, and the concurrent rise in the human popula- shoreline. at least 2 am, with some open minutes, but my pick-up is re- tion increases the odds of dengue completing its life cycle, passing The beauty of the coastline until 3 am or 4 am, or later still turned in showroom condition. back and forth between its human and insect hosts. should be considered one of the elsewhere. Mr Wagner’s jibe that using the We should all do our part to prevent the spread of dengue, not most precious treasures that na- Most bar owners and ex-bar “wrong cloth” to wash a vehicle just to protect ourselves and our loved ones but also to preserve the ture has given to the island. I owners would admit – off the will damage the paintwork was health of the tourism industry on which we all rely. – The Editor would strongly suggest that the record – that they have been of- also pretty feeble. government do something to stop fered dispensation to stay open. No, Mr Wagner, you can this destruction, perhaps by If they refuse or are unable to keep your high-tech Western- evaluating what the Indian au- meet the requirements, then they style car wash; I prefer the Thai thorities have done to protect the must abide by the law or face way. temporary or permanent closure. And if you think you’re In association with The Nation Multimedia Group PCL coastline in Goa. Although India is not a rich Many of the venues that going to make a small fortune country, people there recognize stay open past the curfew are also from of this business, I hope you the ones that ignore the rules gov- are starting with a big one. Editor: Rungtip Hongjakpet that the coastal landscape is a source of wealth, both now and erning the maximum level of Roger Neill Managing Editor: Alasdair Forbes for the future. For this reason noise (91dB) in an entertainment Chalong Deputy Editor: Chris Husted there is a simple law in Goa that venue. Why now? Chief Reporter: Sangkhae Leelanapaporn forbids any permanent construc- The laws that apply to en- tertainment venues are inappro- Editorial Team: Stephen Fein, Andy Johnstone, Anongnat Sartpisut, tion within 500 meters of the Can someone please explain the priate in a tourist location but as Alison Winward, Athiga Jundee shoreline. reasons behind the introduction In this way, people are al- they are law, they should be en- of entertainment license fees now lowed to build both tourist ac- forced, irrespective of who owns (News, Gazette, May 21) when Managing Director: Rungtip Hongjakpet commodations and homes for or manages the venues – or pays we still have so far to go to re- Marketing Manager: Oranee Pienprasertkul themselves without destroying “tea money” to officials to keep cover from the tsunami? them open. We need our money to re- Website Services Manager: Natthira Susangrat Goa’s beauty. Paul Brent Distribution Manager: Passara Kaewbumroong I am afraid that in 15 years’ build [our businesses]; taxes and Phuket these new fees will kill us off Publisher: The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd time the beauty of the Phuket coastline will be almost com- Far be it from us to change the forever. pletely lost. Meanwhile, Goa’s utterances of public officials, or Victor Contact us coastline still will remain intact, to shield the public from them. By email – Editor Advertising Sales: [email protected] continuing to attract tourists gen- Cruise control Classified Advertising: [email protected] erating money for local people. The beaches of Phuket are beau- Website Services: [email protected] Federico Parodi Wagner’s Twilight Italy tiful; must officials now litter Shopper Card inquiries: [email protected] of The Suds? them with land-roving vehicles Gazette Guide inquiries: [email protected] Blitz bullsh*t I read that Richard Wagner has [see news pages of this issue]? I certainly hope they are Telephone: 076-236555 (10 lines) Fax: 076-213971 Two questions arise from the opened an automatic car wash in Gazette’s May 21 news story, Rawai [Around The Island, Ga- used on an emergency-only ba- sis, and not as “cruise” vehicles. The views expressed in the Phuket Gazette are those of the writers and contributors and “Police blitz late-night venues”: zette, May 14], but I will not be do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, the editor, the shareholders, or the direc- Why do the police and the gov- using it. Scott tors of The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd. ernment officials make these I’d rather give my 100 baht By email

Copyright © 1994-2005 The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd Letters conveying views and suggestions are published here. Those seeking comment from government officials and/or business owners are published in Issues & Answers on the facing page. May 28 - June 3, 2005 PERSPECTIVES PHUKET GAZETTE 21 Landbridge was ‘never a good idea’ am glad the SELB project erybody here knows about the has been delayed because it benefits of tourism and how they is incompatible with [Phang FIRST are spread throughout all sectors INga’s] tourism-based econ- of the economy. omy. On average about 30% of At this point in time, the PERSON tourist spending goes on hotel government needs to target its accommodation, another 30% on funding toward post-tsunami re- The shelving of the Ministry of Energy’s (MoE) controver- food and beverages, and the rest covery of the tourism industry, sial Strategic Energy Landbridge (SELB) oil pipeline project is spent on souvenirs and sun- including infrastructure redevel- dries, so everyone can benefit. opment and other efforts that will from Phang Nga’s Tab Lamu to Nakhon Sri Thammarat Tourism generated some 9 bring tangible benefits to the came as much-needed good news for the Phang Nga tour- billion baht in revenue for the people of Phang Nga. ism industry, which is still reeling from the effect of the tsu- economy last year, but we expect If the government had gone to lose about 4 billion baht [be- ahead with the SELB project, it nami. cause of the tsunami] during the would have harmed our tourism Phang Nga Tourist Association President Anupong Sa- first five months of 2005. well into the future, because tour- In the past, we had 5,000 to ists are less likely to want to visit Nguannam spoke with the Gazette and explained why the 6,000 hotel rooms available; now a place that is home to a petro- project was a bad idea for the province. only 500 to 600 are rooms still chemical facility. open. I can’t comment on how Of these, only about 50 or much money or other benefits remain some risk of leakage [of A [large] oil spill could ability to control the price of 60 rooms are occupied at present, such a project might have gener- oil] into the environment. have an even worse impact than crude oil. and most of the guests are actu- ated for the country, but I can say It wouldn’t take a large re- that and would be even harder to The project would have ally government officers or vol- for sure that it would have af- lease of oil into the environment clean up after. only served to reduce our need unteers [working on the tsunami fected tourism. to impact upon tourism. I recognize that oil costs are to buy refined oil from Singa- recovery]. In fact, I couldn’t see any Even a small oil slick wash- high at the moment, but we have pore. I think it would be better We need to reverse this dire real benefits it would have ing up on our beaches could harm to ask ourselves how much the for us to start looking at alterna- economic situation, and rebuild- brought to local people. our image among tourists even SELB project would have re- tive sources of power. ing our tourism infrastructure is Even with the best available more severely than the tsunami, versed that situation – especially Most people in Phang Nga a far better way to do it than environmental protection con- which destroyed only about 10% as Thailand is not [a major] oil- knew very little about how the building a large petrochemical trols in place, there would always of the coral reefs [in the area]. producing country and has no project was proceeding, but ev- project. Building regulations for foreigners Issues&& Friends of mine, a Swiss couple, I have heard that it is nor- Pongtap Fongsee, Assis- would like to build a house in the mally between a month and six tant Officer at the Phuket Pro- ANSWERS Patong area on land I own. weeks. My friends have been vincial Land office, replies: They would like to have the waiting at least twice this length Foreigners may have a house reg- Want to know how to get something done? house registered in their name. of time. istered in their name. Can’t understand some of the dafter things that They submitted the plans Many people have told me However, I do not know seem to go on in Phuket? Want to pitch an idea and all the details almost three that my friends should just take how long it will take them to get months ago to Patong Municipal- some money to the Municipality building permission. to Phuket’s authorities or institutions? Then this ity but have still not received per- and after that everything will If you are in Patong, you is the forum for you. mission to build. happen very fast. Should they do must ask for permission from the Submit your queries or suggestions to us and The Municipality said that that? Patong Municipality. we’ll ask the appropriate people to respond to foreigners cannot have a house Please help them. They If you are in Kamala, you them. registered in their own name but love Thailand and Thai people have to apply for permission our lawyer says that they can. very much, but now they feel dis- from the Kamala Tambon Ad- Write to: The Phuket Gazette, 367/2 Yaowarat Rd, Can foreigners have a couraged and have lost faith in ministration Organization, and so Muang, Phuket 83000. Fax 076-213971, or submit your house registered in their name? the Thai local government. on. issue at www.phuketgazette.net How long does it take for permis- Grace I can’t suggest anything sion to be granted? Patong else. How can I get tsunami Do new SIM card anti-terror regulations apply to all? Following the government’s pro- Ministry of Information and and the name of the customer, the posal to tighten control of phones Communications Technology, salesperson and the shop must be aid from the state? using prepaid cards, many retail- replies: recorded by the retailer. ers seem confused as to whether Thailand introduced regu- The person buying the SIM My shop in Patong was destroyed Patong Deputy Mayor Chairat they will be allowed to sell pre- lations governing prepaid SIM card must be the person who will by the tsunami. Is the Thai gov- Sukbal replies: paid SIM cards to people who do cards on May 10, as a way of use it. ernment helping shop owners or Victims may declare their not hold Thai ID cards. helping prevent bombs attacks in In the three southern border not. losses at the Municipality’s of- Will we be allowed to buy the country’s southern border provinces only, those who al- If it is, where do I apply for fices. SIM cards on production of our provinces [using explosive de- ready have prepaid SIM cards assistance? Because of the enormous passports? vices triggered by mobile tele- must contact the relevant mobile Martin Grundy phones]. phone operator to register per- I am an Indian citizen but I scale of the damage [from the tsu- UK have been working and paying nami] we are cooperating with a Both Thais and foreigners sonal details. This does not ap- taxes in Thailand for the past variety of other organizations. may buy prepaid SIM cards. ply in other provinces, where seven years. Which of these can help Angkana Wongprasert, Direc- Anyone wanting to do so must only new users must produce you depends on the circum- tor of Public Relations at the produce an ID card or a passport, identification documents. Nakorn Tipsat, Chief of the stances. Phuket Office of Disaster Pre- For example, if someone What fees are incurred when selling a house? vention and Mitigation has lost a house, they need to (ODPM), replies: contact the Social Development We wish to sell our house – How much does it cost to trans- be made are the transfer fee (2% First, you should declare and Welfare Office. which is owned by an offshore fer property out of Thailand? of the estimated value of the land losses and damage at the nearest For basic day-to-day help, company – in Phuket. SM2005 and/or house) and company in- police station and bring the po- they can contact the ODPM. Can someone please tell us Malaysia come tax (maximum 2.5% of the lice report to Patong Municipal- You can contact the Mu- what taxes and fees will have to estimated value of the land and/ ity (or the relevant local govern- nicipality and we will decide how be paid in Thailand and when Pongtap Fongsee, Assistant or house). ment authority) to register as a much help we can give you, and they will have to be paid? Officer of the Phuket Provin- These and other minor fees, tsunami victim so that you can advise you on what other organi- John Hamilton cial Land Office, replies: including government stamps, receive assistance. zations can offer aid. Phuket City The two main payments to are due when the sale is finalized. 22 PHUKET GAZETTE FEATURES May 28 - June 3, 2005 Dual-speed ADSL in ON THE MOVE JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa has ap- pointed Lenka Juraskova, from the Czech Republic, as Director of Marketing Com- munications. Phuket: slow and stop Formerly an interpreter for the Czech government, she took up a position at or the past three weeks Marriott Phuket last year as Marketing I’ve been regaling you Communications Manager. with my experiences She holds a master’s degree in En- Fwith running the 1,000- glish, American Studies and philology from baht-a-month ADSL Internet the Charles University, Prague. lines from TOT (Cybergold) and TT&T (Hi-Net). Both govern- ment-sponsored services are sup- The new Head Chef of Cucina Italian posed to operate at 1 million bits Kitchen at the JW Marriott Phuket Re- per second (1 Mbps) when down- sort & Spa is German Andreas loading data into your computer, Hameder. and 256 Kbps when you send Mr Hameder has worked in restau- data out. rants across Italy, including La Rosetta A quick glance at the graph and the Cul De Sac restaurants in Rome will show you that TT&T won and Berlin before moving to Thailand the speed race. But the graph in 1999. He was formerly Group Execu- doesn’t tell you who lost. If Phuket’s ADSL were a racehorse, the poor thing would be tive Chef of La Piola Italian restaurants Both TOT and TT&T have sent to the knacker’s yard. in Bangkok and Pattaya. completely ineffective customer support. I’ve spent almost a TOT continues to insist that offer. By noon, TOT’s speed, on month trying to get straightfor- nobody else has reported the average, isn’t much faster than a Athiga “Joy” Jundee, 22, from Surat Thani ward problems resolved with same problem, but I’ve heard dial-up modem – and it stays that Province, has recently joined the Phuket both of them, and to date I’ve from Gazette readers who say way for the rest of the day. Gazette as a reporter. come up with absolutely zip. they can’t get to any secure sites TT&T’s speed in the afternoon A graduate of the Faculty of Service TT&T’s sporadically mal- with their TOT ADSL connec- and evening is about twice that Industry at Prince of Songkla University, functioning Domain Name Ser- tions, either. of TOT – which isn’t saying Phuket Campus, she majored in hotel and ver, which occasionally bars me I feel confident in saying much. I found that weekends tourism management. from getting to specific websites, that Bangkok-based tech support were only a little faster than K. Joy spent three months training in continues to fail at times. The for both TOT and TT&T broad- weekdays, and that TOT, in par- the public relations department at the JW people at TT&T have been kind band is, basically, clueless. Af- ticular, is slower now than when Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa before tak- and responsive – but they haven’t ter living in Phuket for four and I started testing, and it’s getting ing up her position at the Gazette. solved the problem. The fact that a half years and working in the worse. Been promoted or got a new job? Know someone else who has? Let us the sporadic error may be indica- computer biz for 30 years, I’m The fundamental problem know by email to [email protected] tive of DNS Cache poisoning and certain this is a competence, not is obvious. TOT and TT&T are a hacker attack (as explained last a language or cultural, problem. offering cheap ADSL service, week) doesn’t seem to faze any- On to the speed tests. If you knowing full well that they don’t body. I’m not sure anyone at run TT&T’s speed test (at www. have the hardware to support it. TT&T has the slightest inkling tttbroadband.com) on a TT&T In most countries that would be what’s going on. ADSL line, TT&T will tell you called “fraud.” In Thailand, how- Will Britain and I’ve talked to TOT’s broad- that your connection is blazingly ever, there might be another band people on the phone at least fast. Cool. No doubt TOT has a name for it. Consumers look at he pace of British eco- terest rates to curb potential in- 20 times, and sent a handful of similar speed test squirreled the TOT and TT&T 1 Mbps of- nomic growth is slow- flationary trends but in this case faxes. They still won’t give me away somewhere. I completely ferings, and they can’t under- ing and this trend is ex- it was one of the BoE’s lesser an email address to contact them, ignored those tests, of course, and stand why the government’s com- pected to continue. How concerns. so I have to re-explain my prob- instead relied on an industry stan- petitors charge five or six times T can one be confident about this The UK has enjoyed unin- lem every time dard ADSL test, as much for the same service. situation? The best guide is to terrupted economic growth since they (or I) call. KHUN WOODY’S measuring up- Now we all know how TOT and look at the politicians. early 1993. The slowdown of Their most re- load and down- TT&T can charge so little. Prime Minis- 2000-2003, which cent piece of ad- COMPUTER load speeds from Phuket Governor Udomsak ter Tony Blair took pushed a number vice was to a server in Seattle Usawarangkura, last week I the Labour Party of countries – in- change my modem – but they that’s connected directly to the promised I would tell you about to the polls in early cluding the US faxed me the instructions for the Internet backbone. You can read the third problem with ADSL May and won a un- and Germany – wrong modem. I still can’t get about the test and its limitations service in Phuket. Here it is: TOT precedented – for into recession had into any secure websites, such as at www.dslreports.com/stest?loc and TT&T’s service is laughably Labour – third little effect in the Hotmail, amazon.com, any bank- =97. slow. In South Korea, everybody term of office. UK. Naturally ing site, and so on. The results in the graph gets full 8 Mbps Internet access, However, as Lab- enough, elements shown are not definitive. There all the time, for the same price our had one more MONEY of the British was no attempt to be statistically that we pay in Phuket for one- year of their then- economy felt the accurate, to adjust for outlying hundredth of that capacity. Hong existing five-year chill wind from data or to construct proper sam- Kong, too. Singapore isn’t quite term to run, they TALKS some of their ma- pling regimens. These are the that fast, in general, but it’s close. could have held an jor trading part- raw results of 90 tests, taken on Anybody who tells you that election in 2006. By Richard Watson ners, but on the the same computer, with standard Phuket is an IT City is pulling the A number of broader front the Windows XP SP2 settings, at dif- wool over your eyes, Governor. factors made 2005 an obvious economy remained firmly on ferent times between April 24 We don’t have a good Internet choice to call an election. PM track. and May 16. connection. Never have had. Blair’s government has, in the The BoE raised interest The TOT line went down a The graph shows the win- past four years, embarked on a rates for two reasons: to reign in half-dozen times during the tests. ner in the TOT v TT&T stakes. major spending plan which ex- booming residential property The TT&T line went down, too, The loser? Easy; all of us are los- pired at the end of the last finan- prices and to dampen massive but not nearly as often. TT&T ers. cial year, April 5, 2005. consumer spending, both of generally gave out at the same Until Phuket has reliable, This spending on infra- which were fueled by borrowed time as the TOT line, which prob- cheap, fast Internet access, we structure and health care gave a money. ably means that all ADSL com- can’t even begin to compete with welcome stimulus to the UK At the start of the current munication with Phuket broke other regions in Asia, much less economy but, because of its size, period of economic growth in down at those points. Reliability with the rest of the world. Any- was not sustainable in the long early 1993, the British residen- is still a problem. one who thinks they can tele- term. tial property market was in the Both TOT and TT&T ad- commute from Phuket need only The UK’s central bank, the doldrums. “Negative equity” was vertise 1 Mbps service for 1,000 sit down at any Internet café, any- Bank of England (BoE), has in rife, and around 2 million prop- baht a month. In the morning, where on the island, and give measured steps lifted interest erties were repossessed by banks TT&T comes close to living up ADSL a try. rates 1.75% from a low of 3% in and building societies from those to its billing; TOT doesn’t even – Woody Leonhard late 2003 to the current 4.75%. unable to meet repayment costs. deliver half of what they say they [email protected] Normally, central banks raise in- This was caused by the then Con- May 28 - June 3, 2005 B U S I N E S S & MONEY PHUKET GAZETTE 23 Business MICE drive still in low gear registrations By Rungtip Hongjakpet nami, things changed. In the first two months Said K. Laddawan, “Even organizers & Anongnat Sartpisut after the tsunami, we got a lot of tsunami- who had already paid their deposits pulled fall in wake related MICE business, from both the private out. Between January and March, we lost PHUKET: Panu Maswongsa, the Vice-Presi- and the public sectors, from foreign embas- around 10 events – and potential revenue of of tsunami dent of Marketing for the Phuket Tourism sies and aid organizations and so on. The around 35 million baht.” Association is aggrieved. “Why did the gov- hotel was actually quite busy then, even The keys to surviving, said K. Ladda- PHUKET: In the four months ernment hold a meeting about the tsunami in though we didn’t have many tourists.” wan, are reducing rates, attracting business following the tsunami, registra- Chiang Mai earlier this month? Why didn’t But since March, groups based in back – and getting government support. tion fees for new businesses on they hold it instead in Phuket, Krabi or Phang Phuket because of the tsunami have been She said, “We are fortunate that we have Phuket fell by more than 546,000 Nga, the provinces hit by the tsunami?” pulling out, and, according to K. Uraiwan, many facilities suitable for MICE, so cur- baht compared with last year’s According to K. Panu, the MICE (Meet- there are no MICE bookings for June or July. rently we are attracting government events.” statistics. ings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibi- “From January until now it has been Phuket is a popular MICE destination A total of 473 new busi- tions) market offers the tsunami-affected 80% government. I suspect private firms are because it is easily accessible from Bangkok, nesses were registered between provinces their best hope of filling their going elsewhere for economic reasons. They Singapore and Hong Kong. But, said K. January 2 and April 30, and 91 rooms in this post-tsunami “green” season. are going to places that are cheaper,” she said. Laddawan, “I have just come back from businesses closed, according to But so far there have been few takers. Laddawan Somniyam, Director of Sales Singapore, where I visited a destination man- the Phuket Provincial Business “The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) is for Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa, agement company to promote Phuket as a Development Office (BDO). In offering special MICE packages, and some which has the island’s largest conference fa- MICE destination. the same period last year 510 new people have contacted the TCT about these cilities, believes that attempts to lure back “But the people I spoke to said the TAT businesses were registered, with packages, but not many,” said K. Panu. the MICE market have a better chance of should be working harder at public relations 87 businesses closing down. He questions whether the government succeeding if individual hotels promote them- to re-launch tourism to Phuket.” In April, 113 businesses is doing enough to support post-tsunami tour- selves as part of the destination of Phuket, However, K. Laddawan is optimistic were registered, of which 88 ism in Phuket, in terms of promoting the prov- rather than as separate entities. that the market will recover by November. were limited companies and 25 ince as a MICE venue, or in using the facili- “The ability of MICE to boost tourism TCT President Vichit Na Ranong, too, were partnerships. ties itself. “We don’t think the government depends on the image of the whole province feels that the government could be doing Of the business registra- has done much at all,” he said. … One hotel cannot work on its own, it has more to stimulate the MICE market here, by tions, 45 were property or land But Uraiwan Tohom, Front Office Man- to work as part of a destination. And when promoting Phuket as a destination, and by sale companies, followed by 15 ager of the Royal Phuket City Hotel, dis- the image of Phuket recovers, so will tour- choosing the province as a destination for its tourist-related businesses and 12 agrees. She said, “I’m happy that the gov- ism,” said K. Laddawan. own MICE events. sub-contractors. The remaining ernment is helping to try to bring tourism Last year, the MICE market generated At present, Phuket accounts for only concerns were in catering com- back to the Andaman region, although we are 46.87 million baht in revenue for the Hilton about a tenth of the country’s MICE busi- panies, architecture firms and trying to help ourselves, too, by joining Tour- – around one quarter of the hotel’s total rev- ness. merchants. ism Authority of Thailand (TAT) roadshows enue – and that was when many facilities, “The government can do more to help The BDO figures show that and so on.” such as the ballroom and function rooms, than it is at the moment. It should be con- at the end of April there were Before the tsunami, the Royal Phuket were closed for renovation. ducting more aggressive public relations, and 10,001 businesses registered in City’s MICE facilities had an annual occu- But following the tsunami, around 80% be stimulating the market to travel here. And Phuket – 7,159 limited compa- pancy rate of 80%. of the MICE events booked for the Hilton Thai Airways could help, too, by offering nies, 2,827 partnerships and 15 But, said K. Uraiwan, “After the tsu- have been cancelled or postponed. special packages.” private businesses. Blair weather a bleak fiscal future? servative government’s stupidity The man in the street found “Joneses” was there. It was also erator – increasing house prices cause the value of sterling to fall, in trying to maintain fixed ex- himself in a comfortable position. easy to achieve; financial insti- – has disappeared and is starting which is positive for the UK change rates during a recession He was earning an income from tutions were competing with each to reverse. economy. in what is now the “Euro Zone”. employment or business, and other to lend money. UK retail sales have stalled The BoE’s task will then be This resulted in interest then suddenly had a new tax-free Another trap was the Brit- and even moved into negative to stop the spending pattern of the rates of 10% during a recession income from the increase in the ish mindset. Over decades, Brit- figures. UK manufacturing is suf- consumer from turning from a although inflation had – at an value of his property. ain had experienced higher-than- fering from the same problem. defeat into a rout. average of 1.6% – all but disap- For many average inflation Rising interest rates have in- Two million mortgages in peared in the UK. Britain’s over- homeowners, prop- accompanied by creased the attraction of holding the UK, which had a fixed inter- night exit from fixed exchange erty prices rising by Another trap was higher-than-aver- sterling as an asset and the cur- est element in them, expire in the rates allowed interest rates to fall 20% a year offered the British age interest rates. rency is overvalued by about second half of 2005 and become rapidly and the economy to rally. them an income or mindset. Over By the first few 20% against the US$ and around adjustable. In 1993 conditions started capital gain that years of the 21st 10% against the euro. No wonder PM Blair took to improve and by the middle of was better than a decades, Britain century, interest The BoE will be watching the country to the polls in May the ’90s, the property market was normal income. A had experienced rates were at 50- the economic data very closely 2005. again moving briskly forward, feeling of affluence higher-than- year lows; it was but, if current trends continue, with property prices rising steep- prevailed and natu- average inflation just too good an of- they will see that they have been Richard Watson runs Global Port- ly in the second half of the de- rally people wanted fer to resist borrow- very successful in their politics. folios Co Ltd, a Phuket-based per- cade. to spend some of accompanied by ing money. Finan- Late summer or early autumn sonal financial planning service. Another boom, that of the this new found higher-than- cial institutions could easily see the reversal of He can be reached at Tel and Fax: stock market, came to an abrupt wealth. average interest were almost giving interest rate rises. 076-381997, Mobile: 01-081- halt in early 2000. The British The mortgage it away. This will undoubtedly 4611. Email: [email protected]. public took to the residential finance sector in rates. What was not property market as the only “sen- the UK is an in- realized was that sible” method of investment and, tensely competitive business and British inflation was at multi-de- in general, completely ignored lenders were only too willing to cade lows. Real borrowing costs what had transpired after the let people increase their borrow- still existed. housing bubble of the late 1980s. ing on existing loans. After all, With interest rates rising The BoE, keen to keep the the tenders themselves were be- over the past 18 months, at a UK economy on track, followed ing cushioned by appreciating much faster pace than inflation, the lead of many other countries real estate prices. people are starting to realize that and reduced interest rates to aid The credit card sector also perhaps things are not as good as a slowing British economy. This saw a vast increase in business they might have seemed. was fuel to the fire of the hous- as people wanted to flex their The British consumer has ing boom; it made borrowing plastic on a wide variety of pur- borrowed to levels never seen even cheaper. chases. before in history; there is a debt Considering that 92% of Consumer spending on bor- mountain. British mortgages are “adjust- rowed money included every- Housing prices have moved able” – that is, linked to move- thing from cars to consumer from rising to falling but mort- ments by the BoE on interest durables to holidays. Even if you gage and credit card bills are ris- rates – any downward movement did not own your own property, ing. is widely welcomed. the urge to keep up with the The additional income gen- 24 PHUKET GAZETTE SPORTS May 28 - June 3, 2005 By Andy Johnstone Rugby 10s to raise etting ever closer to the moment when I am to stride – resplen- dent in the full uni- funds for orphans G th form of a golfer – onto the fair- PHUKET: The 7 AirAsia Inter- agents Gullivers have offered to way and take a tentative swing national Phuket Rugby 10s will arrange for former England inter- at a ball, the lesson today is put- be held at the Karon Municipal national and popular after-dinner ting. Stadium on May 28 and 29, with speaker Gareth Chilcott to host a I entertain the idea that I profits going to a scholarship charity dinner on the Monday might not be too bad at this as- fund for children orphaned by the evening following the event. pect of the game. Hours spent on tsunami. Chilcott will be en-route to New crazy golf courses and a natty Patrick Cotter, Chairman of Zealand for the Lions tour and little portable putting green at the Phuket Vagabonds RFC, said, has offered his services free. home convince me that I may “It’s the kids who will need our Gullivers has also offered a impress Bruce Whitehead, the help, as they have lost not only “Lions package” as a prize for Laguna Phuket Golf Club pro. their parents but their futures as raffle or auction. The package I aim perfectly with my toes well. To this end the AirAsia includes tickets for the first Li- in a straight line to the hole, Phuket International Rugby 10s ons’ test against the All Blacks which is some six yards away and will be raising donations for the at Christchurch on June 25 and move the club, gently tapping the fund not just this year but for the the match against Manawatu at ball. foreseeable future. Palmerston North, along with I tap it too gently, and it “The annual Phuket Air- accommodation aboard the P&O withers to a halt halfway to the Asia International Rugby 10s is cruise liner Pacific Sky. hole. Not only that, but I swung A critical factor in making a good putt is to put out of mind any seen as a possible conduit for For more information about my arms and let dreaded flexible thoughts of what might – or might not – happen. [helping these children], espe- other fund-raising efforts in wrist back into the stroke. cially as the timing of the [event] Phuket’s rugby community, con- Bruce invites me to form in May will come as international tact Patrick Cotter by email at: my shoulders, arms – pointed interest in the victims of the tsu- [email protected]. slightly inward to my ribcage – Swinging for nami subsides.” uk. and hands, and by definition, the This year, US$100 of the Meanwhile, the preliminary club, into an inverted isosceles US$400 entry fee for each of the rounds of this year’s competition triangle and to move it as such, 24 teams in the event will go to will be played on May 28, fol- rather like a pendulum. the perfect putt the scholarship fund. lowed by the playoffs for the fi- I make a few practice In addition, Sports travel nals on May 29. swings – pivoting, nay rocking phy of each inch of the green left or right once it reaches this the triangle – before addressing from the ball to the hole. point – an element of trial and Schedule for the preliminary matches (May 28) the ball. Viewed with a pair of eyes error, luck and a basic under- The aim looks perfect and some six feet above the ground, standing of physics will lead you Time Pool Fixtures the ball has the legs – too much, it looks deceptively smooth. “It’s to determine which way it will 8:00 am A ASRU Warriors v Alabang Eagles in fact – to reach the hole but it best to crouch down and check go. 8:17 am A Osan RFC v HKCC Aberbeen suddenly veers off to the left, the line before you aim,” notes Once you have chosen the 8:34 am B Hong Kong FC v Taipei Baboons ending its run about a yard wide Bruce. “Every little bump or un- line, all that remains is to putt the 8:51 am B Rainbow Warriors v Ram Hyenas and beyond its mark. dulation will send the ball off tar- ball with the right amount of 9:08 am C Cruiser Rams v Samui Simians I know that golf balls do not get.” force. Obviously enough, if you 9:25 am C Wanderers v Manila Nomads have an iron core, Bruce scat- strike the ball too hard, you will 9:42 am D British Club Bangkok v Bucks Rugby ‘B’ but I still look ters a few balls in hit the putt right through the 9:59 am D Penang All Blues v Pattaya Panthers around expecting a random arc some break. Hit it too softly and even 10:16 am E Phuket Vagabonds v Tequila Mockingbirds to spot a fairway Once you have distance from the though you may have aimed cor- 10:33 am E Bangkok Japanese v Bucks Rugby ‘A’ faery or a putting- chosen the line, pin and I, heeding rectly, it will still miss on the low 10:50 am F CNCF v RSC Hot Dogs green gremlin with all that remains his earlier words, side. 11:07 am F Bedok Kings v Pot Bellied Pigs a large magnet. squat down on my I prepare to putt again, ig- 11:24 am A ASRU Warriors v Osan RFC Lesson 1: is to putt the ball haunches and read noring the inner chattering mon- 11:41 am A Alabang Eagles v HKCC Aberbeen Whereas my mini- with the right the terrain from key, the “yips” and in full knowl- 11:58 am B Hong Kong FC v Rainbow Warriors putting green at amount of force. the first ball to the edge that the ball will either go 12:15 pm B Taipei Baboons v Ram Hyenas home is set up on hole. in, or it won’t. 12:32 pm C Cruiser Rams v Wanderers a dead flat floor, a The ground Rejecting any doubt, the 12:49 pm C Samui Simians v Manila Nomads real putting green slopes up, then gray areas of what might happen 1:06 pm D British Club Bangkok v Penang All Blues is anything but billiard-table down. There are other, almost im- – and not lingering too long over 1:23 pm D Buck Rugby ‘B’ v Pattaya Panthers smooth. perceptible undulations between making the shot – are vital. 1:40 pm E Phuket Vagabonds v Bangkok Japanese And let’s be honest, it me and the target, a tuft of grass I relax, make my back- 1:57 pm E Tequila Mockingbirds v Buck Rugby ‘A’ would be pretty dull if putting here for example. I attempt to stroke, putt the ball, and follow 2:14 pm F CNCF v Bedok Kings greens were that flat. The minute memorize the terrain to plot the through. The ball reaches the 2:31 pm F RSC Hot Dogs v Pot Bellied Pigs peaks and valleys, the rises and path of my ball, like a Tomahawk break point, arcs sweetly to the 2:48 pm A ASRU Warriors v HKCC Aberbeen the falls, add spice to the game cruise missile’s guidance system. right and disappears into the 3:05 pm A Alabang Eagles v Osan RFC and test the skill of the player. Playing a so-called “break- hole. 3:22 pm B Hong Kong FC v Ram Hyenas Although it is fairly easy to ing putt” requires the golfer to de- Next stop, a round of golf. 3:39 pm B Taipei Baboons v Rainbow Warriors spot if a green is on a slope, the termine the very point where the 3:56 pm C Cruiser Rams v Manila Nomads eyes of the novice golfer must ball will reach the undulation and For more information about La- 4:13 pm C Samui Simians v Wanderers learn to read the micro-topogra- aim for that. The ball will break guna Phuket Golf Club’s begin- 4:30 pm D British Club Bangkok v Pattaya Panthers ners’ and improvers’ lessons, con- 4:47 pm D Buck Rugby ‘B’ v Penang All Blues tact Bruce Whitehead or Andy 5:03 pm E Phuket Vagabonds v Buck Rugby ‘A’ Combe, LPGC Pros at Tel: 076- 5:20 pm E Tequila Mockingbirds v Bangkok Japanese 324350 or Email: golf@ 5:36 pm F CNCF v Pot Bellied Pigs lagunaphuket.com 5:52 pm F RSC Hot Dogs v Bedok Kings Patong Pool and Darts Leagues

Patong Darts League Amigos; Piccadilly v Dog’s Bollocks; Two Black May 17 Results: Didi’s* 7 Piccadilly 2; Nag’s Sheep v Queen Mary; Valhalla v Nag’s Head Head* 4 Two Black Sheep 5; OffShore 6 Pickles (Home teams first). 3*; Valhalla 2 Dog’s Bollocks 7*; Amigos v Queen Mary postponed. (* = Winners of beer leg) Patong Pool League Standings: 1. OffShore (43pts); 2. Queen Knockout Cup results, Round 1, May 19: Mary (34); 3. Shakers (29); 4. Pickles (27); 5. = OffShore Bar* 10 Queen Mary 2 (3-0); Amigos Amigo’s, Didi’s (26); 7. Piccadilly (25); 8. Valhalla 8 Pickles* 4 (2-1); Anchor Bar 10 Sports Cor- (21); 9. Nag’s Head (20); 10 Dog’s Bollocks (15); ner* 2 (2-1); Dog’s Bollocks 7 Tatum Mansions* 11. Two Black Sheep (9). 5 (2-1); Nags Head 6* Shakers 6 (2-1). (*Win- May 31 fixtures: Pickles v Shakers; Didi’s v ners of beer leg) May 28 - June 3, 2005 SP O R T S PHUKET GAZETTE 25 Phuket is Jones’ town in ITF tennis tourney

PHUKET: Australian Alun Jones lifted his second title in three weeks when he won the last tour- nament of the current ITF series, the US$10,000 TAT Phuket Open, at the Phuket City tennis courts on May 21. The Canberra-based player, who won the opener of the three- event circuit two weeks ago, stemmed the surprise run of Asian-American Phillip King of the US with a straight-sets 6-3, 6-1 victory in the final. The 25-year-old Jones pick- ed up US$1,300 while King re- ceived US$900. The Australian, who was born in Boksburg, South Africa, has now accumu- Alun Jones (right) poses with surprise runner-up Phillip King of lated three titles in his career. The nd first came in Berri, Australia the USA (2 from right), whom he beat 6-3, 6-1 in the final. three years ago. phong were two local hopes af- reached the semi-finals of the The US$25,000 ITF Wo- ter Thai No 2 Suchanan Vira- US$25,000 Toyota Women’s men’s Circuit contest was due to tprasert opted to play in China. Open 2005 following an upset toake place on May 23 at the Rising stars Thassha Vittaya- win over second seed Emily Phuket City Tennis Club, with viroj, Nudnida Luangnam and Webley-Smith of England, 0-6, most of Thailand’s big names Pichittra Thongdach were also 6-3, 6-3. She was beaten by the taking part. due to compete. Wynne Prakusya of Indonesia, 6- Fed Cup players Napaporn Meanwhile, in Ho Chi 0, 6-3, who went to be the even- Tongsalee and Monthinee Tang- Minh City in Vietnam, Napaporn tual winner. Clean sweep for Savnac and Lerman in Ao Yon weekend dinghy regatta AO YON: Four 59ers sailed five tair Purves were consistent, with races in near-perfect sailing con- three second-place finishes and ditions on May 22. respectable boat handling and – Michael Hallager and Rus- despite a reputation for capsizing sell Huebschle had the downwind often – no swimming. pace, but they just couldn’t keep They were in the lead dur- the boat under them; they cap- ing the second half of the second sized in the first two races, lead- race and it was only a slow spin- ing to solid last place finishes. It naker douse around the last mark wasn’t pretty. that let Savnac/Lerman slip By the third race, though, ahead and finish in front. De- they had sorted themselves out, Bruin/Purves placed second and they stayed close to the race overall for the day. leaders around the course and Azzum Savnac and Russell ultimately finished second. Lerman rounded the weather Richard Buckminster and Despite their reputation, An- mark first and hoisted their red Robert Warnes did well consid- drew DeBruin and Alastair spinnaker first in all five races. ering helmsman Buckminster fell Purves (above) managed not to Their boat handling, both off the boat twice during the rac- capsize throughout the day. upwind and downwind, was ing. solid. Only in race two, where the Nevertheless, the pair had with 16 points) and the “look lead swapped back and forth a strong second-place finish in back” ultimately looked to be the three times, was there any real the last race. This proved to be last race sailed. Buckminster/ pressure on them. critical, as both Buckminster/ Warnes took third overall for the Savnac/Lerman won the Warnes and Hallager/Huebschle day. day’s regatta with five straight were tied on points overall (both Andrew DeBruin and Alas- victories. 26 PHUKET GAZETTE GOOD LIVING May 28 - June 3, 2005

Phuket Diary May 28-29 White wines: The The 7th AirAsia Phuket International Rugby 10s. Teams from around the world will be competing for the Clive Williamson Memorial Trophy in the 7th AirAsia Phuket International Rugby 10s. Entry for spectators will be free, but funds will be raised for an orphans’ scholarship fund in Khao Lak. pick of the bunch Location: Karon Municipal Stadium Event time: 8 am to 6 pm both days. Contact Patrick Cotter on Tel: 09-8731190 or Email: [email protected] mong the thousands of ther “grassy” or “musky”. One June 22 grape varieties that British wine critic went so far as Punchline Comedy Club. Top UK comedians Paul Zerdin, Ri- have been identified, W I N E to describe it as “tomcat piss on chard Blackwood and Andy Askins from London's Comedy Store Aonly about 20 are fa- a gooseberry bramble”. will perfom a one-night adults only show. Watermark will also miliar to most consumers. When It is often blended with put on a three-course set dinner before the show, strictly by res- it comes to white wine, just three other grape varieties, but alone ervation only. Book early to avoid disappointment. varieties seem to dominate. and at its best, Sauvignon blanc Location: Watermark Bar Restaurant at the Boat Lagoon. The first, the Chardonnay can yield amazingly complex and Event time: 7pm-11pm. Contact: Stuart Bird. Tel: 01-7376184. grape, grows well in a wide vari- richly-flavored wines with citrus, Email: [email protected]. Websites: www. ety of locations around the world fresh-mown grass, sweet pea and watermarkphuket.com and www.punchlinecomedy.com. and makes consistently excellent, other aromas of perfume. rich and complex wines. It is New Zealand’s South Is- July 21 without doubt the best known – land and France’s Loire Valley Asarnha Bucha Day. Asarnha Bucha Day public holiday com- and most adored – of all the white are home to the world’s most cel- memorates the first occasion when the Buddha, his teachings wines. Winemakers consider this By Steven ebrated Sauvignon blanc produc- and five disciples were present together after his enlightenment. grape variety, or “selection”, the ers. The sweet dessert wines of most versatile and easiest to work Roberto Bordeaux and Australia made July 21 with. from the grape variety are also Vassupanayika – Buddhist Lent Day. Following Vassupa- At its best, Chardonnay of- home to the world’s most cel- well known. nayika, monks are obliged to remain in a certain place, prefer- fers bold, ripe, rich and intense ebrated Chardonnay producers. Other important – but lesser ably a monastery, for a period of three months from the day after flavors of green apple, fig, melon, My favorite white wine known – white wine grape vari- Asarnha Bucha Day. It is a public holiday. pear, peach, and pineapple, along grape, however, is Riesling. I eties include the Chenin Blanc, with spice, honey, butter and ha- love its intensity, crisp acidity one of the longest-lived white August 12 zelnut flavors. and distinctive floral, lime, wines grown in South Africa and Birthday of HM Queen Sirikit. August 12 is the birthday of Burgundy, California’s piecrust, mineral slate and hon- France’s Loire Valley; Gewürz- HM Queen Sirikit, a public holiday and, by tradition, Mother’s Russian River Valley and Son- eysuckle flavors. There is no traminer, a pink grape that makes Day in Thailand. oma Coast, Australia’s Barossa other wine like Riesling, which a white wine whose name no one Valley and Margaret River are is also one of the most food- can pronounce; the newly redis- friendly of white wines – and covered and exciting Pinot Gri- probably the only one that can gio from Italy and Alsace, with accompany barbecued and its distinctive guava and sour grilled foods. cream flavors; and Bordeaux’s Germany’s Mosel-Saar- own lemon-and-beeswax-fla- Ruwer, Pfalz, Rheinhessen and vored St Emillon, which is per- Rheingau wines are probably the haps now best known in its Aus- best-known Riesling regions, but tralian form. Rielsing also achieves brilliance Future articles will describe in France’s Alsace Valley, in these other exciting grape vari- Austria, in New Zealand – and eties in greater detail. even in parts of Canada. The grape is also used to create some Steven Roberto is a winemaker delectable dry table wine and and restaurant consultant from exquisite – yet phenomenally California. He is the Managing expensive – sweet dessert wines. Director of enVision Phuket, a The third of the triumvirate, Phuket-based wine importer and Sauvignon blanc, has a distinc- consultant. Email: stevenroberto tive aroma many describe as ei- @lycos.com. May 28 - June 3, 2005 GUEST CHEF PHUKET GAZETTE 27 Guestchef By Jenna Wise

hether it’s hot and humid, or raining and chilly, Medi- Wterranean cuisine suits the climate in Phuket rather well. One restaurant where you can enjoy a home-cooked Italian meal is Al Capriccio at Kata Beach. Owner Giuseppe Greco LEFT: Giuseppe’s special says he plans to remain open antipasto with Parma ham and throughout the long, low season mascarpone and gorgonzola this year. “Normally we close cheeses. during the quietest time, but this season I don’t want to my staff ABOVE: Giuseppe with his to be without an income because Antharin “Wun” Sanguan and of the short-lived high season,” their children. he explains. Giuseppe and wife, An- tharin “Wun” Sanguan, opened Al Capriccio four years ago and offer a selection of dishes includ- ing fresh pasta choices and piz- zas baked in a traditional oven. “I enjoy experimenting with using ingredients,” Giu- seppe explains. “For instance, mascarpone cheese is more usu- ally associated with the dessert tiramisu, but I think it works re- Daring to be different ally well in other dishes, such as the antipasto and risotto recipes here.”

Antipasto For 2 people with homemade recipes

Ingredients: oil, vinegar and salt and pepper 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive heat, add the mascarpone cheese Method: 8 slices Parma ham; to taste. Arrange some salad on oil; and mix well. Decorate with To prepare the sauce, simply put 200g mascarpone cheese; each serving plate and stand four ½ glass white wine; fresh basil leaves before serving. all the ingredients into a blender 50g gorgonzola cheese; of the Parma ham rolls onto each Fresh basil leaves to decorate. and blend until smooth and 2 stalks scallions, chopped finely plate, with a teaspoon of the fill- Fish Fillet in Lemon Garlic creamy. Serve cold. Dust the fish (only use the green part); ing placed on the side. Method: Sauce in flour. Heat the oil in a skillet 1 cup roughly chopped green To prepare the vegetable stock, For 2 people and cook the fish for 3-4 min- salad leaves; Risotto with Peppers and put all the vegetables and water utes on each side over a medium 2 artichoke hearts, cut into Mascarpone into a large pan and bring to the Ingredients: heat. Add a little salt while cook- halves; For 2 people boil. Simmer for 30 minutes, then 2 fillets from a 700g white snap- ing. 8 green olives; strain. Grill the bell peppers for per; When the fillets are almost 1 tomato, chopped medium; Ingredients for the about 8 minutes and cool before ½ glass white wine; cooked, add the wine. When this 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive vegetable stock: removing the skins and chopping. Salt and pepper to taste; has evaporated, remove from oil; 1 white celery stalk, chopped Put the oil into a large pot and Plain flour to dust the fish; heat and serve with salad. Pour 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; roughly; fry the onion until it is soft and 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive the sauce over the fillets just be- Freshly ground black pepper and 1 onion, chopped roughly; yellow. Turn the heat down very oil; fore serving. salt to taste. 1 large carrot, chopped roughly; low and add the rice slowly, stir- Salt to taste; ring constantly and moving to the For the sauce: Al Capriccio Italian restaurant, Method: 4 cups of water; sides of the pot. Pour the white 1 tablespoon chopped fresh pars- 46 Taina Rd, Kata. Tel: 076- Blend the two cheeses well to- wine carefully into the middle ley leaves; 333176 or 01-7889517. Open gether and mix in the chopped ½ yellow bell pepper; and mix with the rice. Cook gen- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh ba- daily from 12:15pm-3:30pm and scallions. Place some of this mix- ½ red bell pepper; tly until the wine has evaporated, sil leaves; from 6pm to 11pm. ture onto each slice of Parma ham then add the stock liquid slowly. 2 tablespoons finely chopped and carefully roll up, reserving 200gm risotto rice (no other kind Simmer the risotto for 20 min- garlic; seven teaspoons of the mixture will work properly); utes. Halfway through this cook- The juice of ¼ lemon; to put separately onto the plates. 150gm mascarpone cheese; ing time, add the bell peppers. 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive Mix the salad ingredients to- 2 tablespoons finely chopped The rice should be al dente when oil; gether in a large bowl, adding the onion; served. After removing from the Salt and pepper to taste. 28 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PROPERTY May 28 - June 3, 2005 No reservations about Construction Update Sapam PHUKET CITY: A sea view over buying into resorts Ao Sapam is one of the attrac- tions of a new development un- ow many times have der construction off Thepkra- you heard a traveling sattri Rd. businessman or hotel Baan Sapum Resort is a 55- Hexecutive say, “I am unit development by Century sick and tired of hotel rooms. I’ve Estate Co Ltd on 48 rai close to had enough of living out of a suit- Phuket City, the bypass road case with nowhere to hang my shopping area and two private hat.” hospitals. Now, it seems, there are All the properties in the people who are actually paying development have two stories, money to live in a hotel, or even but there are three different styles buying apartments or villas of home for buyers to choose within a hotel. This is nothing from. new on the island; Amanpuri has Type A, of which there will had villas for years, but the con- be seven units, has floor space of cept is fairly new in the lower end 400 square meters, with four bed- of the market. rooms, four bathrooms, a living According to Bill Barnett of room, dining room, kitchen, C9 Hotelworks, this is a new di- maid’s quarters, laundry area and rection for Phuket’s property two car parking spaces. Prices market. He said, “The buyers are start at 8.9 million baht. coming in and looking for re- Type B homes, which will turns. The market is changing, cost from 5.8 million baht, each and it’s no longer just about the has 300sqm of floor space, with concept of buying into a purely three bedrooms, three bathrooms, residential project, but instead a living room, dining room, it’s about investing into a hotel More and more people are buying property within resorts or hotels, such as at the Pavilions at kitchen, office area and two car or resort. Layan Beach (pictured above and below) to take advantage of the high-end lifestyle and to access the rental markets available through the resorts. parking spaces. There will be 14 “This is showing a more in- type B units. telligent property market, which turns of selling off private prop- There will be 34 Type C has existed overseas but [until erty. homes, boasting 250sqm of floor now] was not here. It’s an advan- Crowne Plaza Karon Beach space, with three bedrooms, three tage to the buyer to be part of the Phuket will benefit from the new bathrooms, a living room, dining resort because you get to use all private investment, as buyers feel room, kitchen and two car park- the facilities of the resort and you that by buying in to a hotel, they ing spaces. They cost from 4.8 get the benefits of the existing are buying in to a business that million baht. rental market. already has income. The homes are situated so “Mixed-use developments The project includes 32 re- that each has a sea view from the are also lowering sort apartments, upper storey. the risk for the de- which will go on Shared facilities at the de- veloper. They are LARGER sale in July at velopment include a swimming more advantageous prices ranging from pool with a Jacuzzi and slide, ten- because you are THAN 12 to 14 million nis court and a clubhouse, and selling off some of LIFE baht each. They are 24-hour security. the risk. It helps By Graham Doven located at the front Project Sales and Market- both the developer of the hotel, which each. The operators already have There could be an interest- ing Manager Teera Thaworn- and the investor,” he said. is on the beach road, and while a property in Bali and plan to ing scenario this high season with nuvong said all facilities will be Mr Barnett has been in- there will be swimming pool ex- expand in Thailand. Meanwhile, the hotel market competing for for the use of residents only. volved in setting up The Resi- clusively for the resort apart- Layan Gardens is combining potential villa customers after a Said K. Teera, “As we dences at Crowne Plaza Karon ments, tenants will also have the residential with vacation club a depressed low season. won’t allow outside members Beach Phuket. use of all the resort’s facilities. ownership. In a way, Phuket does mir- and all facilities will be for resi- This was a long-standing Other examples of this con- Grove Gardens on Cape ror Bali in that the holiday-villa- dents alone, residents’ privacy is hotel in Phuket known as Karon cept are Pavilions at Layan Yamu is a new resort-style resi- rental market, which has been guaranteed. Villas and Royal Wing. It was Beach, which has 21 villas that dential project that gives buyers successful there for 20 years. “Residents will have to pay bought by an overseas, institu- are owned by the hotel as well as an opportunity to benefit from The market is just starting a maintenance fee at first, but tional investment group that re- nine residential villas that were being run by a hotel company that in Phuket, but it heralds the ad- once 50% of the homes are oc- alized the potential for better re- sold at around 22 million baht holds properties such as the Jiva vent of existing hotels with in- cupied, we will allow residents Resort in Kata. Even Sheraton at ternational marketing contacts to form a committee to take over Laguna is now taking on the man- selling individual units to private managing central areas and ser- agement of Laguna Villas. investors. vices, such as gardening and gar- May 28 - June 3, 2005 PHUKET PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 29

by Anongnat Sartpisut sea views near the city

A three-bedroom Type B home, which costs from 5.8 million baht, stands complete as work continues on another alongside. bage collection.” clubhouse. most of the buyers are Thai.” Construction of the project K. Teera said that sales For further information, visit 65/ started at the beginning of last have been slow but steady, with 19 Moo 1, Tambon Koh Kaew, year and should be completed by 17 properties already sold. Muang, Phuket 83000. Tel: 076- the middle of 2006. So far, 10 He said, “Foreigners and 239007-8 or Fax: 076-239229, homes have been built, along Thais have bought or intend to Email: info@phuket-baansapum. with the tennis court, pool and buy these properties, although com or visit the website: www. phuket-baansapum.com 30 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PROPERTY May 28 - June 3, 2005

Home of the Week Chalong Large-scale living in Chalong his large two-story con- temporary-design house is located on the Land & THouses Park estate in Chalong, which features its own clubhouse, restaurant, bar, gym and a sizable communal swim- ming pool. The housing estate is a short drive from Phuket City and the island’s major shopping areas, and is also conveniently looking the lake behind, set in a close to Rawai and Nai Harn mature garden with a neat lawn Beaches. and mature tropical plants The two-year-old prop- Internally, the house oc- erty, located well away from the cupies 440sqm, with four bed- Downstairs, there is both toilet, and a separate toilet and main road, is two minutes’ walk rooms and two en-suite bath- a Western kitchen and a Thai- laundry room. from the clubhouse. The house rooms. One of the bedrooms has style kitchen with a breakfast bar. The property has a Chanote boasts optimum security, with a walk-in wardrobe and two of There is also a large, high-ceil- title and is for sale at 14.3 mil- high walls and ornate corrugated the smaller bedrooms are split- ing open-plan living and dining lion baht. railings and an automatic gate, a level, making them ideal for a area with wide windows, high large carport with room for three child’s play or study area. All of columns and patio doors opening For further information contact: cars as well as a rear storage area. the bedrooms are situated on the through to a terrace, pool and Richard Lusted, Siam Real Estate, The outside area is a upper level with an office area garden area. at Tel: 076-288908. Email: info generous 900 square meters, with featuring large windows, afford- The maid’s room is also @siamrealestate.com. Website: a 35sqm swimming pool over- ing a generous lake view. downstairs, with a shower and www.siamrealestate.com. May 28 - June 3, 2005 PHUKET PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 31

Gardening with Bloomin’ Bert

fter last week’s merci- less attack on our American friends, I Athought that this week, in the interests of fairness, I’d try Looking good is a to redress the balance and have a go at the Canadians. So I sat down and thought about it, but unfortunately couldn’t come up with a great deal. No, I tell a lie – there is one thing, apart from the matter of containment compulsion to finish every sen- tence with the word “ay”. ing to write home about, but the And why are they obsessed leaves are certainly distinctive. with their national flag? It’s ev- Each leaf has an impressive set erywhere Canadians are. I would of bright yellow ribs. even suggest that there isn’t a Sanchesia speciosa needs single Canadian in Phuket who plenty of water if it’s in a pot; a doesn’t have some representation day of neglect will result in a se- of a red maple leaf within a meter rious sulk. CORNERED: Potted or two of them right now. golden cane palms, with You might want a few low, The Canadian maple leaf their fronds splaying filler plants as well, either in pots would be an ideal introduction out, are perfect for of their own, or set around the into my gardening article, but making corners look bases of lager plants and trees. there’s a slight problem – maples more attractive. Coleus, or painted nettle, is per- don’t grow here, as far as I’m fect for this. Thais know it as rue- aware. So there’s not a great deal sii-phasom-laeo. I can say about them, apart from The term “nettle” is spot- that there are probably a lot of on, as that’s exactly what they them in Canada. look like in shape, but with bur- Instead, I’ll attempt to fin- gundy-colored leaves. You’ll be ish what I started last week – con- pleased to hear that they don’t tainers. We looked at various carry the self-defense mechanism ways you could grow plants in of their European namesakes. pots, but we didn’t really talk Lantana (phakaa-krong) is about what plants to put in them, a sprawling shrub, which is of- so here are a few ideas. ten considered a weed here, but The “experts” will try to tell in my opinion, I think it looks you that you should consider as- pretty good in pots. It has small pects such as color, form, com- clusters of bright, vibrant flow- position and texture when select- ers in various colors. Depending ing and designing your potted on variety, they can be upright plant choices. This is complete and shrubby or sprawling, weep- nonsense of course. Plant what ing or trailing. you like, wherever you like – just “Container gardens” – full remember that white flowers of containers and pots of all against a white wall won’t ex- shapes and sizes – give plenty of actly leap out at you. cause of these. The landlady was You might want to put a few growing, shrubby plant, which is options, as you can create them The great thing about pots convinced that the weight of half tall plants toward the back, just grown for the exotic, brilliant absolutely anywhere that space is is that if you don’t like where a dozen huge palms on her bal- to hide the wall and provide a burgundy, five-lobed leaves. available, and put virtually any- you’ve put something, you could cony would cause them to end up little shelter for the smaller stuff Loud tropical shirt designers thing you want into them. always pick it up and move it on – or through – the carport be- at the front. Canna are always would be lost without them. Canadians should be aware elsewhere. low. good for that – they flower year Just remember that the that their national symbol prob- If you have a fairly large Once palms are in pots, round, and give a bright splash flowers last for only one day, af- ably isn’t an option, though. concrete area that needs livening there’s no shifting them. The of color. ter which they lose interest and up, palms are ideal. Royal palms, weight of the soil alone means The foliage of these things drop off. This is totally normal – Want to know more with their single stems, or golden that once the tree and the soil are is bold and banana-like. You can they’ll be replaced with new cane palms (the ones that that united, the only way of remov- try planting them singly initially, blooms the next day. about a plant cascade all over the place), are ing them is to lift them out by but you’ll find that it won’t take For leaves with some color, in your garden? perfect for corners. crane, which is exactly what I had long for them to multiply. the best bet is sanchesia speciosa, Email Bloomin’ Bert at: I was nearly evicted from a to do in order to remain a tenant Hibiscus, or cha-baa in or ue-ang-thawng in Thai. Unlike [email protected] house I where I used to live be- at that house. Thai, is also a favorite. It’s a fast- the hibiscus, its flowers are noth- May 28 - June 3, 2005 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 32 Property Gazette

Properties MISSION HEIGHTS For Sale 225 talang wah, 900sqm. Building plots for sale at 2.25 million baht. 100% BAYVIEW PALMS deposit, 18 months to pay. Patong. 6 luxury apartments Call Brian at Tel: 01-344- with stunning sea views. 4473 or for further informa- 180sqm, with master bed- tion see our website at: rooms with en-suite bathrooms www.missionheights.com & whirlpools. Guest bathroom, spacious lounge, American kitchen, large balcony, large common gardens with swim- HOUSE FOR SALE ming pool, car parking. Prices IN PHUKET from 6.75 million baht. Tel: 07- A lovely detached bungalow 8893838, 09-2911112. is available for sale by owner Email: bayviewpalms@ in the “Iravadee” private es- yahoo.com tate in Kathu, Phuket, near the Phuket Country Club NAI HARN HOUSE golf course. Price: 2.75 mil- for sale. Thai style, 3 bed- lion baht ono. Please contact. 5-BEDROOM HOUSE rooms, pool, sala, ½ rai, 6.9 Tel: 09-8729149. Email: in Kathu. New three-story, million baht. Please contact klaus_harbauer@hotmail. 550-sqm Thai-style house for more information. Tel: com For further details, overlooking Loch Palm golf 076-288047, 01-8941660. please see our website at: course. Five bedrooms, 5 Email: [email protected] www.phuket-house-for- baths. Walled land plot of For further details, please see: sale.com 800sqm. Nor Sor 3 Gor title. www.homesinphuket.com Unique house design, built BOAT LAGOON around a uniform, centralized HOUSE FOR SALE exclusive home. Located in one staircase. Fitted wardrobes or rent. A new two-story home of the quietest parts of the and en suites in all rooms, and with attic rooms. Six bed- Boat Lagoon, this 2-year-old 7 separate private terraces. rooms with aircon, 2 living end terrace provides you with Full Western kitchen, 3 recep- rooms, 1 family room, 1 of- levels of quality and comfort tion rooms. Awesome views fice/study, 5 bathrooms, 1 you won’t find elsewhere. of Kathu valley. Permanently gym room, 2 kitchens (Thai With a 10-meter berth for your rented out for 45,000 baht and European). Large swim- boat at your back door, this per month. Could be used as a ming pool with Jacuzzi. Lo- home has everything you could small guesthouse as bedrooms cated in a village close to de- wish for: UPVC windows, secu- are self contained and located partment stores and hospital. rity, closed-circuit TV system, below the top floor living quar- ters. Contact Chris for more Asking price: 65,000 baht/ air conditioning throughout, NEW HOUSE IN KATHU RAWAI TOWNHOUSE NICE KAMALA HOUSE month, or 15 million baht. Tel: cherry wood timber kitchen details and pics. I’m moving back to the UK, so would ap- Two stories, 5 bedrooms, 3 for sale. 950,000 baht. All- House 160sqm + garden 01-5301276; or send email to: with stainless-steel appliances, bathrooms, overlooking Loch new interior, freehold, 160 320sqm: 3.5 million baht. svanunge @hotmail.com carport, spacious, open plan preciate a quick sale and no time wasters. Serious inquiries Palm Golf Course in Kathu. sqm, beachfront. Please con- Also have land 400sqm: 1.3 living areas, 3 bedrooms plus 3.5 million baht. Click on the tact for more info. Tel: 09- million baht. Tel: 076-292- SEAVIEW LAND study, balconies and rooftop only, please. 16 million baht, negotiable. Tel: 65-983- webpage, turn up your speak- 4740227. Email: chotip_5@ 596, 06-2678477. Fax: 076- at Kata Beach. 2 rai of land entertaining terrace. Simply ers and watch the video. hotmail.com 292596. Email: christian10_7 with sea views over beautiful stunning and ideal for travel to 70340. Email: chris_winter@ veritasdgc.com Please contact for more info. @hotmail.com Kata and Karon beaches. 5 the airport, Phuket City, Tel: 09-6461378. Email: 180º SEA VIEW million baht per rai. Tel: 01- Dulwich College and nearby [email protected] For Cheap. Bang Pae waterfall, NEW HOUSE 6913362. Email: wisaroot@ islands. Price: 12.5 million 1 RAI 5 MIN further details see our website beautiful. 1 rai or 2 rai, 2.7 for sale. House in Phuket yahoo.com baht. Finance available. Tel: from Laguna. Flat plot, fully at: www.motorcowboy.com/ million baht per rai. Please City, with European kitchen. 072-768272, 01-0780014. developed, 2.4 million baht. product/HOUS1 contact for more details. Tel: Price: 1 million baht. Call Tel: RAWAI-NAI HARN Email: andamanproject@ Tel: 04-8423992. Email: 04-8423992. Email: 01-8915932 for details. land. Land plots & house for myway.com [email protected] DRAMATIC SEAVIEWS [email protected] sale. Located on hillside, with Phang Nga Bay. 30 mins from 1 RAI PATONG sea view. 3,500 baht per BAAN MANEEKRAM YAMU SEAVIEW LAND airport. 2 to 25 rai, from 1 RAWAI CONDO Super sea view, ready to build. square meter. Please contact house. New house available in 2 rai plots in small develop- million baht per rai. Please Beachfront, sea view, 28sqm. Fully developed: 14 million for more information. Tel: 09- Baan Maneekram (between ment, 3.5 million baht per rai. contact for more information. For sale: 350,000 baht; foreign baht. Unique! Tel: 04-842- 4740227. Email: freehold_ Chalong and Phuket City). Tel: 04-8423992. Email: Tel: 04-8423992. Email: freehold. Tel: 09-4740227. 3992. Email: phuketestates@ [email protected] 440sqm of land, 250sqm+ of [email protected] [email protected] Email: chotip_5@ hotmail.com yahoo.com living area; 3 bedrooms, 3 bath- PATONG CONDO rooms, phone, UBC, Chanote Beachfront, 56sqm, freehold, title. 4.9 million baht (nego- for sale: 1.4 million baht. Please tiable). Please contact for contact for more info. Tel: 09- more details. Tel: 09-292- 4740227. Email: chotip_5@ 2038. Email: simoncree@ hotmail.com hotmail.com May 28 - June 3, 2005 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 33 Property Gazette

4+2 BEDROOM BANG TAO BEACH PHUKET PALACE PATONG 1-BEDROOM SURIN BEACH house in Kamala. An excellent, 124sqm & 240sqm furnished HOUSE FOR RENT condo. Lovely condo in Patong: apartment. 1-bedroom open- top-quality 4+2 bedroom apartments 1 min from beach. beautiful pool, seaview, aircon, plan ocean-view apartment, house near Phuket FantaSea, 6.5 million baht and up. Tel: minibar, TV, security. Large fully furnished. Access to 1.5km from the beach. The 06-2806624. or visit: www. room. Long term, 12,000 baht swimming pool, phone line, house is located in a very quiet bangtaobeachgardens.com per month. Tel: 076-344154, aircon. 17,000 baht per month. and safe area, next to a lake. All 07-0738433. Fax: 076- Tel: 09-6498703. bedrooms with en-suite bath- LAND FOR SALE 341312. Email: info@phuket- room, aircon and ceiling fan. Mission Hills golf course, Pa palace.com For further de- LUXURY APARTMENT New apartment of the European kitchen + Thai Khlok 1 rai. Tel: 02-2525441, New house by the lake in tails, please see our website at: Patong hills. Spectacular sea highest standard. 2 bed- kitchen. Mature garden with 01-8011563. Land & Houses Park. 3 bed- www.phuketpalace.com view, huge balcony, bedroom, rooms, bathroom, Western outdoor Jacuzzi. Own water rooms, 2 bathrooms, fully bathroom, living room, kitchen, marble floor. Tel: supply, hot water supplied by HOUSE AND LAND furnished. Telephone, aircon. FOR RENT – QUIET kitchen, large swimming pool, 07-2731548. Email: solar-heating system. For 2-story house in Patong. 4 Tel: 09-8718327. 2 bedrooms with aircon, 2 security, UBC, telephone, [email protected] more details, contact Franz beds, 2 baths, nice garden, large bathrooms, fully furnished, 5 aircons. 30,000 baht short- Brun in Kamala. Asking price: balcony, store, carport; with ROOMS FOR RENT mins to Central. Price: term, 25,000 baht long-term. only 18 million baht, negotiable. LAND AND HOUSES road access. Price: 5.9 million in Patong. Thai-&-Bali-style, 10,000 baht per month. Tel: Call Mike. Tel: 07-2681170. Tel: 076-279075, 01-476- Park, Chalong. 2 bedrooms, 2 baht. Tel: 01-8957908. Email: with aircon, Cable TV, fridge 01-9560473. Email: mriley42602002@ 1415. Email: fbrun@loxinfo. bathrooms, built-in kitchen, [email protected] and coffee. Tel: 076-344- yahoo.co.uk co.th nice private garden, 344sqm, 427-8. PHUKET PALACE apartment. beautiful pool, AVAILABLE NOW quiet area, safe, aircon every STUNNING 12 RAI Properties lovely seaview, fully up- A stunning & luxurious 2-bed- room. For sale at 3.9 million 300 meters from Nai Yang OFFICE FOR RENT For Rent graded, working kitchen, room apartment with an el- baht. Call Lec at Tel: 01- Beach, close to airport, next to 50sqm decorated office, tele- aircon, TV, security, 14,000 evated view across Patong 8950711. National Park; great for phone line for rent. If inter- baht per calendar month. Call city & beach. Private access project. Bargain at 2.9 million ested, contact at Tel: 076- Colin. Tel: 05-0692542. to pool & entertainment area. LAND FOR SALE baht. Usual price for land HOUSE FOR RENT 273464 or Email: insurance Email: coltat1962@yahoo. 40,000 baht per month, in- Land for sale, Kwang Rd. 119 around that area is 5-9 million @thaimarine.com com cluding UBC, water & mainte- sq wah, just 3km to Big C. baht/rai. Tel: 01-5376866 nance fee. Tel: 09-6498703. Selling for 1.9 million baht. Tel: (Thai), 07-8938747 (English). PATONG STUDIO 05-8833470. Apartment for rent, 350m to BEACHFRONT CONDO LUXURY APARTMENT the beach. 6,000 baht/month. Kalim, Patong, fully furnished, high standard. 2 bedrooms, fit- Do Not Drink LARGE, 2-BEDROOM Luxury apartment on Tel: 09-4740227. Email: ted kitchen, pool, many facili- apartment. A301 The Sands: 30+30+30 year lease. Stun- [email protected] Tap Water! ties. Tel: 01-8920038. 148sqm, 2 bathrooms, lounge, ning views, Jacuzzi in master dining room, kitchen, balcony BEAUTIFUL VILLA bedroom. 15 million baht, fully New 2-story townhouse with with views over lake and run- Fully furnished, 3 bedrooms, furnished. Tel: 01-9310866. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. ning track. 150m from Nai 3 bathrooms, pool, garden, 3 Property Wanted Email: phuketcondo@yahoo. Located at Baan Kookoo, 5 Harn Beach. Price: 6.5 million mins from Nai Harn Beach. com mins to town and major banks baht fully furnished & ready to Tel: 07-8935351. Email: and hospitals. Quiet and move in. Tel: 076-273304, LUXURY CONDO [email protected] 01-8919729. Fax: 076- peaceful. Please contact Condo for sale in Kamala. Khun Lek. Tel: 01-8223977. 273303. Email: bobyapp@ Breathtaking views, ready for LAND: 1,300 SQM mac.com For further details, occupancy in September. For- Corner plot with 43m of please see our website at eign freehold, 20 million baht. LUXURY KATA frontage. Electricity, water, http://homepage.mac.com/ Tel: 01-9312866. Email: beach apartment. Large, 6m-wide road. Rent: 11,000 bobyapp/A301_TheSands/ [email protected] or 210sqm. 2 bedrooms, bath- baht per month, or we can PhotoAlbum4.html [email protected] room. Pool, spa, ADSL, gar- discuss joint development. den. Quiet, exotic oceanfront. Tel: 02-6881753. Email: PATONG GUESTHOUSE PATONG SEA VIEW Available June-October 15. [email protected] for sale. Six rooms, living quar- 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. 50,000 baht/month. Tel: 09- ters and minimart. Chanote 500sqm of land, option for ex- 9726017, 06-6483559. HOUSE FOR RENT title. Price: 4.9 million baht. tra land. Price: 8.5 million Email: [email protected] New 3-bedroom house in Tel: 07-8887676. Email: baht. Tel: 01-4775306. Email: Kathu. Furnished, aircon, homeawaypatong@hotmail. [email protected] LONG-TERM LEASE cable TV, phone line. 25,000 com New, fully-furnished house in baht per month. Tel: 09-196- FOR SALE Palai Green, with 2 aircon bed- 8449. GOLF COURSE LIVING Attractive 3-bedroom house rooms, hot shower, kitchen, 1-rai fully-serviced lots, ex- at bargain price, includes 3 living room, garage and beau- ONE FAMILY HOUSE clusive gated community. bathrooms (1 en suite), large tiful garden. Located in a quiet Thalang. Long-term rent CHANOTE LAND Tel: 09-9725226. Email: living room, kitchen/diner, in- area near Chalong Bay. Tel: 01- only. Tel: 04-6291462, 07- LAND URGENTLY Land needed for building [email protected] ner verandah living area, Park- 8924311. 2849541. wanted. in Sapam/Koh Kaew ing area, 145sqm covered area. Need 100-200 sq wah house. I am looking for plots of PRIME BUILDING space, 340sqm land area. STUDIO APARTMENTS for house construction. 150 to 200 square wah. Cha- DON’T MISS THIS note title, reasonably flat, at land – Kathu. Ltd Company Convenient golf courses, su- Central Patong. 28sqm. New Chance to rent a brand new - Chanote title with 1,200sqm ready for permarkets, 9 mins Patong. interior. Aircon, TV, fridge, big - Reasonable price side of road, power available. shophouse with 3 bedrooms Price range: not over 1,500 houses or apartments. 4 million Price: 3.5 million baht. Tel: bedrooms, pool, parking. Tel: on Chao Fa Rd. 22,000 baht Tel: 09-4880955. Send pics baht. Tel: 076-202473, 07- 076-321954, 04-8439579. 01-0825707. Please see our baht/sqm or 6,000 baht per sq per month. Tel: 01-8926991, and price to Email: space_ wah. Tel: 09-4704478. Email: 0628070. Fax: 076-202473. Fax: 076-323421. Email: website at: www.phuket- 01-8500911. [email protected] Email [email protected] [email protected] accommodation.info [email protected] ROOM FOR RENT WANTED: HOME HOUSE FOR RENT Agents for Classified Advertising in Chalong. Thai-style, aircon, for rent. I am currently inquiring with swimming pool, gym, about a condo or a one- or Wanted: spacious 3- or 4-bed- tennis court. 30,000 baht per two-bedroom apartment/ room house, with working month. Tel: 01-8917875. house for long-term rent in ADSL line, to rent from January PHUKET Phuket. I would like to rent ’06. Minimum contract will be SHOP ON MAIN ROAD January until March 2006. I 3 months. Ideally, the property K.L. Mart Large shop with living accom- also would like to be located as should be fully furnished and fit- ted with modern appliances ac- Patak Rd, Chalong Tel: 076-280400/3 modation available on Chao follows, in descending order of Fa Nai Rd. Directly next to preference: Kata, Karon, cordingly. Location flexible. NAVA Language School Mook Phuket (opposite the Patong, Kamala, Surin. Should Email: [email protected] Phang Nga Rd, Phuket Town Tel: 076-232398/9 batik shops) and on a very be a nice place in a nice area; busy road. Rent is 20,000 furnishing and environment are PHUKET CITY Sin & Lee baht per month and key important for me. The rent & Chalong Circle. Want to buy Thalang Rd, Phuket Town Tel: 076-211230 money is 100,000 baht with should not exceed 50,000 baht 2-5 rai of land on main road plants, etc, and 70,000 baht per month, but if the place is around Phuket City, Chalong Taurus Travel without. Total size is 240 sqm. very special I am quite flexible Circle or Kathu area. Only re- Aroonsom Plaza Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd, Patong Tel: 076 344521-2 Tel: 076-244225, 06-266- with regard to the budget. Tel: alistic prices, please. Tel: 076- 2786. Email: travellingben@ 61-7230940, 79-4145605. 238776, 01-7371678. Email: hotmail.com Email: [email protected] [email protected] 34 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS May 28 - June 3, 2005 Property Gazette

Accommodation Accommodation Building Household Available Wanted Services Items

HOUSE WANTED VARIOUS for long term. Unfurnished TV, FURNITURE, ETC. house required for long-term The Stone Doctor - Diamond TV, 6 months old: rental (2 years minimum) for 2,750 baht (cost 4,190) Specialist European stone care resident who has lived in products and services: - Koncept chest of drawers, Phuket for eight years and • Restoration five drawers high, top drawer has excellent references. • Sealing/Finishing locks, mint condition Need two/three-bedroomed • Maintenance All your maintenance, protection & - food blender: 1,000 baht house with garden, tele- cleaning needs for natural and - small CD/radio/cassette manufactured stone. phone, etc, in quite area. player: 1,000 baht Prefered areas are Phuket • Marble • Sandwash • Granite • Terracotta - 20 band SW radio: 750 baht City and surrounding areas, • Slate • Terrazzo Thalang, East coast, Kathu. • Sandstone • Ceramics, etc - Minolta 35mm compact Tel: 01-7192458. Email: Prevent: rust, stains, mildew, algae, camera with 35-70 zoom, 2 scratches [email protected] Remove: builders’ residue, incorrect spare batteries, and 4 x 36mm sealants, rust, stains, mildew, etc films: 1,500 baht. Email: Daily care & cleaning products also HOUSE NEEDED available [email protected] My family will arrive around Tel: 07-2824930, 076-271217 June 9 and we would like to Fax: 076-271218 Email: [email protected] Household rent a house near a beach in HOTEL PROMOTION PATONG LUXURY Phuket for about 5 days. Noth- Services Low season, long stay. Spa & apartment. Central Patong, 1- ing too pricey. Would be useful pool, many facilities, beach- & 2-bedroom apartments. if you also have a car for rent. front, only 17,500 baht/ Email for info & photos. Email: Please send details as soon as LOCKUP STORAGE month. Please call for more in- [email protected] possible. Tel: 09-6503002. Individual storage units formation. Tel: 076-345518, Email: kamil.tyebally@gmail. from 4 cubic meters. Well 01-8920038. ROOMS TO LET com ventilated, 24hr security, Lake-view apartments in Kathu. sensor floodlights. Please EXCLUSIVE Fully furnished, with aircon, HOUSE WANTED call for more info. Tel: 01- apartments, fully equipped and fridge, cable TV, hot water, car I need an unfurnished, 2-bed- 0825707. with access to pool. Patong SIAM HOME park. 183 baht a day. Tel: 076- room house for rent in Chalong & CAR SERVICES area. Short- or long-term from 202585, 09-1968449. Email: at 6,000-10,000 baht/month. 20,000 baht monthly. Call for ketmaneeclayton61@hotmail. Should have aircon and cur- Building renovation, Property more info. Tel: 01-8930307. com tains. Tel: 01-5358137. Email repairs, maintenance [email protected] • Electrical Services APARTMENT PATONG SPECIAL • Aircon/lights near Loch Palm Golf Club. 1 bed- Stoney Monday Oasis hotel • Woodwork/furniture PHUKET THAI HOME room, living room, kitchen, bath- super special: 12,000 baht per ACCOMMODATION • Stone, cement, sandwash company. If you can’t sell room, terrace, hot water, cable month ’till Oct 30. New aircon in Phuket. Want to rent room or your home, land or other prop- Steel, aluminium, tiles TV, telephone line, swimming rooms with full hotel services. apartment with aircon, fridge • erty, let us sell it for you. Free pool, for rent at 12,000 baht/ Located only 350m from and a balcony in the Patong • Grass screen landscaping. consultation. Tel: 04-626- month. Tel: 076-202725, 01- beach. Book now. Tel: 076- area for about 3 months. June Contact Khun Chuat 8105 (English) or 01-7291391 8916632. Fax: 076-202725. 290363. Website: www. 20 to Sep 12. Max 8,000 baht/ 01-4083800, 076-325391 (Thai). Email: phuketthaihome Email: [email protected] stoneymondayhotels. com month. Email: [email protected] @hotmail.com

Bangkok Get your Phuket Gazette from these outlets in the capital: Don Muang Airport Tel. 02-5731120 Se-Ed, Mahboonkrong Building, zone B, Phayathai Rd, Pathumwan Tel. 02-6117165 Se-Ed, Silom Complex, 4th floor, Silom Rd, Bangrak Tel. 02-2313244 Se-Ed, Silom Center, Rama 1 Rd, Pathumwan Tel. 02-6581153 Se-Ed, Panthip Plaza, M-floor, Petchaburi Rd, Rajathewee Tel. 02-6566070 Se-Ed, Fortune Town Building, Ratchadapisek Rd, Huaykwang Tel. 02-2485668 Se-Ed, Central Rama 3, Satupradit Rd, Yannawa Tel. 02-6736342 Q Mart, Grand Hotel, Sukhumvit Rd, Soi 11, Klongtoey Tel. 02-6511200 ext. 3452 C Mart, Centre Point, Petchaburi Rd, Soi 15, Rajathewee Tel. 02-6536690-8 ext. 4030 Duangkamol, Sukhumvit Rd, Klongtoey Tel. 02-2526261 May 28 - June 3, 2005 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 35 Boats & Marine

CUSTOM BOAT 20M LIVE-ABOARD BUILDER CRUISER

Custom professional boat MV Ariel has been fully refit- builder. Our mission is to ted and refurbished. She is manufacture enjoyable licensed by the Harbor De- boats that will last for years partment for 40 pax. She is and that carry the value of currently based at Koh workmanship. Boats with Chang and can be inspected the traditional look and clas- there. All details are avail- sic lines are pleasing to the able on our website. Offers eye. Custom craft that are over 5 million baht are in- fulfilling and rewarding to vited. Please contact for own and use. We build for more information. Tel: 01- people who seek the maxi- 7253960, 06-8871196. mum value without spend- Email: derek.levitt@onetel. ing a fortune, realized in net For further details, Thailand under professional please see our website at: Italian management super- www.ariel-cruises.com vision, using best materials and new technologies, such as the vacuum infusion pro- cess. You will be surprised by 21FT our prices and quality. Cur- POWER BOAT rent projects: new 30ft Lob- Only 150,000 baht. 21 foot ster Boat; new 6.5m Italian fiberglass powerboat with BOAT ITEMS 16M CATAMARAN planing Gozzo. Please con- 200hp Mercury outboard. - 3kg Bruce anchor with 2.5 I’m looking for partner(s) for tact for more information. Seats 10 people. 2 stainless meters of stainless chain and my catamaran, made for char- Tel: 038-706060, 01- tanks, 165 liters each. Lo- stainless shackles. ter work. US$12,000 = 3854058; or Email to: cated at Boat Lagoon. Tel: - sea anchor drogues for about 20% of the boat. Tel: 07- info@andamanboatyard. 076-319003, 01-8932575. a 20ft boat 8919620. Email: catnoina@ com For further details, Email: pjsunset@samart. - Quicksilver grease gun yahoo.de please see our website at: co.th www.andamanboatyard. STEEL-HULLED BOAT MARINA BERTH - safety belt com Length: 40 meters; beam: 8.6 Freeze your monthly pay- - new boat cover, 2 x 2.5m JET BOAT meters; price: 2.8 million baht. ments for the next 14 years (super toy). Searider, Thai reg- LOOKING FOR The boat was designed as a on this 15-meter Boat Lagoon - HH-life jacket istered, built in 2000. New longtail boats for tsunami relief. luxury live-aboard. Please call berth. Please contact for - King’s Cup bag 135hp engine (no hours on it); SPEEDBOAT I am looking for a few second- or email for more infomation. more information. Tel: 076- Everything to go quickly and can see bill. 5 seater. In great 380,000 baht. 2 years old, hand longtail boats in good con- Tel: 04-0511944. Fax: 076- 383670, 09-6459470. Fax: cheap! Pls contact. Tel: 076- condition. Very fast – put in Thai registered, 27ft, can dition. They must be minimun 243089. Email: boat_phuket 76-383670. Email: beeguy@ 281479. Email: palmtree@ your driveway and go in the transport 15+1+1 people. 10 meters long and have an @yahoo.com phket.loxinfo.co.th loxinfo.co.th water. Easy to handle and no Wood frame with glass fiber, engine. My average budget marine fees. A bargain at sunroof, 200hp Yamaha en- runs around 50,000-70,000 430,000 baht, including gine (1½ years old). Please call baht – no more! Please call Tel: trailer. Be fast! Go fast! Tel: for more information. Tel: 01- 09-6498218 for more informa- Gazette Online Classifieds 10,000 readers every day! 01-0823240, 01-5376866. 8924282 or contact me by tion or contact me by email at: Email: bigbhouda5@hotmail. email at: taxiregio@freenet. makebetter2005@yahoo. com de com 36 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS May 28 - June 3, 2005 Island Job Mart

SENIOR SECRETARY JUNIOR SECRETARY INVESTOR STAFF WEB SHOP DESIGNER E-COMMERCE IT SUPPORT OFFICER Tilleke & Gibbins Interna- Tilleke & Gibbins Interna- wanted. Danish grillhouse I need to hire some profes- opportunities. Phuketsail At least 2 years’ experience tional, established in Thailand tional, established in Thailand chain seeks investor for the sional Web shop builders to Group, Thailand’s yacht in Networking and hardware since 1893, is coming to since 1893, is coming to last 29% of shares. We have do updates, create new equipment leader is seeking maintenance. Good com- Phuket. We are establishing Phuket. We are establishing 3 shops, with turnover of shops, etc. I work with OS- highly qualified candidates: mand of spoken English a full service legal office at a full service legal office at about 20 million baht. We are Commers and Shop-Factory - Accounting Manager would be an advantage. Tel: Cherng Talay and we re- Cherngtalay and we require: also looking for franchisees in (PHP, MySQL). Please con- - E-Commerce Manager 076-272572, 01-5358041. quire: JUNIOR SECRETARY Kata, Kamala, Phuket City, tact for more information. Fax: 076-273447. Email: Krabi. Franchise investment Tel: 09-8093566. Email: - Franchise Operations Man- [email protected] OFFICE MANAGER/SENIOR - Secretarial diploma ager SECRETARY 400,000 baht. Staff wanted: [email protected] - Good command of English - Yacht Insurance Manager - Bachelor’s degree an advan- Thai, 28-40 years, must have ARCHITECTS/ - Good and accurate typing skills in Word and Excel and BOOKKEEPER - Business Sales Manager draftsmen. Junior/senior ar- tage, preferably with a major skills in English or Business Admin- be English-speaking. Admin wanted. Min 3-years’ expe- Tel: 076-238804, 09-6521- chitects/draftsmen needed istration - Able to operate MS Office work, 3-4 hours/day. Con- rience, Quickbook Pro know- 159. Email: info@phuketsail. for rapidly expanding archi- tact Mr Kim Kristiansen. Tel: ledge, office near Wat Cha- com For further details, - 3-5 years’ experience in sec- - Experience is a plus tectural practice. Please con- 06-2989500. Email: la@ long. Email: bic1@phuket. please see our website at: retarial or office administra- - Good coordination skills tact for more info. Tel: 076- grillhousedk.com For more ksc.co.th www.yachtsupplyasia.com/ 279643 or send your CV by tion - Service-minded and orga- details please see our website join_us.htm nized email to: shadows_and_light - Excellent command of spo- at: www.grillhousedk.com NANNY @yahoo.com ken and written English Please contact for more in- KINDERGARTEN formation. Tel: 06-9890919. Basic English required. Mon- - Accurate typing skills teacher. Need 2 kindergarten LAW FIRM Send resumé to: trw@ PIMALAI RESORT day-Saturday, 9am-6pm, - Able to operate MS Office English teachers. Native Looking for paralegal & Thai tillekeandgibbins.com & Spa, a member of Small Chalong circle area, refer- - Good interpersonal and Luxury Hotels of the World, ences. Tel: 09-4744083, speakers only, please. Email: lawyer. Please email resumé communication skills JOB VACANCIES is currently looking for guest 076-281391, 01-9872821. [email protected] to: [email protected] Closing date: May 30, 2005. Krabi La Playa Resort is now service officers. English re- Please contact for more in- recruiting for the following quired, computer literate. formation. Tel: 06-9890919. positions: Fidelio front office a plus. Other positions available: Send resumé to: trw@ - Reservations Manager 25% Discount on Classifieds for Shopper Card Holders tillekeandgibbins.com Graphic Designer, Bell Boy, - Restaurant Manager Admin Secretary. Tel: 075- SAILING SKIPPER - Personnel Manager 607999. Fax: 075-607987. IF YOU... required. Kia Ora Catamaran - Sales Executives Email: [email protected] For Charters, located on Koh A minimum of 3 years’ expe- further details, please see our Place your ad in these pages; Samui, requires an experi- rience in the hotel field is re- website at: www.pimalai. enced skipper to operate our quired. Please contact for com Present your Shopper Card; and 52-foot day-charter sailing more information. Tel: 075- catamaran. Please contact 637- 500, 01-8812317. EXPERIENCED STAFF Pay for the ad at our offices, for more information. Tel: Fax: 075-695497. Email: wanted for property develop- 077-425264 or Email: mark worasuda@krabilaplaya. ment company in Phuket. @kiaorathailand.com Please com For further details, pls For more information, check: you’ll enjoy a 25% discount* AND have your ad appear free of see our website at: www. see our website at: www. www.immobilienplus.com/ charge in the Phuket Gazette Online. kiaorathailand.com krabilaplaya.com jobs With more than 10,000 visitors a day, the Island Trader Online is Thailand’s most active classified marketplace.

*Ads may be submitted in person or online (phuketgazette.net/classifieds), but Find more Recruitment Classifieds must be paid for at the Gazette offices. The discount is not available when at payment is made at our agents. The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd www.phuketgazette.net! 367/2 Yaowarat Road, Phuket City Tel: 076-236555 Fax: 076-213971 May 28 - June 3, 2005 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 37 Island Job Mart

MY NAME IS DON Copley. I am a West Australian who has been visiting Phuket for nearly 20 years. I have a Thai partner and intend to take up permanent residence in Phuket. I have spent 40 years consulting in real estate and related fields. I hold li- cences for real estate, valua- tion, land conveyancing and auctioneering, and have vast experience in subdivision and project management. I am looking for full- or part-time consultancy or related work. Excellent references can be provided. Email: ccopleya @bigpond.net.au

BUSINESS management. Do you have businesses in the following areas: Hotel, apartments, cafe, bar, restaurant, vehicle rental, retail, fitness and more? Friendly British man with English-speaking Thai wife available to manage your business while you are away on a month-by-month basis. Experience in Thailand and overseas businesses. Integ- MEDIA SALES REPS rity, care and quality of ser- wanted. Good basic salary+ Employment vice assured at all times. commissions. Thai nationals Wanted Why not give us a call today? only. Excellent spoken English Tel: 076-202473. Email: essential. Please contact for [email protected] more information. Tel: 02- HOUSE MAID/NURSE 6556070, 01-5357944. Fax: Care-giver/maid available for RESERVATIONS, GSA 02-6556070. To apply please Chalong, Rawai, Cape Panwa. I am looking for a customer Email your resumé and recent References. Please call Tel: service or GSA position. I have photo to: terry@csloxinfo. 01-6935015. an active and joyful personal- com ity. I can speak both English ENGLISH TEACHER and Thai and can get along CRUISE DIRECTOR available. English teacher with people quite well. I have Cruise Director wanted for available for part-time work in 5 years’ experience in the res- Phinisi Charter operation. schools, hotels or private tu- ervations department of a Good customer relations and ition. Own transport and very travel agency, plus 2 years in EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT THAI CHEF WANTED SALES & MARKETING English-language skills. To ap- flexible. Tel: 04-846022. a hotel as a tour coordinator. ply, send your resumé by email Email: scott_mclaughlinuk@ Tel: 07-8884647 or Email: Phuket-based advertising We are looking for an addi- Assistant. We are looking for to: [email protected] yahoo.co.uk [email protected] company is looking for a hard- tional chef for our team. The a female w/at least 3 years’ working Executive Assistant. applicant must be a Thai na- experience, good English and Education or experience in tional, experienced in Thai cui- strong presentation skills. Sal- Find more Classified ads at www.phuketgazette.net! communication arts, market- sine and the hospitality busi- ary is 20-25,000 baht per ing or related field or will be fa- ness. English language is an month. Contact for more in- vored. Applicants need to advantage. Applications in formation. Tel: 076-263737, have a good level of spoken writing by email or call for 01-5354108. Fax: 076-224- Classified Advertisements and written English; computer more information. Tel: 076- 113. Email: recruitment@ skills in MS Office, Word, 344834. Email: info@lim- bowentraining.com Please use this form to write your classified advertisement. Excel and PowerPoint is a thailand.com Then hand it to any of our agents. must; and have a bright per- TEACHERS WANTED sonality, be good at working ACCOUNTANT Phuket Wittayalai School re- with members of a team, be wanted. Fluent English, 5 quires native English-speaking |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| (heading) mature. Must have a driver’s years’ experience in AR/AP/ teachers with TOEFL certifi- license. Email applications to VAT, filing social security. cates and a degree. Please K. Bee at: bee@leadingedge- Please contact Tim for more contact K. Boonthong at Fax: |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| media.com or call Tel: 076- information at Tel: 01-927- 076-213922 or send Email 239746 for an interview. 9328. to: [email protected] |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|

|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| ASK KHUN WANIDA! MOMMA DUCK

|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Problems with an extra-marital affair? Questions about Thai culture? Having communications problems? |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Need somebody to Love? Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 80 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. Read her advice in the Phuket Gazette. All advertising must be paid for in advance. Deadline for Property Mart page: Friday 3 pm. Fax 076-213971 or email [email protected] Deadline for all other pages: Saturday 12 noon. 38 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS May 28 - June 3, 2005 Tout, Trader & Trumpet

BAR FOR SALE COMPUTER HOMEPAGE Articles Bulletins in Kata Center, 6,000 baht/ DAY TRIP TO services. New + used. Re- Excellent webmaster can For Sale month. Price: 270,000 baht. RANONG pairs, GPRS, ADSL, WLAN. make you a professional Please call for more informa- New double-decker tour Internet: no phone, no prob- homepage. Email berger@ tion. Tel: 07-8814415. bus (not minibus), non- lem. English Computerman. phuket.ksc.co.th ARIES VANE smoking and smoking ar- Tel: 09-4735080 eas, toilet, films/music, with new rudder and re- MASSAGE SHOP snacks and drinks, on-board Personals build kit: Only US$1,000. Massage shop in Nanai Rd for buffet lunch. No extra to Club Tel: 05-0784313. Email: sale – rent is only 12,000 pay, fully inclusive. Only [email protected] baht a month. For quick sale Memberships BACKGAMMON at 95,000 baht ono. The 1,300 baht. Every Mon, Available Retired businessman looking shop has everything. Call Wed, Fri, Sat, Sunday. Tel: for backgammon players on now! Tel: 09-8093566. 04-7457024. HOT TUB, SEATS 8 Phuket Island. Please call if Email: lennartviberg@ Two-year-old hot tub, cost QUICK SALE interested. Tel: 076-386- hotmail.com 800,000 baht . New condi- Banyan Tree Golf Club: 17 113, 01-5778443. tion, very seldom used. Now years’ membership. Tel: 01- COMPANY FOR SALE SWIM IN DRINKING just 400,000 baht. Tel: 076- WATER 9092265. 383670, 09-6459470. Fax: Corporation for sale: 15,000 TRIP TO EUROPE 076-383670. Email: beeguy baht. Please contact for * almost no chlorine Easy-going European guy @phuket.loxinfo.co.th more information. Tel: 07- * no burning eyes (46), living in Phuket, is trav- Miscellaneous eling to Europe for a couple 8934960. * no bleached hair POOL TABLE for Sale of weeks in August, and * no salt or corrosion does not want to go alone. If Brand new. 8’ x 4’, surplus BAR FOR SALE Caribbean Clear Water you are a nice, charming, to requirements. Must be col- Patong. Entertainment li- Treatment Systems for uncomplicated and slim Thai lected in Buri Ram. 30,000 cense, Thai company, work pools, spas and ponds. INT'L DRIVERS lady between 20 and 40 and baht. No offers. Tel: 07-802- Business permit. See our website at: LICENSE want to join me, then I would 4688. Email: brennanie@ Opportunities www.homebarphuket.com Tel: 06-6822639. Email: 5,000 baht, valid up to like to invite you. All you hotmail.com 10 years, 6,000 baht INVESTOR WANTED [email protected] need is a passport, and I do valid up to 20 years. Sole the rest. Don’t wait too long, European-Thai company, GOLF CLUBS agent in Thailand. Free and send me an email with a 50% OF COMPANY Phuket. Tel: 01-5697618. Full set of left-handed, mid- AND BUSINESS VISA RUN pick up & delivery, open picture of you. Let’s go. size graphite clubs. 1, 3 and Email: investor_wanted@ Singapore. 3,300 baht. By 365 days a year. Please Email: [email protected] 5 woods, 3-9 irons, pitching Lucrative company con- hotmail.com SilkAir, excluding tax. Daily contact Khun Christine and sand wedges, putter, sisting of self-storage on- departures during June. Con- for more information. Tel: ROMANCE bag and 2m retriever (water). site container rental, site NO CAPITAL? tact Taurus Travel. Tel: 076- 04-0068736. I am 52, physically fit, and All in excellent condition. office, sales and rental. All No problem! Company reg- 344521-2. traveling to Phuket early next 13,000 baht. Tel: 076-333- machinery and rental prod- istration, work permit and month. Hoping to meet an at- 244, 09-9091917. Email to: ucts fully owned. New visa within 1 month (also for tractive and sincere Thai [email protected] venture involving exports bars). Don’t have 2 million BOAT/HOUSE Personal pending. Unlimited poten- baht? No problem; just call! carpenter. Experienced car- woman 25 to 33 years old. Services Email: [email protected] SHARP FLAT SCREEN tial: 5 million baht. Only Tel: 075-378805, 09-472- penter for boat and house genuine inquiries. Please 7205. Fax: 075-378873. work at reasonable prices. Television. 25-inch, perfect FEMALE FOR FUN condition, 2½ years old. email to: intrade@phuket. Email: [email protected] Tel: 04-051- 1944. Email: Dual language, stereo, re- ksc.co.th For more info [email protected] on Phi Phi. Looking for a fe- mote control, silver finish. see our website at: www. TSUNAMI RESORT male companion, romance, safewayphuket.com Active investor/partner friendship, just to have a few 8,000 baht or nearest offer. DVD EDITOR Tel: 01-9366284. Email: sought for redevelopment days of fun at the Phi Phi Is- [email protected] of eco-resort on Phra Thong Looking for video editor for lands with me, around June RESORT FOR LEASE Island in Phang Nga. Site is weddings, should be pro- 6. Email: timesreporter@ tscnet.com RATTAN BED Min 10 years, on about a world-class setting, with ficient in Adobe Premiere 2,500 square meters. 15 for sale. Beautiful rattan bed, two beautiful beaches, Pro. Tel: 01-0789159. bungalow units with swim- abundant wildlife, years of Email: [email protected] queen size, very good condi- ming pool, surrounded by a Pets tion: 3,500 baht. Please con- successful operation based tropical garden. Key money tact for more information. on a love of nature. Email: 5 million baht, then 80,000 simi@losthorizonsasia. Tel: 076-281479. Email: baht per month. Please con- Computers palmtree @loxinfo.co.th com BABY COCKATOOS tact for more information. Electus parrots, sun Tel: 076-330980, 07-2849- BUSINESS FOR SALE PROFESSIONAL DATA conures and many more Articles 690. Fax: 076-330284. in Kata Plaza. Options No.1 recovery with Phuket-data- birds for sale at Phuket Wanted Email to: fullmoonbeach@ Internet café, with flat screen wizards.com All kinds of Bird Paradise. Tel: 01- hotmail.com For more infor- monitors and ADSL+ USB; computer magic. Please call 5979255. mation, please see our motorbike & chopper rental Tel: 06-6827277. ROAD/MOUNTAIN website at: www.fullmoon- tour counter with high turn- bike for 168cm female con- bungalows-phuket.com over. Price: 750,000 baht. sidering Triathlon. Must be in Please call for more informa- reasonable condition. Please PRIME RETAIL SPOT tion. Tel: 04-8374429. contact for more more infor- Highest traffic, best expo- mation. Tel: 06-9537624. sure on the island. Please call LOOKING FOR Email: michaella_trigg@ for more information. Tel: sea lovers. Looking for part- yahoo.com.au 01-8920528. ners for our three-year-old company speedboat service BABY STUFF MASSAGE SHOP around the beautiful islands. Looking for baby capsule and for quick sale. Massage shop Please contact. Tel: 01-737- pram, in good condition and in Nanai Rd, Patong, for rent 0164, 06-2699484. Email: at a reasonable price. If you 12,000 baht per month, no [email protected] have one, please contact key money. Has everything with full details. Tel: 07-909- you need. Moving to BKK; 895. Email: antoniobruno@ make me an offer now! Business hotmail.com Please contact me for more Products & information. Tel: 09-809- Services DV CABLE WANTED 3566. Email: lennartviberg@ I am in urgent need of a new hotmail.com or used DV cable that allows HOME/OFFICE me to connect my Sharp digi- RESTAURANT/BAR insurance. Protect your tal video camera to my desk- for sale. Kamala, main road. home and office against all top and laptop computers. Aircon, 40 seats, well-estab- risks. I come to your place to Tel: 06-6853121, 04-060- lished walk in. Take over: make arrangements. Con- 3787. Fax: 076-240622. 6,000 baht/month; 900,000 tact Agent Smith. Tel: 07- Email: phuketholidays@ baht for sale. Please call after 2674342. Email: agentsmith yahoo.com 4 pm. Tel: 076-385940. @ji-net.com May 28 - June 3, 2005 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 39 Wheels & Motors

MAZDA ASTINA 1999 ISUZU Saloon Cars 1999, automatic, ABS. Only Turbo 2500 pickup. Dark HONDA WAVE 125S Rentals NOUVO FOR RENT 80,000km. Bronze-gold color. green. Quick sale: 250,000 For sale by owner. 2003 Blue, good condition: 3,500 Service book. Only 365,000 baht. Tel: 09-6506221. Email: model, electric starter, baht a month; or black baht. Tel: 076-242719, 01- [email protected] front disc brakes. Excellent NEW CARS Nouvo, new model, 2 2721123. Email: ganokitty@ condition. 30,000 baht. FOR RENT months old: 4,000 baht a hotmail.com LARGE FAMILY SUV Tel: 06-9534642. Email: Many types of new cars month. Can view first, but 575,000 baht. Powerful 3.0- [email protected] for rent; Honda, Toyota, both long-term rental only. NV CHEAP liter turbo-diesel, Isuzu Grand Chevrolet, good price for Tel: 06-9400069. Email: for quick sale. 1996 Nissan NV Adventure model, 5-speed. long term, auto, CD player, wijittra_nammata@yahoo. Slx. Power steering, cloth seats Bought Nov 15, and has SUZUKI SMASH airbag, insurance. Please com and stereo. New tires and 83,000km. Very economical, Blue/black, 2 years old, in contact for full details. Tel: brakes. Super, reliable little with comfortable leather seats good condition, 1 year’s 01-8915296. Email: truck. Fair condition on the that can fit 7 adults. Price in- tax+insurance, no tsu- [email protected] SPECIAL PRICE body. Want to buy another car cludes German-made roof-top nami damage. 17,500 Daihatsu Mira, good condi- Phuket’s Most Trusted & so will sell to the first 140,000 luggage box, which can hold up baht. Tel: 06-9400069. tion, easy to drive, economi- baht. Tel: 01-8954480. Email: Reputable Supplier of the Finest to 4 golf bags. Great condition Email: wijittra_nammata LOW PRICE cal. For rent with insurance: matlat@ loxinfo.co.th and well-maintained. Serious Quality Used SALOONS, @yahoo.com Low rates for long-term 8,900 baht per month. Tel: SEDANS, JEEPS & PICKUPS inquiries only please. Tel: 09- 01-5375010. TOYOTA SOLUNA rentals. Many types of new 7299619. Email: wpm@hong- cars, with CD players, insur- New cars or trade-ins – 1.5 GLI Automatic. ABS, air- kong-hotels-network.com 250 NSR 25000B ance and proper mainte- we have what you’re bag, blue, first owner (new Beautiful Honda 250 NSR rac- nance. Call now! Tel: 05- Wanted looking for August 2001), 54,000km, ing bike, with green book, new 8833470. For more info pls call us at superb condition. Only 4 x 4s tires, etc. Tel: 06-9488139. Tel: 076-224632, 216243 365,000 baht, with mainte- Email: [email protected] www.suremotor.com nance book. Tel: 076-280- WEDDING CAR 374, 07-2680110. Email: KAWASAKI BOSS A1 CAR RENT RENTAL TOYOTA SPORT 175cc motorbike. All black police1@phuketinternet. Cars, trucks, jeep, 7-seat Looking to hire a luxury car CRUISER color and chrome finish. 2 co.th minibus for rent; fully-in- – Toyota Camry, Honda MITSUBISHI 4 doors, 4WD, 3.0L turbo years old, excellent condition. sured. 12,000-30,000 baht/ Accord, Volvo, Benz – and LANCER diesel, automatic, Nov 2003 59,000 baht ono. Tel: 076- TOYOTA VIOS month; special long-term driver for weddings. A full model, 5,000km, full op- 286112, 01-2704504. Email: Toyota twin-cam, 16V, Year 2004, 1.5S, airbag, ABS, rates. Tel: 09-8314703. day rental for each wedding. tions: 720,000 baht. Tel: [email protected] fuel-injected motor, sport 6-CD player, tape etc. Urgent Tel: 01-0789159. gearbox, air conditioning, 07-2731548. Email: sale. Call Khun Karn at Tel: peternumber2@hotmail. mechanically excellent, 06-7885672. HONDA DREAM rustproofed, registered in- com 7 years old, good condition, CAR FOR RENT NEED CAR surance: 69,000 baht. white, everything just Honda Jazz for rent, 1 year I would like to rent a car (au- Tel: 06-2699141. Pickups checked. 7,500 baht, includ- old, silver color, automatic. tomatic) for one month. Will- SUZUKI CARIBIAN ing insurance and tax until Long lease: 13,000 baht ing to pay around 10,000 FOR SALE 2006. Tel: 04-8383688. per month. For more infor- baht. No Daihatsu or Jeeps, please. Tel: 06-9513157. VOLKSWAGEN 1968 MAZDA PICKUP Suzuki Caribian for sale, Email: mastinchen@hotmail. mation, please call Tel: 07- year 1995, gray, 4 seats. com 0170135. Type 3. 1,600cc, cream 4 door, 2.2L, diesel, good Price: 130,000 baht. Tel: color. Price: 160,000 baht. condition, stereo, 1992: Others 01-6078567. Also Saab 99, year 1969. 120,000 baht. Call Khun Vans TOYOTA VIOS 1,700cc, dark green color: Wofgang. Tel: 01-079- SOCKET WRENCH SET 130,000 baht. Owner leav- 2583. FOR RENT 10-24 mm, ½ ", good quality, ing Phuket. Contact Alec. JEEP CHEROKEE 4WD TOYOTA VAN Black Toyota Vios, 1.5L, used once only. Half price: Tel: 01-8950711. Only 320,000 baht. 1997, 8 seats. Metallic silver, 6 cyl- ABS, central locking, alarm, 2002 TOYOTA 4WD excellent condition, manual inders/24 valves, 180hp, auto- good stereo, perfect condi- 1,000 baht. Tel: 076-281479. pickup. Toyota Tiger Extra trans. Call Alan. Tel: 076- matic transmission. Top con- tion. For rent long-term only, Email: [email protected] VERY NICE BMW 525 Cab. 38,500km, metallic gold 288287, 04-0529034. dition, no rust. Price: 270,000 minimum 3 months. First- Immaculate 1993 model. En- color, chrome bumpers, vinyl baht. Also for rent or lease. class insurance. Contact for gine very recently rebuilt, trans- liner, 2.5-liter engine, excellent Photo on request. Tel: 076- more information. Tel: 06- Need wheels? mission rebuilt, new exhaust condition. No accidents or tsu- SUZUKI JEEP 333242, 09-6517818. Fax: 9400069. Email: andrea@ Check out installed, new radiator, new nami damage. 500,000 baht. Red Caribian for sale, good 076-333243. Email to: loxinfo.co.th computer, etc. Great imported Tel: 05-0685860, 06-278- condition. Price: 120,000 [email protected] www.phuketgazette.net CD stereo with amp, preamp 5265. Email: alanmat@ baht. Tel: 01-8915474. equalizer, subwoofer, etc. ozemail.com.au Very popular red/maroon color, TOYOTA HILUX which looks great with no peel- FORD RANGER 4WD, year 2000 model, GOA Wheels & Motors ing or fading. Runs great and Four-door pickup, year 2000, cab, 87,000km, insurance to Advertisements has less than 100,000km. 2.5-liter turbo diesel, with Sept. 385,000 baht ono. 430,000 baht ono. I don’t have Carryboy. In good condition, Email: [email protected] room for a new car, hence the 80,000km. Extra alarm, new Please use this form to write your classified advertisement. sale. Tel: 09-8733996. Email: CD, timer for engine stop. 99 JEEP CHEROKEE Then hand it to any of our agents. [email protected] 460,000 baht or 110,000 + Dark red, full options, all extras. 9,100 per month over 3 years Bullbar, 6-disc stereo, new |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| (heading) GREAT CAR and 8 months. Tel: 01-585- tires, aluminum wheels, Honda Civic, metallic red, 1993 8788. Email: runo9@hotmail. leather interior. Built and reg- model. Tel: 09-8759586. com istered in 1999. 85,000km. |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Garage maintained. Farang owner buying new car. Photos available. A bargain at |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| 430,000 baht. Be fast and drive with class. Tel: 07-893- 8747. Email: bigbhouda5@ |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| hotmail.com

Motorbikes |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|

1996 CBR 400 RR Well maintained, CBR 400 RR |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| ’96 is the original fireblade, re- cently resprayed to Ferrari Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 80 baht, red. A very quick bike, all with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. documents in order. Will part with it for about 80,000 baht. All advertising must be paid for in advance. Tel: 01-8022800. Email: Deadline for Wheels & Motors page: Saturday 12 noon. [email protected] 40 PHUKET GAZETTE May 28 - June 3, 2005