2004-08-14.Pdf

Volume 11 Issue 33 News Desk - Tel: 076-236555 August 14 - 20, 2004 Daily news at www.phuketgazette.net 20 Baht

The Gazette is published in association with Immigration No defections in goes online

IN THIS ISSUE to boost

NEWS: Planning consultants Phuket – Chuan security focus on Patong; Leaks waste 25% of city water; By Kamol Pirat By Dhirarat Boonkongsaen Queer News. Pages 2 & 3 INSIDE STORY: Why Phuket’s PHUKET: Former Prime Minis- PHUKET CITY: The Immigra- water transport safety record ter Chuan Leekpai has confirmed tion Police have launched a is so poor. Pages 4 & 5 that Phuket’s two members of project in Phuket that will even- parliament will stand as Demo- tually allow hotels and home- AROUND THE ISLAND: Robot crat candidates in the upcoming owners all over Thailand to re- kids make their mark in com- general election, quashing ru- port required data about their petition. Page 6 mors that one or both of them guests via the Internet. AROUND THE REGION: Con- were planning to defect to the The project is intended to struction and price boom in Thai Rak Thai party of Prime help combat terrorism and moni- Krabi. Page 8 Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. tor the movements of suspicious K. Chuan made his remarks foreigners visiting Thailand. PEOPLE: A father’s secret on August 9 while chairing the Following refinement of sends his son on a quest to closing ceremony of the Cherng the pilot project in Phuket, the Phuket. Pages 10 & 11 Talay Football League, at system will then be launched in LIFESTYLE: Pretty in pink; Cherng Talay School. Chiang Mai. It is expected to be Cure for battered hair. The league received prize implemented nationwide some Page 12 & 13 money and cups from the is- time next year. land’s two MPs, Chalermlak The underlying database FIRST PERSON: Checkpoints essential to stopping youth Kebsup and Suwit Sa-Ngiamkul, will also be linked to intelligence networks overseas. crime Page 19 along with former Democrat party-list MP Anchalee Vanich- Once the system is up and BUSINESS & MONEY: Central Thepabutr, who was recently running, hotel staff will log on Festival to open on Sept- elected President of the Phuket to the Immigration Police web- ember 1; Dangers of credit Provincial Administration Orga- site and enter 24 items of infor- cards in SE Asia. Page 21 nization. mation about each guest who DIVING: How the new CTDA K. Chuan told a crowd of checks in. will change the dive industry. some 1,000 people at the tour- During the initial trial pe- Page 22 nament that the defection reports riod, however, hotels and guest- “come from someone in Thai houses will have to submit the GOOD LIVING: Big and easy Rak Thai spreading rumors to data in a spreadsheet by email to: at The Evason. Page 25 confuse people.” These rumors [email protected] PROPERTY: Vive la difference had been spread far and wide by Immigration went public some TV stations, he added. Former Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai receives a rose from a with the project at a training in Rawai; Forest living. Democrat supporter during his visit to Phuket. Pages 26 & 27 “I have asked both MPs seminar on August 4 at the Pearl about this and they have con- fers to buy MPs,” he said. “The opposition. If the other party Hotel, attended by about 170 PLUS firmed that they are still party purchase of MPs is a bad sign in thinks only about being in power, hotel staff. The training was or- members and will stand in the a democratic society.” I don’t think it will be able to ganized in cooperation with the He explained that the Dem- check a government [headed by Phuket Tourist Association QUEER NEWS 2; AROUND THE next election just as they did in the last one.” ocrats’ strategy for the next elec- another party]. (PTA). NATION 7; HAPPENINGS 9; THAI- He admitted, however, that tion is to be the party whose MP Chalermlak told the At the session, Pol Lt Gen LAND TRAVELER 12; HEARD & the Democrat Party has suffered members would not hesitate to crowd that she had received no Chanwut Watcharapook, Com- SCENE, HOROSCOPES 14; KIDS from MPs defecting to other par- check everything the govern- approach to join “the new party”. missioner of the Immigration 15; COMPUTERS, BOOKS 16; ties, particularly Thai Rak Thai. ment does, by keeping a very Her counterpart in Election Dis- Bureau, said “The Immigration LAW, HEALTH 17; EDITORIAL & “The [Democrat] party will close eye on government policy. trict 1, K. Suwit, did not indicate Bureau’s mission is to provide LETTERS 18; ISSUES & AN- bring in new blood as replace- However, he said, if the whether he had received an ap- both service and security, and SWERS 19; TOON TOWN, EDGE- ments [for the defectors]. The party wins the election, it will be proach from Thai Rak Thai but, these tasks should be accom- WISE 20; SPORT 22 & 23; MO- party’s growth comes from new perfectly capable of running the like K. Chalermlak, he con- plished side-by-side. TORING 24; WINE 25; GARDEN- members replacing the old. The country. firmed that he would stand in the “We need the public’s co- ING 28; CLASSIFIEDS 29-35. Democrat method is different “The Democrat Party can next election as a Democrat can- operation on this because we al- from the other party, which pre- function as either government or didate. Continued on page 3 2 PHUKET GAZETTE NEWS August 14 - 20, 2004

Queer News IN BRIEF A bright idea TAH CHAT CHAI: Officers Crack from Tah Chat Chai Police Sta- tion will join forces with motorcycle dealer Phuket Nam Saeng on August 14 and 15 to modify worship motorcycle headlights so that they come on automatically when SUKHOTHAI: Villagers who the bike’s engine is started. discovered a long crack in a wall The modifications will be surrounding Khong Pong temple provided free to anyone bringing in Sri Samrong District believe a bike to the Tah Chat Chai po- it was made by an angry naga, or lice checkpoint, just south of the serpent-god. Sarasin Bridge, between 9 am The crack was first noted and 5 pm on the two days. on July 22, when pupils came to Thai law requires motor- ask temple administrator Sawai cycle riders to have their head- Pradit why the 200-year-old lights on at all times when driv- temple had cracks resembling a ing. All motorcycles registered serpent’s track around its exterior from January 2005 onwards will wall. be required to have headlights Dumbfounded, K. Sawai It’s the final countdown that come on automatically when said the cracks hadn’t been there the bike’s engine is started. on the previous day, nor had there Congratulating finalists in the Miss Thailand World 2004 contest at the Tropical Garden Resort been any unusual activity in the in Kata are the 2003 winner, Janjira Keadprasop (wearing tiara) and Narumon Bunya (pale gray area that could account for them. suit), the 2003 runner-up. Paws fundraiser Many villagers therefore The 43 Miss Thailand World contestants who arrived on the island on July 30 were whittled down over the following week to a final 18. SURIN BEACH: The Phuket concluded that the cracks were Animal Welfare Society will hold the result of supernatural activ- The lucky 18 will appear at the BEC-Tero Hall in Bangkok on August 21 for the finals of the contest, culminating with the crowning of Miss Thailand World 2004. The event will be a fundraising dinner at Twin- ity. They prostrated themselves broadcast live on Channel 3, starting at 8 pm. palms Phuket resort on October before the crack, praying that it 2, at 7:30 pm, to raise funds to would somehow transmit to them buy a mobile veterinary clinic. the winning numbers in the up- Entertainment will include coming lottery draw. Surprises at Patong plan hearing live music and a dance show, and K. Sawai said that many there will be a raffle for quality people believed the tracks were prizes. made by an angry naga that had By Gategaeo Phetsawang and representatives of the De- these hotels, but I don’t mind partment of Public Works and selling the land back at actual Tickets are 1,400 baht a become enraged by the construc- person. For bookings or more in- Town & Country Planning. cost and demolishing the hotels tion of two new naga images in PATONG: A public hearing to formation contact the Twinpalms a pond in front of the temple. discuss a town plan for Patong Dr Supornchai Siriwoharn, if it is in the public interest,” he a member of the COT research said. resort at Tel: 076-316500, Athe- “People think the [real] took place at Patong City Hall on na at Tel: 01-5979416, or Karen team, told the meeting that the Patong resident Boonchuai naga may have become angry August 9. at Tel: 01-0889327. because the sculptures were built The meeting drew about 80 new town plan would affect fu- Ruanpetch agreed that planning in the wrong way, with their people, and an assortment of gov- ture generations and urged par- was needed, but added that poor Science site launched heads facing the earth rather than ernment officers, academics, lo- ticipants to think in the long term public relations had meant that the water. They think the naga cal businessmen and residents. – up to 30 years into the future – few residents knew about the BANGKOK (The Nation): The coiled himself around the temple Listening to the feedback when making their recommenda- hearing in advance, and it was National Science and Technolo- and squeezed, harming the wall were researchers from Consult- tions. therefore a failure. gy Development Agency, the as a result,” he said. ants of Technology (COT) Co, a Pian Keesin, who is still He also blamed a lack of Council of Science and the Na- Source: Daily News Bangkok-based consulting firm, waiting for his election as the political leadership in the past for tion Group have launched a Thai- town’s mayor to be ratified, urged Patong’s chronic woes. language website, www. the planners to enact zoning regu- “There were former Patong myscientists.com, aimed at Thai- August scheduled blackouts lations that would prevent further Chief Administrative Officers land’s scientific and medical encroachment on public water- who were keen to solve Patong’s communities. PHUKET: The Phuket Provincial Seewalee 1, Ladawan 2 and ways. problems, but there was a pow- The Nation’s editor, Pana Electricity Authority (PPEA) has Parichat. He said that the plan should erful politician – and I don’t want Janviroj, said, “We hope that any- announced scheduled blackouts August 19, Phuket City: also solve Patong’s oversupply of to name him – who derived his one interested in science will not for August, in order to continue Phang Nga Rd (north side), from tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis. power base from the people who only visit the website, but will its work on high-voltage power the exit of the Phuket Bus Sta- He even offered to allow were causing all the problems,” also contribute articles, news and lines. tion to Chatuchak market, includ- two hotels in which he is a share- he said. press releases [to it].” All blackouts will occur ing Citypark shophouses. holder to be knocked down. Malinee Setanant, Director Currently being run on a from 9 am to 4 pm, and will be August 25, Phuket City: “I once suggested to PM of Planning Standards Develop- trial basis, the website will even- as follows: Komaraphat Rd. Thaksin Shinawatra that the gov- ment Division of the Department tually feature articles, consumer August 17, Chalong: Lu- Note: This information is ernment buy back the land on of Public Works and Town & reports, projects and a special ang Por Chuon Rd, from Chao Fa subject to change without no- which the Phuket Cabana and Country Planning, assured those section for young scientists. West Rd to Chao Fa East Rd, in- tice. For more information or to Patong Bayshore hotels are built, in attendance that the plan finally Queries and comments may cluding Phuket Country Home check the latest status, call 076- to make a parking area. adopted would reflect public be submitted by email to: info@ and Land & Houses Nantawan 2, 211663. “I am a partner in both needs. myscientists.com August 14 - 20, 2004 NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 3 Immigration reporting to go online

From page 1 Pol Capt Krissarat Nuesen, Deputy Inspector ready have about 790 names on our terrorist black- of the PPIO, told the Gazette that additional train- list.” ing sessions may be held in the future if necessary, Pol Lt Col Vitawat Booranasamarn, Super- but added that the PPIO might have to seek out- intendent of the Phuket Provincial Immigration side funding in order to pay for them. Office (PPIO), said the new database would facili- Pattanapong Aikvanich, Chairman of the tate entry of the required data. Phuket Tourist Association (PTA), said that the Section 38 of the Immigration Act 1979 re- training session was useful. In the past, he noted, quires homeowners and hotels providing accom- mistakes often resulted from the need to hand-write modation to foreigners to notify Immigration within the information. Entering the required data via the 24 hours of each guest’s arrival. Internet would allow hotels to provide more com- Hotels should be able to start submitting the plete and accurate information. required data immediately after their staff complete K. Pattanapong accepted the need for better the one-time training session, he said. enforcement of the reporting requirement. “There Those failing to comply are subject to an are some ill-intentioned visitors coming here, so 8,000-baht fine. In the past the law was seldom we must be careful. This is not just in regard to enforced, but once the new system is functioning terrorism, but also to help prevent economic crimes, properly, Immigration Police plan to crack down trafficking in human beings, passport forgery and on violators. other crimes.” Gen Watcharapook: ‘We need the public’s cooperation.’ Gov gets 10 minutes for 25pc of city’s water B2bn funding pitch to PM ‘lost through leaks’ PHUKET: Phuket Governor “Each underpass will be Udomsak Usawarangkura will about 200 meters long and four By Gategaeo Phetsawang ter supply used to come from pri- nounced that the municipality’s have just 10 minutes to propose lanes wide. They will cost about vate companies. But now one registration services have been development projects costing 2 400 million baht each,” he said. PHUKET CITY: Leaks in the such company has decided to rated third-best in the country. billion baht to Prime Minister V/Gov Winai said, “The municipal water distribution sys- stop giving water to the munici- Mayor Somjai explained Thaksin Shinawatra during a plans that will be presented to the tem result in an estimated 25% pality, so we have to buy more that the Interior Ministry’s Local whistle-stop visit by the PM on Prime Minister will be mostly of the city’s water supply being water from Bang Wad reservoir.” Administration Department in August 25. road construction projects, name- lost, possibly more, the city’s She said that the municipal- July assessed the registration de- Vice-Governor Winai Bua- ly a new road connecting Cha- new mayor, Somjai Suwannasup- ity was thinking of hiring water- partments of all 20 tessabaan pradit confirmed that the PM will long with Patong, the expansion pana, announced at her first press management specialists to solve nakhon (city municipalities) in come to Phuket on August 25, but of Rattanakosin 200 Pi Rd [in conference on August 6. the city’s recurring shortages, Thailand in terms of efficiency will stay on the island for only Phuket City] at a cost of about In addition, she said, one of adding that possible solutions and public feedback. an hour. “The prime minister will 117 million baht, and the two un- the private companies that has include desalination plants and The services evaluated in- arrive at Phuket International derpasses on the bypass road. long supplemented Phuket City’s more efficient use of wastewater. cluded registration of births, Airport at about 2 pm before “In addition, the Phuket of- supply with free water from its “We expect that [Phuket deaths and marriages, as well as leaving for Krabi,” he said. The fice of the Royal Irrigation De- tin mines has pulled the plug on City’s] water quality and water that of Thai ID cards and house PM’s stop in Phuket will be part partment will apply for funding its donations. management will improve within registration papers (tabien baan). of a tour of southern Thailand. to clear and widen Klong Bang Mayor Somjai said, “Nine- three years,” she said. Ubon Ratchathani came first and Phuket Provincial High- Yai at a cost of about 1.08 bil- ty per cent of the municipal wa- On the plus side, she an- Chiang Rai second. ways Office (PPHO) Chief Wan- lion,” V/Gov Winai said. chai Wattanasiri told the Gazette However, he added, “I am that the planned projects to be not sure whether the Governor presented include underpasses at will be able to present all the pro- Engineer dies in Novotel blast the Darasamut and the Samkong posed projects in the 10 minutes junctions, with the bypass road available, or if the Prime Minis- PATONG: One man was killed Pol Maj Sanguan Muang- sion, which involved oxy-acety- diving beneath the roads meeting ter will approve funding for any and another was injured in an ex- tham of Kathu Police Station lene tanks, occurred away from it at those points. of the projects.” – Kamol Pirat plosion at the Novotel Coralia would not disclose details of the guest areas of the hotel. Resort on August 7. incident to the Gazette because, The Nation quoted an un- Police named the dead man he said, it was under investiga- named official as saying that the Police target teen bikers as Chanyud Intrachai, 20, from tion by Kathu District Police and blast seemed to have been caused Phuket. His colleague, 27-year- the Phuket Provincial Public when a leaking cylinder ignited, PHUKET: Police have launched “We expect to check old Kittipong Kaileard, is recov- Works Office. However, Maj causing two others to blow up in a crackdown on traffic offenses, 106,200 vehicles a month – that’s ering at home. Sanguan did say that the explo- a chain reaction. with particular focus on teenag- [a total of] 43% of the cars and ers on motorbikes, Pol Col Ko- motorbikes registered in Phuket,” kiat Wongvorachart, Deputy Col Kokiat said. Commander of the Provincial He added that officers will Police has announced. be on the lookout for teenagers During the first two months on stolen motorbikes, especially of the crackdown, which is part the popular Honda Wave model. of a national road safety cam- “Most motorbike thieves in paign that will continue until Phuket steal for parts to add to year’s end, police expect to check their own bike, or to sell to mo- more than 200,000 vehicles in torbike shops. They then dump Phuket. the rest in tin mines,” he said. Riding a motorcycle?

Thai law requires that motorcycle drivers and passengers wear a safety helmet with the chin strap fastened at all times – 24 hours a day.

PHUKET PROVINCIAL TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT 4 PHUKET GAZETTE INSIDE STORY August 14 - 20, 2004

wo local branches of two government agencies are responsible for en Tsuring the safety of all 1,200 boats registered in Phuket Safety on the water: a – ferries, fishing boats, recreational boats, jet-skis and long- tail boats. While the Marine Police are responsible for law enforcement, safety concerns fall mainly With tax on imported yachts having been reduced to the Phuket Marine Office, to zero and a number of large new marina projects which has among its principal in the works, the future for Phuket’s marine tourism duties vessel licensing, crew training and crew certification. industry has never looked brighter. Everybody who works at Yet one aspect of this industry – safety standards – sea must complete four basic remains a serious obstacle to the industry’s safety courses offered by the Merchant Marine Training Cen- development to world-class standards. ter, which is part of the Ministry Here, the Gazette’s Anongnat Sartpisut and of Transport’s Marine Depart- Siripansa Somboon report on safety training, ment. These courses are based on requirements specified by the In- standards and enforcement in Phuket’s marine ternational Maritime Organiza- tourism industry. tion (IMO); the International Convention on Safety of Life at Sea (Solas) and other interna- are now conducted at the ST tional treaties to which Thai- Hotel. The training appears to land is a party. be gaining in popularity. In The four basic courses the most recent sessions, are: fire prevention and fire- which ended early this HOT TOPIC: Trainees on a Marine Department course practice fire drill. fighting; personal safety and month, about 100 trainees social responsibility at sea; per- took part, far exceeding the tificates, which must be kept on “Crew are aware of the sonal survival techniques; and expected demand of about each boat, have no expiry date. need for safety, but many com- basic first aid. 30. Courses, which include “It is hard to require re-cer- pany owners are not. Personally, With the glaring excep- several modules, can usually tification for everyone on an an- I think it would help a great deal tion of fishing vessels, crews of be completed in two to seven nual basis, because we train if [the owners] took part in the all commercial craft are re- days. 10,000 people nationally every training, too,” he added. quired to complete the training While in Phuket for the year. If every certificate had an Royal Thai Navy Lt Cdr and to have keep their certifi- most recent training, K. Hem- expiry date, we would have no Preecha Sirchusiri, another train- cates displayed on board. mawatt told the Gazette that time to issue new ones. ing instructor with the Merchant Recreational vessels such 80% of marine accidents are “Actually, according to the Marine Training Center, said that as privately-owned speedboats, preventable, as they result law, boat captains are responsible money isn’t the only issue. sailboats and even wooden from human error and lack of for their crews and are required In the past, many boat own- boats “fashioned in an antique training. to give them training at least once ers were unaware of the training style”, such as junks, are also Many participants have a month.” rules or where they could get the exempted, as are vessels owned worked on boats for many K. Anuwat said that many required training for their crews. or operated by government years, but without any formal boat owners are too profit-ori- He said the heavy turnout for the agencies. training, he said, and lack ented, and don’t want to pay for most recent course was due in Taken together these rec- some fundamental skills. training. large part to better publicity. reational vessels constitute the ‘If we conduct our “I don’t know how it’s “I am paying for this train- He agreed that cooperation majority of boats operating in inspections too rigorously it possible that some people ing myself. It costs about 15,000 from business owners is a prob- Phuket waters. Many “recre- could harm tourism.’ who come to take this train- baht total, including food and lem, and that many refused to al- ational craft” are in fact used for – Kittipong Wasukri ing course don’t even know accommodation, but it’s worth it. low crew to take time off for business purposes. Their opera- of the Phuket Marine Office. how to swim [part of the per- I feel I can help protect my crew training. tors hide this fact from authori- sonal survival class]. They and passengers better with what “This course is open to ev- ties, however, in order to avoid don’t know how to use life I have learned here,” he said. eryone, but whether or not crew paying taxes and having to com- seen unlicensed boats giving vests either. That’s why this Some boat-operating com- attend depends a great deal on the ply with other regulations. tours. As soon as the authorities course is important.” panies have policies that he be- importance the company owner Hemmawatt Panpein, Navi- approach them, they just pretend He added, “Most people lieves are very unfair. places on safety and training. gator 5th Class with the Bangkok- they are a recreational boat [and [who take the courses] are inter- “Some have ‘slave con- “In some cases the crew based Merchant Marine Training that the passengers are friends]”. ested in the training because they tracts’,” he explained. “They will have to pay for the training them- Center, told the Gazette, “Phuket The Marine Department know water safety is important. pay for the crew to train, but the selves. There have even been has many categories of vessels, Training Center conducts train- Higher-level certificates, such as crew have to sign a contract cases when staff were laid off for but this gap in the law means that ing in Phuket, but only after a suf- the one required to captain a dive promising to work [for the com- not coming to work during the we are powerless to enforce ficient number of people have vessel, need to be renewed on a pany] for at least three years. It’s training,” Cdr Preecha said. safety regulations on vessels clas- signed up for any of its 25 differ- five-yearly basis at the Phuket unfair because some crew make He told the Gazette that he sified as recreational.” ent courses, which range in price Marine Office. as much as 100,000 baht a month believes staff training is not only Anuwat Oranomwetchakit, from 1,200 baht to 5,800 baht. “However, it’s impossible for their companies. But what can good policy, but can also mean captain of a boat that runs tours The courses, which for- for us to inspect everyone on a we do? We have to comply with the difference between life and of coastal areas, said, “I have merly took place at Rassada Port, regular basis, so basic-level cer- the law,” he said. death. August 14 - 20, 2004 INSIDE STORY PHUKET GAZETTE 5 disaster waiting to happen

problem in this regard. They after that to upgrade their certifi- carry enough life vests for all cation, they realize that the pre- their passengers and are properly vious one was a forgery because licensed. But the province has to there is no record of the certifi- follow government policy to sup- cate number,” he said, adding that port tourism. If we conduct our anyone could check the status of inspections too rigorously it his certification at the Merchant could harm tourism,” he said. Marine Training Center. K. Hemmawatt said that Cdr Preecha said that there many operators choose to take is rampant use of fake qualifica- the risk of having to pay fines tions, though he could not esti- rather than comply with safety mate just how many were out regulations, including the rules there. He did say, however, that regarding the need to use Solas only about 50% of people carry- standard vests and have certified ing fake certificates knew they staff. had been forged [as opposed to Though the rules are sel- being issued through ‘proper dom enforced in Thai waters, the channels’ with the aid of bribery]. situation changes when Thai ves- “But they don’t care. They sels enter the waters of countries just think of the income they can where enforcement is taken more make by using those credentials seriously. to get work,” he said. “Yet still they prefer to take K. Hemmawatt said, “I just THE REAL THING: On the Andaman Sea a boat blazes after an engine-room fire. the risk and pay a fine rather than came back from provincial meet- ensure safety,” K. Hemmawatt ing about the growth of the ma- “We get good feedback. ones. 10% more than the number of said. rine industry in Phuket. Nowa- One trainee told us that because The Marine Department passengers at the time of inspec- He noted, too, that many days, boat tax has been reduced of a knot-tying technique he trainers told the Gazette that 99% tion. crew members have fake certifi- to 0%. Everybody talks about the learned at the course, which al- of life vests used locally fail to Kittipong growth in the num- lows a life raft to be released au- meet Solas standards because op- Wasukri, an official ber of tourists, but tomatically in the case of an erators simply don’t want to pay at the Phuket Ma- no one mentions emergency, that nine people were for them. There is a considerable rine Office in Ao the safety of crews saved,” he added. cost difference: life vests carry- Makham, told the and passengers,” he Cdr Preecha noted that one ing the official Solas logo cost Gazette, “We check said. foreign boat owner sent his en- about 2,800 baht each, compared only the number [of ‘[Many boat Boat skipper tire crew to take advantage of the with the 350-400 baht cost of vests], not their operators] prefer to K. Anuwat said, training, once he realized it was jackets used by most companies. quality, though if take the risk and pay “About 80% of available in Phuket. Many of the But you get what you pay we notice life jack- those who invest in crew had been working on the for. Most of the cheaper life jackets in bad condition a fine, rather than the marine tourism vessel for 15 years with no for- ets lack important features that we warn the crew to ensure safety.’ business are formal training, he said. can save lives, such as neck- get new ones.” – Hemmawatt Panpein eigners. And for- K. Hemmawatt thinks com- pieces that ensure that an uncon- K. Kittipong of the Merchant Marine eigners make about pany owners should view train- scious victim doesn’t float face- said, “The Marine Training Center three times as much ing as an investment, not a cost. down in the water and drown, or Department in as Thais who do “Boats costs as much as 50 a whistle to alert rescuers at Bangkok is respon- similar jobs. million baht. If the crew are prop- night. sible for checking “I know some erly trained and certified, they are “In the past nobody knew the quality of im- of this has to do more likely to keep a vessel in which life vests were standard, ported life vests, but with language abil- good, safe condition. So it’s more but now they do. But because there is no govern- ity, but I still think like an insurance policy. nobody has complained about ment agency responsible for en- cates of competence. the government should do more “But many companies don’t this, [owners] just continue us- suring the quality of domesti- “Instead of completing the to increase the knowledge of look at it this way,” he said. ing the cheap ones,” Cdr Preecha cally-produced life jackets. training, they pay 70,000 to Thais working in the marine in- One of the key safety fea- said. “Nor does the Phuket Ma- 80,000 baht for a certificate, be- dustry. tures on any vessel is life vests. Currently, government ef- rine Office have the authority to lieving these to be genuine “If the Labor Ministry But many operators don’t carry forts to check vessels for life check life jackets on sale locally, [though improperly issued would help us out with funding even these most basic items, and vests has focused on quantity, not but only after they have been put through bribery]. Later they learn [to help pay for the training] this the vast majority of vessels that quality. The number of life vests on board a vessel. Most boats, that the papers are forgeries. would improve safety for every- do have them use substandard on a passenger vessel must be especially tourist boats, have no “If they take another course one,” he concluded. 6 PHUKET GAZETTE AROUND THE ISLAND August 14 - 20, 2004

By Gategaeo Phetsawang garten. But sometimes we argue, like when I released the robot in hile most sports the wrong position at the start- men’s and sports- ing point.” women’s atten- Although the teams design, tions are currently WE, ROBOT build and program their robots W before the contests, they get only focused on the Olympics in Ath- ens, six Phuket primary one hour to make any modifica- school students have tions to compensate for local con- their attention fixed on ditions, because once the robot competing in an en- has been started teamsters can- tirely different interna- not directly control the robot. tional tournament – the Pirapong “Pi” Sritangsiri- World Robot Olympiad kul, of the Mingmuang team, ex- (WRO). plained, “The lights and the floor Two teams of surface can make the robot move three from Phuket City differently from the way we pro- Municipality School – grammed it to behave. the Romsaitong Robot- “Our robot has two touch ics team and the Ming- sensors and a light sensor, and muang Robotics team – making sure that it doesn’t go off have won berths at the the black line or go out of the national WRO finals in [wrestling] ring depends on how Bangkok in October. we program the robot to react to As in the Olym- those sensors.” pics, the WRO requires He added that the team supreme performance spent a month preparing for the in sports, but with a me- Above, the winning Romsaitong competition, working after chanical twist: robots designed team, from left – Naratip ‘Nan’ Phoo- school and at weekends. and built by students compete in sakul, Sarut ‘Nite’ Pattaraanuchitakul “Each box has at least 700 the events. and Attawut ‘Nut’ Cheewamaitri- Lego pieces and we can use five The robots must be built wong. boxes to build the robots. We from Lego bricks and then pro- design and build the robot we grammed by the students, with Right: the members of the Ming- want,” Pi said. software specially developed for muang team discuss robot tactics. He added, “We were cho- users as young as eight, to com- From left: Aditep ‘Tianwern’ Sae- sen to represent the school be- pete autonomously in four eung, Krissada ‘New’ Toosakul and cause we are good with comput- events: sprint races, slalom races, Pirapong ‘Pi’ Sritangsirikul. ers. We were taught how to use wrestling matches and maze Lego Robolab Set, which we use navigation. to write programs to make the In June the Mingmuang pected to compete, they will go test at Rayong more than the one robot, we could be beaten. Our robot move.” team of 11-year-olds came sec- on to compete in the interna- in Haad Yai because this time we robot has two horns like a buf- Mingmuang team leader ond in a WRO qualifying round tional finals to be held in Singa- won first prize.” falo to lock onto other robots and programmer New, who com- held in Haad Yai. The Romsai- pore in November. Teammate Sarut “Nite” Pat- when wrestling.” peted in last year’s WRO, said, tong team, all nine-year-olds, There they will compete taraanuchitakul agreed. “This Although they all enjoy the “It’s not just a toy. It’s a robot. failed to make their mark in Haad against finalists from Australia, contest was good for experience fun of creating their own robots, The good thing with this robot is Yai, but came home last month China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Ja- and I liked winning this time,” he the pressure to win adds a com- that we can plan, think, do and with first prize from another pan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philip- said. petitive edge to the competition. then improve on what we have qualifying round in Rayong. pines, Singapore and Sri Lanka. Of all the aspects of build- Naratip “Nan” Phoosakul, the done. If either Phuket team is Romsaitong team leader ing their robot, Nut rates robot only girl in the two teams, said, “The more complicated the successful in the Bangkok finals, Attawut “Nut” Cheewamaitri- design as the most important. “We formed the team because we program we create for our robot, where some 200 teams are ex- wong, said, “We enjoyed the con- “If we don’t create a strong have been friends since kinder- the better it will move.” August 14 - 20, 2004 AROUND THE NATION PHUKET GAZETTE 7 Deputy PM opposes amnesty bill

eputy Prime Minister them for killing Ratana’s hus- Vishanu Kruangam is band Suranart Rianmora in 1987. opposed to a draft law The three allege that Chalor Dthat would expunge abducted and tortured them to get the records of former convicts them to confess to the murder. and civil servants punished for Primary, appeal and supreme disciplinary offences. courts acquitted the three. “In principle, I disagree with the bill,” he said. “We have Emergency decree: The House to consider it carefully, as soci- of Representatives overwhelm- ety may view the move as an at- ingly passed a proposed emer- tempt to whitewash wrongdo- gency decree to appoint a group ers.” of senior monks to act on behalf The bill was proposed by of the ailing Supreme Patriarch. the Justice Ministry, which says The Lower House voted it was drawn up to celebrate HM 341 to 1, with one abstention, to Queen Sirikit’s 72nd birthday on endorse the decree proposed by August 12. Cabinet. If the bill is passed, errant Democrat MP Preecha Su- civil servants would be eligible wannathat said at a House meet- for whitewashing regardless of ing before the vote that although whether they have already been the decree reflected the gov- punished or are currently under- ernment’s good intentions, chan- going punishment. ges to the Monastic Act should be handled carefully. He also sug- Seeds of discontent: The Ag- gested the rule of seniority had riculture Department ordered a Facing ex-stink-tion? Canal boat operators on Bangkok’s Klong Saen Saeb fear going out of been ignored in the appointment halt to the distribution of papaya business as the ongoing extension of the city’s subway and Skytrain lines continues to lure of certain members of the monas- seeds from its research station in away customers. tic group. Khon Kaen, in an effort to dis- A survey conducted last year found that an average of 78,000 commuters used the water-taxi prove claims by Greenpeace service each work day, despite the stench from canal, widely regarded in the capital as little Sins of the son: The son of Southeast Asia that genetically more than an open sewer. The maximum fare is 15 baht. deputy police commander for modified papaya seeds slipped Region 6 was among four men through to farmers. arrested for possession of 4,000 Department director Cha- tested her possible incarceration. Botanic discovery: A new spe- quitted of murder have filed a amphetamine tablets in Phit- kan Saengraksawong said the The court released Suri Pol- cies of custard apple tree has lawsuit against former police sanulok’s Muang District.Ying- halt would allow his department tabtim, 33, who was accused of been found in the highlands of commissioner Chalor Kerdthes, yos Thaikla, 21, the son of Pol to investigate whether farmers stealing 99 items from the Tesco- Mae Hong Son, claims research- who is now serving a life sen- Col Pot Thaikla, was charged possessed genetically modified Lotus branch in Min Buri. er Piya Chalermglin, who discov- tence at Bang Kwang maximum- with possession of the drug with papaya seeds. He insists, how- In ordering her release on ered the plant. security prison. intent to sell. ever, that while his station was probation, the court noted that it Mahaphrom rajinee, the The Criminal Court found Under the Narcotics Act researching genetically modified was Suri’s first offence, as well 49th species belonging to the Chalor guilty of abetting the ab- 1979, possession with intent to papaya, it had not distributed as the fact that she claimed to Annonaceae family, was found duction and killing of the wife sell of 100 grams or more of a any modified seeds. have been motivated by a lack of on the slopes of Mae Hong Son’s and son of a suspect in the infa- pure Category I substance, such Greenpeace raided and de- money to feed her children. Surin Waterfall National Park. mous and still-unresolved Saudi as amphetamine, carries a mini- stroyed plants on an experimen- The court added that if Suri The discovery came as part Jewelry case. mum sentence of life imprison- tal papaya plantation at the sta- were incarcerated there would be of Dr Piya’s classification of Ratana Rianmora, 65, Pak ment and a maximum penalty of tion. no one to care for her children, Annonaceae in Thailand, funded Madeesan, 65, and his wife the death sentence. because her husband is serving a by the Biodiversity Research and Ratree Promthpe, 42, have de- Desperate act: Bangkok’s Min five-year jail term for possession Training Program. Only 18 trees manded compensation of 60 mil- Around the Nation news roundup Buri District Court released a of amphetamines. are known to exist. lion baht, claiming that Chalor is sourced from the pages of The mother of five charged with shop- Her youngest child is still caused damage to their lives and Nation and Kom Chad Luek lifting after a state lawyer pro- breastfeeding. Escapegoats: Three people ac- careers by wrongly prosecuting newspapers.

Don’t miss.... Issues & Answers phuketgazette.net/ issuesanswers/index.asp 8 PHUKET GAZETTE AROUND THE REGION August 14 - 20, 2004 Construction – and prices – boom

he low season is bring- because the lengthy delay in ing as well, it isn’t so easy to start ing the usual rush by completing it had rendered many a profitable venture. business and building facilities obsolete or inadequate. The price escalation and Towners to develop and The runway, at 45 meters land scarcity in Ao Nang has seen refurbish their properties. In Ao wide and 2,100m in length, was some of the bigger hotel chains Nang, numerous shopping mall capable of handling only domes- searching elsewhere to establish and office projects tic flights and short- their operations. are underway, as haul regional Klong Muang has become well as housing de- flights. The passen- a popular place to set up, and this velopments. ger terminal, with a formerly sleepy beach area has The housing capacity of 600 been a construction zone for the projects are mainly people, had just one past few years. Several large aimed at filling de- arrival/departure luxury resorts have established mand for middle-in- gate and the bag- themselves here, most notably come homes, and gage claim area had the Sheraton. The price of land hopefully the results to be redesigned. next to these properties has sky- will be an improve- Even so, pas- rocketed. ment over the typical senger growth was “shophouse” archi- impressive, with a Running away from the sea: tecture that domi- 22% increase in The new passenger terminal at Krabi Airport is fast taking shape. Residential projects in Ao Nang nates the landscape. ACROSS passengers in 2001, have moved further and further followed by increas- bling in the size of the car park, a Runaway prices: As a result of from the beach, and potential Runway upgrade: THE BAY es of close to 50% in new control tower, and improve- the airport project, optimism runs homeowners are abandoning By far the biggest By Gus Reynolds 2002 and 2003. ments in security, international high for tourism-related busi- their demands for a seaview project underway is The current arrival services, visa screening, nesses, and newcomers to Krabi when they see the exorbitant the expansion of the Krabi Inter- expansion project is budgeted at and ambulance and fire services. seem to have high expectations. prices. national Airport. The original air- 327 million baht, with the new The expansion of the air- Long-time residents are a Very few of the expatriate port was built by the local gov- runway alone costing 229 million port and its ability to accommo- bit more cautious, but there is community live near the beach. ernment and a private group in baht. The runway will be length- date 747s direct from Europe and evidently an influx of money, es- Most prefer the quieter, less tour- 1986. Located 13 kilometers ened to 3,000m and the parking Asia have big implications for the pecially from foreigners looking isty areas away from the commer- from Krabi Town, it was origi- apron will be enlarged to accom- local tourist industry. The talk is to establish themselves in this cial zones along the beach. nally quite small and was modate, at the same time, two that tour groups from Scandi- growing market. Ao Nang is still quite small, underused. 747-400 planes, one 737-400 and navia will be targeted, and surely This has driven up real es- so one can still live just minutes The airport as it is now was three smaller craft. additional flights from Asian des- tate prices to astonishing levels. from work or the beach, while the completed and opened in July The new terminal will have tinations will follow, augmenting With rents of 1.5 million baht a uniqueness of Krabi’s topogra- 1999, years behind schedule. Im- a capacity of 1,400 people. the current services from Singa- year becoming common on the phy makes finding a home with mediately, it needed alterations Other plans include a dou- pore and Malaysia. beachfront and land prices jump- a scenic view fairly easy. August 14 - 20, 2004 H A P P E N I N G S PHUKET GAZETTE 9 T his week

ABOVE: General Manager of the Royal Phuket City Hotel Ian Taylor Woodward (3rd from left) with Executive Chefs Gottfried “Godi” Voney (left) and Anucha Ketsro (2nd from right), and Assistant Director of Sales Kobkaew Narkrod (wearing scarf), at the opening of the hotel’s 19th-floor Red Onion restaurant.

LEFT: Suwalai Pinpradab (3rd from left, standing, in white blouse) Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Phuket office, joins Rotary Club of Junk Ceylon members and models at the TAT batik exhibition at the Big C supercenter.

A HEARTY CHAIYO! Phuket FantaSea staff and management celebrate a A POPULAR CHOICE: Members of the new board of the Phuket Tourist Association day spent cleaning up the park and grounds of the famed entertainment celebrate their recent election at the Phuket Merlin Hotel. Pattanapong Aikwanich, here venue. FantaSea’s Assistant Director of Revenue, Somwang Kiewkacha shown receiving a bouquet from Phuket Guide Association President Panompol (back row, white shirt) leads his team by example. Thammachatniyom (in blue shirt) was elected PTA president for a third successive term.

WINE TIME: Enjoying a selection of Sileni Estate wines at The Evason Beach Resort & Spa are (from left): Amanpuri’s Director of F&B,Thirawit Yingdamnoon; Executive Assistant Manager of Katathani Hotel and Beach Resort, Philip Reiss; Red & White International (Asia) Marketing Manager PARTY TIME! Juntra Husted (front, with flowers) and friends celebrate the 1st anniversary for Southeast Asia, David Andrews; and Chantana Songsang and Erik of the relaunched Baan Mai Pai in Karon on August 2. Cornetet of ItalThai Industrial Co. 10 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PEOPLE August 14 - 20, 2004 FATHER’S SECRET LEADS SON TO PHUKET

Australian chiropractor Jim Davidson and his wife Dale were in Phuket last month in search of his grandmother’s grave, which he believes is located in a Chinese cemetery somewhere in Phuket City. As Sangkhae Leelanapaporn and Stephen Fein learned, the quest was launched after Mr Davidson’s father revealed a 50-year-old secret.

im Davidson, 60, began a ied somewhere in Phuket, most quest six months ago after likely in Phuket City. The burial his 97-year-old father, Vic- site is believed to be near the site Jtor, broke a half-century of of a former brick factory, and silence over his past and revealed near a klong. that his own mother was a Chi- She had seven children nese-Thai woman from Phuket from two relationships. One of named “Yok”. these children was Jim David- Victor also admitted that his son’s father, Victor Edward real name was George Russell, Davidson, born George Russell. returned to Phuket and took her to England with his wife and chil- visited. Her age and the distance but that he had changed it as a Grandma Yok had a brother to Kuala Lampur for treatment. dren, and there reinvented him- between England and Australia way to bury his Chinese-Thai named “Kiat”, and was part of a She recovered and lived until she self to hide his “half-caste” back- also made communication diffi- ancestry and avoid racial discrimi- large family in Phuket, though the was 88. ground because of the prevailing cult. nation. family name remains unknown to She knew death was com- racial prejudices of the time. In She did reveal, however, This much is known about the Davidsons. ing, apparently; she is said to have 1951 the family migrated to Aus- that she had seen a plaque bear- Grandma Yok. She was born in This much is known: she bought the coffin herself and was tralia. ing the names of all of Yok’s 1888 and died around 1976. Her was diagnosed with cancer of the in the habit of sleeping in it be- Since Grandma Yok had seven children from her two re- own mother was Thai, her father uterus while in her 40s. Upon fore she died. children by two men, Victor had lationships. Chinese. She is thought to be bur- learning this, the young Victor Because of World War II two elderly step-sisters living in So far, the search for and the Japanese occupation of England. One of these contacted Grandma Yok’s grave or any Phuket, Victor lost contact with him in Australia years ago and long-lost relatives still living in his mother; with his Eurasian fea- introduced herself as his half-sis- Phuket has been unsuccessful, tures, it was dangerous for him ter. She also said she had visited despite help from Provincial Hall to stay in Asia. Grandma Yok’s grave in Phuket. in supplying information about the He eventually made his way At the time, however, Vic- locations of possible burial sites. tor wasn’t receptive to anything Arita U-Heet, a tour agent that could compromise the secret with Phuket Adventures who he had kept hidden for so many happened to meet the Davidsons years. at their hotel, also offered to Later, after Victor came out spend her free time helping them with the story about his past, his in their quest. son Jim contacted one of the half- Jim Davidson and his wife sisters in England. Dale recounted the following tale By then, however, the shoe of his father’s past in the hope was on the other foot: she was that some Gazette readers might unable to offer much assistance recognize part of story and help in helping the family locate the the family find Grandma Yok’s grave that she herself had once grave or put them in contact with August 14 - 20, 2004 PHUKET PEOPLE PHUKET GAZETTE 11 50 years of painful silence im Davidson recounts son’. I can tell you, there is no you’ll kill him,’ they warned. how his father Victor Derrick George Davidson re- So for years we didn’t say Left: Jim and Dale Davidson search one finally revealed a se- corded as being born in Scot- anything about the name of Phuket’s Chinese cemeteries for the cret he had kept for 50 land [at any time] back to 1732. Russell. But I felt I had to grave of Jim’s grandmother, a Thai- J years: that his name was not Not one. Not even ‘Derrick broach the subject somehow. Chinese woman called Yok. Victor Davidson but George Davidson’. I couldn’t let him go to his Russell: “My mother’s sister, who grave without revealing it. So Below: The Chinese symbol for “Yok”, lived in England, died last year we decided to use the birth which may mark her gravesite. “When [my father] left En- at the age of 82, and she actu- certificate angle. gland to migrate to Australia, ally mentioned before she died “One day over lunch I he saw it as his new begin- that my father’s real name was told him I wanted to get a and in 1951 we ning. He assumed an identity not Davidson, but Russell. British passport and needed migrated to Aus- with Scottish roots. “And my uncle, who had his father’s birth certificate. tralia.” “The past was gone, and been told this – and whom we After a while there was si- Victor nev- he was starting fresh. Not that will meet in a few weeks’ time lence. I was watching him er saw his moth- he was a bad man or anything – told us that Russell was a chew his food, and his chin er again. like that; [his actions were] prominent family in Malaysia, was twitching. It seemed like “We learn- more from racial pressures. so we were able to track them an eternity, but it was prob- ed that his father “We had always been down through the Internet. ably only 10 or 15 seconds. grew up in Ma- told until six months ago that “So why did my father re- And then he said, ‘I want to laysia. There are his father was Scottish, be- veal his secret after all those tell you my secret.’ relatives on his cause Davidson is a Scottish years? In a way, regrets play a “The hair stood up on father’s side name. major role. the back of my neck, even whom we have “We [Jim and his wife “But once the floodgates though I already knew his discovered only Dale] wanted British pass- were opened and he started to secret. He started talking. ‘I in the past five ports so we could work in tell his story, he then touched was forced to change my name months and Europe. There are Internet on the pain of the things he from Russell.’ And then we whom we are records (www.scotsorigins. hadn’t done properly [such as couldn’t shut him up. He just also going to visit. com) of everyone who was re-establish relationships with talked and talked and talked. “In fact, we learned that the born, married or died in Scot- relatives who had tried to con- “It’s made a terrific dif- Russells are quite a prominent land going back to 1732. tact him]. ference. He’s 10 years young- family in Malaysia and we plan “On my father’s birth “The families in England, er. He used to walk with a to meet in KL in a few weeks’ th certificate, his father is listed on my mother’s side, warned stick, but he doesn’t need it time for the 50 wedding anni- as ‘Derrick George David- us not to pursue it. ‘He’s 97, any more.” versary of one of our relatives there. “So we’re trying to find both sides [of the family]. On the father’s side we can now go back six generations. But until six months ago, we could only go back one!”

Readers with information that may help the Davidsons can any other relatives still living in email them at Jamesdale4@ the area: hotmail.com or Jamesdale09@ “In 1942 [my father and his optusnet.com.au wife] had four children. They left [occupied] Malaysia and went to Singapore which, at the time, people thought would never fall [to the Japanese]. “But my father has always been very intuitive. He believed Singapore was going to fall. He put his wife – my Mom – and the children, plus my mother’s sister and brother, on a ship. But he didn’t know where it was going. “Then he turned around and went back to Kuala Lampur to look for his boss. But when he got there, he came across a car by the side of the road. The driver’s throat had been slit. De- ciding he must be behind enemy lines, he turned back. “His car broke down. Some Australian soldiers told him ‘For- get about your job. Your boss won’t be there. You’ve got to get out of here!’ They were kind to him and helped him fix his car, which was why, later in life, he decided to move to Australia. “He got on a ship about 10 days before Singapore fell. The ship was supposed to go to Ceylon, but it ended up in Bombay. [Totally by chance] he arrived in Bombay and found his wife and four kids there. “They were in Bombay for two years, and that’s where I was born. Later we went to England. We stayed there for five years 12 PHUKET GAZETTE LEISURE August 14 - 20, 2004 Cheap air fares big boost to mobility

itting in a bar quietly 3,850 baht return. This was watching the tide the reason for the crowds at rolling in one eve- the airport, proof positive that ning, I remembered air fares are becoming IN S plash out on some new that I had an article to write. cheaper and air travel more The low-season cash flow popular. fashions in marshmallow was not looking too good, so The concert was my pink and white to chase I knew that my destination first in many years and Off- the gray skies of the wet had to be somewhere cheap. spring were ... interesting, season away. Spaghetti- It suddenly dawned on not a bad band at all and I strap tops, miniskirts and me that I should take advan- can recommend the Impact S¾-length trousers such as capri pants, tage of the range of cheap Arena to any concert-goer. pedal pushers or clamdiggers in pretty flights now on offer and go After the gig, we pinks and winsome whites can be to Bangkok, a place I tend checked into the Amari Bou- mixed and matched with each other to visit for business, not levard (thanks for the free – or a range of other colors – for a pleasure. It had, in fact, room), a fine hotel in an ex- sweet and sexy look. been ages since I had trav- cellent location. The hotel Women with lighter-colored skin eled there simply to take in was busy, and during the next can get away with wearing vibrant the sights. day’s shopping excursion, I colors while their olive-skinned sisters Also, son Chris had realized that Bangkok was should show their style with slightly been pestering me to take jam-packed with tourists. more subtle, muted tones. him to his first gig – a band Traveling by SkyTrain, One word of warning: the gauzy, called Offspring playing at we took in The Emporium, gossamer-thin fabrics for many of the Impact Arena. So, I the Central Department these styles can – when wet – leave thought, why not kill two Store, the World Trade Cen- very little to the imagination! birds with one stone? Stage ter and eventually Siam Funky earrings in black, white one was to book the concert Square before finishing up at or corresponding shades of pink tickets online, a fast process the Siam Discovery Center. accessorize perfectly with this look. at Thaiticketmaster.com. Back in Rawai the High-heeled shoes in pink are still in But which airline next evening, the thought oc- vogue and allow the wearer to wade should I choose? I first tried curred to me that these low- through any minor flooding. Look for with Thai Airways. Their cost Asian carriers are giv- handbags or clutch bags in similar deal of the month was a non- ing everyone in this region colors. – Siripansa Somboon endorsable, non-refundable, the chance to travel cheaply no-changes one-way ticket and quickly to Thailand and, Clothes and accessories courtesy for 1,900 baht. more to the point, Phuket. of Kob & Ple (pronounced “Peun”) I tried the AirAsia This is producing great Fashion Center on Ongsimpai Rd, website, and found it as cum- low-season business for the and Indy on Thepkrasattri Rd, near bersome as ever. I even tried island, a thought shared by the Shintaro Japanese Restaurant, to make an inquiry while the Tourism Authority of both in Phuket City. paying my AIS phone bill but Thanks to cheap air fares, Bangkok is more accessible than ever before. Thailand and the investors gave up because the staff building Billion Plaza, Cen- were too slow. Off we flew to Bangkok as was the new Orient Thai Air- tral Festival Phuket, Jungceylon xposure to sun and sea- In addition to Thai and Air- International Airport, with Chris lines check-in desk. Phuket Air and the other major retail devel- water, as well as hair Asia, Phuket Air, Orient Thai ready to rock the night away in and AirAsia were also busy. opments on the island. dyes and perming solu- Airlines and Bangkok Airways all his Offspring T-shirt. At the Nok Air counter, I But I did wonder, too, E tions, can all take their offer daily flights We landed, picked up a brochure showing whether this is actually a good toll on your hair. Leave it too long between Phuket and found the air- their opening deals – and what thing for Phuket. I am still won- and your lovely locks may end up and Bangkok. port packed. It bargains they were. Flights from dering about that one, and you looking dull and tired. They update their Thailand was not a public Bangkok to Udon Thani at 498 should too. But help is at hand for your fares constantly, holiday, there baht; Bangkok-Chiang Mai for hair in the form of – wait for it – so shop around TRAVELER were no impor- 598 baht; and Bangkok-Haad Yai Bill Owen, who has lived in oil spa treatment. Spa treatment, before you fly. tant dignitaries or for 898 baht, with promises of Phuket and worked in the using a cocktail of mud, amino In the end I By Bill Owen celebrities to be more to follow. island’s travel industry for more acids and milk, can work won- settled for Phuket seen, so why so The fare touted by AirAsia than 15 years, is General Man- ders, adding volume, weight – to Air and their more expensive busy on a low-season Tuesday for Bangkok-Chiang Mai was ager of Oriental Leisure Co Ltd, help prevent flyaway hair – and evening flight. It was not, at 1,550 afternoon? even cheaper than Nok Air, and a leading event management moisture. baht for a single, the cheapest I scouted around and found they offer more routes. company in Phuket. He can be Such treatments also add deal around but was valid for a that the crowds seemed to be con- A leaflet from Value Air contacted by email at: owen_b luster to the color, natural or oth- month and I could change my gregating at the discount airlines’ quoted mid-week flights on the @hotmail.com. Website www. erwise, of your hair. flight details without a problem. booths. Nok Airlines was busy, Bangkok-Singapore route for oriental-events.com Jeraporn Thonggate, owner of the Suay Update salon explained that this style of treatment is new to the island. “My salon is currently the only place in Phuket to offer this and I learned about its secrets from my hair guru – a Korean – in Bangkok just a few months ago,” said K. Jeraporn. There are three ingredients to the treatment cocktail: Crystal Hair Lotion by Sofei, to repair damaged hair; an amino-acid mud pack by T&C; and another Sofei product, Soft and Shine hair cream, which contains milk whey, a protein vital for building healthy tissue. “All of these products are imported from Italy,” K. Jeraporn added. K. Jeraporn advised that the hair should be washed twice before the mixture is applied. The concoction is then activated by use of a “Roller Ball” – a dough- August 14 - 20, 2004 L I F E S T Y L E PHUKET GAZETTE 13 THE PINK Fashion by Siripansa

Left: Look cute in a pink top with silver appliqué.

Right: Stay in the forefront of fashion with a plunging backline and pink miniskirt. And don’t forget to accessorize.

The lure of the rings touch and smell – and last until Hair by Sangkhae the next wash. K. Jeraporn added that she The benefit of using a Roller has many return customers. Ball is that it is cooler than the “They love it that their hair smells more commonplace “hood” dryer, of fresh milk,” she said with a The entire procedure, from wide smile. coating individual sections of hair –Sangkhae Leelanapaporn to the final wash-and-dry, takes around 45 minutes. With prices starting at 300 to 500 baht, depending upon the length of your hair, it is more expensive than having your hair nut-shaped hairdryer (see above) “steamed” but the effects are that rotates above the head. immediately evident – by sight, Suay Update is in the V&P Mansion at Wor Kor Junction (the turning to Rajabhat University Phuket) along Thepkrasattri Rd. Opening hours are 8 am to 8:30 pm daily. For an appointment, call Tel: 076-241193. 14 PHUKET GAZETTE FEATURES August 14 - 20, 2004 HEARD&scene The Gazette’s Siripansa Somboon met up with the Miss Thailand World contestants and asked five of them, “What is the most disgusting thing you have ever eaten?”

Nikallaya Dulya Areeya Rohitsathian Pornpatsorn Suwanmongkon Alexandra Stybert Mananya Chainan Age: 23 Age: 20 Age: 21 Age: 20 Age: 22 From: Yala From:Bangkok From: Bangkok From: Bangkok From: Bangkok Occupation: Student Occupation: Student Occupation: Student Occupation: Student Occupation: Student It was goat curry. I’ll never The most disgusting thing I The most disgusting thing I One time, my friends tricked A group of my friends were forget it. My friend offered it to have ever swallowed was a have ever eaten is baby corn me by mixing dessert with dieting but I wasn’t because I’m me. When I was told it was glass of orange juice. What – I think it feels like you’ve savory food and giving it to me lucky and have no trouble with made from goat I wanted to spit happened was that my friends got a mouthful of worms to eat. my weight. One day I bought it out. But then I realized it put lots of salt in it. I didn’t when you’re eating it. I’m It’s hard to believe how blueberry cheesecake to tease tasted good, so I changed my know when I drank it. My scared of finding worms in horrible the mixture tasted. them and stuffed lots of it into mind. Goat meat is very tender. friends were having a joke on baby corn. Imagine eating tom yam my mouth. They looked so If I’d known what it was, I me. It was so salty. Anyway, The first time I ate it I mixed with orange juice. It angry that I had to spit it out. I would never have tried it, but they’d better watch out – I’ll threw up. I really hate it and I was disgusting. I nearly threw really went off blueberry now I like eating it. get them back! haven’t eaten it since. up. cheesecake after that. In the St ars by Isla St ar LEO (July 24-August 22): You If you have come to a career This week will be no that it was your tenacity that Frustration at others’ will feel inspired to add some crossroads, go with your exception to the helped to find a path through lack of action could new touches to your instincts. rule; it’s likely that the overgrown jungle. build up by Monday. lair this week. Home you’ll be spoiled for You should ask sweet home looks LIBRA (September 24-October choice when it comes to AQUARIUS (January 21- yourself whether this may be a like the place where 23): The high point of your making dates. Those whose February 19): Aquarians can sign to start being more laid- Leos most want to be this week, week should be on hearts are already spoken for usually find an back. You are probably the only so a shopping trip will probably Wednesday, when all must make that fact very clear. answer to any person setting hard-to-meet be the furthest you venture. The your hard work If you’re not sure about com- dilemma, but this deadlines. If it can be arranged, color turquoise will encourage finally comes to mitment, don’t start making weekend a particu- there will be immediate ben- creative thinking. fruition. Reaping a bountiful promises of hearts and flowers. lar problem will really put your efits from sitting back awhile harvest will put you in a skills to the test. You may want and smelling the jasmine. VIRGO (August 23-September position to expand into new SAGITTARIUS (November 23- to consider the possibility that 23): You won’t believe your areas. If you’re on the lookout December 21): If August has so this situation is much simpler TAURUS (April 21-May 21): ears this weekend for a trustworthy business far been a series of than others would have you The thunder that has been when a friend spills partner, Pisces can make a fits and starts, believe. Wear azure blue to rumbling in the the beans. Even if suitable introduction. Sagittarians will be encourage peace of mind. distance for so long this isn’t a matter happy to know that now should finally that concerns you personally, SCORPIO (October 24-Novem- this week will see positive PISCES (February 20-March move away so. Mid- there will be reason for you to ber 22): Scorpios usually have moves. You can now start to 20): Someone appears to be week, Taureans should refrain take mental notes for the future. no trouble attracting romance. relax in the certainty that trying to lead you from splitting hairs over a success is imminent, but don’t down the garden matter that is really as simple as spend too much money just yet. path, and there will a bowl of boiled rice. Scorpio be no bed of roses at has romantic inclinations CAPRICORN (December 22- the other end. Pisceans who toward you. January 20): Capricorns who want to avoid getting a thorn in were starting to their sides should close their GEMINI (May 22-June 21): believe that justice ears to fairy tales. The course You are not normally one to was not on their side of romance is smooth, but a count your chickens will receive tangible minor storm next week will until they have been proof that things are finally require careful navigation. declared healthy. starting to work out. By the end However, you will of this month you will realize ARIES (March 21-April 20): be entitled to give yourself a pat on the back this weekend for work well done, even though the results probably won’t be apparent until next month. An intimate relationship would definitely benefit from some spicing up. CANCER (June 22-July 23): Your credit card may not be as flexible as you think. Many Cancerians could get a shock when the bills finally arrive. You are advised to tighten your belt for the remainder of August. If anyone can make an art out of economizing, it is you. Wear the color hibiscus red to improve financial conditions. August 14 - 20, 2004 S M A L L W O R L D PHUKET GAZETTE 15 KKIDSIDS the Fun Page Get your brain for all in gear with the Family The Monster Quiz

1. What is the connection 8. What is a philodox? 15. Montevideo is the capi- Hidden Words between Eric Estrada tal of which country? Hidden in the grid below are the family names of at least and fish? 9. Which author said “I was 20 US Presidents. The names may read vertically, hori- wrong to grow older. Pity. 16. Who lost the Wimbledon 2. Where is Gillock Island? I was so happy as a zontally or diagonally. They may also read right-to-left or men’s singles final in child”? both 1986 and 1987? down-to-up. See if you can find more than your family or 3. What product gets its friends. Score: 10 or more, good; 15 or more, very good; name from the Czech 10. Whose face, according to 17. In which sport in the US 20 or more, excellent. town of Semtín? Christopher Marlowe, are the annual Eclipse launched a thousand Awards made? AGCCF F EXTTPMNTH 4. Who used the pseudo- ships? JMRHARERP IOCRTC nym “Aircraftsman Shaw” 18. Which US state is also A I HBOROQWDLKEHB in the 1920s? 11. What is an oculus? known as the Granite State? BBMMS J TRGNKIWON 5. Who said, “To refrain 12. By what name was TCLLBZ F EOYHNOOH from imitation is the best Margaretha Geertruida 19. Which group of islands revenge”? Zelle, born 1876, better CI IRZXXSRFYLHVM lies immediately to the known? FOOUSHRABENENE S north of Vanuatu? 6. Who wrote One Day in DROOS EVELTYYERK the Life of Ivan Deniso- 13. How did she die? TYPLFELKOJ IUSCB vich? 20. Which media corpora- tion was founded by Wil- KFBF I IRPNWPV IA I 14. Dancer Josephine Baker 7. For which film did com- had a pet called Chiquita? liam Paley? LNEVNDVUOQRZ EEY poser John Williams win What kind of animal was NJOCPBGUSNCOEXR his first Oscar? it? Answers next week. EOOTLZZENOXOVFL OLTANY I AHXYWTDM NTXGP I NNO I EG JWX Never FMVENQLV J NTWCXZ VALTWI J CDQ I AWOH NAMURTHRWLCH FDN a Cross E I LRMDOSSYLR JTF CSNXRFHOAMJEBGF Word! BRVFSRNEPWAWTSD YDENNAKZGWXDCZ T Across ZZ IAPYGFQMZAADL 1. Could it be turned into a REAGANBUSHXD I I H sword? GPWSCCWQXDGZ J I L 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- Q. A covered truck laden with birds approaches iam at Hastings. a bridge. The driver realizes that his vehicle will 14. Very important people. be too heavy for the bridge. He climbs out and 15. Desire. shouts at the birds until they are all flying around 17. In wrestling, can be full inside the truck. Will this make the truck lighter? or half. Mississippi. 8. Hometown of C&W.

18. Device for measuring 3. The first layer of paint, 9. Signalling with flags.

does this change the weight? the change this does temperature. usually. 13. Aussie dog. filled with heavy gas and light gas. If you shake it so the gases mix together, mix gases the so it shake you If gas. light and gas heavy with filled 4. Buffalo’s defenses. 15. Not dry.

Down A. No. The total mass (air + birds) does not change. Imagine you have a box a have you Imagine change. not does birds) + (air mass total The No. A. 5. Mr Lincoln. 16. Opposite SSW. 2. State between Texas and 6. Consume. Solution next week.

ANSWERS TO LAST WEEK’S ASK KHUN WANIDA! MOMMA DUCK MONSTER QUIZ 1. Prince of Wales; 2. Lewis Carroll; 3. Jabberwocky; 4. Tunguska; 5. Lace; 6. Problems with an extra-marital affair? Cookery; 7. Steel; 8. Gene Wilder; 9. North Questions about Thai culture? Carolina; 10. Vermont; 11. Kalasin; 12. Real Having communications problems? estate; 13. Jimmy Durante; 14. Charles Need somebody to Love? Dickens; 15. 64; 16. Laputa; 17. Elba; 18. Read her advice in the Phuket Gazette.

Solution to last Diego Maradonna; 19. Adam (Clayton); 20. Fax 076-213971 or email [email protected] week’s Crossword week’s Ultraman. 16 PHUKET GAZETTE F E A T U R E S August 14 - 20, 2004

y the time you read this column, Microsoft should be about to re- Blease a huge patch to A meditation on Windows XP known as “Service Pack 2.” I’ve been working with Ser- vice Pack 2 (“SP2” to its friends) youth and death for about four months now. I just finished updating one of my books avid Halberstam is the The son of an alcoholic so it covers SP2 – a massive un- quintessential bigfoot father and religious zealot dertaking because the changes journalist. Along with mother, he was also a tortured are so pervasive. a small band of broth- soul, moody, foul-mouthed, If you haven’t heard about D ers in Saigon in the early 1960s, quick to lose his temper and SP2 yet, you will. Microsoft will The most visible part of WinXP Service Pack 2, the Security Center. he was among the first to report contemptuous of fans. But he be running a US$300 million It doesn’t work very well, and it has an annoying tendency to dupe the battlefield reality behind the was fiercely loyal to his friends, publicity campaign – that’s 12 you into allowing Microsoft to update your PC automatically. But all official bromides about the Viet- especially Doerr, Pesky and billion baht – to push SP2 with in all, it’s a step in the right direction. nam War, for which he won the DiMaggio. a “Windows XP Reloaded” Pulitzer Prize. “For many years, the glue theme. His last book, Firehouse, that held them together as Why would Microsoft was a heartbreaking friends was Will- spend such an enormous sum on account of the dev- iams; someone that a free patch? The ’Softies hope Windows XP astation wrought great, one of the that SP2’s improvements, com- upon a single New very best ever at bined with new versions of Win- York firehouse dur- what they did, had dows Media Player (which I re- ing the horror of rare peer power,” viewed a couple of weeks ago) SP2: Danger, September 11. Halberstam writes. and Windows Media Center Edi- As he moves “‘It was,’ Pesky tion (which isn’t available in into his old age, he Off the once said of him, Thailand) will drive sales this has concentrated on ‘like there was a Christmas. Will Robinson a series of sports SHELF star on top of his Of course, the 64,000-dol- books. The sixth in head, pulling every- lar question is whether you should the series is The By James Eckardt one toward him like install Service Pack 2. The short want to bill SP2 as an upgrade worthwhile new features, and Teammates (Hy- a beacon, letting answer is: yes, but not yet. Per- for fear of creating the same kind you’ll be able to skip all the pre- perion, New York, 2003, 217pp). everyone around him know that mit me to explain first why, some of debacle it experienced with vious patches issued up to the day Subtitled A Portrait of a Friend- he was different and that he day soon, you’re going to want Windows Me, which was a mar- that SP2 is released. ship, it is the story of four base- was special in some marvelous to install Service Pack 2. keting flop. So with all this good stuff ball players – Ted Williams, way and that we were that You know that Windows In coming months you’ll dangling in front of your nose, Bobby Doerr, Dom DiMaggio much more special because we XP has more holes than a Ju- read reams of Microsoft Party why on earth would you wait to and Johnny Pesky – whose life- had played with him.’” piter-sized colander, and has Line “information” about SP2’s install SP2? long bonds of friendship were As the car heads further seen enough patches (and features. Some of it will actually I bet you already know the forged in the 15-year-long hey- south, with the former team- patches of patches to patches) be true. answer. day of the Boston mates swapping to drive any moderately atten- SP2 really does include a Microsoft always, always, Red Sox (1937- jokes and stories, tive user batty. firewall, although the firewall always screws up major up- 1953). Halberstram inter- What you may not realize doesn’t monitor outbound traffic. grades. Heck, they almost always But this is re- weaves tales of is that much of the plumbing in- So if you get infected with a screw up small upgrades. ally not a book about their childhoods side Windows XP has a hard time worm that starts spewing out Case in point: Did you read baseball – a sport and families, how coping with popular new hard- thousands of bogus messages, about the MS04-025 security which interests only they met their ware, including wireless networks you’ll never know. patch inanity? That was just two a dozen countries in wives, what they and DVD-RW drives, among SP2 really does “lock weeks ago. Seems that Microsoft the world – but about did in the war. many others. down” several security settings, posted this enormous set of how four young men DiMaggio, Microsoft will stick to its making it more difficult for worms patches for Internet Explorer on who grew up in the brother of Joe, the story that SP2 is a service pack to grab your computer by the July 31. Depression raised great Yankee rival – a whole bunch of fixes and im- throat. It patches thousands of On August 1, they had to themselves to fame of Ted Williams, provements rolled into a single security holes. It has a few re- yank the whole shooting match and riches through grew up speaking bundle. ally good new and replace it their love of the Italian in the San In fact, SP2 constitutes a wireless capabili- KHUN WOODY’S with “version game, married, went off to World Francisco home of his fisher- major Windows upgrade. I think ties, including the 2.0” because War II, dealt with fading physi- man father who was amazed it’s fair to say that the WinXP ability to switch COMPUTER somebody put cal gifts and post-retirement ca- that people actually paid his sons SP2 “service pack” jump is ev- easily among the wrong reers, and how they handled the to play baseball. ery bit as all-encompassing as the multiple wireless networks (right bunch of files in the hopper for last decades of their life and the Doerr met his wife when jump from Windows 98 to Win- now, ping-ponging among avail- folks who are using the latest inevitable disability and death. she was teaching in a one-room dows Me. able networks can be a real head- version of Windows Update! Most of all it’s about the school for Indians in a remote However, Microsoft doesn’t ache). What a mess. love and support they gave each Oregon wilderness area. He SP2 also supports “Data SP2 reaches deep into your other from their youth into their would live there the rest of his Execution Protection” (DEP), system and changes all sorts of 80s. life. Photos of the men, with which should help reduce the things. A small percentage of all A story of this type is wives, in uniform, as young number of buffer overflow secu- people who install SP2 will lock Halberstam’s meat. As he show- ballplayers and old men, are also rity holes, although you’ll have to up their machines so they can’t ed in Firehouse, he is adept at interwoven throughout the buy a DEP enabled computer in even boot. I guarantee it. And a the old-fashioned journalist’s skills book. order to take advantage of it. larger percentage of people will of lengthy interviews, tireless leg- But at last they reach the That’s kind of like buying a have days or weeks of head- work, meticulous research – all end of their journey: “...when Sherman Tank to protect against aches. wrapped up in profound empathy the attendants wheeled Ted in, potholes that Microsoft should’ve You would be well advised for the subjects of his book. they gasped in shock. Here was fixed anyway. to wait for the pioneers to take In The Teammates, his nar- their old friend, a man once su- Most of all, SP2 represents the arrows in their backs. rative vehicle is a three-day car premely powerful, shrunken a new level playing field. When See if Microsoft issues an trip that Dom DiMaggio and now, down to perhaps 130 you upgrade to SP2 (er, apply the SP2a or “version 2”, and allow Johnny Pesky took in October pounds, head down on his Service Pack), you’ll replace es- the tech gurus time to sort out 2001 from Marion, Massachu- chest.” sentially all of Windows’ key pro- some of the problems, so they can setts, to Hernando, Florida, for a And yet: “It was fascinat- grams, and bring your system into help you if something goes bump last visit to the dying Ted Williams. ing to watch him become stron- line with all the new computers in the night. Wait a month. Maybe Williams, of course, was the ger by the minute with the ar- out there. two. leader of the pack, arguably the rival of his friends. He had to Of course, Microsoft will Danger, Will Robinson. greatest hitter in the history of take charge, of course, because start patching SP2 almost imme- baseball, the last to attain a bat- that was the natural order of diately (mark my words), so Woody Leonhard has written a ting average of .406, who played things, and that was what his you’ll still need to stay on top of number of books in the “...for from 1939 to 1960, with breaks friends wanted.” the latest updates. But at least the Dummies” series on computing. to serve as a US Marine pilot in Their last reunion turns core files will all be current. Readers can contact him at: World War II and Korea. into a triumph of the will. You’ll have quite a few [email protected] August 14 - 20, 2004 F E A T U R E S PHUKET GAZETTE 17 Make your work permit fit the work

r X is the owner He is now happily paying of a company LAYING the additional income tax in or- in Thailand. As DOWN der to be 100% legal in the work Man American he THE LAW he is doing. The Labor Depart- is entitled to hold majority ment has approved his applica- shares in this company under With Friedrich tion for a change to his work the 1968 Treaty of Amity be- ‘Sam’ Fauma permit so he can now officially tween Thailand and the US. work for both companies. He has held a work permit for The officials agreed that Mr The lesson is that having a Having a work permit many years. X was working legally for his work permit does not allow you does not mean you can During a recent expansion company, even in providing man- to work for another company – do whatever work you of his company he registered a agement services for other com- even at the same workplace – like – the job second company, for which his panies. without having this second job description inside the Treaty of Amity company is pro- However, they pointed out included in your work permit. permit is very specific, viding management services. that there was a gray area in the It is also crucial to under- and doing work not Trouble came knocking management services he was stand that the job description in included in the soon after an “amicable” resig- providing to his own company and the work permit is very important; description is illegal. nation by one of his staff. He was said that they believed that the doing work that is not defined in invited to go to the Labor Depart- second company should be listed the work permit is illegal and can ment where he was told that an in his work permit as an additional lead to criminal charges. anonymous person had filed a re- employer. Any work done for this port suggesting that Mr X was second employer would then be This column is compiled from the working without a work permit. subject to income tax. collective experience of the Mr X presented his com- Mr X therefore agreed to partners in the International pany papers, his work permit and have the second company speci- Law Office, Phuket City. Tel: the management agreement, as fied in his work permit as a sec- 076-222191-5. Fax: 076-222- well as the receipt for manage- ond employer in order to avoid 196. Email: interlaw@loxinfo. ment services he had provided. problems in the future. co.th. Death and taxes t was Benjamin Franklin who will or other instructions have said that the only certainties been made. in this world are death and Difficult situations can arise Itaxes. Death happens to us when a foreign national dies in all, but what happens when a for- Thailand and the deceased’s (un- eign national dies in Thailand? married) partner wishes to make Generally, the processes decisions regarding funeral ar- and procedures that follow a HEALTH rangements and the execution of “natural” or expected death be- the deceased’s will. gin with the attending physician If no next of kin is found, completing a death certificate and WATCH most embassies can assume re- then following the laws of Thai- By Peter sponsibility for the personal es- land. Davison tate of a foreigner who dies The cause of death is stated abroad should the deceased have on the death certificate – itself no legal representative in Thai- an important document – and this cedures involved in dealing with land. can have serious consequences, dying overseas. All fine and Generally, the consular sec- particularly with insurance dandy if the deceased has the tion of the embassy takes posses- Get your Phuket Gazette from these claims. Relatives are notified and correct insurance. sion of personal effects, such as the funeral follows, usually a Funerals in Thailand tend to cash-convertible assets, apparel, outlets in Bangkok: burial, cremation or having the be a Buddhist-style ceremony jewelry, personal documents and and cremation at the local temple. mortal remains returned to the papers. 1. Se-Ed, Mahboonkrong Building, zone-B, deceased’s home country. The cost of a funeral can vary When a death is unnatural Decisions on what happens considerably, from a few thousand or sudden, for example suicide Phayathai Rd, Pathumwan. Tel. 02-6117165. tend to follow the deceased’s baht for simple rites to many thou- or where foul play is suspected 2. Se-Ed, Silom Complex, 4th floor, Silom Rd, wishes, as long as they have made sands for an elaborate funeral. and a police investigation is in- Bangrak. Tel.02-2313244. their wishes known, preferably in There is usually a “wake” volved, an autopsy may be re- the form of a legal document, or vigil over the body – often held quired to determine the cause of 3. Se-Ed, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd, Pathumwan. commonly known as a will. This at the deceased’s home or in a death. Tel. 02-6581153. is a fairly straightforward process temple – for relatives and friends The deceased’s body may as long as the deceased had their to pay their last respects. also not be released for funeral 4. Se-Ed, Panthip Plaza, M-floor, Petchaburi Rd, financial and funeral affairs in In Thailand, as elsewhere, rights until after legal and police Rajathewee. Tel. 02-6566070. order. embassies deal with a large num- procedures have been completed. 5. Se-Ed, Fortune Town Building, Ratchadapisek Rd, Death is not free and funer- ber of their citizens’ deaths each Consideration should per- als cost money. Many health in- year. Procedures are generally haps be given – and expressed Huaykwang. Tel. 02-2485668. surance policies cover the hospi- straightforward, and consular to one’s next of kin – to organ or 6. Se-Ed, Central Bangna, 3rd floor, Bangna-Trad Rd, tal, funeral and other costs asso- staff play a vital role in support- body donation for research or Phrakanong. Tel. 02-3610751. ciated with illness and death for ing grieving relatives. transplantation purposes. residents in Thailand, but some One common misunder- In Thailand, body and organ 7. Se-Ed, Central Rama 3, Satupradit Rd, Yannawa. policies do not cover everything. standing is that the deceased’s donations are coordinated through Tel. 02-6736342. embassy will make all of the ar- The repatriation of mortal re- the Thai Red Cross Society, and 8. Q Mart, Grand Hotel, Sukhumvit Rd, Soi 11, mains can be one such exclusion rangements – and pay – for a further information can be found and can cost more than 150,000 funeral. This is not the case, al- at www.redcross.or.th Klongtoey. Tel. 02-6511200 ext. 3452. baht, although other options ex- though embassy staff will assist 9. C Mart, Centre Point, Petchaburi Rd, Soi 15 ist. One’s cremated remains can, in many other ways. Peter Davison is the Manager Rajathewee. Tel. 02-6536690-8 ext. 4030. for example, be sent to the home The embassy will attempt to for International Services at country with a relative or even contact the deceased’s next of Phuket International Hospital. 10. Duangkamol, Sukhumvit Rd, Klongtoey, through the mail. kin, usually an immediate family Questions or comments may be Phrakanong. Tel. 02-2526261. However, for tourists, most member who can assume legal sent by email to peter@phuket- international travel insurance poli- responsibility for making decisions inter-hospital.co.th or by fax to 11. Sky Train Stations. cies cover death and all the pro- on behalf of the deceased, if no 076-210936. 18 PHUKET GAZETTE EDITORIAL & LETTERS August 14 - 20, 2004

367/2 Yaowarat Rd, Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000 Tel: 076-236555 - Since 1994 - Fax: 076-213971 Email: [email protected] For those in peril on the sea In May 1999, the cruise liner Sun Vista, on its way from Phuket to Singapore, caught fire and sank. All 250 passengers escaped in the liner’s lifeboats and were picked up by other ships shortly afterward. No one was badly hurt and no one died. In June 2000, 166 passengers were saved from the Phuket Cruiser 2 when it caught fire between Phuket and Phi Phi. Most of the passengers opted to continue on to Phi Phi in other boats. Again, no one was killed or hurt. These are the happy stories; no one died. In 1998, 25 people lost their lives in two separate sinkings in Phuket waters and there have many other frightening incidents, particularly in Phang Nga Bay, with its hundreds of boats full of tourists. Indeed, the fact that there are so many boats out on Phang Nga Bay at any time is the one positive in this situation; there is usually someone close by who can pull passengers off a burning boat or out of the sea. Certainly, the limited death toll has nothing to do with safety awareness, which is woefully lacking, thanks to a combination of ignorance, sometimes willful, and greed. There are stark similarities between the attitudes of many boat operators and people operating motorcycles on Phuket’s roads. Both Letters carry passengers, both are often overloaded, and in both cases safety equipment – with motorbikes, we’re talking about helmets; with boats, The Gazette is pleased to receive mail from read- with your views for publication in our next issue. it’s life jackets, engine and hull maintenance, and trained crew – is all ers. Please write to us at 367/2 Yaowarat Rd, We reserve the right to edit all letters. Pseud- too often non-existent or seriously substandard. Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000, fax to 076-213971 onyms are acceptable only if your full name and One has to wonder what goes through the minds of parents or send an email to [email protected] address are supplied. who carry helmetless toddlers on motorbikes, or boat skippers who have ancient buoyancy aids that are ripped, sun-faded and lacking A plea to the PM Downsider bombed fond of saying, “This Is Thailand”, so surely Phuket has developed straps or fastenings. Probably nothing. I enjoyed reading George Bentick Policing safety on boats should, in theory, be easier than polic- You lucky people of Phuket al- into what the Thai people wanted ready have modern roads. Spare describe his 1960s visits to Phuket it to be, right? ing motorbike users, because there are far fewer boats than there in the Gazette [Downsider, issue are motorcycles. Also, most boats are used for commercial purposes, a thought for the inhabitants of Jeroen Deknatel Koh Lanta, who are still waiting of May 15], despite his odd re- Koh Kaew while most motorbikes are not. mark about American bomber At the moment, the authorities simply fine boat operators found for their first pothole- and mud- free road. aircraft above Phuket. I put that Brickbat for Bentick to have inadequate safety equipment. Surely it would be more appro- down to confused childhood priate to bar the skipper from taking passengers aboard until his ves- Mr Prime Minister, a lot less than 100 billion baht would con- memories and found the rest of I usually only glance at George sel meets safety requirements. This would hit the owners of the boat the piece delightful reading. Bentick’s Downsider column – who, according to one marine training official interviewed by the tribute greatly to giving Lanta the standard of roads it needs. This However, in his latest col- its past content has been factu- Gazette, are often the ones to blame for skimping on safety. umn [in the issue of August 7], ally incorrect and probably of That, along with truly deterrent penalties for both captains and would make the island more attractive for tourists and greatly George seems to be as befuddled appeal to few people – but the owners whose vessels are involved in fatal accidents, would go a as his namesake, whose idiotic headline and photograph of Presi- long way toward improving safety standards. benefit the lives of its residents. – The Editor Please visit our island during your statements he pasted into his ar- dent Bush in the last edition of tour of the south and see for ticle. the Gazette caught my eye. yourself. US bombers overflying I do not wish to comment Serge Barros Phuket during the Vietnam War? on Mr Bentick’s thoughts – they Koh Lanta Their crews looking down at this are not worthy of my time – but I beautiful, bomb-crater-free island will make three observations: In association with The Nation Multimedia Group PCL Phuket Confidential and coming here for R&R? Lay- Firstly, Mr Bentick should ing the “fundamentals of Patong” not underestimate the voting As a privacy regulator in the UK, thus making Americans the strength of “the silent majority” Editor: Rungtip Hongjakpet I found your article (see News “founding fathers of Phuket as in a democratic society. Managing Editor: Alasdair Forbes this issue) about the Immigration we know it today”? Secondly, if he collects his Deputy Editor: Chris Husted Police going online to boost se- Why would aircraft sta- information from the Soi Bangla Chief Reporter: Sangkhae Leelanapaporn curity worrying. tioned as far away as U-tapao and area of Patong, then I doubt that Investigation Team: Dhirarat Boonkongsaen, Gategaeo Phetsawang, Providing 24 items of infor- Ubon have approached Phuket, it is representative of the Ameri- Kamol Pirat, Anongnat Sartpisut, Siripansa Somboon mation will help prevent terror- when Vietnam, the target, is east can community in Phuket as a Desk Editors: Stephen Fein, Andy Johnstone ism, but I am concerned about of Thailand? Even if they had, the whole. hotel staff having access to my aircrews would have seen an is- Finally, Mr Bentick should Managing Director: Rungtip Hongjakpet confidential information. This land pockmarked with hundreds be mindful of the old adage, Marketing Manager: Oranee Pienprasertkul constitutes a gross invasion of pri- of tin-mine craters and a murky “Empty vessels make the most Website Services Manager: Natthira Susangrat vacy. sea full of dredgers. sound.” Distribution Manager: Passara Kaewbumroong It also makes “identity Phuket’s industry was all John B Darroch Financial Controller: Benjawan Lukthan theft” a real danger, thus increas- about mining back then and the Chalong Publisher: The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd ing the risk of terrorism, rather handful of European engineers so than preventing it. inclined got their kicks on Soi Sam Gunning for George Immigration officers are in Phuket Town, not in Patong. Contact us trained to do this work. Hotel There wasn’t even a paved road I would like to make a couple of Advertising Sales: [email protected] staff, an unregulated body of over the hill then. points in response to Mr Bentick’s Classified Advertising: [email protected] workers, are not. Mistakes could Bangkok, not Phuket, was August 7 article. Website Services: [email protected] mean tourists find themselves an R&R destination for Ameri- First, not all Americans liv- Shopper Card inquiries: [email protected] spending holiday time in a police can troops during the Vietnam ing in Phuket dislike George W Gazette Guide inquiries: [email protected] station. The Immigration Depart- War. The dubious honor of being Bush. ment, bound by rules of confiden- Patong’s first sex tourists goes to Second, Americans in gen- Telephone: 076-236555 (10 lines) Fax: 076-213971 tiality, is the only place where those intrepid travelers, the Ger- eral do not care what Europeans such information should be re- mans. think of the President. He works quested. So should we thank the Ger- for us, not you. The views expressed in the Phuket Gazette are those of the writers and contributors Vivien Evans mans for creating the modern Edward Petrella and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, the editor, the shareholders, or the Jersey, UK Phuket? No. As everyone is so Karon Beach directors of The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd. Copyright © 1994-2004 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. August 14 - 20, 2004 PERSPECTIVES PHUKET GAZETTE 19 Police checkpoints prevent youth crime he checkpoints are part population we are responsible for, of the government’s Setting up police checkpoints along roads is it works out that each patrol of- policy to solve the prob- ficer is actually responsible for Tlems of youth crime and a crucial part of the central government’s ef- more than 500 people. If you fac- are used in all 76 Thai provinces. fort to crack down on motorcycle racing, gang tor in all the unregistered residents Youth violence is particu- fights and violent youth crimes. While some and visiting tourists, the number larly bad when young people is much higher than that. form gangs that fight one another. critics think so many police checkpoints are I think the reasons that this Right now, you have probably bad for Phuket’s image, the local law enforce- problem will never be completely noticed that these youths no solved are the natural exuberance longer fight hand-to-hand, but in- ment community believes they are a neces- of youth, coupled with Thai laws stead use weapons that include sary and effective way of protecting the inno- that favor giving young people a knives, axes and guns. cent from injury or even death at the hands of chance to reform themselves. Former Phuket Governor We work hard to make ar- Pongpayome Vasaputi, after re- young tearaways. Pol Lt Col Chartchai rests [against juvenile offenders], ceiving many complaints on this Nicrodhanon, Deputy Superintendent of but their parents just go down and issue, especially from the Saphan Crime Suppression Division of the Phuket bail them out of the Juvenile Ob- Hin area, ordered police to be servation and Protection Center. strict in dealing with youth crime. City Police Department, explains why he After they are released, they go In the past, people used to thinks the checkpoints are a good idea. right back to committing more go to Saphan Hin to exercise in crimes because they were never the morning or evening. But then really punished for their previous we started getting complaints that searches to see if they are have sometimes learn that these mo- spots where teenagers like to offences. youths were threatening and ex- weapons or drugs. torbikes are stolen. This is just one hang out and cause trouble are We have already decided to torting money from people. That’s However, sometimes teen- of the many ways the check- Lan Nawamin Square, Saphan close the [vehicle] entry to Suan why we had to crack down on agers don’t carry their weapons points can aid in crime preven- Hin, Rang Hill, the Shell Gas Sta- Luang Park from 10 pm to 5 am, this problem. on their person, but instead stash tion. tion on Phang Nga Road and and to limit access to Saphan Hin We set up checkpoints of- away a gun or a knife in a tree, If teenagers under 18 years Suan Luang Park. to a single entrance during these ten because we want to prevent only taking it out when they need of age are caught riding motor- The modus operandi of the hours. That way, at least if some- activities such as motorbike rac- it to fight. cycles without a license, we will teenage troublemakers is to ride thing happens inside, suspects will ing and big gang fights. One thing I really don’t un- charge the vehicle’s owner with together slowly in a big pack of have only one way out. If the youths see the police, derstand is why people don’t like abetting a crime. 20-30 motorbikes, blocking traf- I would like to tell parents they may think twice about break- to wear helmets. Right now Sometimes the parents of fic. If anyone takes exception and with teenage children to be emo- ing the law. If they are caught and many people are wearing helmets children who commit crimes think beeps at the motorcyclists, they tionally close to them, rather than charged with crimes, they may but only so that they won’t be their children are at home in bed will follow that car and hit it. just meeting their material needs. get fed up and stop breaking the fined, not to protect themselves – until we call them. They don’t We don’t have enough po- It’s important to love them, take law. in the event of an accident. even know their own kids are lice officers to set up many check- care of them, reason with them We use traffic laws to force I believe that setting up po- actually sneaking out late at night points simultaneously, because and explain things to them. them to wear motorcycle hel- lice checkpoints and arresting to go joyriding with friends. the Phuket City Police Station I would like to ask anyone mets, to make sure they are li- people who break traffic laws can That’s why we set up check- [Muang District Police] has a to- who witnesses a violent crime to censed, and that they haven’t il- really help prevent crime. points from midnight to 3 am. Is tal of only 200 officers, and not report it by calling 191 or contact- legally modified their bikes, mak- Sometimes we find motor- that a time when decent people all of these are assigned to man ing me direct at 09-7293976. ing them unsafe. bikes that don’t have tax stick- should be out on the streets? checkpoints. Compiled by Sangkhae We also carry out body ers. When we run a check we In Phuket City the major If you compare that with the Leelanapaporn Defining decency in Thailand IssuesIssues&& How, in Thailand, are standards or by trade, for public distribution what constitutes obscenity is not ANSWERSANSWERS of decency of images of the hu- or exhibition, makes, produces, as cut-and-dried as, say, what man form assessed? possesses, brings or causes to be constitutes theft. For this reason, Want to know how to get something done? Can’t How much “skin” can is al- brought into the Kingdom, sends officers must review the mate- understand some of the dafter things that seem lowed to be shown? or causes to be sent out of the rial on a case-by-case basis, re- Captain Bligh Records Kingdom, takes away or causes ferring back to previous Supreme to go on in Phuket? Want to pitch an idea to Phuket to be taken away, or circulates Court judgments. Phuket’s authorities or institutions? Then this is by any means whatever, any For example, a picture of a the forum for you. Submit your queries or Noppadol Mekmakha, Direct- document, drawing, print, paint- naked woman blurred below the suggestions to us and we’ll ask the appropriate or of the Division of Consum- ing, printed matter, picture, poster, waist, is not generally considered people to respond to them. er Protection on Advertising, symbol, photograph, cinemato- as obscene. Office of the Consumer Pro- graph film, noise tape, picture However, even some im- tection Board in Bangkok, tape or any other thing which is Write to: The Phuket Gazette, 367/2 Yaowarat Rd, Muang, ages which have no sexual organs replies: obscene; Phuket 83000. Fax 076-213971, or submit your issue at If the images are to be used (2) carries on trade, or takes overtly displayed, but which are www.phuketgazette.net for advertising purposes and you part or participates in the trade deemed sexually arousing, can be are not sure if they are suitable concerning the aforsaid obscene regarded as “obscenity”, not art. for publication, you should sub- material or thing, or distributes or mit 17 copies of all materials in exhibits to the public, or hires out question for review by our com- such material or thing; Traffic bedlam at Soi Nakha mittee. There is a 2,000 baht fee (3) in order to assist in the per piece. All decisions are ren- circulation or trading of the afore- My husband and I were driving to because of the cars exiting it. ing the road. We are currently ne- dered within 30 days of applica- said obscene material or thing, along Chao Fa East Rd when, in Very strange. Why hasn’t gotiating with the owners of that tion. propagates or spreads the news front of Daorung School, we saw the road been completed? And land. Under the Consumer Pro- by any means whatever that a new road. Thinking it to be a why is traffic allowed on it be- When we have reached an tection Act, this committee has there is a person committing the newVisa connection query between Chao fore its completion? agreement, we will expand that the power to prohibit any mate- act which is an offense accord- Fa East and West roads, we de- Mysia Chettle section of Soi Nakha to the same rial that it deems immoral or in- ing to the Section, or propagates cided to drive down it to see Phuket width as at the Chao Fa East end. decent. or spreads the news that the where it led. Although the road is not aforesaid obscene material or As we neared the end, the Fon Butkatunyoo, Director of complete, we allow people to use Boriboon Yusuksomboon, thing may be obtained from any road became narrower until it the Public Works Bureau of it because it is better than closing Deputy Superintendent of In- person or by any means, shall be ended in an alley called Soi Phuket City Municipality, re- the road. vestigation Section, Phuket punished with imprisonment not Nakha, emerging between two sponds: If we closed it, we would Provincial Police replies: exceeding three years, or fine not houses on Chao Fa West Rd. At the Chao Fa West end of Soi be cutting off a shorter, alterna- Section 287 to the Penal exceeding six thousand baht, or There was a long queue on Chao Nakha there are still a few people tive route for when there are traf- Code of Thailand states, “Who- both. Fa West Rd of vehicles waiting living in houses on the land we fic jams on either Chao Fa East ever (1) for the purpose of trade However, the definition of to turn into Soi Nakha, but unable need to acquire before complet- or West roads. 20 PHUKET GAZETTE F E A T U R E S August 14 - 20, 2004

ouncy castles, fairgrounds and should speak to these guys about choccie giant slides are essential ele- biccies and tea bags. ments of a complete British sea- Bside holiday, along with jammed Check out those Boomtown: The construction of Jung- highways and rain. ceylon on Rath-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd contin- Very soon, we will be able to enjoy ues at a breathtaking pace. It seems that the same experience here in Phuket too. every time I go into Toon Town, heaps Steve Rutter from Manchester and his big bouncy castles more work has been done to it. It’s all very family have moved to the island after vis- exciting and there has been much barstool iting several times. They are about to build speculation about which of the major fran- a children’s pleasure park along the beach available to do shows right now. He is month too, then headed upstairs to Rock chises will take out space there. road in Rawai. Brian Sweeny, aka “No Limits”, and is a Hard for some proper tunes from Big Bill’s The Hard Rock Café chain seems to This is Steve’s dream. He actually giant on the pub-and-club scene in the extensive playlist. figure prominently in the rumors, as it is ran away from home once, at age 13, to north of England. The transition seems to have done the type of place that would appear to be join a traveling fair. Subsequently, he es- A big man with a big show, he has no harm at all, as Rock Hard and Club welcomed by both residents and visitors tablished Icon, one of the top private se- possibly the largest collection of karaoke Rio downstairs were both bopping. alike. curity firms in the UK, and he is consid- CDs in the world. Another rumor is that two very well- ered a valuable training resource among His show is a mix of top comedy and Bitter blow: Another step toward mak- known British restaurateurs are looking the top players in that industry. karaoke that is guaranteed to pack your ing paradise a reality in Phuket happened at Jungceylon to open Asian branches. The fairground rides are already on pub and give your guests the best night recently, and it’s a big one. Those lovely These are both major players and re- their way from England and include a gi- out of their holidays. chaps who brought us spected names in the global restaurant ant octopus ride, of which there are only Conveniently, it’s a Walker’s Crisps have business and their presence would cer- two in the world. self-contained act. Brian now almost brought tainly raise the profile not only of this The park will operate on a single- has excellent sound and tears of joy to my cyni- mighty development, but also of Phuket entrance-fee basis, which should eliminate lighting equipment, so its OON cal eyes. as a whole. I’ll keep you posted. the need to stand in long lines – pay one very much a hassle-free, TOWN Ladies and gentle- I am also stunned at the progress on entrance fee, and all the rides are free af- plug-and-play booking. ALL IS NOT WHAT IT SEEMS men, I give you Tetley’s Central Festival on the bypass road out- ter that. Just book the bloke, pro- By Konrad Stalin Bitter, straight from side Phuket City. However, I think I am There will also be a social club with mote the event and col- Leeds and now widely not the only person who is concerned that live entertainment for parents, who can cut lect the money over the bar. For more in- available in the better sort of establish- this will spell the death of the city’s tradi- the kids free to enjoy themselves in a safe formation contact Steve at sterutter@ ments. tional commercial center. I am a little sad- and supervised environment. funkyguide.com Those bar owners who are put off dened by that. In addition to the normal fun fair at- by the cost should remember this: You Are I am also astonished at the Billion tractions, there will be a total of 14 rides Showing off: I was delighted to visit Not Your Customer. You live here and Plaza development. Are the developers including a fun house, giant slide and – of Sphinx Restaurant and Theatre again this likely agonize over whether to drink really sure that there are enough people course – massive bouncy castles. Con- week. I had some friends from out of town Chang or pay extra for Heineken. visiting or living on the island to support struction starts this month, and Steve and in, so I thought I’d put my own advice into But most of your customers are still yet another huge shopping mall on the partner Sharon hope the new attraction practice by taking them there. thinking in their native currencies, and if same road? Maybe they know something will be ready to open in November. The new show is stunning, so if you they are bitter drinkers they will pay with- we don’t. have not been to Sphinx, now would be a out hesitation. Trust me. No limited appeal: One of the live acts good time to see it for yourself. Rumors are that Boddingtons and Konrad Stalin may be reached at that Steve has brought over already is I checked out the new Club Rio this others may be on their way. Perhaps I [email protected].

here are times when I roasting like this? have to get away from Who says England my slave driver – the Getting away is a cold country? computer – leave the Sometime lat- T er we’re sitting in Beast alone and hit the open road. My wife is at the wheel so the shade of a tulip I can tip back my seat and watch tree in an English the green, sunlit fields floating from the Beast country garden by – flashing by, more accu- with pint-sized gin- rately, as she drives at a steady the Beast because of a new and-tonics in hand. 140 kmh, which is far too fast project that has recently been Our host, who also for my taste. EDGEWISE flung at me. As I tell my friends, lives most of the We’re heading north from By John Gilpin I feel like an old kipper that’s year in Phuket, is a the south coast to the London been hauled out of the back of chef by trade. He ring road, the M25, from where bourne, crawling through traffic, the freezer – and I’m still not de- makes us the most we’ll veer west towards Oxford it was hotter in our non-air-con- frosted. I need more time in the beautiful dinner, and a little village beyond, in the ditioned car than driving in microwave. which includes Cotswolds, one of the prettiest Phuket. I haven’t edited a magazine enormous shanks parts in all of England. This is the first time we’ve – for that’s what I used to do and of slow-roasted It’s cool in the car now, with been away for a weekend since that’s what I’m now doing again lamb that rise like the windows open. But back in we arrived from Thailand two – for 12 years. Things have karst formations the town we came from, East- months ago. I’ve been chained to changed. Everything depends on from a sea of deli- the Beast. The first thing I had to Quack remedy for overwork: ducks on the cate bean sauce. do was to get broadband installed pond at Wroxton. The wine flows. in order to download picture files The next day, of up to 40MB. Trucks or trains deliver printed feeling surprisingly healthy, we I commission the copy and copies of the magazine to Beijing wander around the picture-book edit it on-screen here in the UK for distribution. To make matters village where the 300-year-old – the days of blue pencil and pa- more complicated, the magazine thatched houses have meter-thick per are long gone. I then email it is bilingual in Chinese and En- walls made of honey-colored to the designer in Auckland, NZ. glish, and the publisher is based Cotswold stone. We watch the He puts together the pages with in Bristol, UK. ducks on the ancient pond, which the pictures and then sends them Twelve years ago, a is right in front of our host’s back to me as PDF files for monthly magazine like this house. checking and for captions. would have been impossible to We take a walk in the land- Once everything is okay, produce in this manner. But if scaped grounds of nearby Wrox- the digitized pages are sent to broadband is now available ton Abbey, an enormous Jaco- Hong Kong for color separation where I live in Phuket, I should bean mansion dating from the before being couriered to Shang- be able to do it from there. Once early 17th Century, once the hai for printing and binding. we’re up and running I hope to home of the family of Lord North carry my laptop back to Phuket but now owned by an American and work from Chalong. university. As we saunter over We’ve hit a traffic jam lawns as smooth as putting caused by roadworks at Junction greens, we admire great redwood 12. The sun blazes through the trees and a lake full of lilies and window making an oven of the large tench and pike. car interior. How long are we At last, the Beast seems going to be crawling along and very far away. August 14 - 20, 2004 B U S I N E S S & M O N E Y PHUKET GAZETTE 21 Central to open September 1 On the Move The Cape Panwa Hotel has ap- pointed Pojakorn Limpichati, By Dhirarat Boonkongsaen aree as General Manager, was electric goods, and Homeworks 33 million baht on its “adventure based on the Central Chidlom furniture, fittings and furnishings store” concept, so customers can 44, from Bang- PHUKET CITY: After two years shopping mall in Bangkok. store taking up 2,300sqm. try out sports such as rock-wall kok, Director of of construction costing 2 billion Fashion stores in the mall Also on the second level climbing, abseiling, golf, basket- Sales. He has a baht, Central Festival Phuket will include B2S clothing store will be the 2,500-sqm Tourist ball and table tennis, in the store. diploma in ho- (CFP), covering a plot of more as a main occupant, along with Center, featuring a Tourism Au- Other indoor entertainment tel management than 30 rai at the Darasamut In- retailers of Calvin Klein, DKNY, thority of Thailand information on the 3rd floor will be provided from Les tersection, will open on Septem- Ferregamo, Burberry, Billabong kiosk, a branch post office and a by the seven-auditorium SFX Roches hotel ber 1. and Mambo fashion goods, and luggage storage facility. Other Coliseum cineplex, occupying school in Swit- Wallaya Chirathivat, Ex- even a Playboy men’s and wo- services for tourists will be pro- 4,800sqm. zerland, and has ecutive Vice-President of Busi- men’s fashion store that cost 10 vided by tour agencies, and Thai Those in need of a refresh- been working in ness Development of Central million baht to fit out. Airways will have booking facili- ment break in the middle of a the hospitality business for more Retail Corp, told the Gazette that In the same area, 1,400 ties there. There will also be shopping frenzy will have a wide than 15 years. Before joining the during construction of CFP the square meters has been set aside Internet cafés to allow travelers range of sustenance to choose Cape Panwa Hotel, K. Pojakorn original budget of 1.5 billion baht for jewelry stores, including a to stay in touch with family and from in the 2,000-sqm Interna- was teh Director of Sales and blew out to 2 billion baht. new outlet for DD Jewelry, al- friends. tional Food Festival area, which Marketing at the Best Western “At first we set the budget ready based in Phuket City, Prima The Tourist Center will also will include an upscale food Fortune Hotel in Bangkok. at 1.5 billion baht, but it was in- Gold and Vivid Fine Jewelry. include branches of Bangkok court, as well as outlets of Siz- creased to 2 billion baht to in- There will also be an Asian Bank, KasikornBank, Krungsri zler, Pizza Hut, Dairy Queen, Au Atipa Kitporkar, 39, from clude more interior decoration Art and Crafts area, taking up Ayuthaya Bank and Thai Bank, Bon Pain, Black Canyon, Fuji, Samut Sakorn, has been ap- and infrastructure, such as secu- 1,200sqm on the first floor, in- offering currency exchange, as Phuja Nirvana, Zen, S&P, Oichi pointed as PR & rity cameras and water and elec- cluding Jim Thompson, Cocoon, well as international money- and MK Suki. Communica- tricity supply in every part of [the Pasaya, Aka-Walai and EGG transfer giant Western Union. K. Wallaya promised that tions Manager complex],” she said. stores, as well as One Tambon Also on the 2nd floor, 3,000 CFP’s opening ceremony will be for Mom Tri’s “We paid so much attention One Product goods on sale. sqm has been earmarked for a gala affair. “There will be a Co, the um- to decorating CFP, that we needed A Tops supermarket cover- CFP’s IT Center, where mobile fashion show with Thai super- brella company more time to make it ready to ing 2,500 sqm, will also be on the phone retailers and service opera- models, mini concerts by popu- for Mom Tri’s serve our customers, who have 1st floor. tors, and computer retailers will lar Thai artists, and games with Boathouse, waited a long time for us.” Homeware goods will be set up shop. prizes worth a total of more than Mom Tri’s Villa K. Wallaya explained that available on the 2nd floor, with On the 3rd floor, occupying 4 million baht, including a Royale in Phu- CFP, with Wilaiporn Pitimana- Power Buy offering 1,500sqm of 2,700sqm, Super Sports has spent 600,000-baht car,” she said. ket and the Prem Tinsulanonda International School in Chiang Mai. She has an MBA from Strayer University in the US. Before joining the company, she The dangers of flexible friends worked for eight years in the hospitality and travel industry. e live in an era He is very careful amounts as large as US$50,000 when posses- ONEY about using the card, never are seen as being too small to be Anant Akanisthaphichat, from sion of a credit M letting it out of his sight and of interest to the authorities. Khon Kaen, has been promoted or debit card is using it sparingly, but appar- In Asia the worst countries to Associate W Partner at law virtually mandatory. Cus- TALKS ently to no avail. He recently for card fraud appear to be Ma- tomers who wish to pay cash received a call from the laysia and Indonesia but Thailand firm McEvily & Collins, and to stay at better hotels, or hire By Richard Watson fraud division of one of his and Taiwan are also often on the a car, are viewed with an el- banks, asking if he was in list of offenders. will take over ement of suspicion. Not hav- Japan using the card. He re- So would traveler’s checks the Phuket of- ing a card almost implies that a have been made and said that the plied that he was in Malaysia and be a safer option when going to fice. A graduate person is not creditworthy and bank would cancel the card im- that the card was in his wallet. Malaysia? They might – if you of Sukhothai- therefore not to be totally trusted. mediately and issue a her a new My associate said that he could cash them. When my cli- thammathirat For those who do not un- one. believed the main culprits in the ent tried to cash a US$500 (about Open Univer- derstand about “plastic”, the dif- She asked about the US$20 theft of credit and debit card de- 20,000 baht) traveler’s check at sity as a barrister, K. Anant has ference between a credit card and purchase from the American details are Malaysian bank staff. a bank in Malaysia, she was told also been an Adjunct Professor a debit card is simple. A credit partment store. The bank replied This obviously makes the use of it was too large. Presumably they at Kasetsart University. Before card is issued in conjunction with that fraudsters routinely test the ATMs in Malaysia as risky as any prefer plastic. being promoted he was head of a credit limit which is, in most validity of a forged card by mak- other form of card use. the firm’s litigation department cases, settled monthly or over a ing a purchase via the Internet. The problem of credit/debit Richard Watson runs Global Port- in Bangkok period of time with a minimum Further investigation re- card fraud is not helped by the folios Co Ltd, a Phuket-based per- repayment each month. vealed that her card details were fact that law enforcement agen- sonal financial planning service. Been promoted? Made a career A debit card is simply stolen from her while she was cies are notoriously reluctant to He can be reached at Tel and Fax: change? Know someone who linked to a bank account and, preparing for a trip to Malaysia pursue small cases. 076-381997, Mobile: 01-081- has? Let us know by email to apart from limits on daily cash a few months earlier. She had Fraud cases involving 4611. Email: imm@loxinfo. co.th. [email protected]. withdrawals, the limit is the bal- used her card only for booking ance of the bank account. Both airline tickets via the Internet and types of card are issued by Visa, a hotel room via an online travel MasterCard and other major card agency, but this was enough for issuers. the card details to get into the A client of mine recently wrong hands. received a letter from the fraud The good news was that the division of her bank in the UK, bank refunded all the money asking whether she had made fraudulently debited from her certain purchases. The first was account. a US$20 purchase from an Am- I contacted a business asso- yerican department store, and this ciate of mine who is a long-time was followed by a number of resident of Kuala Lumpur to dis- purchases, all in Korea, for items cuss this issue. He explained that ranging from a meal in a noodle credit/debit card fraud was wide- shop to cosmetics and even a spread in Malaysia, with arrests hotel bill. being made and reported in the On checking her account local press almost daily. through the bank’s internet site He has his main bank ac- she discovered that purchases count in the UK, and said that, totaling about 35,000 baht had even though it was only July, he been made, all in Korea. was already on his third card this She had never visited Ko- year. He has an account with an- rea, so she telephoned the bank. other British bank and has just Staff there explained that an ille- received his second card from gal copy of her card appeared to that bank. 22 PHUKET GAZETTE SP O R T August 14 - 20, 2004

Muay Thai CTDA launch makes waves fans in for hange is constant, and Mr Gottwald adds that the although many people CTDA will also work with the resist it, sometimes it government to certify military and a feast Ccan be for the better. park rangers in diving, as well as of top-notch One recent controversial change providing specialized training. in the Thai diving industry has Even though CTDA is offi- been the launch of a new diving cially non-commercial, Mr Gott- boxing organization: the CMAS Thailand wald admits, “It is a little bit com- Diving Association (CTDA), a mercial in that we are planning non-profit diving organization. for everyone to become a CTDA PHUKET CITY: Hundreds of CMAS – the Confédération member. But from [the fees] we the country’s best Thai boxers will Mondiale des Activités Subaqua- can pay for non-commercial be in Phuket this weekend to tiques, or World Underwater Fed- things.” compete in the 8th Wai Kru Muay eration – was founded in 1959 by Right now the chief exam- Thai tournament at Saphan Hin. a group of top divers including the iners are devising crossover A total of 600 boxers will late Jacques Cousteau. courses for instructors to become gather in Gymnasiums 1 and 3 of It is not new in Thailand, but CTDA instructors. The courses the sports complex for three days has been overshadowed by the are not free because examiners of competition organized by the Professional Association of Dive do not work for free. So, in addi- Office of Sports and Recreation Instructors (Padi), which has tion to the 5,500 baht CTDA reg- Development. been the dominant diving certifi- istration fee, there is a 5,500 baht Muay Thai is the ancient cation organization in this coun- course fee. Compared with fees Thai martial art, in which com- try; indeed, some might say that charged by other diving associa- batants can use their feet, knees Padi has enjoyed a virtual mo- tions, however, this is quite low. and elbows, as well as punching nopoly in the dive industry here. When asked about the with their hands. In the past, CMAS was not CTDA’s beginner-level diving “Wai Kru” is the ritual way much of a competitor for Padi. The founding officers of the CTDA, from left, are Rainer Gottwald, certifications, Mr Gottwald said of showing respect to teachers But now, with the formation of Rewood Chindapol and Chaturathep Khowinthawong. it was not a new idea or a new and relaxing the body before the CTDA, that could change. certification. Thailand is now the bouts. According to CTDA Chief Ex- agreed that CTDA was “a good One major difference be- 112th country with a CMAS af- There will be two age ecutive Officer Rainer Gottwald, thing for Thailand”. tween Padi and the CTDA is that filiate, so what has been available groups: 15 years and under and however, this is not the intention. The CTDA board of direc- the latter is non-commercial. through CMAS in many coun- 16 years and over, and three sec- The goals of the CTDA are dif- tors is made up of foreign CMAS None of the board members gets tries worldwide for years is now tions to the competition. The first ferent from those of Padi, he examiners and Thai government a salary. Mr Gottwald says, available in Thailand. will be in Wai Kru Muay Thai, maintains. officials. Rewood Chindapol, the “CTDA will have open financial When people become during which boxers warm up the In the nine years that Mr CTDA Honorary President, is a records for anyone to see.” CTDA-certified divers, their body and show respect to their Gottwald had been working in the former member of Funds, he says, will CTDA-CMAS card will be hon- Muay Thai teachers. Thai diving industry, he had been parliament. Chatu- be allocated by ored worldwide. And if divers In the second part of the paying annual fees to both CMAS rathep Khowintha- committees also want Padi certification, there competition, contestants will dem- in Germany and Padi in Austra- wong, the Pres- formed to work is no reason why they can’t do onstrate fighting moves, but with- lia – even though he was using ident of the CTDA, Beneath the with government both. out making physical contact, while Thailand’s resources. is a high-ranking agencies. How all of this will affect in the third section, teams of five He points out that now, with official in the Na- SURFACE Mr Gottwald the Phuket diving industry re- boxers will perform aerobic ex- the formation of CTDA, fees will tional Parks Ser- is very enthusiastic mains to be seen. The concept ercises incorporating Muay Thai finally go to Thailand, where the vice. By Sylvie Yaffe about the possible of CTDA is certainly different gestures. money belongs and where it is High-ranking benefits to Thai- from that of Padi, and there are The Muay Thai Aerobic needed. government officials working to- land of CTDA-sponsored pro- sure to be some skeptics. But as Dance competition will be held in Mr Gottwald says, “Our gether with foreigners in the grams. Ideas include programs to the CTDA begins implementing Gymnasium 3 on August 14 and aim is not to destroy Padi. Hope- same organization will, it is hoped, make it possible for every Thai its many programs, it will gain in- 15, starting from 9:30 am, while fully, in the future, we will be able provide just the right combination to learn to swim or dive; an acad- creased support and acceptance the Wai Kru Muay Thai and to work together.” of influence and ideas that is emy for teachers to learn about in the Thai dive industry. Muay Thai skill competitions will He recently met with Padi’s needed to make some improve- oceanography, archeology, biol- Anyone interested in fur- take place in Gymnasium 1 from Asia Pacific Regional Manager, ments in the Phuket diving indus- ogy and the environment; and free ther information about the CTDA 9:30 am to 7 pm. Rick Ray, he says, and Mr Ray try. lessons for children. can call the office in Bangkok at The winners from days one The protection of the ma- Tel: 02-6625656 or visit the and two will go through to the rine environment is high on the CTDA website at www. semi-finals and finals, due to take list of CTDA priorities. The or- cmasthailand.com. place on August 16 between 8 am ganization has already spoken and 4 pm. They will also receive with the relevant state agencies Sylvie Yaffe is a semi-retired medals. and is making plans to reduce dive instructor. She can be The tournament is open to traffic to dive sites in the Similan reached by email to: prodocs_ both Thais and foreigners. Entry Islands National Marine Park. [email protected] is free. Rock solid

The Operations Manager of Le Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht Club, Simon Bunditvorapoom (left), and Executive Chef Peter Hatt (white jacket, center) congratulate skipper Wirat Klangarun (front row, second from left) and his F&B soccer team, Northern Rock, on winning the soccer tourney at the resort’s annual staff sports day. August 14 - 20, 2004 SP O R T PHUKET GAZETTE 23 OrBorTor Rawai blitz Rassada 4-1 in Thai Cup Rawai’s Nang Chiaochan put his team into a 1-0 lead in the 34th-minute, slotting this penalty past Rassada goalkeeper Kamheang Pramongkit. By Anongnat Sartpisut C’s Wiroj dribbling the ball into Rawai C dominated most C goalkeeper managed to block sada’s first – and only – goal his opponents’ half and scoring a of the second half, and in the 59th the shot. Rawai C’s Wirun missed came four minutes before the fi- KATHU: The superior attacking goal from 30 yards out in the 46th minute the team was awarded his chance to score again a few nal whistle, thanks to a speedy skills of OrBorTor Rawai C led minute. another penalty, and Wirun Na- minutes later when his shot went attack by Somporn Pramongkit. to a 4-1 victory over OrBorTor Rawai C made several win didn’t fail in sending the ball wide of the net. Final score: Rawai C 4, Rassada in their first-round match more attempts at goal, but all into the back of the net. The fourth Rawai C goal Rassada 1. in the Third Thai Cup 11-a-side were blocked. Rassada in turn Rassada had a chance to came in the 65th minute, when On the same day, Phuket soccer tourney, at Baan Kathu had a few shots at goal, but all score five minutes later, with a Rassada players failed to stop City Municipality beat OrBorTor School on August 7. missed. seven-yard free kick, but Rawai Narin Tamchu’s approach. Ras- Rawai A 3-1. Just five minutes into the game, Rawai C’s Wiroj Yothanan came close to the Rassada goal, Confusion as but his run was cut short by Mini-marathons raise Rassada defender Somporn Darts League Pramongkit. Two minutes later, Kittipong Onksantipab made cash for kidney unit Rawai C’s first attempt at goal, starts anew but his 35-yard shot was saved PHUKET CITY: A sporting 136 Paiwan Eamkqew. Women 15- by Rassada goalkeeper Kam- PATONG: The Patong Darts runners turned out to take part in 35: 1. Chanida Paisuwan, 2. heang Pramongkit. League resumed play on August two fun runs held on August 8 to Chonthicha Chuchart, 3.Parpid Although Rawai C got off 3 with two new teams: Anton’s mark the 72nd birthday of HM Sanegam. to a seemingly unstoppable start, and Two Black Sheep. Queen Sirikit,and to raise funds Twelve-kilometer run Rassada started to fight back Unfortunately, and in true to buy much-needed renal dialy- results. Men Under 16: 1. about 20 minutes into the game. Patong style, Anton’s pulled out sis equipment for the Wachira Kriwid Kongsin, 2. Oran Leela- Fouls against Rassada play- at the last minute, leaving a rather Phuket Hospital. sinlapasad, 3. Sombat Kreasob. ers earned yellow cards for embarrassing situation for all in- Both the five-kilometer and Women Under 16: 1. Apasarat Rawai C’s Krissada Chaihun- volved. the 12-kilometer courses started Woranut, 2. Dutsanee Hirad, 3. jaroen in the 26th minute and for As a result, the remaining and finished at Suan Luang Park Kannika Lekkam. Nang Chiaochan a minute later. teams will have two “bye weeks” on Chao Fa Rd. Men 15-35: 1. Pungen Sang- Rassada’s Wuttichai Pramongkit – unless another team enters Results were as follows: kaew, 2. Raewat Rakapan, 3. was given a free kick from 30 soon. Five-kilometer run re- Sittipong Chenglai. Women 15- yards, but his shot soared over the In another development, the sults. Men Under 16: 1. Watcha- 35: 1. Wannadee Paijitwijan, 2. goal. team that formerly played out of rin Kerbsuk, 2. Thiti Thamhin, 3. Renu Arnesen, 3. Dujsinee Hiran. Three minutes later, Rawai Football Crazy is now happily en- Sorawut Kanyacheab. Women Men over 35: 1. Taweesak C’s attacking earned them two sconced at an establishment Under 16: 1. Karuna Nakara, 2. Sesat, 2. Sukjai Intanai, 3. Sri- corner kicks, but they failed to bearing the classy name of Renu Arnesen on her way to Papadsorn Hirunyoswadee, 3. sompong Wongsuwan. Women score. “Dog’s Bollocks”. second place in the 12-kilometer Yodsawasdee Hiranyoswadee. over 35: 1. Anong Piriyapret, 2. A foul by Rassada in their Results for August 3: women’s 15-35-years-old cate- Men 15-35: 1. Mana Take- Ketsaraporn Boonkao, 3. Winut- goal area in the 34th minute Amigos 6, Two Black Sheep* 3; gory. in, 2. Anucha Anaburong, 3. sara Tanupon. earned a penalty for Rawai C, and Champs* 4, Happy Days 5; Nang’s sure shooting took his Didi’s* 5, In-Between; Dog’s team to a 1-0 lead. The goal re- Bollocks* 9, Piccadilly 0; Off vived the confidence of Rawai Shore 4, Shakers* 5. Valhalla C’s passing game, while Ras- had a bye. (*Winners of the beer sada’s mistakes in general play leg.) left them no opportunities to August 17 Match-ups score. (Home teams first): Amigos v In a fiercely-fought second Happy Days; Champs v Picca- half, there were many fouls. dilly; Dog’s Bollocks v Shakers; Rassada’s attack was better than Off Shore v In-Between; Val- Rawai C’s, but the Rassada halla v Two Black Sheep. Didi’s squad could not prevent Rawai has a bye. 24 PHUKET GAZETTE M O T O R I N G August 14 - 20, 2004 Underrated offroader

BEHIND THE WHEEL By Jeff Heselwood

or some unknown reason, the Lexus 4x4 is barely recognised in the Fluxury SUV class, despite being a superb luxury model in the finest Lexus tradition. The RX300 has failed somehow to capture the same market share as the highly successful LS430 saloon car or its predeces- sor, the LS400, which are ex- amples of the finest – and, it should be said, quietest, luxury sedans available anywhere in the world. The latest RX300 may be facing something of an uphill battle in the 4x4 market, but it is certainly equipped with the right ammunition to take on the competition. This Lexus features some of the most advanced safety systems in a luxury 4x4. Among these are a version of the stabil- ity control developed by Ger- many’s Bosch, which prevents the vehicle losing traction, as well as a series of airbags in the cabin, including a knee bag on the driver’s side to prevent leg injuries. Full-length air curtains are fitted, which are equipped with a roll-over sensor. A gyro-sensor lawsuits as a result of vehicles was not wearing a seat belt and The RX300 is powered by but is also due to a variable detects any extreme angles and overturning. he and one of his passengers a three-liter, all-aluminum, 24- length inlet manifold, which re- inflates the curtain airbags to pro- In one high-profile case, were thrown out of the Subur- valve V6 engine, developing a sponds according to speed and tect the occupants in the event superstar footballer Derrick Tho- ban. The passenger died at the healthy 201bhp (148kW), making demand. of a roll. mas, who played for the Kansas scene, while another passenger it one of the better performers in While the RX300 is a true In the United States, follow- City Chiefs, died from a heart who was wearing a seat belt this class. With outstanding torque luxury machine and not a rough- ing a number of spectacular ac- attack one month after being pa- sustained only minor injuries – a of 283Nm available, 80% of road rider, this is not to say that cidents involving large SUVs, ralysed in a roll-over accident in strong reminder of the need to which is produced as low as it is incapable of dealing with many manufacturers are equip- his Chevrolet Suburban SUV. “buckle up”. 1,200rpm, this Lexus performs rough terrain. ping their vehicles with sophisti- Now a jury is being asked Such accidents were prob- superbly in all conditions. The fact is, though, that few cated anti-roll-over devices. Ford to decide whether the crushed ably one of the factors behind the The reason that the torque owners of modern 4x4s actually and General Motors have both roof of his GM-built SUV con- decision to incorporate so many figure is so good is in part thanks venture off-road. As a result the been subject to some pretty hefty tributed to his death. Thomas safety features in the Lexus 4x4. to the variable valve technology, RX300 has a 0-100kmh time of around nine seconds and a top speed close to 180kmh. The interior of the RX300 is classic Lexus with a choice of bird’s-eye maple or walnut wood paneling, leather uphol- stery and, of course, a premium audio system: in this case a 168- watt six-speaker Nakamichi system, incorporating a six-CD autochanger. An newer version of the RX300 will be available soon, featuring air suspension and a mar- ginal increase in power, although this model will be available in North America before the rest of the world. The RX300 should be rec- ognized as a fine automobile and is thoroughly worthy of the Lexus name. Jeff Heselwood may be contacted by email at jhc@netvigator. com. August 14 - 20, 2004 G O O D L I V I N G PHUKET GAZETTE 25 To age, or not to age: that is the question ome wines, like delicate, fresh ture component. The paral- cellaring or is it by nature “ap- At any point during a wine’s life and fruity white wines, are at lel for people is prenatal care proachable upon release”? cycle, one wine taster may proclaim the their best as soon as they go on and nutrition, as well as the W I N E If a decision is made to wine as perfect, while another may say Sthe market. Many wines, how- genes inherited from par- age a wine, this of course in- it’s too old – or not old enough. ever, do improve with time. To know ents. cludes an implicit assumption The most fascinating way I know which wines should be cellared, and for The nurture compo- that the wine is to be stored to examine a wine undergoing its distinc- how long, requires some homework. nent reflects the fact that properly. To age a wine un- tive life cycle is to buy it by the case. Wines are like people in the sense wines, like people, can have der the wrong conditions is Each year, open and enjoy a bottle, re- that both have a life cycle. For people it a beneficial or flawed up- worse than not aging it at all. flecting upon how the wine has evolved is birth, childhood, prime of life, middle bringing. Both can either be If the wine is stored cor- from the previous meeting. age and death. molded towards their fullest rectly, the only other variable When the wine is at its best accord- In a wine, the cycle is fermenta- potential by skillful parenting to consider is your own ing to your standards, it is time to call your tion, bottling, maturation and expiration. – or left to wither on the vine By Steven Roberto unique response to flavor and friends to a dinner party to share the re- As with people, the proper development through mistreatment. aroma. mainder of the case, celebrating the syn- of any wine depends on both “nature” Like parents, vineyard workers and Eventually, all wines turn brown with thesis of nature and nurture to the very and “nurture” components. winemakers may help craft a wine that age and expire. Yet I know connoisseurs last drop. The soil quality where grapes are reaches its full potential, but this can never who look forward to tasting these tired grown, the location and aspect of the land surpass its limit as defined by nature. wines, experimentally, out of intellectual Steven Roberto is a winemaker and res- towards the sun, the amount of rainfall To know a wine’s true potential you curiosity. taurant consultant from California. He and the climate, as well as the genetic must do research. Are the winery and So, fundamentally, there is no such is the Wine and Beverage Director for qualities of the grape all determine a grape variety noted for their age-worthi- thing as perfect maturation period because the award-winning Baan Rim Pa res- wine’s intrinsic aging potential. These can ness? Is the vintage a good year or bad “perfection” is a subjective assessment the taurant in Patong. Email: stevenroberto all be considered as elements of the na- one? Does the wine’s pedigree require taster projects upon the wine. @lycos.com BIG AND EASY AT THE EVASON ention Creole food Evason Phuket, Keith Kornfeld, trinity of onions, celery and green or Louisiana, and a modest man and a native of peppers – paella by another it’s guaranteed that New Orleans, brings a taste of name; the Old World reinvented Ma few cultural refer- his culture by way of more places in a symphony of vibrant tastes. ences will be voiced. The dread- than his natural reticence allows The New Orleans food at ful song Jambalaya by The Car- him to say. The Evason, featuring lots of penters with the lines “Pick gui- From Japan to Germany, cream and meat, could be de- tar, fill fruit jar and be gayo, Son and from the Greek Islands to The scribed as a little rich; a throw- of a gun, we’ll have big fun on Maldives, Chef Keith – who says back to its French and German the Bayou” paints a frightening that his first calling was music – heritage. However, the inclusion picture of Louisi- has let his laid-back of zingy spices prevents it tasting ana, and the movie but professional at- heavy and the myriad seafood Southern Comfort On the titude speak for choices – the Caribbean Creole probably remains him. red snapper really is one to try – banned by the Loui- menu The restau- glide gently from plate to palate. with siana Tourist Board. rants at The Evason We finish with three des- But Louisiana, Andy Johnstone – Into the View, serts, one of which – the banana and especially New Into The View Into Thai, Into Fu- flambé with rum-and-vanilla ice Orleans, has also sion and Into The cream – is just about the sweet- brought the world music – it is Beach – are something to behold. est thing I have ever eaten and the home of trad jazz, after all – Tables are set well apart and as should be sponsored by an enter- and for more than 300 years has for music, all that can be heard is prising dentist. However, this is been one of the world’s great a soundtrack provided by Mother no criticism of the flambé. It is cultural and culinary melting pots. Nature herself. delicious and just the right size. For two generations before With a waning moon cast- A return to the spices with the arrival of French refugees ing its dancing light on the sea, a splendid little apple crumble from Acadia in Nova Scotia in the view across to Koh Bon is SNAP IT UP: Caribbean Creole red snapper really is a dish to try. with cinnamon before finishing 1755, the area had been a rich beautiful. with something unexpected: mix of Spanish, German, Italians The menu on the Wednes- neys to collect more food – for tasty and perhaps typifies Creole bread and butter pudding with and Haitians. day New Orleans night offers the research purposes, you under- food. Andouille sausage – al- whisky cream sauce which is – Indeed, it is from “Acadia” gastronome a “mere” 29 dishes stand – draw an occasional though French in origin – was sorry Mum – better than was and then “Acadie” that the name – including dessert – to choose glance from other diners, who brought to Louisiana by Germans cooked for me as a child. Cajun derives. Nor should one from. My dining companion and seem envious of how we can and gumbo is traditionally thick- All in all, a refreshing forget the African and Native I are almost spoiled for choice, down so much food while retain- ened with lady’s finger, or okra. change of taste and pace at The American influences on the cul- but not quite: we plump for 14 of ing sylph-like figures. This plant, slightly less pleasantly, Evason, and not a genetically- ture and food of Louisiana. the dishes offered. The shrimp and chicken was brought to the New World challenged banjo player or a blue The Executive Chef at The Our frequent return jour- gumbo with Andouille sausage is by African slaves. Still, I am quite bayou in sight. open to a lady’s finger now and then. New Orleans Night every Wed- Back to the melting pot and nesday at Into The View at The to duck jambalaya, the spicy Cre- Evason Phuket, 100 Moo 2, ole dish of rice and ham, sausage, Wiset Rd, Rawai, Phuket. Tel: chicken, or shellfish with the holy 076-381010-7. ASK KHUN WANIDA! MOMMA DUCK

Problems with an extra-marital affair? Questions about Thai culture? Having communications problems? Need somebody to Love? Read her advice in the Phuket Gazette

Fax 076-213971 or email [email protected] 26 PHUKET GAZETTE PROPERTY August 14 - 20, 2004

Construction Update by Anongnat Sartpisut Home of the Week huket Forest Hill is a con- temporary Thai-style development on 8.5 rai of PPatong hillside. This is the first housing development by businessman and hotel owner Vive Opas Netraumpai, who is also Managing Director of the project. K. Opas said, “This scheme is build-to-order, with prospective buyers able to specify changes to plans before building starts. For example, we can provide a pool Left: Architect’s or deck if required, at extra cost. impression of how “The location is within easy reach Phuket Forest Hill will of Patong and Phuket City. There look when completed. are other developments [in this area], but this one offers a natu- Above: The B13m rally forested, tranquil setting. Phumithas style of “The project started in April, home in the and we expect a show house to development. be finished in September. We can’t estimate the completion date for the entire project at this stage, because we start construction only after receipt of a client’s order. “However, the houses take about five months to build, and we expect to sell all the homes within two years.” A forest atmosphere He said he was unable to forecast total investment needed five units with floor areas of 385 and maid’s quarters. The start- “Phuket Forest Hill is my for the project, but noted that in- square meters, these homes will ing price is 8 million baht. first venture into developing frastructure alone will cost an have a sea view and 100-200sqm Wanalai – there will be homes, and they will be well con- estimated 30 million baht. of garden. Each will be built on seven of these along the forest structed. We want to build them “We are planting pine trees, three levels, with three bedrooms, edge of the development. They to the same standards as the ho- and we feel that customers will five bathrooms, a living room, a will have 155sqm of living space tels, and will look after all aspects appreciate the forest atmosphere. family room, a kitchen, maid’s with 70sqm of garden. On two of development carefully to en- The Thai-style houses will have quarters, a swimming pool and a floors, they will have two bed- sure a combination of Thai style low fences with lush vegetation double carport. The starting price rooms, three bathrooms, a living and international standards of his two-story French- and the sound of running water is 13 million baht. room, a family room and kitchen. service and infrastructure.” colonial-style house is from a waterfall and creek which Tarn Pana – consisting of The starting price is 5 million baht. 13 months old and is on we will create.” 10 units of 255sqm apiece, each K. Opas said, “Houses can For more information contact 1.5 rai of land in a quiet The completed development with an 80sqm garden. These are be used for residential purposes Phupana Co, 120/24 Rat-U-Thit T area of Rawai. will consist of 22 houses in three two-story homes, with three bed- and the Tarn Pana houses can 200 Pi Rd, Patong. Tel: 076- It is fully furnished and, different groups: rooms, five bathrooms, a living also be used as home offices, be- 341-465, Fax: 076-341466, being surrounded by thick veg- Phumithas – consisting of room, a family room, a kitchen cause they are next to the road. email: info@phuketforesthill. etation and rubber trees on three There will be 24-hour security com, or see the website at: sides, offers plenty of privacy. with an intercom system linked www.phuketforesthill.com It has a beautiful walled garden to each home. with mature tropical trees and “Currently, Phuket has a plants and two salas. There is problem about land titles. We are also plenty of room to install a aware of this problem so we will swimming pool. liaise with the Land Department, The house is immaculate so that a Chanote will be issued throughout, with tiled terracotta for each home. Buyers can be as- floors, and black hardwood sured that they will own the land In the Construction column in doors and windows with mos- without any problems. the issue of August 7, the name quito screens. Interior walls are “Our target customers are of the project was erroneously white, making the house bright foreigners and Thai people who given as Baan Rae Rawai. The and airy. want a second home. It is better correct name is Baan Lae Ra- The floor area is 330 value and more comfortable than wai. Contact details are as fol- square meters. There are three staying in a hotel. lows: Tel 076-323424 or 01- bedrooms, one on the lower floor “I am in the hotel business 6285166; Email: bigkris66@ and two on the upper floor, all – I own and operate the Club yahoo.com. The Gazette re- with en-suite bathrooms. Andaman Beach Resort, and the grets the error. There is a kitchen on the Andaman Suites condominiums. August 14 - 20, 2004 PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 27

Rawai la difference...

The house has a solid European appearance (left) alleviated by spacious, bright, airy balconies running along two sides. Below: one of the two salas on the property.

upper floor, which is fully-equipped for Western and Thai cooking, and large living and dining areas which open out onto a spacious terrace surrounding the property on two sides. In addition to the bedroom, the lower floor also has a laun- dry, a WC, a bath house, and a storage area under the stairs. There is also a carport with space for two cars. The house has air condition- ing and fans throughout, and utili- ties include a water heater, well water, 3,000-liter backup supply, septic tank, and security lights with motion sensors. The land title is Chanote and the price is 9.5 million baht

Contact: Richard Lusted, Siam If an event isn’t listed in the Gazette’s Events Calendar Real Estate for more informa- it probably isn’t one. tion. Tel: 076-280805. Website: your www.siamrealestate.com or List event now - It’s free of charge. Email: [email protected] phuketgazette.com/calendar 28 PHUKET GAZETTE PROPERTY August 14 - 20, 2004

Gardening with Bloomin’ Bert know I’m predictable. Each week I use this column to ramble on about some plant Ior other, and prattle about how easy it is to grow, where you Going completely potty can grow it and how common it is in Phuket. fancy, but it will inevitably have This week is the exception a dragon embossed on the side to that formerly rather predict- of it, for some inexplicable rea- able rule. I’m going to try not to son. talk about plants. I thought we’d However, there’s a down- have a look at an area that is of- side to palms in pots. While they ten somewhat ignored in the gar- Pearl make the blandest of concrete dening world – pots. areas look tropical, the problem Everyone with a garden is that they simply don’t know tends to take what they have at Village their own strength. the front or rear of their house for They start off fairly well- granted. sets sights behaved, and sit there quite con- They have it easy. All they tentedly in the ample bagfuls of have to do to plant their fresh soil you’ve buried their roots in. purchase from the garden cen- on Mice But then the roots take on a sin- ter is to walk outside their back ister underground quest to devour door, dig a hole, and chuck the every cubic inch of soil so that plant in the orifice. Splash a bit market eventually all you have is a pot- of water around and that’s pretty ful of roots. It’s then that they much it. make their move. Then there are those who They escape by squeezing aren’t so fortunate. Their ‘gar- out of the pot, literally breaking den’ consists of a patch of con- it in two. There are just so many crete if they’re lucky. roots that it would take the I was one of these people The landlord might not have seen of art that can cost thousands of we’ve all seen those tiny pots Arnold Schwarzenegger of the until I came to Phuket; I had a the funny side. baht. containing three 2-inch-diameter pot world to hold them back. balcony of about 25 square Pots are therefore the an- What size? That depends dracaenas, lashed together with Spend a lot of money on a palm meters with not a square inch of swer. But which pot? There’s cer- very much on the plant you’re a bit of twine. They seem happy pot and you’ll regret it. soil in sight. tainly a multitude of choices in putting in it. There aren’t really enough. But why limit yourself to If I’d dug a hole there, I’d Thailand, from the traditional any rules for this. You can’t base Rather than apply some pots? There are many other op- have ventilated the living room. orange standard, to ornate pieces it on the thickness of the stem – kind of mathematical formula, try tions. I’ve seen miniature flow- to imagine whether the plant in ers in shells, and pipes and car its pot will be stable when the tires used as perfectly adequate weather gets windy. Is there plant homes. enough weight in the soil in the My favorite is one that Thai pot to stop it blowing over? A people seem to have difficulty primitive approach, but effective. comprehending. I have a rather Another thing to consider is magnificent plant outside the how much you want to spend. front of my house, planted in a Thailand has some incredibly somewhat atypical pot – a toilet. cheap plant pots. I remember It does the job perfectly, and even buying a small pot base in Thai- better, it was free. The first time land a few years ago for 20 baht. I put it in position I got a few When I turned it over, I saw a weird looks from the neighbors sticker with the logo of a well- – by now they seem to have come known British DIY chain, and the to terms with my quirks. price that the Great British pub- Go potty with your plants! lic was being charged for this item was £4.99 – about 350 baht. Scandalous. Want to know more In Thailand, for that amount about a plant of money, you can get a pot big in your garden? enough to make a comfortable home for a small palm tree. It will Email Bloomin’ Bert at: be about two feet across at the [email protected] rim, and won’t be particularly August 14 - 20, 2004 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 29 Property Gazette

Properties 6-BEDROOM HOUSE For Sale IN KAMALA A beautiful 6-bedroom house is for sale in Kamala, LUXURY HOMES IN near Phuket FantaSea and PATONG only 10 mins walk to the beach. Only top-quality materials were used to build this exclusive house. Own water supply plus drinking water, mature garden, Jacuzzi, Eu- ropean/Thai kitchen, each bedroom with attached bathroom, aircon/ceiling fans, etc. New 2-story homes - cover- Total land area: 1,252sqm. ing 150sqm - with carport, Asking price: 16 million baht. large living /dining room with Price includes 4WD Toyota aircon, 3 bedrooms and 3 Sport Rider. Please call for bathrooms. Freehold land, 4 more details. Tel: 076- million baht. Call or email for 279075, 01-4761415. details. Tel: 01-8957597. Email: [email protected] Email: info@phuket- PANWA SEAVIEW besthomes.com www. LAND phuket-besthomes.com BEACH CONDOS Apartments in Patong - 300m RAWAI TOWNHOUSE KRABI AO NANG from the beach and with fan- 2 bedrooms, 2 toilets, large PATONG HOTEL land. Small plot for sale in Ao tastic views - for sale or rent. living room, kitchen, parking, Nang, Krabi. Ideal for all devel- on 15-yr lease. We are offer- 92sqm or 120sqm. Price: 2.2 80sqm, 400m to beach, ing our 34-poolside-apart- opments. Pls call for details. million baht. Contact for de- freehold title. Tel: 09-474 Tel: 01-8916218. ment hotel in Patong on a 15- tails. Tel: 09-4740227. Email: 0227. Price: 900,000 baht. year lease. Click the web ad- [email protected] Email: chotip_5@hotmail. dress for full details. Tel: com LAND IN PHUKET 076-292907, 01-8912100. LAND IN NAI HARN 100m walk to the beach. city. Land beside Royal Email: sales@nanai-coconut- Prime location on road to Electricity and water. 500 4 RAI IN RAWAI Phuket City Hotel. You can resort.com Website: www. viewpoint and Kata. Nearly sqm. Only 3.5 million baht. 400m to Rawai Beach, 300m build 20 stories high. 257 phukets.info/coconut-sales. 1.2 rai (2,000sqm). 3.6 mil- Please call for more details. to Yanui Beach and close to talang wah, Chanote. 25 mil- html lion baht. Tel: 01-4774792. Tel: 06-6912277. Email: main road, with Chanote, for lion baht. Call/email for de- [email protected] 3.2 million baht per rai. Call for tails. Tel: 06-5950188. PATONG CONDO CAPE PANWA LAND details. Tel: 01-3762920. Email: [email protected] Great opportunity: mountain 1-rai plots available with stun- view, freehold title, 300m to ning ocean views. Various beach, 1 bedroom, living plots available, some with room, 2 balconies, 1 toilet. beach frontage. 8 million baht Price: 1.05 million baht. Con- a rai. Tel: 076-345081, 01- tact for more information. Tel: 9241447. Email: info@ 09-4740227. Email: chotip_5 houseandvillasalesphuket. @hotmail.com com

LUXURY BEACH PATONG APARTMENT condos. Large - 28sqm - for sale. 57-year lease. 1 bed- seaview apartment comprising room, 126sqm. Fully furnished, 1 bedroom, living room, bath- 3 years old. Expat community. room and kitchen for sale for Email: [email protected] 1.5 million baht. Freehold title for 760,000 baht. Call or email AO NANG KRABI LAND for details. Tel: 09-4740227. Small plot for sale in Ao Nang, Email: [email protected] Krabi. Ideal for all developments. Please call for more PATONG BEACH details. Tel: 01-8916218. condo. 1-room apartment in Patong for cash sale. 50,000 NEW SINGLE HOUSE baht for freehold title. Pls for sale. 560sqm in Kathu contact for more info. Tel: 09- with Nor Sor 3 Gor, 2 stories, 4740227. Email: chotip_5@ 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, hotmail.com with Jacuzzi. 6.9 million baht. Tel: 07-2799500.

LAND FOR SALE directly on Banyan Tree Golf Course (Laguna property). 1,050 sqm/262.4 sq wah. Price: 7.872 million baht. Please contact for more information. Tel: 076-239864. Email: [email protected]

RAWAI CONDO 1-room apartment, toilet, kitchen. Prime location, freehold title. 400m to beach. Price: 350,000 baht up. Op- tional finance available. Tel: 09-4740227. Email: chotip_5 @hotmail.com

LAND FOR SALE 509 sq wah (2,036sqm) available in Soi Saliga, Rawai. Only 5.5 million baht. Call for Find more classified ads at www.phuketgazette.net! details. Tel: 076-288422. 30 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS August 14 - 20, 2004 Property Gazette

4 RAI ON SAIYUAN RD LONG-TERM LEASE WANTED: VILLA in Rawai for 6 million baht. New houses at Palai Green. GOOD HOUSE for rent. Searching for holi- Ideal for living on/investment. 2 aircon bedrms, hot shower, day villa for rent in Samui or With Chanote title, road ac- kitchen, living, patio, garage. Phi Phi, for wedding party cess, electricity and quiet. Fully furnished, beautiful gar- mid-February 2005. Need Please email for details at: den, quiet, peaceful area. accommodation for 12 per- [email protected] Palai Beach, near Chalong sons or more, near beach, bay. Tel: 01-8924311. private pool, maid & cook services included. Multiple Properties PATONG INNER-CITY villas in same location also For Rent living. No tuk-tuks or no for rent or sale. 2 -bed- considered. Direct commu- bikes, just walk everywhere. rooms and air condition- nication with owner pre- Save over 3000+ baht. ing, kitchen, car port, tele- ferred. Please quote rate for PATONG RESIDENCE Large apartment on top floor. phone and in safe area. Lo- whole villa for 5 days/4 1- or 2-bedroom apartment 1 bedroom with lounge, cated in Baan Tha Rua, in nights. Send description for rent. Includes kitchen and kitchen and phone line! Thalang District. Tel: 01- and photos to Edlina at pool, and is only 350m from Luxury finish. From as low as 6764777. email address above. Email: the beach. 6,000 baht/ 13,000 baht/month for long [email protected] month. Contact for details. term. Call or email for details. Tel: 09-4740227. Email: Tel: 01-8922824. Email: NEW HOUSE RESTAURANT/HOTEL [email protected] [email protected] Good & cheap! Fully fur- We are looking for a restau- nished, 2-bed house near Nai rant/hotel at Patong Beach. ROOM IN PATONG Yang Beach with aircon, 1 Kindly send offers with de- LAND FREE FOR 15 YRS Fully furnished as-new room bath with hot water, tails and pictures. Email: available on the east coast of with aircon near Siam Com- equipped kitchen, UBC, TV, naturalflora2002@yahoo. Koh Maphrao (Coconut Is- mercial Bank in Patong. surrounded by fence. 12,000 com land). Incredible sea views to 7,500 baht per month. Call baht/month. Pls call or email Krabi, Phi Phi, Phang Nga or email for details. Tel: 01- for details. Tel: 09-6506221. KOH YAO NOI KOH YAO YAI RESORT and Koh Lanta. Please con- Email: ek_phuket@hotmail. We’re looking for 3-10 rai of “BUY OR SELL A 8922824. Email: junaworn Resort with electricity and tact for more information. @hotmail.com com waterfront land on Koh Yao PROPERTY” water, and comprising 1 large Tel: 01-8918930.Email: Noi island. We will consider www.phuket-property- restaurant, toilets and 2 new [email protected] KATA HILL HOUSE FISHERMAN WAY both east- (Krabi) and west- shop.com Website: http://maphrao.com bungalows, built on 6 rai of for rent. Fully-furnished, 2 Beachfront house for rent. (Phang Nga) side locations at land, is available on a long- bedrooms with aircon, 2 Tel: 076-381181, 076-381 reasonable prices and with HOUSE FOR SALE term lease for 1.8 million NEW HOUSE bathrooms living, dining, 189. Please see website at: proper land titles. If available, Thai-style teak house “just baht. Tel: 01-2700905, 01- in Pa Khlok. 75 sq wah, fully- kitchen, parking space and tel www.fishermanway.com pls send some pics along built”. 1,360 sqm. 3 bed- 2712401. Email: knewton74 furnished house with 3 bed- line, available from August 1, with your offer. Email: rooms, 4 bathrooms, big @hotmail.com rooms, 2 bathrooms with 2004 rent 19,000 baht/ [email protected] bathtub, UBC, aircon, hot wa- month. Please contact for de- Properties kitchen, swimming pool. All PATONG POOL VILLAS rooms fully air-conditioned, ter, built-in kitchen and garden. tails. Tel: 076-216036, 01- HOUSE OR LAND 8 private pool villas. 5.5 mil- Wanted car park, garden, telephone 17,000 baht and 19,000 baht 6062827. Email: nij017@ wanted on Phuket. Limit 2.5 lion baht. Great value for line, only 5 mins from Surin per month. Call or email for de- hotmail.com million baht. What do you money! Tel: 01-597 6195. Beach. Tel: 09-6521889, tails. Tel: 06-6829922. Email: PATONG CONDO have? Pls send info. Email: For details, please email: 01-73727973. [email protected] KAMALA HOUSE wanted. I want to buy a 1- to [email protected] [email protected] House in Kamala for rent. 2-bedroom condo in Patong. or see our website at: APARTMENT/CONDO KATHU HOUSE Comprises 2 aircon bed- Max price: 2 million baht. “OWN A HOME IN www.phuket-info.com/ rooms, 2 bathrooms, hot Please email with details, pho- Maximum 3 million baht house for rent. Furnished 1 ½ -story cash. No agents. I want to PARADISE” house with 2 bedrooms, 2 water, fully equipped kitchen, tos and address. Email: www.exclusive-homes- [email protected] deal with the owner. Pls 1-RAI PLOT aircons, 2 bathrooms, big liv- dual gas rings, microwave, phuket.com fridge, 25" TV and DVD, email. Email: admin@phuket 1 rai (40m x 40m) at luxury ing room, kitchen, hot water parking and garden. Bright NEED SMALL OFFICE deafeagle.com development, only 500m and UBC TV. 15 mins drive design, and 1 km to the Looking to share a small office from Mission Hills Golf from Patong. Price 10,000 SEAVIEW LAND beach. 15,000 baht/month. space, with high-speed Course. 8 mins from airport baht/month. Call for details. on Chalong hill. Beautiful Tel: 09-4744335. Email: Internet access, in Patong Do Not Drink and Nai Yang Beach. 20 mins Tel: 09-6459527, 09-731- land on the top of a hill in chutima_incharoen@hotmail. area. Need from mid-Septem- to Tesco-Lotus. Price only 9960. Tap Water! Chalong, overlooking Wat com ber. Email: [email protected] Chalong (Chalong Temple) 1.8 million baht. Tel: 01- with good seaviews. 2/3 rai 5371050. NEW DETACHED (1,040sqm). Has concrete house. Fully furnished house road, water, electricity and in Chalong - close to Palai Classified Advertisements Don’t miss.... of course a Chanote title. Beach - for long-term rent. Please use this form to write your classified advertisement. Documents with us in Ger- Comprises 3 bedrooms, 2 many. Interested? Tel:+49- Issues & Answers bathrooms, garden, carpark, Then hand it to any of our agents. 71181782. Email: karabau www.phuketgazette.net/ aircon and phone. Call for de- issuesanswers/index.asp @t-online.de tails. Tel: 09-7288311. |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| (heading)

Agents for Classified Advertising |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|

PHUKET |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| K.L. Mart Patak Rd, Chalong Tel: 076-280400/3 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| NAVA Language School Phang Nga Rd, Phuket Town Tel: 076-232398/9

Sin & Lee |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Thalang Rd, Phuket Town Tel: 076-211230

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

A la Carte Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 60 baht, Kamala main road, Cherng Talay Tel: 076-278019 with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. PHANG NGA All advertising must be paid for in advance. Maew Internet Shop, Khao Lak Tel: 076-420627 Deadline for Property Mart page: Friday 3 pm. Avalon Creative Group Co Ltd, Khao Lak Tel: 076-420539 Deadline for all other pages: Saturday 12 noon. August 14 - 20, 2004 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 31 Property Gazette

PATONG LUXURY SMALL HOUSE Accommodation THAI - DIEN CO LTD apartment. 1- and 2-bedroom wanted. I would like to rent Building P-CON apartments in central Patong. a small house in Kata Beach, Available Services Phuket Construction Top quality electrical Please email for information. between August 9 and 29, and Home Services Co Ltd installation products, Email: suites247@yahoo. preferably on Koktanod Rd. over-voltage OFF-SEASON com Please contact me if you SPAS R US Roofing, floor, walls, tiles Special off-season rates avail- have something which you Steam room/sauna and ac- Clearing, painting, protection. able. Relax and enjoy pool- cessories and portable hot HOTEL PROMOTION think might be of interest. plumbing, aircon, Please contact us for side ambience in a quiet set- tubs from USA. Quality equip- Low season hotel promotion. Email: nrgpack@hotmail. electrical systems, repairs more information. ment, designed and installed ting. 55% discount off daily Long-stay beachfront hotel com and other work done by rate if staying monthly. Also for your needs. Business and Tel: 076-242025, deal, including ABF and use our professional team. offer weekly rates. Located of facilities. 18,000 baht per GOOD PATONG APT residential. California Spa 076-391680. 2.6km south of Chalong Design. Tel: 076-263269, month. For more informa- Non-smoking professional Call 09-1960852 Fax: 076-391680. Circle. You won’t be disap- 09-1950610. tion, please call Tel: 076- male would like to rent a Fax: 076-263204 Email: pointed. Friendship Beach 345518, 01-8920038. clean and small apartment/ Bungalow Resort, Rawai. Email: [email protected] [email protected] house in Patong or nearby for Tel: 09-7272296. ROOMS IN PATONG October. Accommodation Fully furnished “as new” with a satellite TV and kitch- Property CHINESE MANSION room, with aircon, near Siam enette is preferred. Yearly MALE MANIKINS/ Please see our website for Commercial Bank. 7,500 rentals of 3-6 months will be DOLLS Services details: www. graphodesign. baht/month. Tel: 01-892 possible if I like your place Many different kinds of com/chinesemansion 2824. Email: junaworn@ very much. Please email de- male manikins/dolls for PHUKET WATER hotmail.com tails to: [email protected] GRAND STONE HOME sale. Please contact for full Gardens offer water feature details. Tel: 01-7881466. construction including koi at Saiyuan, in Rawai. 2-story ROOMS TO LET LODGING IN CHALONG stone home with natural ma- Email: richard_ melen@ ponds, waterfalls and more. Lake-view apartments in Looking for cheap apartment terial. 648 sqm, 4 bed- hotmail.com Call for details. Tel: 07- Kathu. Fully furnished rooms or bungalow – not in a hotel rooms, 4 bathrooms, sur- 8814984. to let with aircon, fridge, free – in a quiet area for a 4- rounded by coconut trees. satellite TV, hot water, car month stay. Minimum re- For sale at 6.5 million baht or parking, in a new complex. quirements: 1 bed (for 2 per- for long-term rent at 40,000 Price: 166 baht a day. Please sons); kitchen with cooking View Thailand’s baht/month. Will be available call Tel: 076-202585, 09- device and refrigerator; bath- in September. Tel: 01-787- LARGEST portfolio 1968449. room with toilet, shower and 2201. Email: phuket8@ hot water. Needed for Nov of Classified Ads hotmail.com Accommodation 16, 2004 till March 16, – about 2,000 of them – 2005. Email: karelmestdagh KARON BEACH Wanted @yahoo.com and place your ad for FREE! Fully furnished bungalows at Karon Beach and apartments See the Phuket Gazette Online at at Kata-Karon still available. FURNISHED HOUSE APT OR HOUSE NEEDED Please contact for further wanted. Furnished 2-bed- We are 3 persons arriving www.phuketgazette.net details. Tel: 076-333242, room house wanted in the Patong Dec 21 and staying 09-6517818. Fax: 076-333- Kata, Karon or Rawai area. until end of January. We are 243. Email: horstkaron@ Must be in a quiet location. looking for an apartment or a yahoo.com Please see our Required in October for long- house within walking dis- website at: www.capt-horst. term lease. Email: safesurfer tance of Patong center. We Looking for a job? com @lycos.co.uk hope someone can help us find this for a resonable price. ROOM WITH INTERNET Please email if you have SELF CATERING VILLA something you think might See www.phuketgazette.com a brand new, 2-bedroom, Need room w/Internet connection from August ’04 to interest us. Email: tkulle@ fully furnished self-catering hotmail.com villa in Chalong for rent. In- January ’05. Price: 9,000- cludes aircon, hot water, 12,000 baht/month. Need cable TV, car port, fully aircon, hot water and toilet. PATONG APT equipped kitchen, and a bath! Will pay extra for kitchen. Apt with 2 private bedrooms, Available for rent from 800 Tel: 09-5785958. Email: on or close to Patong, Karon baht per night. Please contact [email protected] or Kata Beach, wanted for 40 for details. Tel: 09-7059734. days. Must be within walking Email: thaihomefromhome@ NEED APT WITH ADSL distance of, or on, the beach. yahoo.co.uk Looking for a place to stay Need for end of October into with ADSL Internet access (I December 2004. Email: PATONG’S SECRET provide computer) from Au- howardbloom@pc-man. com I am welcoming guests to our gust to November. Apart- quiet, clean guest house situ- ments, homes, roomate/ ated above Nanai Rd on the share situations – all ok. Tel: APARTMENT WANTED hillside and 5 mins to the cen- 06-2677236. Email wes@ Furnished condo/apartment ter of Bangla. Currently room 1stchoiceecommerce.com wanted in a quiet location in rates start at 450 baht/day, Phuket from December 21, with a luxury 2-bathroom RENTAL HOUSE 2004 to January 4, 2005. penthouse with seaview and wanted for expat and family Email: hugobaur@yahoo. daily maid at 1,000 baht/day. (total of 3 persons), prefer- com Satellite TV, mini-bar, king- ably in Bang Tao/Surin area, size bed and kitchen are stan- but NOT near noisy places. APARTMENT WANTED dard in all rooms. Please con- Furnished or unfurnished, but Apartment in Patong wanted tact for more info.Tel: 076- MUST have a telephone line as second home. I need it for 296320, 01-0854514. and garden, and should not long-term rental. Please email Email: myhotel2004@aol. be an old house. Email: details to: phuketweb@ com [email protected] hotmail.com

If an event isn’t listed in the Gazette’s Events Calendar it probably isn’t one. List your event now - It’s free of charge. www.phuketgazette.net/calendar 32 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS August 14 - 20, 2004 Island Job Mart

ISLAND TECHNOLOGY is the leader in innovative digi- tal solutions. We have many exciting opportunities for Sales Representatives & Web Programmers in Phuket. Come and join our dynamic team of professionals. Sales training provided. Please send your resumé via email. Email: [email protected]

PHUKET LAW FIRM seeks secretary and accountant. Please send resumé to apply. Email: scphuket@yahoo. com

URGENT: DRIVER Driver urgently needed for Rawai area. Good salary. Please call 076-273427.

WEB DESIGNER Professional web designer with exceptional design skills in the following programs is needed: Adobe Photoshop, Macromedia Flash and Dreamweaver. Applicant must be Thai and be able to speak English. Original and in- dependent design skills EXCELLENT SALARY EXCELLENT BENEFITS wanted. Email CV along with samples and references. & benefits. Islandpools Co Ltd, & salary. Islandpools Co Ltd Email: [email protected] has extensive experience the has extensive experience in swimming pool industry in the swimming-pool industry in Thailand and Australia. Thailand and Australia. We ACCOUNTANT & auditor. Requirements: BA We are now looking to recruit are now looking for sales staff in accounting; 1 year’s expe- MARKETING STAR NANNY REQUIRED ADMIN & CLIENT people for the following posi- (unlimited). This position offers excellent benefits and salary rience in an auditing firm; and Thai national required for a tions: Full-time live-in nanny required relations. Two permanent and appropriate to the applicant’s a good command of English. startup media company 1. Accounts person: must be to look after one-year-old baby interesting positions – 1 se- experience and abilities. Appli- Tel: 076-238776. Email: based in Phuket. Good En- girl. Own bedroom, aircon, nior and 1 junior – available to a Thai national, a qualified cants should be female Thai [email protected] glish, own transport essen- accountant with 5-10 years swimming pool, all meals in- Thai nationals in a Phuket City nationals between the ages of tial. Bangkok travel involved. of business experience, and a cluded. Some light cleaning office. Skills required: good 25 and 35, with a good com- SALES EXECUTIVE Salary depends on experi- also. Excellent salary for right spoken & written English; good command of written and mand of spoken English. Appli- Experienced Sales Executive ence. Computer and design spoken English. Must have person. References required. computer skills; organizational cations, complete with resumé wanted – age 25-35 years and skills useful. Apply by email: computer skills. Please contact for more de- & communication ability; and and certificates should be for- with good English abilities. [email protected] tails. Tel: 07-2681170. Email: a bright, out-going personality. 2. Junior office staff (Thai warded to: Ms Wanida Please call for details and to mriley42602002@yahoo. Driving license an advantage. nationals): Good interpersonal Thiprat, Business Develop- apply. Tel: 076-215710. INTERNET co.uk Salary in line with expertise skills; excellent command of ment Manager, Islandpools Co and experience. Tel: 076- receptionist. We’re looking for written and spoken English; at Ltd, 53/83/84 Thepkrasattri FRENCH TEACHER a female Thai national to work REQUIRED URGENTLY 232962, 01-8919653. Fax: least 2 years’ experience; Rd, Srisoontorn, Thalang, wanted urgently. Must be as a cyber café receptionist in Preschool teacher, school 076-232961. Email: rob@ computer skills, email and let- Phuket, 83110. Tel: 076- Thai. Contact for details and to sailing-thailand.com the Patong area. Possibility of manager, secretary with ter writing skills. 273087, 09-8742205. Email: apply. Tel: 09-8736467. lodging. The applicant must be experience. Good pay and The above positions offer ex- [email protected] Email: [email protected] able to speak English. Please fringe benefits for the right cellent benefits and salaries email or phone to apply. Tel: persons. Tel: 01-9794140. Do Not Drink appropriate to the applicant’s 076-341255.Email: leco@ Fax: 076-381447. (After 2 Tap Water! experience and abilities. Appli- ONLINE RESERVATION DIVE MASTER / liontchai.com pm). cations should be forwarded officers. Resort Hotel Network BOAT MECHANIC to: Ms Wanida Thiprat, Busi- requires 2 Online Reservation Padi Dive Master with ex- ness Development Manager, Officers. Vacancies exist for perience in boat mainte- Islandpools Co Ltd, 53/83/84 Thai nationals with a good com- nance. Overseas posi- Thepkrasattri Rd, Srisoontorn, mand of written and spoken tions in great location. Pay Thalang, Phuket, 83130. Tel: English. We provide great ca- tax-free in US dollars and 076-273087, 09-8742205. reer opportunities, on top of airfare, visa, accommoda- Fax: 076-273087. Email: competitive salaries and an tion supplied. Email: [email protected] attractive bonus scheme. [email protected] Please submit your resumé/ SECRETARY/OFFICE CV, or call K. Parichart. Tel: manager. Must be fluent in 09-9704231, 09-9704231. ASK English, competent with com- Fax: 076-261383. Email: KHUN WANIDA! puters, experienced in office or- [email protected] ganization. Pro-active manage- MOMMA DUCK ment style with pleasant, ser- PROPERTY SCOUT vice-minded personality. Ac- A real estate company requires Problems with an extra- counting skills would be a plus. a Thai person with good En- marital affair? Contact for details. Tel: 076- glish to visit properties and land Need someone to love? 239112, 01-8920534. Fax: to compile listings. Must know Read her advice in the 076-239058. Email: damian Phuket well, and have trans- Phuket Gazette @electrical-marine.com port. Good salary and commission. Please call or email for details. Tel: 076-280805. Email: Don’t miss.... [email protected] Issues & Answers Fax 076-213971 www.phuketgazette.net/ Looking for a job? or email issuesanswers/index.asp See www.phuketgazette.com [email protected] August 14 - 20, 2004 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 33 Recruitment

QUALIFIED ENGLISH SALES, MARKETING Employment teacher. I am a South African manager. 41-year-old Aus- Wanted in Phuket, currently looking trian citizen, diploma in busi- for employement in the field. ness admin, 18 years’ experi- I especially enjoy working ence in int’l sales, marketing IT, SECURITY with children and have the and product management and tourism. Swedish man, 38, necessary qualifications. I am (consumer goods, property), holding B visa, resident in Phuket a hard-working, out-going, looking for new challenge. Ex- for over a year, seeks job in tour- honest and reliable person cellent PC skills, excellent En- ism/hotels, IT, security or mar- and could truly benefit your glish and German (native), fair keting. Previous experience: company. Please get back to Thai and French language. Global network manager - Eu- me! Tel: 07-2760882. Email: Prepared to travel. Email: rope (Internet, computer/server, [email protected] [email protected] support of WIFI, etc); computer software teacher, and military airforce officer for several AUSTRALIAN MALE FARANG years. Have also worked with 37, with extensive experience looking for work 25-year-old, online hotel bookings as reserva- in tourism/customer relations. hard-working young man look- tions manager in Phuket (cus- Just completed 3 years’ em- ing for work, full- or part-time. tomer service, travel agency re- ployment as Operations Man- Am very good with people and lations, staff responsibility, etc). ager in the Maldives. Previous could work well in the tourist in- Tel: 05-1601670. Email: sales/marketing experience in dustry. Can adapt to any sort of [email protected] trade shows/expos. Excellent work. If you need a good hard- people skills. A competent, worker you have found the CONSIDERING JOB dedicated person of integrity. right guy. Please feel free to Fit and youthful appearance. offers in Phuket. I speak En- Email: nwheeler444@hotmail. Email: [email protected] glish, Italian, Spanish and Rus- com sian. Willing to learn Thai language. I’m currently working EUROPEAN TEACHER ITALIAN MANAGER in Italy as a sales manager. I European teacher searching available. I am a 40-year-old, take care of customers, sales for a position. I can teach: marketing manager involved and expeditions. I can use English, German, computer-, with commercial planes. computers at all levels. I’m business-related fields. If you Available to travel and live in Don’t miss...... Italian, 30 years old, serious are looking for a TEFL-certified Thailand. Interested only in The Home Show Asia and affordable. Tel: 340- teacher, please contact me. important and serious com- 1-3 October 2004 at Royal Phuket City Hotel 5431050. Email: franco. Tel: 09-942714. Email: panies. Email: fireeye@ More information, see page 4. [email protected] [email protected] libero.it 34 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS August 14 - 20, 2004 Tout, Trader & Trumpet

EXCEPTIONAL Articles for investment opportunity in land Business Services Sale in the Patong area. Own your own shares 100%. Call for details. Tel: 07-8893838. ARTICLES FOR SALE 2 double beds, 2 wardrobes, SMALL INVESTORS 1 bookcase with glass doors, wanted! Excellent money/holi- 30 rattan chairs. Tel: 07- day return. Shares in hotel 2665965. project. Max. investment €5,000. Email for details. Boats & Email: paradiseproperty2004 Marine @hotmail.com

PRIVATE SHAREHOLDER wanted to invest in a successful nightclub in Phuket City. Please call Tel: 076- 321278 during office hours for more details.

PATONG POOL VILLA 8 private pool villas. 5.5 million baht. Great value for money! Tel: 01-5976195, Email: [email protected] Website: www. phuket-info. com/house

HOUSEBOAT RENTALS Houseboat rental business on Srinakarin Lake in Kanchanaburi province. In- cludes 4 fully-equipped, self-powered houseboats, 30 rai of lakefront property, bungalows, workshops, floating pier, all machinery and equipment. 14.5 million baht and a lot of time in- vested to get it right. Will sell for right offer. Email: [email protected]

INTERNET SHOP for rent. Internet shop - 5 minutes from Nai Harn Beach - for rent at a good price: 15,000 baht/month. Tel: 076-288- 022, 01-9680331. Fax: 076- Business 288092. Email: jiept@yahoo. com Opportunities “BUY OR SELL A MLM LEADERS BUSINESS” US$4 billion healthcare company seeks quality distribu- www.sunbelt-phuket.com tors. Unlimited income potential. Tel: 02-7269918, 06- OFFICE 4 RENT 3418781. Fax: 02-7269917. Fully equipped office in good Email: makelifegood@aol. area – Soi Watana, Patong – com for rent. Tel: 01-7371901.

BUNGALOW RESORT 450-SQM BUILDING for sale. Resort in Chalong with with 3 businesses, 2 compa- 7 bungalows and 8 years on nies, 1.5-year-old pickup with lease for sale. Includes restau- 22,000km on the clock, 2 six- rant, bar, pool and house. Leav- month-old Honda CBR 150 ing Thailand; must sell for 1.5 motorcycles and a tour million baht. Tel: 09-0385184. operator’s license. Tel: 076- VISA RUN TO INT’L DRIVER’S ANTIQUE COMPASS 263478. Website: www. RANONG LICENSE Large, original ship’s compass DUTCH BAR 4 SALE thailandchanote.com 1,299 baht. Includes visa Non-UN license 5,000 baht (approx 170cm). Made of Well-known Dutch bar/res- stamp fee, insurance, trip by valid up to 10 years 6,000 brass, with light and magnets, taurant – with apartment and GUESTHOUSE 4 SALE boat and minibus (both in baht valid up to 20 years Tel: mounted on wooden column. rooms for rent – in the center Guesthouse near the Sheraton good condition), and lunch 04-0068736. Email: Very decorative for home or in of Patong for sale. Has many and Central Sofitel resorts, with soft drinks. Daily trip [email protected] bar/restaurant. Located in regular customers. Good con- Krabi, for sale. 60m from the starts at 7 am at KFC at BOAT FOR SALE Patong. Other items also avail- tract. Tel: 01-0801370. beach. Tel: 01-3703109, 06- Tesco-Lotus supercenter. Email: amsterdampatong@ 682 3119. 29-foot fiberglass motor able. Contact by email at: Please contact us for reser- yahoo. com yacht with Thai registation. [email protected] vation. Tel: 076-289201 or Do Not 2 x 280hp Mercruiser en- GUESTHOUSE 01-5352637. For further in- gines. Price: 3.5 million baht Looking for a business? VERY NICE BAR Men-only 9-room guesthouse formation, please visit our Drink ono. Tel: 076-239864. Email: Check out the opportunities at & restaurant in Nai Harn for with sauna and gym in the website: www.phuketdir. hktmkt@ksc. th.com www.phuketgazette.com sale. Includes pool table. Call Paradise Complex. Email: com/expressvisaextension Tap Water! for details. Tel: 01-0887971. [email protected] August 14 - 20, 2004 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 35 Wheels & Motors

HONDA CIVIC COUPÉ HONDA WAVE 110 NEW CARS FOR RENT BusinessPersonal Saloon Cars September 2000. VTEC en- 23,000km. Custom paint job, Rentals New, 2004-year cars – Toy- Services gine, blue, only 43,000km. 6- wheels, trim, etc. For sale at ota Altis and Vios, and Honda pack CD system, leather inte- 24,000 baht. Contact for de- City – automatics and bronze rior, immaculate condition. tails. Tel: 07-6383177, 01- color for rent. All in very good OSTEOPATHY CHEROKEE FOR First-class insurance. Reason 3073631. Email: glennearnold RENT condition with insurance. Spe- Genuine massage by licensed for selling: need pickup truck @yahoo.com cial rates for long-term rental. osteopath. Specialist for back for business purposes. Selling Contact for details. Tel: 01- problems. Call for info. Tel: 01- price: 530,000 baht. Contact HONDA SHADOW 8915296. Email: jikkycar@ 0778940. for more details. Tel: 076- Honda Shadow 400cc, 1998 yahoo.com 396414, 01-8919461. Email: model, cream white/metallic [email protected] Personals blue. Bike is in perfect condi- Wanted tion. Price: 220,000 baht, in- 4.0L auto with leather WHITEWATER 4 x 4s cluding new insurance and seats, for rent. A luxuri- tax. Bike registered in Phuket. canoeing. Looking for partner ous and safe car with 1st- HONDA JAZZ Phuket’s Most Trusted & Tel: 09-9715664. Email: with experience in whitewater SUZUKI JEEP class insurance for rent at I’m interested in taking over a Reputable Supplier of the Finest [email protected] finance contract if you no class 3. I have 2 inflatable ca- for sale. 1993 model, white, only 25,000 baht/month. Quality Used SALOONS, longer want to lease your noes and I know some good engine and transmission tech- Tel: 01-3430777. Email: SEDANS, JEEPS & PICKUPS BEST VALUE WAVE Honda Jazz. Tel: 01-892- whitewater rivers around nically perfect. Body needs to montha_phuket@yahoo. Well-maintained Honda 3058. Email: cyril@porseland. Phuket. If you are a suitable New cars or trade-ins – be repaired. 83,000 baht. Tel: com Wave 125 with electric se canoeing partner, please email we have what you’re 076-346274, 09-1957588. me at: [email protected] looking for starter and disc brake. Pre- Email: royalcoffephuket@ fer to sell but can also give For more info pls call us at gmx.net MERCEDEZ C220 DOUBLE-DECKER Tel: 076-224632, 216243 best deal in Phuket for rental FOR RENT I am looking for secondhand Pets www.suremotor.com of at least a month. Tel: 09- double-decker tour bus PAJERO FOR SALE 5914965. Email: j1mes@ (coach) in good condition, ac- No.1 FOR ANIMAL Blue 3-door 4x4 Pajero jeep, yahoo.com cident-free, and at a decent lovers. Protection, vegetar- 1998 HONDA CIVIC with 2,300cc turbo engine, price. Please email me with ians: “Animals Lament-The VTEC in metallic gold with for sale. Drives well. Price: PHANTOM 4 SALE the price and pictures (of Prophet Denounces” (“The mag wheels, CD box and auto- 350,000 baht. Please con- Well-maintained, latest outside and inside, upstairs Prophet”, No 15). Many may, matic alarm. Price: 420,000 tact for details. Tel: 09- model Honda Phantom for and downstairs). Email: perhaps, be asking them- baht. Call Tel: 01-8915932. 4740269, 06-6821117. sale at 68,000 baht ono, or marcohaajanen@hotmail. Mercedez-Benz C220, dark selves: What do a prophet and Fax: 076-356009 . for long-term rent at the com the animals have to do with TOYOTA SOLUNA best rate you will get any- blue, cream leather seats, each other? To answer this Toyota Soluna 1.5 GLi auto where in Phuket. Tel: 09- auto, CD, etc, very good con- question, here is another ques- for sale. Green, Dec 2000, Motorbikes 5914965. Email: j1mes@ dition with first-class insur- Others tion: Should God remain silent 74,000km, with full service yahoo.com ance, for rent. Price: 39,000 when His creatures are mal- history. A perfect car for baht per month or 15,000 treated in the cruelest ways? 350,000 baht. Call for details. 1998 HARLEY YAMAHA RX 100 baht per week. Tel: 01- 3430777. Thought the days of He will raise His voice for them Tel: 01-2732053. HERITAGE Classic bike for daily use, per- free love were over? and He does it today through fect engine, new tires, 5 Think again! Gabriele, His prophetess, who TOYOTA SOLUNA gears. 7,500 baht. Email: A1 CAR RENTALS gives the animals a voice: "We 1997. 260,000 baht. Per- lovephuket2000@yahoo. 4-door Isuzu High Lander auto: “Personals” ads animals want to meet you as fectly good condition. Full op- com 28,000 baht/month. New placed online are friends, like brothers and sis- tions. Call Tel: 06-2723391. Toyota Altis auto: 28,000 free! ters, so to speak. And you? baht/month. New Toyota Vios FREE on the Island We have done nothing to you. NISSAN CEFIRO Harley Heritage Classic, HONDA WAVE auto: 22,000 baht per month. Why do you do this to us....? I 2002 model in excellent condi- Trader online for in black with more than Very reliable and very well- Toyota Soluna: 15,000 baht/ 60 days. am frightened by people with tion. Gold color, full service his- 150,000 baht of extra cared-for Honda Wave for month. All insured and special cold hearts." Order a free tory, new tires, insurance, chrome, whitewalls, in sale for 18,000 baht. long-term prices offered. FREE in the Phuket booklet (160 pages) from: The farang owned. Down payment showroom condition. Please call or email for more Please call Tel: 09-8314703 Gazette. Word, POB 5643, D-97006 of 130,000 baht plus 23,000 Forced to sell. 650,000 details. Tel: 06-9461347. for details. Go to Wuerzburg, Germany. Email: baht per month. Very good baht. Tel: 076-381648. Email: andrewsussmanll@ [email protected] For value. Tel: 076-283270 or 01- yahoo.com www.phuketgazette.net/ Email: frankvisakay@ classifieds further details, please see 8918027. Email: reelhooker@ hotmail.com CARS 4 RENT www.universal-spirit.cc hotmail.com and place your ad CLASSIC MOTORBIKES 1. Mercedes-Benz 230E. today! Four Hondas from the 1960s Monthly rate: 25,000 baht. and 1970s, and a 1977 2. Jeep-type vehicle. Daily Wheels & Motors Yamaha 100cc. Prices start rate: 700 baht. Advertisements from 6,500 baht. All in good More information please Do Not Drink condition with all papers. contact Tel: 06-6822969. Tap Water! Email: lovephuket2000@ Ask for Mr Smith. Please use this form to write your classified advertisement. yahoo.com Then hand it to any of our agents.

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Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 60 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. All advertising must be paid for in advance. Deadline for Wheels & Motors page: Saturday 12 noon. 36 PHUKET GAZETTE August 14 - 20, 2004