Samui Gazette Edition 35 by Creative Techphoto Co., Ltd.

Nov. 16 - 29, 2011

Vol. 2 No. 8

www.thesamuigazette.com

25 Baht

Flood fears grip Samui By CHERDCHAI TAWEEMUANG

WARY of the current flooding situation affecting the country presently, Koh Samui residents have started building flood barriers in preparation for possible flooding on the island. To get themselves ready to face floods that might result after the heavy rains on Koh Samui, the people of Tambon Maret and Tambon Bophut have been building barriers with sand bags and erecting blockades in front of their houses. e people are afraid that the present ditches will not drain out the flood waters when they come and water will flow into their houses. Mrs. Rebeab and Mr. Leun Chanpong, an old couple who owns a grocery at Tambon Maret, told the Samui Gazette they have to prepare for the flood because their neighbors have already done so. ey are afraid that there will be another flood on Koh Samui because of heavy rains, as has happened before. ey said their grocery was affected by the flooding before. At Tambon Bophut, the peo-

ple have begun using silicone to seal up the holes and patch up possible entrance of ﬂood waters. ey have built blocks from 50cm. to 1 meter to protect their properties. Many people have also already put sandbags in front of their houses. ey said they will only take the barriers away when the rainy season is over. Meanwhile, SomChoke Seubsaithong, manager of Chaweng Regent Hotel and his team, recently donated some money to the local Red Cross to help ﬂood victims around the country. e donation was received by anomsri Rattanarak, president of Koh Samui Red Cross District Branch, and Sukanya Petchkeaw, deputy president of Koh Samui Red Cross District Branch. In a related development, the management team of Tesco-Lotus Chaweng Beach branch, headed by Supap Talwal, director; and Tesco-Lotus Hat Lamai branch; headed by director Anan Yodkoo, have begun donating consumer goods such as rice, food items and water to the local Red Cross District.

FUELLING FLOOD FEARS : An executive of a top resort in Chaweng sent e Samui Gazette this photo of the klong end in their area, which allegedly shows the amount of encroachment by the red dirt landfill after building over the drainage klong. He says the Chaweng drainage klong has now been narrowed to a width of four meters and added they now have to build a two-meter high wall on their road front as they expect even larger flood flow this coming monsoon season in Samui.

Steak chokes Brit? By CHERDCHAI TAWEEMUANG

FLOATING CARES AWAY : is year’s “Loy Krathong” celebrations in many places around ailand were dampened by the current flood crisis gripping the country, but Samui went on with some celebrations anyway. “Loy Krathong” is one of the country’s most awaited festivals, a tradition that goes back since the ancient days of Sukhothai. Highlighted by the floating of krathongs to symbolically float ill fortunes and bad luck away – as this lady (inset) is ready to do -- the tradition pays respect to the Goddess of Waters.

A BRITISH national went recently to eat out with friends in Lamai but while having his steak and french fries, suddenly choked and died. Police identiﬁed the victim as David John Vincent Kemp, 53, from Coventry. Police believed food may have gotten stuck in the victim’s bronchus impairing his ability to breathe or his death may have been caused by heart failure. Ms. ivawanant Hornkum, a 32-year-old waitress at the restaurant said Kemp came with his friends and ordered chicken steak and french fries.

While he and his friends were eating, Kemp suddenly appeared to be having diﬃculty breathing. en she said he fell on the ﬂoor and when they checked him, he was already dead. e police collected the food scraps saying they will send it to a laboratory for analysis. One of his companions, Ms.Wilailuck Peunkoh, said the victim was staying at “Kanchana Bungalow” located near the restaurant. She also said the victim is healthy and doesn’t have congenital disease. e dead body was sent to the

hospital for autopsy. Kemp’s sudden death came just a few days after another British guy from Manchester living on Koh Samui suﬀered a heart attack and died. Paul Barlow, more widely known in the pool community circles as Baz, was said to be his normal usual self when a seizure attacked him and died. e 44-year-old quiet unassuming but very friendly man, is a resident of the island for almost 10 years. He was married to a ai woman and was in charge of the Lamai Pool League.

ISLAND NEWS

Drug queen nabbed By CHERDCHAI TAWEEMUANG A 19-year old student at Rajabhat University in Suratthani, described as one of Koh Samui’s bigtime drug dealers, was arrested recently along with her cohorts after police operatives under the personal supervision of Pol. Supt. Samran Macharoen conducted a raid in their rented house in Lipa Noi. e student, identified as Ms. Kanittha Sripirommit, was arrested along with her boyfriend, Aekkasit Chupradit, 21. Suwit Bunsong, 29, Sumon Khongsut, 39 and another unidentified man, were also arrested during the raid. Samui police said all of them were sitting around the table and putting methamphetamine or ‘ice’ in tiny plastic bags. Police planned the raid in response to information relayed to them by Samui district chief Prasert Jitmung who said certain officials had told him about the involvement of certain students in the drug trade. Police undercover agents had earlier identified the Toyota pick up truck being used as the vehicle for drug distribution and located it parked in front of Ms. Kanittha’s house in Lipa Noi. e house turned out to be the base of operations.

Police seized all the ‘ice’ weighing 75 grams, as well as a digital weighing scale, two bank books, three ATM cards, cash amounting to Bt13,000 and four mobile phones. During interrogation, Ms. Kanittha admitted the drugs belonged to her. She said she bought it from Don Muang in Bangkok for

Bt200,000. She said the ‘ice’ was brought to Samui last Oct 28. She told police she went into the drug business to support her studies but police alleged that they later discovered Ms. Kanittha is a member of a major drug syndicate operating in Muang and Punpin in mainland Suratthani.

DRUG DEALERS COLLARED- Koh Samui Police Superintendent Samran Macharoen (third from left, standing) and his team of operatives present to the media the members of a gang of drug dealers headed by Kanittha Sripirommit (extreme left, seated), a 19-year-old female student at Rajabhat University in Suratthani. e gang was arrested in a recent raid conducted at their rented lair in Lipa Noi.

SAMUI GAZETTE | Nov. 16 - 29, 2011

Thief didn’t spare policeman’s home EVEN the lawmen themselves appear to be not safe from thieves on Koh Samui. Last November 9, a tourist police called the Koh Samui Police Station to report a thief had broken into his house and stole personal items – an 11 mm antique gun and a golden ring worth a total of Bt100,000. Pol. Lt. Parinya Rakkaew, Koh Samui Police Station inquiry officer Koh said the station received a call from Pol. Sr. Sgt. Maj. Den Wilailuck, 43, and a member of the Koh Samui Tourist Police CM7, Tourist Police Division 5 telling them his house was forced open by a thief and stole personal items from his house. Police sent its technology unit and a team of investigators to verify the report to No. 44/102, Moo 1, Tambon Maenam, Amphor Koh Samui and was met by their colleague, who was the owner of the house. Officer Den led police to the back door of the house and showed how a thief forced it open. He also took investigators to his bedroom at the second floor, where police found things scattered on the floor and the drawer of the display open and rummaged. Den told police about the things missing such as a black colored Colt 11 mm gun with serial no.C33622726 and a gold ring. He described the gun as an antique family item and said it was passed on as a will from generation to generation. e police said they have found fingerprints on the mirror of the window and the technology unit is trying to identify who it belongs to so they can search for the thief and prosecute him.

SAMUI GAZETTE | Nov. 16 - 29, 2011

ISLAND NEWS

Shamrock to host expats’ social night

By PATRICK ROXAS

THE Samui Gazette caught up with one of the organizers of Samui Expats’ Social Night, local businessman Marco Maki, to inquire about their next event. Here’s what he shared. Q. Your first event at Nikki Beach, from what we saw, was a resounding success. A. Yes, We had a tremendous response to the Samui Expats’ Social Night -the first event held last month at Nikki Beach. Andy and his staff did an outstanding job hosting our initial kickoff event. Q. So where is the next event on the agenda for the expats living and working on the island to socialize. A. is time we thought we would try something a little different and have a "Pub Night" with great food and live entertainment. Every event we do will have different types of food and different types of live entertainment. at's part of the beauty of this whole concept. Q. Where will this be held and give us an idea of what's in store? A. e next Samui Expats’ Social Night will be held at e

Samui Shamrock in Lamai on the 19th of November. ere will be traditional Irish welcoming drinks! e food being presented will be a combination of Irish as well as other Western style "Pub Fare". e entertainment for the evening will be two acoustic guitar players - Chris Fretwell from the UK and Victor Taboada from Colombia during dinner hour followed by a performance by the Climax rock and roll band for the rest of the evening. Drink specials will include Bt99 house wines/spirits as well as selected draft beers all night long. Q. What is the entrance fee to attend this next event? A. Every event that we will hold is the same entrance fee regardless of the venue. Bt300 gets you in to enjoy welcoming drinks, great food, live entertainment and meeting old and making new friends whom live and work on the island. Q. Do you have future events already planned? A. We will be having a variety of events at diﬀerent venues throughout the island in the future. Already in the makings is a "Polynesian Lua" type event on

the beach, with a pig roast, entertainment, games - a "Traditional ai" night with cooking stations, ai drinks and of course, as always, live entertainment - and then we will be doing ...wait a minute, I'm taking the curiosity out of future events. You'll just have to read e Samui Gazette to ﬁnd out about future events...Marco said with a huge smile on his face. Q. Any other info on this next event you would like to add? A. Only that I hope to see everyone at e Samui Shamrock in Lamai on Saturday, the 19th of November, starting at 7 pm. As always when you attend e Samui Expats’ Social Night, it will be the best Bt300 you have ever spent!

EXPATS’ SOCIAL NIGHT - Shamrock Irish Pub and Grill, located along Lamai Beach Road, will host the second “Samui Expats’ Social Night” set November 19. e monthly event, with Nikki Beach hosting the kick oﬀ activities, aims to provide expats who live and work on the island a place to socialize, meet new friends and enjoy a great night of food, drinks and entertainment.

GAZETTE GIRL # 35 With her most captivating smile, this Bkk-based Thai stunner named Oil, easily turned heads while lazing at the beach during her recent visit to Samui.

THE GAZETTE’S PAGE 3 NEEDS YOU. Because we like to keep things fresh, we invite you to send us your cool photos. Email them to editor@thesamuigazette.com or info@thesamuigazette.com.

ISLAND NEWS

SAMUI GAZETTE | Nov. 16 - 29, 2011

Vikasa yoga studio opens in Chaweng VIKASA Yoga studio, a boutique yoga studio and raw food organic restaurant in Chaweng is now open. e new yoga studio was created by Konstantin Miachin and a team of professionals, with the intention of raising human consciousness, spreading the message of love and peace, and making the world a better place, says its spokesperson, Julia. Described as the only open-air yoga studio on the island at the moment, Vikasa Yoga is located in a beautiful Zen Garden, between Chaweng and Bophut, just opposite Makro supermarket on ring road. e new yoga studio opened at 11am for guests and visitors while a well-attended party and reception started at 5pm. e Vikasa team say visitors can expect: good people, good music, live DJs, live instruments, healthy drinks, juices and snacks, fresh fruits, advanced yoga performances, free memberships

were given away as well as good vibes during the opening. “Our yoga studio dedicated to the study of yoga, holistic health and consciousness evolution is the ideal place to practice yoga, ﬁnd like-minded people, eat healthy food and just chill-out in an amazing zen environment. Joining our community gives you access to daily yoga classes, various healers, nutrition counseling, detox programs, as well as regular workshops and retreats by world class yoga teachers,” Julia told e Samui Gazette. “More than just yoga, we oﬀer you inspiration and transformation whether you live on Koh Samui, or just visiting ailand. Our Yoga Teacher Training is taught by a group of professional leading yoga and spirituality teachers, and will satisfy even the most demanding and inquisitive mind. e café with raw and organic food will not disappoint either, with four international chefs par-

ticipating in menu creation. Vikasa Yoga is truly a place of relaxation and peace, come and see for yourself, you will be touched by our hospitality, devotion and attention to details,” Julia commented. According to Julia, Vikasa Yoga studio is a place to find a perfect yoga class for your level - from Intro to Yoga courses ideal for beginners, to guided ashtanga, mysore style ashtanga, Yoga 23, hatha vinyasa, or pranayama and meditation classes. “Proud to maintain our level of excellence, all our teachers have undergone extensive training in various traditions under the guidance of masters in India, Ukraine, Russia, Canada and ailand. We will be offering a 200-hour yoga alliance certified Yoga teacher training that will surpass all the yoga alliance requirements and will go beyond your expectations,” says Konstantin. ere will also be two compli

donesia, Burma, Cambodia, Laos, India, China and Vietnam. According to Andy, JD travels the world to source inspiring collections of antiques and collectibles for their Koh Samui luxury shop. “We are constantly changing our range which can include anything from period fountains and chandeliers to antique stone and marble furniture, glassware and

Burma, Malaysia and Timor with new and old pieces alike on offer,” he added. For indoor items they offer a good range of oil paintings made by recognized artists from ailand, Malaysia, Cambodia and especially Bali (most are renowned in their place of origin with many artists having international exhibition awards). ey also have many antique and reproduction Buddhas from ailand and Burma made of bronze, teak wood and paper mache. Quality lacquer ware from Burma and rare and unusual Asian collectables especially 99 percent silver shells are also available. e shop also offers a good selection of Chinese antiques and furniture-cupboards and chests with mother of pearl inlay and beautifully painted Tibetan cupboards and chests. is antique indoor/outdoor gallery can be found north of the island at Maenam just near the Maenam Post Office.

Turn to Page 11

Bali Gardens antique shop moves to Maenam

By PATRICK ROXAS JD Antiques and Bali gardens, Koh Samui’s finest antique dealer and fine art gallery and handcarved stone garden statue dealer, has a new home. e shop, which features original ai, Balinese, Burmese, Cambodian, Vietnamese and Asian island paintings, exquisite indoor/outdoor designer teak furniture and the best hand-carved stone garden statues you can find has now moved to the busier ring road in Maenam. To announce their new location, owners Andrew Williams and Noom threw recently what they called a “new stock party” and invited tourists and residents on the island to view their newly arrived items. e antique shop is ideal for those searching for a fine art gallery and handcarved stone statues. e shop has a spacious garden where you can finda large range of Balinese and Javanese hand-carved stone Buddhas, fountains, mythological figures and attractive and brightly colored natural Bali river stone pots. Andy says their unique Asian antiques and collectables are derived mainly from Asia such as ailand, Bali, Malaysia, In-

ceramics, candle sticks, old clocks and beautiful architectural pieces,” he said. “We have a wonderful selection of Koh Samui antiques and furniture for sale on oﬀer in our galleries -fully imported from countries such as Bali, Java,

NEW ANTIQUE SHOP IN MAENAM -JD Antiques and Bali Gardens handcarved stone garden statues shop (top photo) moved to the busy section of the ring road in Maenam to better serve their growing clients composed of expat residents, local ais and tourists. (Below) the men responsible for the shop’s day to day operations (from left) Khun Oh, owner Andy and Tony.

ISLAND NEWS Bake shop owners form group SAMUI GAZETTE | Nov. 16 - 29, 2011

BAKE shop owners on the island recently banded themselves together in an eﬀort to have an organization that will look after their welfare as well as of their workers. During the recent soft opening of Dolce Vida Bake Shop in Chaweng, bakery chefs who attened the aﬀair, discussed ways to increase membership so they will gain more support from suppliers, who are mostly locals, as well as talked about issues like fair pricing so as to discourage underselling of products. Ways to maintain supplier competition was also discussed.

UNITED - Photo shows bake shop owners on Koh Samui as they discussed ways look after better ways to do their businesses during their recent meeting at soft opening of Dolce Vida bake shop in Chaweng.

BIG C-ROTARY CHARITY TEAM UP - Big C general manager Ekahop Chumpurat (left) shakes hands with Rotary president Philip Parker after the Rotary Club of Koh Samui donated hundreds of clothing left over from their September Samui Mala second hand sale. e donation was made in response to the appeal of the supermarker giant for help for the victims of the ﬂood disaster in Bangkok.

Rotary Club joins Big C in helping Bangkok ﬂood victims

NOW! AN ADDITIONAL STORE AT BEAUTIFUL WORLD FURNITURE STORE IN MAENAM Address: 69/35 Moo 5 Ring Road Maenam, Koh Samui Suratthani Thailand and At Nikki Beach 96/3 Moo2 Lipa Noi, Koh Samui Suratthani Thailand

IN recognizing the need for help for the victims of the flood disaster in Bangkok, the Rotary Club of Koh Samui has donated hundreds of articles of clothing left over from their September Samui Mala Second Hand Sale to the appeal made by supermarket giant Big C. Members of the club contacted the local Koh Samui store General Manager Khun Ekahop Chumpurat who rallied his staff to help take the clothing in to the supermarket for later delivery to Big C’s main warehouse in Bangkok. From there, Big C will be using their own transport and with the help of local charities and local government departments will distribute the clothes along with other donations from their country wide supermarkets to those most in need. Rotary Clubs throughout in ailand have also set themselves a target of purchasing and distributing one million bottles of water to flood victims. e Rotary Club of Koh Samui has already sent a donation of 30,000 baht from their Disaster Fund to help achieve this target.

POLICE

SAMUI GAZETTE | Nov. 16 - 29, 2011

Accountant runs away with hotel’s money By CHERDCHAI TAWEEMUANG

AN ACCOUNTANT in a hotel in Chaweng is now wanted by her employer for allegedly running away and taking with her some Bt445,000 in cash, which was intended to help flood victims. Mr.Suppasith Techasarin and Mrs. SaranyaTechasarin, a couple managing the Chaweng Park Place Hotel, said their accountant, whom they identified as Ms.Somjai Intarawijit, 32, ran away with the hotel’s cash amounting to Bt435,000 and Bt10,000 employees’ cash. e money was reportedly being prepared to help the victims of floods. e couple said they are offering a reward to the person who can provide information on the whereabouts of Ms. Somjai. e accountant, a native of Saraburi province, was said to have left her house with her belongings and the money. Mr. Suppasith said he feels sad

Drug-dealing draftee arrested

WANTED EMPLOYEE - Mr. Suppasith Techasarin and his wife Saranya Techasarin shows a photo of their accountant, Ms. Somjai Intarawijit, who allegedly ran away with their hotel’s money amounting to Bt445,000. because he took care of Ms. Somjai and her family like a relative and gave a house for her to stay with her husband and son. He said he gave her a job and looked for the school for her son as well. Mr. Suppasith said her accountant is so ungrateful and he has asked Pol. Lt. Kochon

Lanamteang, Bophut Police Station inquiry oﬃcer, to record the case and that he will give a reward to the one who can provide information on her whereabouts. He said anyone who ﬁnd her to please call Pol. Lt. Kochon at 077415567 or him, Mr. Suppasith Techasarin, on this number 081 597 8592.

KOH Samui police have arrested a ai military draftee with 10 grams of ‘ice’ drug that he hid in his girlfriend’s bedroom. He allegedly confessed that he needed money for take care of his father who is sick. Acting on a tip, the police went to a house in Soi Borromthanarat 2, Moo 5, Tambon Namuang, and found Kriengkrai Sangsing, 22, Army Speciﬁc Unit 38 Narathiwat province with 13 plastic bags (weight 13.09 grams) of ‘ice’ drug hidden inside a carry bag (pink color). e police brought him to the Koh Samui Police Station for investigation. e suspect allegedly admitted he is a soldier (draftee) of speciﬁc unit 38, Ampher Ra-ngae, Narathiwat province. He allegedly said he got the drug from a certain Mr. Akekaraj at Ampher Sichon, Nakhon Sri ammarat province and took them when he went on leave to visit his girl friend on the island. He allegedly admitted to doing this drug dealing with local teenagers twice already. He allegedly said he needs the money to take care of his sick father sick and to give to someone who can help him change his status at Narathiwat. He is presently in the local jail, awaiting prosecution.

Court officer dies in motorbike mishap A FEMALE local court officer died when a six-wheeler garbage collection truck crashed on aweerajpakdee Road near the incinerator entrance and hit her recently. e victim, identified as Supon Datvej, 29, an officer of the Samui Court, was reportedly riding a motorcycle heading for Tambon Namuang when the speeding garbage truck following her crashed her motorcycle, ac-

cording to witnesses. e driver then allegedly left the truck and escaped. Police who responded to the scene at Moo 5, Tambon Namuang, found the six- wheeled truck (green and white stripe) without license plate, but with a sticker “Samui Clean Town Company” on the sides. e truck reportedly belongs to a company who won the bidding to collect garbage around Koh

Samui. e truck sustained minor damage and the dead body of the victim was under it with a motorcycle. Police identiﬁed the driver as Wisit Chareonpon, 49, of No. 42, Moo 2, Tambon Maret. ey are still looking to bring him to prosecution as of this writing.

Headless body found floating on the sea A DEAD body, headless and without the legs, of unknown nationality, was found by a fisherman floating on the sea in an area between Baan Taling-Ngam and Raja Ferry Port recently. Police who responded to the scene found the decapitated body floating near the beach. A rescue team brought the body to the beach for initial autopsy and discovered the body was not only headless but its elbows and legs were also gone. Police believed the body has been dead for about 10 days. ey described the body as big and beginning to rot but without a wound. e age was presumed to be

between 30-35 years old. Police believe the victim could be a crew of the ﬁshing boat and had a quarrel with someone who killed him and cut him to pieces

and threw them to the sea. Police sent the dead body to the Koh Samui Hospital to wait for relatives and follow up the case.

Man shot in pub brawl A 21-year-old male was recently shot by an unidentified suspect after a brawl erupted at a Chaweng pub frequented by young people. Police responded after the radio center of Koh Samui received notification about a group of young people fighting and a shooting incident inside the Swiss Zone Pub on Chaweng Beach. After the police dispersed a crowd of 50 ai and foreigners inside the pub, they found drops of blood and a pair of sandals on the dance floor. A witness said pub guests were on the dance floor when the victim, a male teenager was shot. Allegedly the victim -- identified as Saksiri Prommes, 21, of

Moo 3, Tambon Bophut -- and his friends were trying to flirt with a girl on the dance floor. en, the witness said a gunshot was heard and the victim dropped on the floor. Another man, aged around 2530 and wearing jeans and short sleeve shirt with a tattoo on his left and right arms was seen running out from the pub, witness said. e victim was brought to the Bangkok Samui Hospital I.C.U. He suffered a shot between his eyebrows and the bullet grazed his forehead. But he is said to be recovering now. e police are following up the case and currently hunting for the suspect gun man.

SAMUI GAZETTE | Nov. 16 - 29, 2011

ISLAND NEWS

Bophut police told to protect travelers By CHERDCHAI TAWEEMUANG BOPHUT Police Station personnel are currently undertaking serious training to enable them to be better prepared in maintaining peace and order and preventing or minimizing crimes from during the high season for tourism on Koh Samui. e objective is to prepare the police force to be ready to take action 24 hours a day and make the residents and the visiting tourists more comfortable and confident. is, according to Pol. Lt. Col. Kraireuk Ngamsriorn – deputy superintendent of Bophut Police Station, who told e Samui Gazette about the tourism high season coming up on December and New Year and how every unit of the police force are preparing for it. e police official cited especially the crime protection, investigation and the traffic unit and the volunteer police to take the necessary action 24 hours a day to reduce the number of people who die or get injured due to accidents. He said the police have to enforce strict discipline the traffic

laws and make the motorists aware of the campaign about safety driving. He also asked the people to give a hand in reducing accidents by observing traffic rules. Kraireuk said police officers in every unit have to take action seriously and sacrifice themselves and follow the policy of Royal ai Police - “Serve the people like they are the relatives and protect them like they are our family”. “It will be a noble thing to do and is our duty to the people and the nation,” he said. He stressed that safety is the one of the most important and said he will send police officers to check up every area in Bophut to protect the assets of businesses and residents and to get rid of the thieves and the muggers as well. He also said the police will go and check update news about the crimes because Koh Samui is one of the most popular destinations during the high season for tourism in ailand. High season starts at the end of November and continue till early next year.

POLICE BRIEFING - Bophut Police Station deputy superintendent Pol. Lt. Col. Kraireuk Ngamsriorn (right) addresses Bophut police personnel recently during a briefing on the need to prepare themselves for 24-hour a day job during the high season for tourism on the island. He said this is to ensure the safety and comfort of tourists and to minimize or prevent crimes from happening. He also asked the police officers to strictly enforce the traffic laws.

Fund-raising for flood victims held A FUND-RAISER for the benefit of the flood victims in ailand was held In Chaweng Lake recently. e event, which coincided with the Loy Krathong celebration, was organized by Samui Callin group, who aims to donate funds raised to the farmers working in coordination with the Flood Relief Center of Wing 2 Air Force, Lopburi province. e event held at the Chaweng Lake Center indoor and outdoor facility, which was made open to the public, and ran from 610pm. It was a good turn out with an evening of Kin Hao, in the Samui picnic party tradition. Hot and cold buffet foods, and beverages, of all types, were on sale with the proceeds going to the cause.

NATION

SAMUI GAZETTE | Nov. 16 - 29, 2011

'Big Bag' barrier to stem northern

overﬂow to capital completed BANGKOK - e building of a

duce water overﬂowing into Don

(FROC), which is located at the

six kilometer - long 'Big Bag'

Muang, Lak Si and Bang Khen

Energy Ministry inside the En-

barrier to curb overﬂowing into

districts, including the two key

ergy Complex is operating nor-

the deluge from the inner north

roads - Phaholyothin and Vib-

mally even though there is one

from Bangkok, has been com-

havadi - Rangsit - and Khlong

meter of ﬂooding on Vibhavadi-

pleted.

Prapa, the main source of tap

Rangsit Road.

is, according to Transport Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat who said the operations using 1-

water for the capital and neighboring provinces. Mr. Sukumpol said the au-

Sand bags were placed as antiﬂood barriers and oﬃcials are closely monitoring the level of

2 ton sandbags piled up as a

thorities were putting 'ﬁnishing

water as it continued to overﬂow

makeshift ﬂood prevention dyke

touches' to the barrier with small

from the drainage system.

for six kilometers on Rangsit

sand bags to ﬁll in some points

Muang Ek Road has been com-

that may have holes and leaks.

pleted, he said. e action is expected to re-

In a related development, the

Water pumps have also been prepared in case of emergency. (MCOT online news)

Flood Relief Operations Centre

Bt00 billion initially prepared for flood rehabilitation plan BANGKOK - e government has initially prepared Bt100 billion for rehabilitation plans to help those who were affected by the flood crisis nationwide, while residents living in western Bangkok were urged to be patient as floods sweeping those areas for weeks already would likely linger for a long period of time, says Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. Addressing the public on her weekly TV and radio program, "Yingluck Government Meets the People," the Prime Minister said

the government has initially set aside Bt100 billion to restore homes and government offices which were damaged by the flood. e budget would be spent on measures and systems that could protect major economy areas from future floods, she said, adding that Nakhon Sawan and Ayutthaya would be in line for rehabilitation from flood damage. Ms. Yingluck said that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Royal Irrigation Department have affirmed that if the drainage plan ran

smoothly, most areas in eastern Bangkok could be spared from flooding but the residents on the western side of the capital city have to be patient as water would recede slower than in the east by from one to two weeks. e Premier admitted that she was fatigued but said she has strong will and would go on tackling the flood crisis and she would not let anyone meanwhile obstruct the flood plans to solve the problem. (MCOT online news)

Metro Waterworks Authority reduces tap water production BANGKOK - e ai capital's Metropolitan Waterworks Authority has cut tap water production at its Bang Khen plant by 200,000 cubic meters a day as more time is needed to treat and improve the quality of water from flood-impacted Khlong Prapa, the city's main source of drinking water. Officials of the agency said the plant, the MWA's largest, must reduce its capacity due to lower levels of dissolved oxygen in its raw water supply after floodwater inundated Khlong Prapa. e cut will result in tap water running low in some areas. . e agency also asked residents living

along Khlong Prapa to refrain from dismantling the earthen dykes along the canal as the action would affect tap water production, meaning the MWA would have to further reduce its volume of production. In an effort to prevent water flowing into non -flood protection wall sections of Khlong

Prapa, the agency has further strengthened its flood defense sandbags line with 1.6 ton. All MWA offices except those in flooded areas are distributing free to the public water drinking around the clock. (MCOT online news)

Do-It-Yourself items to help deal with flood BANGKOK - ailand has seen several months of devastating floods, the biggest in the past 50 years. e megaflood has claimed more than 400 lives and caused tremendous damage to farms and property. While millions in the north and central plains are struggling to live with harsher living conditions, some have come up with brilliant ideas to live with the water. Although both public and private sectors are tirelessly helping flood victims, it might not be enough only to wait for assistance from others. We must be prepared to help ourselves. In order to fight the flood crisis and to protect ourselves from such situations, some in already flooded areas have been trying to protect their homes or workplaces by all means possible, using conventional wisdom, while others started inventing new solutions, coming up with do-it-yourself (DIY) approaches in facing the floodwaters or helping other people. A toilet is a necessary convenience for us human beings. A folding portable toilet has been developed by the Faculty of Engineering at the Prince of Songkhla University in the south.

One mobile toilet comprises a folding seat, made of a thick wooden board, and a curtain part using plastic to hook with a steel frame. e curtain can be adapted for use as a mobile shower if a water tank is connected. In addition to the toilet, an automatic sandbag loading machine was created as practical quick fix flood response by the Engineering Faculty of Rajamangala University of Technology anyaburi. Working a full capacity the machine only needs two people to load wet or dry sand in 7-14 sandbags in just one minute, resulting in 420 to 840 sandbags per hour. It can convey sand at the rate of 60-140 kg/minute. e machine is controlled by a one-horsepower engine, and also has a built-in mobile electric generator. Meanwhile, an item to save lives when the water level is high is a life vest or a buoyancy aid. A good life jacket will help its wearer float in the water with his or her mouth and nose above water even when losing consciousness. Plastic bottles have been collected and used as rafts, or recycled into life-saving jackets. According to the Mirror Turn to Page 11

SAMUI GAZETTE | Nov. 16 - 29, 2011

BUSINESS

Nearly 10,000 factories damaged by flood BANGKOK - ailand’s worst flooding in memory has caused damage to almost 10,000 factories, forcing some 660,000 employees temporarily into unemployment, according to Deputy Industry Minister Suphap Kleekachai. Mr. Suphap said that a total of 9,859 factories have closed - both inside and outside affected by the worst flooding the industrial estates - while the disaster has affected at least short-term and perhaps longer-term unemployment for 660, 000 workers who were employed by the factories. Seven Ayutthaya and Pathum ani industrial estates - Saha Rattana Nakhon,. Bang Pa-in, Rojana, Hi-Tech, Factory Land,

Nava Nakorn and Bangkadi were earlier forced to close due to the deep floodwater. Lat Krabang Industrial Estate in Min Buri district and Bangchan district are on “high guard” trying to fight the deep floodwater expected to flow into the areas in the last few weeks. He said 838 factories in the seven industrial parks and estates in Ayutthaya and Pathum ani were hit by the flood and that 382,693 workers were unemployed which caused direct damage of nearly Bt500 billion, while indirect damage could add another Bt300 billion to the losses. Mr. Suphap said the ministry would set up a working group to inspect all factories to assess the

damage incurred. Details and exact costs of the collective damages will be submitted to the government for its consideration of extending assistance. e ministry will also form a panel to rehabilitate the factories, and contact persons will be appointed to coordinate between the public and private sectors to revive the businesses as quickly as possible. e deputy minister said the government would try its best to protect the remaining industrial estates. e managers of all the industrial estates are prepared to give maximum protection to their properties. (MCOT online news)

BoT reduces GDP growth projection to 2.6 percent BANGKOK -e Bank of ailand (BoT) lowered its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth projection for 2011 significantly from 4.1 to 2.6 percent, factoring in the country's estimated Bt140 billion damage losses, owing to the widespread flood, assistant governor Paiboon Kittisrikangwan said recently. e Central Bank's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) considered and assessed current economic data and the country's flood situation until Oct. 19. Mr. Paiboon explained that the floods have affected manufac-

turing activities at six industrial estates, excluding Bangkadi Industrial Park, in the central provinces of Ayutthaya and Pathum ani. As the flooding continues, Lat Krabang Industrial Estate in Eastern Bangkok may be affected. If floodwaters spread into inner Bangkok, the cumulative impact on trade, tourism and related sectors is likely to be prolonged and more severe than previously expected. However, provided that the flood situation concludes by the end of the year, the MPC expects

domestic growth to recover in 2012 with key support from reconstruction spending, together with ﬁscal stimulus through the government's direct spending and additional measures such as the rice pledging scheme and the minimum wage increase. Under the baseline scenario, the MPC projects the economy to grow by 1.4 percent in 2012 on the back of domestic demand recovery, the strength of which will make up for some anticipated loss in export momentum due to the global slowdown. (MCOT online news)

S&P sees no ratings change on Japanese automakers, suppliers after ai floods BANGKOK - Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said recently there is no immediate impact on its ratings on Japanese automakers and suppliers after ailand's floods disrupted their supply chains. e floods have forced companies including Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co. Ltd., Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. to temporarily suspend operations at their plants in ailand. e country is the largest manufacturing base in Southeast Asia for the Japanese automobile industry. In some cases, the supply chain disruptions are also affecting vehicle production outside ailand. ailand's severe floods could slow recovery in the profitability

of Japanese automakers and suppliers, after the Japan earthquake in March caused production cuts in the first half of the current fiscal year (ending March 31, 2012),the rating agency said in a statement. "However, we currently do not expect the impact of the floods to be as severe and prolonged as the production cuts that we saw after the earthquake. is is because ai-made parts and vehicles are generally less difficult to replace than those made in other regions. erefore, we do not expect the floods to cause protracted pressure on Japanese automakers' profitability and to have a longterm impact on their market positions," the statement said. Nevertheless, if the floods eventually result in severe and ex-

tended production cuts that lead us to believe that they will likely impair the automakers' profitability and market positions in a serious manner over the long run, we may consider negative rating actions," the statement said. e Associated Press news agency reports that Toyota Motor Corp. is trimming production at its group assembly plants in Japan due to a shortage of parts from suppliers in ailand, where severe ﬂooding has disrupted its supply chain. AP quoted Toyota oﬃcial Shiori Hashimoto as saying Japan's biggest automaker has suspended overtime work from Monday to Friday at four Toyota factories and seven group companies that assemble cars and trucks.

STRANDED PLANE - Photo shows an aircraft stranded at Don Muang airport in Bangkok after ﬂoodwaters entered the country’s capital from the north submerging most parts of ailand’s capital for weeks.(Photo courtesy of MCOT News)

ai bourse postpones overseas road shows awaiting clear flood rehabilitation plan BANGKOK - ailand's flood crisis has prompted the Stock Exchange of ailand (SET) to postpone its overseas road shows to the year-end, SET president Charamporn Jotikasthira said recently. e Exchange is awaiting clarification from the government on its post-flood rehabilitation plans and ai economic conditions, as well as future flood prevention measures before the bourse will attempt to explain the country's investment scene to foreign investors, so that they understand the situation and regain confidence in ailand, he said. e SET has so far

responded to their inquiries and notified inquirers that its trading system remains functional as normal impacts from flooding caused the bourse to delay its plan to attract leading foreign investors, such as those from Australia, China and Italy to invest in stock market because it first needs to boost confidence among them on stock trading system, executing orders between brokers and the country's basic infrastructure. He reaffirmed that stock trading volume of foreign investors is still normal and that it is in the same direction as other stock markets in the region. (MCOT online news)

Now at new location just across Farmer’s Restaurant

OPINION

SAMUI GAZETTE | Nov. 16 - 29, 2011

Editorial

Admirable ai civil society e reaction of the ai population to flooding north of Bangkok and in Bangkok itself has reconfirmed to me the inherent goodness and civility of the ai people. Very little in the form of looting and general civil unrest has occurred. ai people have stepped up to the mark recently and are proving their innate resilience and goodwill to their fellow countrymen in this time of emergency. Contrast that to the near total breakdown of civil order in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, in Aug- Sep 2005. Anyone who remembers the chaos, disorganization, and inhumanity on the part of affected residents and governmental response of the post hurricane period has to be impressed that in ailand - civil society has continued to function so well. is not to say that there are not exceptions. ere are reports of overcharging for boat rides and some robberies taking place in affected flood areas. e government has responded in a sometimes confusing and contradictory way. But overall, there seems to be an inherent humanity that has prevailed. We saw this last year in our own flooding in the south of ailand. We were pretty much left on our own to cope with the disaster, but after-effects were short. Everyone just rolled up their sleeves, cleaned up the mess and we’re back to normal life in a remarkably short period of time. It says something about the fact that self-reliance is a key component of the ai mentality. Don’t rely on too much on other folks and you won’t be disappointed. ese are some of the reasons cited for the breakdown in New Orleans: Failure to track the number of people at emergency shelters, and provide adequate facilities and shelters, and provide adequate facilities and resources; Failure to define who is in charge, conflicts over authority, and inadequate communication among top-level decision-makers; Failure to distribute food and water immediately after the hurricane; Failure to help evacuate families of essential staff (police, fire, transit, healthcare, utility, etc.) so they could concentrate on emergency response; Failure to use public transit, school buses, charter buses and trains for evacuation; Failure to show respect and compassion to disadvantaged people; Failure to have an effective evacuation plan for non-drivers. Failure to offer free or subsidized evacuation transport to people who need it; Failure of communications systems (telephone service stopped) and backup generators at critical facilities; Failure to offer free or subsidized evacuation; and Failure to coordinate vehicle rentals, fuel distribution and services along evacuation route. ese reasons seem to be a part of the mind-set that that says more than is evident. ey relied on the government to solve the problem and when it didn’t, then society broke down. e bigger question is why inherent decency did not prevail, where everyone helped each other, as seems to be happening in ailand today. While it is dangerous to compare a hurricane aftermath to the slow advance of the flooding we are seeing, I would hope that the general spirit of generosity of spirit would prevail in most circumstances. It gives us cause to hope.

Apple IN America they have two political parties -the Democratic Party (the donkey??) currently run by President Barak Obama and then we have the Republican Party (the elephant???) run by what I can only describe as are erm how to put it politely - nutters. Every four years they the USofAers have a presidential race. Now no matter what party you support the fun begins the year before they have a race to see who is going to be running for the job to be the opposition parties leader and then run for the big job against Obama in the next general election and try to become the commander and chief. Well, at the moment there are not very many good choices since everybody still believes it is a formality that Obama will have four more years. So basically it’s who wants to NOT become the president and ruin their own chances in ﬁve years time when Obama will have to leave the oﬃce and then whoever is leading the Republican Party will have a much better chance to win. e thing that is funny the most is the way the US tv and media show the people what is

going on. After John McCain lost to Obama - he was way too old ( 75 years to be precise) - and a little bit crazy which was shown with his choice of running mate in Sarah Palin. Now she was and is a comedians dream the quotes that came out of her mouth were unbelievable, from not knowing her own policies to getting many parts of America history completely wrong. Sarah Palin is a smart cookie but at the same time a complete fool and I’m sure she will not be running for the job this year but she will deﬁnitely be up for it the next time around and with her good looks and mad behavior has probably got a good chance of becoming Americas ﬁrst female president. But some of the people vying for to be president this time around are a joke. It seems so much more farfetched than in England it is Disney world politics in America. ey really like to put the politicians on a pedestal and then the next day, knock them down. Mitt Romney is the man most think has the best chance but

many don’t like him not because he is a Mormon but his views are not far right enough and he has free health care in his State which is working but his party does not agree so he ﬂip ﬂops saying it works for his state but will not do it for the rest of the country. Did I forget to mention that you need money to run for the big job and when I say money I mean a lot. Mitt has spent over $15,000,000 and has that again to spend just to get a chance of getting the big job. Wow! America is a mad mad place. Second position at the moment is a bit harder to choose, because as soon as one of the other candidates take a lead something they say or do puts them right back down again. As I write this article the second place goes to Herman Cain who no one thought would have a chance but so many mistakes by others have helped his cause. But even this fellow was being interviewed and said he was misquoted about building a fence between the US and Mexico and maybe making it an electric fence, then in the very next sentence said he did think an electric fence was a Turn to page 11

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SAMUI GAZETTE | Nov. 16 - 29, 2011

OPINION

THE WALKER Des Gillet Des Gillet is a British expat and a long time resident of Lamai who seems to hate riding a motorbike and loves walking around Samui. He is also a staunch advocate of no smoking on the island.

Ring road walk for charity LAST November 2, I attended the Rotary Club meeting at the Renaissance Resort in Lamai and the Rotary president, Philip Parker, allowed me to speak about our planned RRW (ring road walk). As I wrote in the last issue, Geir Salamonsen, myself and anyone else who would like to join us, are aiming to walk the whole of Koh Samui's ring road, starting at 7am on Sunday 18th December from Amy Village (opposite Tesco Lotus in Lamai). I outlined our plan to the guests and showed them the potential for raising money for charity and they all showed enthusiasm and one of the guests, Stephen First, past president of Rotary Club (Hong Kong South), took his wallet out and presented me with Bt3,000 which I immediately passed on the Adele, the club secretary. ank you Stephen, your generosity has got the ball rolling. My original plan was that we would ask for banker's drafts or direct bank transfers but last night the idea of volunteers going round in the back of a pick-up with collection boxes was brought up, so that anyone who wants to donate can give cash if they wish but as I said before, I personally would prefer banker's drafts, to keep it "squeaky clean" but whatever, it will all go towards the cause. Just to repeat the bank details: SIAM COMMERCIAL BANK,

FUND-RAISING PROJECT GETS ROLLING - Stephen First ( left), Rotary Club (HK South) past president hands over Bt3,000 cash donation to the Ring Road Walk for Charity scheduled for December 18 this year, represented by ROCKS president Philip Parker (right) and one of the walkers, Des Gillet (middle). Funds raised from donations to this project will be used to buy computers and IT equipment for 18 temple schools on the island which are unfunded by the municipality.

LAMAI. A/C. NO: 809-2-048020 PAYEE: "ROTARY CLUB OF KOH SAMUI PROJECTS" e money raised will be used to buy computers and IT equipment for 18 temple schools on the island which are unfunded by local government. Weather permitting, this will be an approximate timetable for our walk: Amy Village, Lamai: 7am Tesco Lotus, Chaweng: 8:30am Tourist Police, Bhoput: 8:50am Jack Bar, Maenam: 9:20am Madame Jeed's, Bang Por: 10:10am Tesco Lotus, Nathon: 11:20am Amy Village, Lamai: 2.20pm is timetable is assessed on

Geir's last walk, my own time is likely to be an hour slower (or more) but I'll be doing my best. So, come out and support us, you know it's for a good cause, helping with the education of Samui's future workers. If you are passing in your car or on your bike, give us a wave or a little toot on you horn, we'll appreciate it. In the event of adverse weather conditions, we'll have to postpone it to a later date but all being well, it will be "all systems go" at 7am on the 18th December. If you want to join us on the walk or come and help us as gophers or collectors of donations, give me a call on 0857854574 or e-mail des100766@yahoo.co.uk .

when she had an entire interview while looking at the wrong camera. Hilarious. Now all of the above mentioned have such extreme views it really does amaze me how America gets anything done. ey have had several debates on live TV across America and the more you hear them speak the more you think these are crazy people. ey all seem to get the basic facts wrong and when they are pulled up for it they just say how the question was ﬁxed or rigged. Now it may sound like I am a staunch liberal or democrat but believe me

I am not but I love watching the politicians squirm and so they should if they are running for the biggest job in the world. e largest problem with all these people is it comes down to not what is best for the country but just whatever the other party says you have to disagree with it, which is really childish behavior and it really doesn’t help anyone at all. I forget which comedian said “anyone who wants to become a politician should not be allowed to become one”. I pretty much agree with that.

Rambles on . . . From Page 10

viable option! en we have Rick Perry or George Bush the third. As he is the governor of Texas same as the Bush boys and sounds a lot like him but a bit better on the eye for the cameras but he was doing ﬁne again until he opens his mouth and a load of nonsense just keeps on coming out. en in fourth place is Michele Bachmann who again was the front runner until Mr Perry came along but this one is great for putting her foot in her mouth also, the funniest moment of her campaign was

Vikasa yoga... From Page 4 mentary classes on that date, staring at 10:00am and 16:00pm. e founder of Vikasa Konstantin - is an international yoga teacher and founder of Vikasa Yoga, based in Koh Samui, ailand. He has been passionately learning, practicing, and teaching Yoga for over six years, and his passion has lead him to search out his own personal development throughout the world. is quest has brought him into contact with many different schools and masters all over the world, in places such as Rishikesh, Uttar Kashi, Gangotri, Kerala, Goa, Canada, ailand, Hong Kong and Ukraine to name a few. He has completed teacher trainings in three different disciplines, including Ashtanga Vinyasa, Yoga 23 and Sivananda. Such an overwhelming wealth of knowledge has led to a deeper understanding of yoga practice as an ever evolving process – rather than a finalized system, as a tool for evolution of a human being – rather than a goal in itself. Hence, the concept of “Evolution of Yoga” was born. “e concept of “evolution of yoga” is based on the notion that

everything in the world evolves constantly, including human beings,” Konstantin says. “Our primary goal as a human race and that of any living organism is evolution, and yoga can be seen as a tool to facilitate such evolution in any given individual,” he added. He said, however, as the practice of yoga itself changes with time and place, as new techniques are being introduced, the approach is becoming more technical, precise and scientiﬁc, any deﬁnition of it as a system or style seems to be a limitation in itself. “erefore, the “Evolution of Yoga” approach has to be seen as an ever-evolving process, based on classical hatha yoga techniques, which anyone can be a part of, rather than a complete static system,” the yoga teacher said.

“ You can not do yoga, yoga is your natural state, what you can do is yoga exercises, which will reveal to you where you are resisting this natural state…” –Konstantin Miachin

Do-It Yourself... From Page 8 Foundation, which makes such vests to help ﬂood victims, life jackets made from big plastic bottles can carry a weight of about 80kg, while bottles of medium size can carry about 60kg. Other do-it-yourself items include the Disease Control Department's ultimate life bags, which are similar to school bags and can support about 100kg. Suranaree University of Technology has ﬂat-bottomed boats made from steel rods, canvas and plywood at a cost of Bt2,000

($66), and Wangsapung Industrial and Community College has the IDEA Cover Car, made of 100% water-proof plastic which is durable to stay in water for 3 months. In time of crisis, it is touching and gratifying when human beings help each other, but it is always better to be able to help yourself and try your best not to solely depend on others' help. (MCOT online news) Source: www.manager.co.th, www.khaosod.co.th

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AMAZON KINDLE Read thousands of books Chris 084 054 5510 Learn to dance to the sensual rhythms of Salsa, Bachata, Merengue Every Saturday 2.00pm or 3.30 pm at Big C, ai Dancing Studio. Bring socks or dance shoes. Beginners welcome. Call for more information: 08-36330365 or visit www.salsasamui.com

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SAMUI GAZETTE | Nov. 16 - 29, 2011

FOR SALE Panasonic TV + DVD player Surround Sound, Subwoofer and high quality 3 tier wood stand

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SAMUI GAZETTE | Nov. 16 - 29, 2011

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FEATURES

SAMUI GAZETTE | Nov. 16 - 29, 2011

How to cope and deal with bees THERE are about 200,000 different species of bees in the world. Bees live in colonies and there are three types of bees in each colony. ere is the queen bee, the worker bee and the drone. e worker bee and the queen bee are both female, but only the queen bee can reproduce. All drones are male. Worker bees clean the hive, collecting pollen and nectar to feed the colony and they take care of the oﬀspring. e drones only job is to mate with the queen. e queen’s only job is to lay eggs. Bees store their venom in a sac attached to their stinger and only female bees sting. at is because the stinger, called an ovipositor, is part of the female bee’s reproductive design. A queen bee uses her ovipositor to lay eggs as well as sting. Sterile females, also called worker bees, don’t lay eggs. ey just use their ovipositor to sting. Bees see all colors except the

color red. at and their sense of smell help them find the flowers they need to collect the pollen. Not only is pollen a food source for bees, but some of the pollen is dropped in flight resulting in cross pollination. Certain species of bees die after stinging because their stingers, which are attached to their abdomen, have little barbs or hooks on them. When this type of bee tries to fly away, after stinging something, part of the abdomen is ripped away. Bumble Bees Bumblebees are considered to be beneficial insects because they pollinate crops and plants. ey are very social bees and live in large “families.” Unlike honeybees, bumblebees can sting more than once because their stingers are smooth and do not get caught in the skin when they fly away. Diet Worker bees gather both pollen and nectar from flowers to feed to the larvae and other members of the colony.

Habitat Bumblebees often nest in the ground, but can be found above ground around patio areas or decks. ey will sometimes build their nests in attics or under roof beams. If disturbed bumblebees will buzz loudly, and they will aggressive defend their nests. Impact As part of the aggressive defense of their nests, bumblebees will chase nest invaders for long distances. e bumblebee sting is one of the most painful stings. Swelling and irritation can last for days after you are actually stung. Prevention Bumblebees can be prevented through inspection of potential areas and removal of potential nesting materials. Because bumblebees will sting when threatened, homeowners are advised not top address the infestation themselves. A pest management professional or bee keeper should be called in to help.

YELLOW HUT PUB FOR SALE For Sale Restaurant and Pizzeria with Wood Oven, the ONLY ONE in Lamai Beach, Koh Samui Thailand. Attractive Price, for more details, CONTACT MY E-MAIL mocellincristina@gmail.com, or Facebook. PHONE 0066(0)844557528 OR RAYMOND 0066(0)878844166 THANKYOU VENDESI RISTORANTE PIZZERIA CON FORNO A LEGNA , L'UNICO A LAMAI BEACH, KOH SAMUI THAILANDIA. PREZZO INTERESSANTE, CONTATATE LA MIA E-MAIL MOCELLINCRISTINA@GMAIL.COM, O IN FACEBOOK. TELEFONO 0066(0)844557528 OR RAYMOND 0066(0)878844166 GRAZIE. РЕСТОРАН НА ПРОДАЖУ пиццерии с духовкой, только в Самуи, СамуиТаиланд. ЦЕНА интересное, МОЙ E-MAILMOCELLINCRISTINA@GMAIL.COM ИЛИ Facebook. Телефон 0066 (0) 844 557 528 0066 или

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Carpente Bees Carpenter bees are solitary bees. ey build nests just for themselves and only feed their own young. ey get their name from their ability to drill through wood. Carpenter bee stingers are not barbed, so they are not able to sting over and over again. Diet Worker bees gather both pollen and nectar from ﬂowers to feed the larvae and other members of the colony. Habitat Carpenter bees bore through soft woods to lay their eggs and protect their larvae as they develop. Female carpenter bees will chew a tunnel into a piece of wood to build a nest gallery. e bits of wood she chews and deposits outside the nest are called “frass”. e tunnel openings usually look about one to two inches deep, but they can be up to 10 inches long! ese tunnels usually have several rooms where the bees hold their eggs and food. Impact Carpenter bees do not pose a public health threat, but they can do cosmetic damage to the wood where they build their nests. Carpenter bees are beneﬁcial because they pollinate plants that are ignored by Honeybees. Prevention Carpenter bees can drill into almost any wood, but prefer bare wood so painting and staining wood can sometimes deter them. However, they will sometimes attack stained or painted wood, and their nests can be hard to reach, so a pest management professional or a beekeeper should be called in to help. Killer Bees

e Africanized Honey Bee, also known as the “killer bee” lives in South America and the Western and Southern United States. ey have been known to chase for over a quarter of a mile once they get excited and aggressive. Even though they are called “killer” bees, their venom is no more dangerous than regular honey bees. eir attacks are more harmful because they tend to attack in greater numbers, increasing your chance of having a severe allergic reaction to the venom released when they sting you. Killer bees can only sting once, because their stingers are barbed and tear oﬀ when they try to get away. Diet Worker bees gather pollen and nectar from ﬂowers to feed the larvae and other members of the colony. Habitat Africanized bees have small colonies, so they can build nests in unique places. ey have been known to live in tires, crates, boxes and empty cars. Impact eir venom is no more dangerous than regular honey bees – they just tend to attack in greater numbers, dramatically increasing the odds of having an allergic reaction to the venom. If you are chased by African honey bees, run in a zigzag pattern and seek shelter in a house or car. Do not jump in the water. ey will just wait around until you come up for air. Prevention Because of the aggressive nature of these pests, a pest management professional or a beekeeper should be called in to help. (Source: Ecopest)

SAMUI GAZETTE | Nov. 16 - 29, 2011

ISLAND NEWS

Santa’s grotto and festive fun at Fairways

FOR the month of December, Fairways Soft Play Centre in Bangrak is pulling out all the stops to provide Samui kids with some traditional Xmas fun. Father Christmas will be in residence seven days a week from December 10-24 in a splendidly decorated Santa’s Grotto, and the kids can visit him to post their Christmas lists, have their photo taken and pick up an early present. Santa will visit Fairways daily from 4-7pm. Each month, Fairways hosts a special Monday-night get-together for kids and parents after school. At the Xmas Party on December 19, kids can expect a visit from Santa, plus seasonal treats and themed party games. ere’ll also be a charity auction in aid of Koh Samui Hospitals’ Children’s Ward, with prizes donated by the local business community. As well as being a great all-

weather soft play facility, Fairways is a popular place to host a party or event – and not just with kids! You can book the whole venue or just a part of it, and Fairways can provide all the extras, whether you need a sound system and laser lights, conference tables and a projector or a festive buﬀet with banners and balloons. “We regularly host children’s birthday parties and we arrange discos for kids and/ or adults,” says Rachel Ainsley, Marketing Consultant at Fairways. “In fact, with the huge space downstairs, the excellent lighting and music system, and food and drink on tap, we can host any kind of private function. ere’ll be seasonal discounts on oﬀer through December.” For those of you who are not already familiar with Fairways, it’s an action-packed indoor adventure playground custom designed for soft play. In this 320-square-metre Jungle Book-themed venue, there are

bridges, aerial runways, a ball pool, slides, swings and two bouncy castles. “For families looking to make a day of it, Fairways has a smart air-conditioned café with a tasty all-day menu, and a wide variety of beverages, including freshly brewed Italian Mokador coffee. While the kids play upstairs, parents can sit back and relax or hook up to the free wi-fi,” explains Fairways’ owner Khun Arun Meepian. Fairways Soft Play Centre is open seven days a week, 10am7pm, and it’s located 50 metres from Samui International Airport’s Arrivals’ Terminal. Children aged eight years and under pay just 100 Baht to play all day. For kids who also want to visit Santa’s Grotto, December 10-24, the entry fee is 200 Bhat. To find out more about Fairways’ Xmas celebrations, call Rachel on 081 9688 181 or email fairwayssamui@gmail.com.

e Residences at W Retreat targets HK jetset market HONG KONG and Asia jetsetters are now the target buyers for the newly opened luxury Residences at W Retreat Koh Samui. Voted one of the top 20 Top Resort Properties in Asia by Property Report magazine, e Residences at W Retreat Koh Samui is making its debut in the Hong Kong market with a series of invitation-only launch events in Hong Kong, from 4th to 7th November 2011 at W Hong Kong.

For the Hong Kong debut, 12 villas, including four new beachfront residences are available for sale in Hong Kong, with prices starting from HKD16.3 million. Owned and developed by Amburaya Hotels & Resorts and Istithmar World, e Residences at W Retreat Koh Samui, ailand, along with W Retreat Koh Samui, brings a new dimension of cutting-edge design, contemporary lifestyle, modern comfort and a new level of in-

dulgence to ailand. "We are thrilled to have this unique opportunity to present e Residences at W Retreat Koh Samui directly to discerning buyers in Hong Kong," said Sunny Bajaj, Managing Director of Amburaya Hotels & Resorts. "e Residences at W Retreat Koh Samui represent a perfect convergence of opportunities for discerning owners - one of the world's most exclusive resort destinations, the world's most desired lifestyle residential

PLAY CENTER - Fairways play center at the second floor is a great place for kids while Moms sit back, relax or hook up to a WiFi at the first floor.

brand and all its attendant services, and world-class residences with contemporary design and modern comfort," added Bajaj. "Engel & Voelkers ailand and Hong Kong are both delighted to be associated with e Residences at W Retreat Koh Samui, a lifestyle quality development," said Duangjai Kraus, Executive Chairman of Engel & Voelkers, ailand, the appointed agent for the project's launch in Hong Kong. "As foreign buyers from Europe and Asia are returning to ailand's resort property markets, we are seeing increased demand for investment properties as well as holiday homes compared with the previous year. Branded resort properties are increasingly popular among foreign buyers with emphasis on lifestyle as they are a perfect combination of both an investment and leisure portfolio. e demand from Hong Kong buyers for luxury villas has always been strong with buyers looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of a city to the tropical beach lifestyle in Koh Samui and Phuket." Koh Samui is regarded as one of the world's most exclusive tropical resort destinations (Koh Samui was listed third in the New York Times' list of 'Places to Go in 2011'). is third largest island in ailand is a favorite getaway for global jetsetters and avid trend seekers on the trail of what's next, those seeking to be wowed by the ﬁner things in life - particularly those inspired by the W brand's unique mix of

contemporary cool design, modern comfort, and innovative style. is includes everyone from busy executives, those looking for a weekend or holiday home to early retirees with time to appreciate ailand and Koh Samui's culture, cuisine, sun, sea and sand. Among the many distinguishing characteristics of e Residences at W Retreat Koh Samui are its limited number - only 12 private residences for sale, a true symbol of prestige and exclusivity and its prime location on a stunning 900 meters shoreline, surrounded by verdant foliage. e Residences at W Retreat Koh Samui adjoin the W Retreat Koh Samui at Maenam Beach on the island's sublimely beautiful north shore -- arguably the best location on Koh Samui, given its secluded beach and interesting topography -- providing all residents and guests with excellent views. e Residences at W Retreat Koh Samui offer owners a combination of stylish beachfront villas, ranging from two to five bedrooms and from 515 to 1,170 square meters (built up area). Each residence is a study in tropical Zen style with exotic touches, and each offers full access to the signature W comforts, services and amenities available at the award winning W Retreat Koh Samui, voted to Conde Nast Traveler's prestigious 'Hot List' for 2011 and Travel + Leisure's 'It List: e Best New Hotels in 2011'.

LIFE

SAMUI GAZETTE | Nov. 16 - 29, 2011

Keeping the right blood sugar range Rosanne Turner relocated to Koh Samui from Africa, a year ago, and is relishing the adventure. She is a trainer at Samui TEFL, as well as being a travel writer for several international publications. Share Rosanne’s discoveries of all things Eastern, curious and extraordinary.

e Naga YOU may have seen a beautiful big sailing vessel moored in the bay oﬀ Fisherman’s Village, its evening silhouette conjuring up imaginative thoughts of bygone days when sailing not just a fun pastime, but a method of transport. True travellers are just as concerned about the journey as the destination, and a trip on the Naga begs the question, ‘Do you really want to reach your destination, or would you rather the journey not end?’ Originally called the Yarim Adali, Naga hails from Turkey before she started her long journey to the East Coast of ailand. After spending a few months in Koh Tao, she has found her new home on Samui where she lies in Bophut Bay, now proudly sporting the name ‘Naga’, after the mythical sea serpent or water dragon.

For the sailing fundis out there, the Naga is a Ketch or Gullet, she weighs 103 tons and is constructed of mahogany and teak. As far as comfort is concerned, guests can lounge on sun decks, drink and be merry around the three metre wooden table on the openair covered deck, or escape to the below-deck saloon or one of eight double cabins, complete with en-suite bathrooms and air-con. One only truly appreciates the size of this vessel when on board – she is like a floating guest house, and there is always a place to escape and find a place to chill and read your book or contemplate the view should you not feel like joining the party. e Naga is ideal for special occasions and intimate gatherings. Weddings, birthday parties, office functions or any excuse really – and be assured, one does not need an excuse to spend some time on this elegant sailing ship. e galley is adequately equipped to cater to all functions and there is plenty of fridge space and ice on board to keep the bubbly chilled. Add to that friendly and attentive staff, music and the perfect backdrop of the Gulf of ailand, and the scene is set for a memorable occasion. Turn to page 17

German new medicine®, diabetes, hypoglycemia ...and healing YOUR normal blood sugar range varies between 60 and 100 milligrams per cc of blood, rising and falling according to whether you've recently eaten, whether you're doing heavy physical work, and other daily metabolic events. Blood sugar levels that rise or fall outside of the normal blood sugar range - diabetes and hypoglycemia - are believed by conventional medicine to be caused by mechanical problems of the pancreas, which for some unknown reason fails to produce insulin in the correct amounts, and is believed, therefore, to cause either too much or too little blood sugar to be stored in the liver. Conventional medicine has also labeled blood sugar problems an "autoimmune disorder," meaning that they are believed to be caused by a serious mechanical flaw that causes the body's immune system to attack itself. Unfortunately for people who suffer from diabetes and hypoglycemia, this (incorrect) mechanistic view of how the body works leads to treatments that are often ineffective and potentially harmful over the long run. Because of its view that problems with blood sugar range are controllable but not curable, conventional medical therapy seeks to tamper with sugar and insulin levels, putting even more strain on the body's metabolism as the body tries to overcome the effects of the "therapy." Conventional medicine approaches abnormal blood sugar range without knowledge of the real reason why sugar levels are pushed above or below the normal range. However, through German New Medicine®, we know that diabetes and hypoglycemia are caused by the same thing that leads to all diseases: blood sugar range abnormalities are a brain-mediated response to a specific type of life experience that you have had. Nature does not make mistakes, and the body does not attack itself. Diabetes and hypoglycemia are appropriate biological responses, evolved over millions of years, to help your brain and body respond to life situations. How (and why) your brain controls your blood sugar range Blood sugar range is controlled by two small areas in the front, central part of the cerebral cortex - the wrinkly outer "bark" of the two large hemispheres of the brain. ese two control centers each respond to life experiences requiring fight-or-flight. Because fight-or-flight is a component of many stressful situations in modern life, it's easy to guess that abnormal blood sugar range is a common metabolic response to many threatening situations. Your brain, under certain kinds of environmental threat situations, directs your body to either prepare to resist and fight, or jump up and escape. Your brain does this by raising or lowering

your blood sugar, and it raises or lowers your blood sugar level by reducing the "voltage" (innervation) to either the beta-islet cells or the alpha-islet cells of your pancreas, respectively. Sugar levels above the normal blood sugar range (diabetes insipidus, diabetes mellitus, Type 1 diabetes) occur because there is some person or situation in your life that you feel you must resist or fight against. e higher levels of sugar provide fuel for the higher metabolic requirements of tense muscles prepared to help you resist or defend yourself. e sugar center on the right hemisphere will make blood sugar levels rise by decreasing innervation to the beta islet cells of the pancreas, resulting in a decreased level of insulin output. Insulin takes sugar out of the blood and stores it in the liver. Athletes take advantage of this phenomenon and the (temporary) advantage to their muscles, by eating their carbohydrate-rich "game meal" at just the right amount of time before their big performance. People with high blood sugar feel as though they want to just stand their ground. It is a strong, stubborn feeling, as if your body is saying "I refuse to back out of this situation!" e physical consequences of putting the body into this heightened state of physical readiness include: • excessive thirst, a normal part of a heightened stress state, because more water is needed to flush through waste byproducts when our metabolism is running faster; • excessive urination, a normal part of a heightened stress state because we drink more water and produce more metabolic waste products when we're under stress. • ketoacidosis, producing an acetone smell on the breath. is is a metabolic consequence of muscles' sugar demand not being met. • diabetic coma and other severe diabetic symptoms are not a result of blood sugar levels that are too high. ey are a result of the demand for sugar being much higher than your body's metabolism can keep up with. When you resolve your resistance/fight situation, your metabolism will temporarily reverse into low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Sugar levels below the normal blood sugar range (hypoglycemia) occur because there is some person or situation in your life that you feel you must be ready to run away from. It is the "flight" response. e sugar center in the left hemisphere of the brain will make blood sugar levels drop by decreasing innervation to the alpha-islet cells of the pancreas, resulting in an increased level of insulin output. Insulin takes sugar out of the blood and stores it in the liver. People with low blood sugar feel nervous, quivery, even panicky with heart palpitations. It's a sense of not being grounded, like you Turn to page 17

HEALTH

SAMUI GAZETTE | Nov. 16 - 29, 2011

17 Keeping the right blood...

THE FLYING DOCTOR Dr. Chris Hertzog Helping hearts in Samui It is not a generally known fact, but cardiovascular disease in the developed world, kills more than five times as many people as all types of cancer put together. To this end, it is proposed that a new heart tablet is to be formulated, which will be non-prescription, and is designed to combat the onset of any heart attack or stroke, and especially help after any such an incidence has occurred, before realizing the importance of looking after one's heart and accompanying blood vessels. After the devastating floods in Bangkok and areas north of the capital,ailand's tourism and economy must have taken a sharp downturn. To this end, rather than out-sourcing pharmaceutical manufacture in neighboring India, as so many others do, we are proposing to switch manufacture to ailand or even Samui, if the raw materials and ingredients can easily be shipped to the island? It seems that Europe, despite the economic downturn there, is still prepared to lose contracts rather than try to produce goods at a competitive price, thus losing out every time to such countries as India, China and ailand. Almost all large scale call centers are now based in India, including roadside recovery services such as the AA and RAC! How does one even set about producing a new formula for a heart tablet? e truth is that there is little new in the world today, especially with the increasing spread of Internet use. In our case, we took an existing formula, which ironically was being sold through Multi Level Marketing. Although such a method might work with well established companies such as Amway and Herbalife, the truth is that in order to satisfy payment of commission for all the 'downlegs', it often requires a ratio of manufacturing cost to final sale price, of 8:1. us, the consumer will always pay a high price, even if the foot soldiers struggle on to make a pittance selling an overpriced product. Don't get me wrong. It does not mean that the product is no good or does not work - it will just be inevitably overpriced. Apart from being overpriced, the product we looked at, had to be dissolved in a full glass of

water, then taken with a meal, hardly practical when travelling or away from home, apart from the large bulky tubs in which the product comes! Scotts of Stow, in the U.K, realized that having bulky products was not the right way to make an impact on the health supplement industry. Being one of the largest and most effective mailorder companies in the U.K, they decided just a short while ago, to launch their own range of health products, and designed a brilliantly tall, attractive flat container, which will go through most postboxes with ease. A simple but brilliant piece of engineering, designed to aid and ease delivery of their products throughout the British Isles. So tablets were the obvious way forward. Was there enough active ingredient in it, or were the promoters trying to cut corners? Could there be other ingredients which would enhance the product and its effectiveness? If all this was done, would the ingredients even be compatible? Would they dissolve easily in the stomach? All this has to be checked before any new tablet can come to market. Heavy metal testing has to take place. Proportions of ingredients have to be checked and rechecked. Finally the tablet receives the all-clear, and can go into manufacture. It has to be sold at a competitive price, especially if it is being launched for the first time! e costs of promotion can be very high, so this has to be factored into the equation. It is no good starting in the short term in the present global situation. It is vital to take a long term view. Manufacturing standards are critical. ailand has a good reputation in this respect. We have been handling a leading ai medical product in Europe for the last 15 years. e quality is far better than the leading brand in the world, coming out of Labs in Singapore, and hitting a turnover figure of $1 billion, for the first time last year! Can ailand or indeed Samui, suddenly become the most heart friendly place on earth?

e Naga... From Page 16 e Naga, now managed by Samui Ocean Sports, oﬀers both private charters as well as group trips, meaning that anyone can enjoy a trip on this mighty vessel, as joining a group does not mean breaking the bank. Routes oﬀered include trips to the Marine Park, to Koh Phangan, around the island as well as sunset cruises. Full day, half day and overnight options are available. e vessel’s size makes Naga family friendly, as there is more than enough space aboard for children to run about, as well as cabin space for little ones to rest. Should the weather turn bad,

there is ample undercover space. I recently had the pleasure of a trip on Naga, and I was instantly in awe. She is not just a mode of transport but a piece of art, beautifully crafted and lovingly maintained. Lying on the deck, looking up at the never-ending mast that seems to reach the sun, it is easy to drift away into a daydream.

If you are thinking of trying something new, let this sailing quote inspire you to try a voyage on the Naga, ‘ You can’t change the wind, but you can adjust the sails’ (Author unknown).

From Page 16 can't quite connect with your body and you might faint or fly away or jump out of your skin. e fundamental consequence of your body being put into this state is that you are ready, at a moment's notice, to run and escape a situation or a person. e body makes itself "lighter" by (temporarily) not feeding the muscles! e physical consequences of putting our body into this state of temporary malnutrition include: • constant hunger • weight loss • fainting, dizziness, and confusion, blurring vision, behavior resembling drunkenness • flightiness, or "the jitters" • fluttering heartbeat (the heart muscles do not get enough nutrition either!) • hypoglycemic seizures and coma are not just a direct consequence of inadequate muscle nutrition; they are the brain's extremely literal method of "escaping" the situation. When you resolve your flight/escape conflict, your metabolism will temporarily reverse into high blood sugar (diabetes). Sugar levels that go both above and below the normal blood sugar range (Type 2 diabetes) occur when both the fight and the flight response are called into play because of two or more separate external life situations. Your blood sugar will rise when one situation is activated, and will drop when the other situation is activated. If you already have an active fight or flight situation in your life that is being responded to by one of the blood sugar centers in your brain, and then you experience another fight or flight situation in your life, the other blood sugar center will be activated. Blood sugar levels may also go in both directions if your metabolism is chronically going back and forth between the active conflict situation and the reversed, resolution stage. Symptoms of diabetes and hypoglycemia that are not caused by the abnormal blood sugar range come about because other parts of

the brain will be called upon to deal with the same life situation. In other words, these symptoms can occur without an abnormal blood sugar range: • obesity, abdominal pain, and nausea - territorial anger conflicts that relay to the stomach • hepatitis - territorial anger conflicts that relay to the bile ducts of the liver • Cushing's syndrome - a collection of symptoms affecting the gonads, heart, musculoskeletal system, and mental health • motor and circulatory problems entrapment conflicts • panic attacks territorial fear and paranoia conflicts • asthma - territorial fear and anger conflicts • excessive urination and incontinence - boundary marking conflicts • glaucoma - territorial anger conflicts Treatments to help maintain the correct blood sugar range Conventional medicine sees the body as a machine, and nothing more. Without understanding the role of the brain and its evolved response to external life situations, glucose levels outside the normal blood sugar range are seen as failures of the body - flaws in the "machinery" - to pump out the correct amounts of insulin. So the conventional treatment for diabetes and hypoglycemia is to simply either tamper with sugar supply (through nutrition) or tamper with insulin levels (though medication). ese "therapies" can't really solve the problem, however, because the brain will continue to adjust your metabolism in order to prepare you to deal with your external life situation. e role of the German New Medicine® healer is to help you determine the triggering life experiences and put them together with other factors to help you to dismantle the conflicts in your life. When you discover the cause of your sugar levels going out of the normal blood sugar range, you can remove the cause and affect a true cure.

ISLAND NEWS 18 Beach Republic bags silver medal at London property awards

SAMUI GAZETTE | Nov. 16 - 29, 2011

"Beach Republic was commended for it’s completely open and low-key sales approach, it’s strong branding, and the attractiveness of the facilities made available to owners at the adjacent Ocean Club and Spa." THE Beach Republic, the ocean club, resort and residences located on the southern part of Koh Samui, ailand was awarded the Silver Medal at the prestigious OPP Awards for Excellence 2011 held recently at the ExCeL Centre in London. e awards were held during e Property Investor Show & OPP Live. e annual event focuses on the international property market and is attended by the world's top agents, developers, fund managers, wealth managers, service providers, and investors. Nominated in the category of Best Fractional Scheme alongside shortlisted candidates that included some of the globe's premier shared ownership developments, the esteemed panel of judges awarded Beach Republic the Silver Medal. Beach Republic was commended for it's completely open and lowkey sales approach, it's strong branding, and the attractiveness of the facilities made available to owners at the adjacent Ocean Club and Spa. e judges concluded that these qualities truly set Beach Republic apart from all of its competitors in the region. Director of Sales, Robert Pestello was in London to represent Beach Republic. Upon being presented with the award, he was quoted as saying: "It is an honor to be recognized at the industry's premier event. I want to thank everyone at OPP for considering Beach Republic alongside the world's leading fractional ownership resorts. After winning Best Shared Ownership at the ailand Property Awards last year, it was clear that Beach Republic really is special. Now, to be commended on the international stage like this is truly humbling. I am extremely fortunate to be part of one of South East Asia's premier resorts. I want to thank the entire Beach Republic team for helping to make this award possible." Fractional ownership at Beach Republic allows an individual to purchase real estate without assuming any of the burdens that often come with sole ownership. All owners enjoy the various services and amenities of the deluxe resort. is form of real estate ownership is especially attractive to those who want to make use of a holiday home for only a few weeks or months a year. Increasingly it is also attracting investors who see returns via rental income and capital appreciation. e brainchild of British real estate developer Tim Dean-Smith, Beach Republic opened in early 2009 and consists of 39 private pool villas, deluxe suites, and penthouse sky pool villas. e ocean front beach club has been called a must visit destination by the New York Times and CNNGO.com and plays host to worldclass entertainers, Samui's highly rated Sunday Brunch, and a uniqueweekly line up of events. Plans for expansion throughout ailand and to other locations in South East Asia are currently underway. With excellent facilities and superior amenities, a stunning location, strong brand name, and increasing recognition both in ailand and abroad, the multi-award winning Beach Republic is one of the most appealing fractional ownership investments in the region today.

PROPERTY AWARD WINNER - Beach Republic director for sales Robert Pestello (left) is presented the silver medal by Overseas Property Professional’s Geoﬀ Hadwick in London.

Four Seasons Koh Samui welcomes new executive chef FOUR Seasons Resort Koh Samui has welcomed Alex Gares from Spain as its new executive chef. Having grown up near the coast in northern Spain, Gares is no stranger to the ocean. In fact, aside from cooking, he considers the ocean to be one of his main loves. Gares brins with him a healthy dose of Spanish flair and creativity, along with experience of working in the kitchens of some of the world’s best restaurants. Gares is very excited about learning what Samui and ailand have to offer the chef and foodie. And he’s putting this love of discovering new types of food to good use, ensuring that he tries everything that comes his way, whether it’s a bowl of freshly cooked steaming noodles, local delicacies in the market, or snacks at a street food stall. “On days off I really love

to go to markets, to look at the products on sale, and to think about how I might be able to use them for that day’s lunch or dinner” Gares says. Gares knew that he wanted to become a chef as a child. “Even from a very early age, I was always saying that I’d be a cook when I grew up. My mother still reminds me of a dish I cooked for her when I was eleven years old – she remembers exactly how the duck tasted to this day.” Gares has been working as an executive chef for eight years, and has a wealth of experience garnered during stages and stints at countless Michelin-star restaurants throughout Spain, including the legendary el Bulli, Celler de Can Roca, Mugaritz, and many more besides. He’s also had the opportunity to experience many

different elements of hotel food and beverage, managing everything from breakfast orders to food festivals to fine dining. He has been invited as well to participate in numerous high-profile culinary events, including most recently catering a cocktail reception for Scuderia Ferrari at the 2011 Singapore Formula 1 race. It’s these experiences, and his travels and subsequent food discoveries that keep him inspired and assist his creativity. “I don’t think you can ever class one particular cuisine as being the ‘best in the world.’ You can make amazing food discoveries everywhere, from ailand to Spain, from India to Japan.” In his new role, he oversees the restaurants Lan Tania and Pla Pla as well as Beach Bar, in-villa dining and event catering at the Resort.

SAMUI GAZETTE | Nov. 16 - 29, 2011

ISLAND NEWS

Driving errors increase as you age THERE may be some truth behind all those jokes about grandma behind the wheel. Even healthy adults with a safe driving record tend to make more driving errors as they age, such as failing to check blind spots, according to a new study published by the American Psychological Association. Most studies of older drivers have focused on people with dementia or other conditions that might impair their performance behind the wheel. is latest study was comprised of 266 volunteers age 70 to 88 who showed no signs of dementia, lived independently, and drove at least once a week. Normal aging causes distinct declines in brain functioning that could hinder driving skills, including the ability to focus despite distractions on the road, make quick decisions, and avoid other vehicles or pedestrians, the study found. “All types of driving errors increased with age, and the errors weren’t restricted to a small group of unsafe drivers or those with a history of crashes,” said lead researcher Kaarin J. Anstey, PhD, a psychologist who di-

rects the Aging Research Unit at Australian National University. “It is important to note that there is a large variation in cognitive ability, so some people still have a high level of functioning in later life even if they have suﬀered some cognitive declines related to normal aging.” Study participants completed a battery of cognitive tests and questionnaires about their driving history before they drove on a 12mile route through city and suburban streets. A professional driving instructor rode in the car, which was equipped with an extra brake on the front passenger side for safety. An occupational therapist sat in the back seat and scored the drivers on various errors, including failure to check blind spots, speeding, sudden braking without cause, veering and tailgating. While men tend to think they are better drivers, they didn’t fare any better on the tests than women. Blind spot errors were the most common mistake (among both men and women??), followed by veering across lanes and failure to use turn signals.

During the tests, 17 percent of the drivers made critical and potentially hazardous mistakes that required the driving instructor to hit the brake or grab the steering wheel. e rate of critical errors during the driving test quadrupled from the youngest group, age 70 to 74, which had an average of less than one critical error, to the oldest group, age 85 to 89 with an average of almost four critical errors. ere were no crashes during the tests, but participants who had reported an accident during the ﬁve years before the study also had a higher rate of critical errors. e participants had their vision checked before the driving test, but Anstey said more research is needed to determine if visual ability contributed to the high rate of blind spot errors. No need to take the wheel away from grandma just yet, however. With training on checking blind spots and other driving skills, older drivers usually can remain safe on the roads longer.

Can diet soda make you fat? Diet soda may not be a good weapon in your battle of the bulge. So says two new studies that indicate diet soda may contribute to larger waistlines and even to diabetes. Two studies presented at a recent

conference held by the American Diabetes Association indicate that diet soda may be free of calories but not of consequences. Epidemiologists from the School of Medicine at e University of Texas reported data showing diet

soda consumption is associated with increased waist circumference in humans, and a second study found aspartame raised blood sugar in diabetes-prone mice.

Burning fat matters more than losing weight WHEN it comes to losing weight, most Americans are impatient, seeking to shed pounds as quickly as possible. But many traditional diet and exercise plans often lead to disappointment and frustration -- and can even make you less healthy. e problem may stem from the fact that basically every diet tells us we need to lose weight. But for most people, it’s more important to focus on ways to accelerate fat loss, rather than weight loss. “Many conventional diets and popular exercise routines can actually make you fatter and more frustrated,” say Dian Griesel, co-author with her brother Tom Griesel of the new diet and ﬁtness book “TurboCharged.” “e only thing any of us wants to lose is excess body fat, not our bones, muscle, water or other essentials. Yet, these are what typically deteriorate or are lost in most diets focused on ‘weight’ loss.” e problem starts with how we are all told to measure success. A standard weight measuring scale gives little information. Someone can actually be very lean with a well-hydrated and muscular body, yet they may weigh in at a higher number than someone of the same height that is actually fatter. After all, muscle is denser than fat. “row away your traditional scale,” says Tom Griesel. “e only relevant measurement is your body fat percentage. is can be easily calculated with a neck and waist measurement for men, and neck, waist and hip measurements for women.” Interestingly, even if you are

not overweight, a waist measurement of over 33 inches, regardless of your weight, increases health risks like cardiovascular disease. A healthy lean male should have a body fat percentage in the 8 to 18 percent range, and a healthy female between 16 and 24 percent. e younger you are, the lower the acceptable healthy range. To ﬁnd out your body fat percentage, enter your measurements into the free body fat calculator designed by the U.S. Navy, available at www.turbocharged.us.com. e primary reason for excess fat is often improper diet along and a lack of activity. Stress complicates things further by triggering release of the hormone cortisol that causes the liver to produce excess sugar. e excess sugar triggers hunger, so we’re more likely to eat more when stressed and, as a result, gain more fat. e Griesels recommend a diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, meats and ﬁsh. ey also suggest you gradually increase your overall activity level. Walking is a great way to reduce fat and improve your overall health, but so is cleaning your home, chasing your kids, washing your car or gardening. Activity is activity, whether you call it exercise, running errands or having fun. e most important thing is that you put together a plan that’s best for you -- one that helps you lose fat, not muscle, while living a fuller, more active life.

SPORTS

SAMUI GAZETTE | Nov. 16 - 29, 2011

Tam’s vs M&Ms in Sambora Cup ﬁnals By PATRICK ROXAS TAM’S ﬁrst team massacred a slumping Bamboo team, 11-4, while M&Ms outclassed Samui Rock Café, 11-8, to arrange a titular showdown for the Sambora Knockout Cup of the League of Gentlemen here in Bangrak. e two teams face each other in a neutral venue at Riks Bar on November 23 for the right to lift the Sambora Cup, LOG’s side competition launched only this season. Albin’s side is expected to be bannered by its top players Timmy, Mark, Paul, Stell, Tony while M&Ms will rely on its stalwarts Chris Ting Tong, T-Bone, Carl, Flea and team captain Todd. In the 18th week of the League of Gentlemen’s 7th season, Tam’s mauled Pureshores,133 while M&Ms edged defending and six-time champion Bamboo, 31-12, in a controversy-marred match to post their 16th and 15th wins, respectively. Tam’s look poised to capture two trophies this year as they also lead the regular league of gentlemen with four weeks left in the season and only M&Ms stand on

their way to prevent a sweep. M&Ms, the former Koh Samui Sports and Social Club (KSSSC), has also made a strong showing just on their second season in the league and is now sharing second spot with Bamboo. A controversy between M&Ms and Bamboo arose when both teams reach hill-hill as M&Ms caught up with Bamboo from 2 frames down at 10 -12. Paul and Pat has scored Bamboo’s last two points to put the home team 2 points up after a 1010 deadlock. Chris and another M&Ms player equalized, winning the next two games, to put the match to a deciding last frame. Bamboo put up ﬁve players for the match while M&Ms put up six but when one of the players left after two rounds, M&Ms replaced him with a new player to keep the six-man line up intact. An argument erupted when Captain Todd only wrote a name on the board when the score was 12-12, when all the names should have been written matching each names of the other team at the

RIGHT ON “TAR”-GET - Premier Sports Bar’s Tar, one of the few women in the League of Gentlemen, goes for the black ball here enroute to a victory and adding a crucial point to her team in winning their recent match against the visiting Samui Pureshores.

start of the round not when the match is going to a deciding last frame. A protest was thrown by the Bamboo side when he wrote down the name of a player that has already played in that same round when M&Ms have two more players who have not yet played Dave, the ﬁfth Bamboo player. M&Ms insisted on a league rule they have a choice on who among team members

should play as one of their players have left but Bamboo team countered the first rule of the new league format implemented this season is that every player should play each player of the opposing team first and since two more players from M&Ms are available to play, it should be applied first before the rule on allowing a player to play an opposing player twice is applied. After some min-

utes of heated arguments and some unsavory comments thrown by some players, M&Ms ﬁnally decided to ﬁeld Flea for the last and deciding frame and it was a decision that worked out well as Flea defeated Dave for the match. A well deserved win, and played properly like majority would want it done in the league of gentlemen.

SAMUI GAZETTE | Nov. 16 - 29, 2011

SPORTS

Tropical Murphy’s 8-Ball Pool Competition:

CHRIS TOPS ‘EM ALL! By PATRICK ROXAS CHRIS “Ting Tong” Langley asserted his pool superiority anew in topping a ﬁeld of 32 of Koh Samui’s best pool players in the recently-held 8-Ball competition at the Tropical Murphy’s Irish Pub in Chaweng. Considered by many as the best player on the island and who plays for On’s Livewire in the Monday League and M&Ms in the League of Gentlemen, Chris defeated Andy in the ﬁnals, 8-5, to win the Bt12,000 prize and the champion’s trophy in this event sponsored and hosted by Tropical Murphy’s Paul Watson.

Lord’s Bar owner and team captain Andy, who staged two thrilling come from behind wins in the quarterfinals and semifinals to reach the finals, played consistently well but could not keep up with the impeccable game of Chris to end up runner up in the one-day competition. He won Bt8,000 cash prize. In a consolation round among first round losers of the event, Mark of Tam’s pool team edged his team mate Michael in the finals to grab the third spot and the Bt5,000 cash prize. Michael got Bt2,500 for his losing effort.

Friends bid farewell to Baz By PATRICK ROXAS MET him some three years back while covering the pool league in Lamai for another publication and he being the one in charge of the league, we established a working relationship and I have since then always considered him among friends. But a few weeks back, a shocking news reached me that he suffered a heart attack and did not survive. It was shocking to say the least as he always looked well and healthy whenever I see him and all of a sudden in an instant he was gone. I guess I share the same feeling of sadness as most of his friends not only in Lamai but in the whole island as Paul Barlow, or

MATS TONY

TONY TONY

JOSEPH SAMMY

JOSEPH TONY

JURGEN LEONARD

JURGEN

TIMMY JOE

TIMMY

CHRIS BOY TONY

BOY DAVE

DAVE ALLAN

DAVE CHRIS

MARK ASTIN

ASTIN CHRIS

SERGEY CHRIS DAVE BRIAN

CHRIS CHRIS CHAMPION BRIAN PAUL

PAUL STEVE

PAUL PAUL

PATRICK MICHAEL

PATRICK

SIMON PAT

SIMON

PATRICK Baz as we always call him, was a man as warm as a person can be. His sudden departure surely leaves a bit of emptiness in most of those who he has shared good times and fun and laughter but we just have to believe he is in a better place up there. God bless you Baz, wherever you are from me and from everyone here who loves you. We will deﬁnitely cherish the memories we had with you here in Koh Samui.

ANDY EDWARD T-BONE

T-BONE T-BONE

BOB DES

BOB ANDY

PAUL STELL

PAUL ANDY

YEE ANDY

ANDY

ON THE ISLAND

SAMUI GAZETTE | Nov. 16 - 29, 2011

Cindy and Kelli: e Party Divas! THE idea of The Party Divas, according to its creators – Cindy from Holland and Kelli from Canada - was envisioned long before 2011. However, it took until now for these two ladies to travel half way around the world, and meet for the very first time here in the beautiful island of Koh Samui , Thailand! Cindy and Kelli are both creative, love people and seem to be the last to leave every party. They have both been planning and perfectly executing their own parties for family and friends for many years now and both love it so much that they thought it was time to share their excitement and expertise with everyone else. Hence, a perfect partnership was formed!

So why are a Canadian and a Dutch lady teaming up to build this company in Thailand, particularly in Koh Samui? Well, according to the two, it is because there really isn't anything else like it here, and you certainly won’t find anyone else like them. And because they want you to have as much fun as they do while you are in this amazing country. Cindy and kelli will provide you with professionalism, quality, care, and an experience you will not likely to forget. They will share their own ideas with you, but will make it their goal to build off of your thoughts and overall goals. They want nothing more than for you to have the

party that you dreamed of, whether it’s decorations only, or the full package consisting of music, food, venue and the perfect atmosphere. On Halloween evening this year, they officially launched their company with the party of a lifetime! They had the best DJ on the island, (Bosso), the best drummer, (Andrew), and a social appearance by "Tom Jones". The venue was beautifully decorated, the staff so friendly and efficient. There were more than 100 people in attendance and it really was an event to be seen and an experience that won't soon be forgotten. From weddings to birthdays to any themed parties and occasions, The Party Divas will create the party of a lifetime, for you.

HALLOWEEN NIGHT AT PREMIER -John (right) and Ian, Premier Sports Bar’s take cahrge guys, wearing spooky costumes, during the Halloween celebration at their place in Bangrak. One of the many establishments on the island which celebrated Halloween recently.

BLOOD DONATION -Khun Kanyaporn Kongfoo (center), Director of Human Resources of Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui led management team and hotels’ staﬀ to welcome Centara sister hotels and members of local community to participate the blood donation organized by Koh Samui Hospital and Koh Samui Red Cross at Lamai Meeting Room.

SAMUI GAZETTE | Nov. 16 - 29, 2011

FOOD & WINE

SIMPLY ‘WOW’ DINING

Chanita is an exceptional restaurant with surprisingly low prices for its standard. By SUZANNE BUCHANAN IT is always fantastic to find a new restaurant that represents excellent value. Chanita, an exceptional restaurant about halfway up the road to the Jungle Club, does just that. Owned and run by a delightful ai lady of the same name, it offers a superb selection of truly affordable food, spectacular views, and terrace-dining next to a swimming pool that you are welcome to use. e restaurant features an outdoor cooking area in a tastefully decorated sala that is also used for ai cooking classes for lunch or dinner. Here you can learn how to become a ai chef. Cook from your choice of three of the most popular ai dishes and gain a certificate from the executive chef. Chanita and her husband built the restaurant as part of their incredible home that has beautiful interior décor and a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere. Dining here -- away from the main roads, noise, and traffic -gives you the opportunity to enjoy the mountain air, privacy, and ai hospitality where nothing is too much trouble and incredibly fresh and beautifully presented dishes will delight your taste buds without upsetting your pocket. Oh, and it is also perfect for couples with its tables for two and romantic atmosphere. e menu is vast, so take your

time to ponder with a cold beer, cocktail, or glass of wine. From the starter menu, the prawn cakes are well worth a try. Made with incredibly fresh prawns and cooked to perfection, these cakes are crisp on the outside and beautifully smooth and decadent on the inside. e starter menu also has an impressive selection of soups. Seafood lovers will be impressed with the whole fish dishes available here. Choose from steamed or grilled fish that is served with a myriad of sauces, such as garlic and black pepper, sweet and sour, and sour sauce to name a few. If fish is not your thing, try the equally incredible ai curries with their subtle flavors that have not been drowned out with either coconut milk or chili over-use (just let Chanita know your ‘spicy’ preference). A dish that should not be missed is chicken with cashew nut. e chicken is tender, balanced by the texture of roasted cashews, and given a wonderful splash of color by the tomatoes and peppers (red and green). e dish is made more appetizing by the artistic and imaginative splash of garnish. Other noteworthy dishes to try are the seafood mix; pla grapong thod kratiem; butter-fried fish with garlic and peppers; jumbo prawns with ai-style sauce, BBQ sauce, or garlic and pepper

sauce; king prawns with tamarind sauce; BBQ squid with spicy sauce; and vegetable salad and rib of goat. Besides the superb ai cuisine, Chanita’s menu is packed with sandwiches, baguettes, burgers, pastas and pizzas. International main course favorites include chicken steak with pepper sauce; ﬁllet steak with pepper sauce; lamb chops; and lobster and squid BBQ. But leave some room for one or two tasty morsels on the dessert menu. I recommend the battered banana fritters, which come with a sweet honey sauce. ey are mouthwateringly delicious. Chanita is an exceptional, luxurious restaurant set in a mountainside tropical setting with surprisingly low prices for a restaurant of this standard. e place is immaculately clean and Chanita herself shows an amazing passion for your comfort and enjoyment. She speaks perfect English and has a superb sense of humor as well as a kind, happy disposition. Chanita Restaurant certainly has the “wow factor” and once discovered, will no doubt become a favorite on the island and a book well-in-advance sort of establishment. To get directions, book a table, or get more information on cooking classes, call Chanita at 081 970-2779 or 089 474-3277.

ON THE ISLAND

SAMUI GAZETTE | Nov. 16 - 29, 2011

Celebrate 12 days of Christmas in a ai island paradise

TOP TEN KOH SAMUI HEADLINES IN 2050 10. Trump Samui Casino Tower falls into Chaweng Lake. 9. Samui Taxi drivers ﬁnally agree to use meters: rate set at only 5000 baht per minute. 8. Ring Road monorail derails, crashes into Justin Bieber's Lamai mansion. 7. e Chaweng Lake Road's new drainage tiles and sidewalks, started in 2011 are completed, but Samui Mayor Paul Watson admits that the infamous sewer smell problem in Chaweng won't be ﬁxed until 2084, possibly 2103.

5. New mandatory visa law requires all foreigners to do visa border bounces once a week --- Herbert retires a millionaire. 4. Larry Snyder, Samui's oldest citizen at 123 years old, celebrates 75th Anniversary of Shack Bar and Grill with "all you can eat Wagyu Beef" night. 3. Bophut Hills Golf Course finally reaches milestone of 100th Golfer 2. Rumor has it that David Beckham's sons have villas on the island! 1. Due to Bangkok Airways's still outrageous air6. Lamai's World Famous fares to Koh Samui, 2 out of every 5 tourists prefer to "Happy Bar" now offers "lay-away" plan for bar fines. swim to Samui rather than fly.

INSPIRED by Koh Samui’s magical shoreline charms and other exotic destinations, Anantara Bophut Resort & Spa reveals a magical program of seasonal highlights. e 12 days of Christmas and New Year series commences on 21st December 2011 with a coconut tree lighting ceremony and cocktail toast with tapas at the resort’s flame-lit lily pond courtyard. From here the spirit of Christmas builds with a “Prawn Parade” at Anantara’s beach, featuring an endless banquet of striped tiger, white sea and famous blue river prawns that are steamed, hot wok fried and barbequed to perfection. Following a cocktail party with a carol choir, Christmas Eve dishes up a choice of signature dining experiences. Discover a “Magical Beach Kingdom Gala Buffet” accompanied by a classical ai dance show. Or savor award winning Italian cuisine with a special five course menu prepared by Full Moon’s highly acclaimed Chef Don, where romance is redefined by an elevated dining platform presenting dual views of the illuminated shoreline pool and flame-lit lily pond. Wake up wonderfully late on Christmas Day with extended breakfast hours. en look forward to a wealth of evening highlights, including a “ree Bird Roast” of unlimited turkey, duck and chicken selections, as well as soup and decadent desserts. Boxing Day is a luxuriously laid back affair. Poolside guests are treated to a phad ai street food lunch, followed by an afternoon beach volleyball match to ensure a healthy appetite for the evening’s culinary journeys. Saunter down to a “Barefoot Beach BBQ”. Share a “Mediterranean Fish Inspiration” at Full Moon where the freshest seafood from the island’s local markets is infused with distinctive flavours from the Med. Or chill out on beach bean bags to smoke sheesha pipes, sipping mint tea and signature cocktails for a mystical “Arabian Nights” experience under the stars. On the night after Boxing Day, “East Meets West” down at Anantara’s beach with a buffet treasure trove of oriental herbs and spices, brought to life by a Polynesian dance and fire show. While cheese and wine connoisseurs should head

for Eclipse Bar overlooking the resort’s lily pond garden, where a “Camemberts of the World and Wine Pairing” event enlists the seasoned expertise of the resort’s Wine Guru. Building up to New Year’s Eve, Full Moon diners enjoy a fine dining “Steak and Lobster Tableside Flambé” to the tune of romantic ballads by the resident guitarist. Eclectic culinary journeys feature a “Taste of Siam” buffet complete with cultural dance performances and handicraft market stalls, as well as a “Sand-Fire-Spice Seafood Beach BBQ” for couples with a dramatic fire show. Epic festive viewing for the whole family is presented in a “Jingle Bells Movie Night”, where guests cosy into beanbags with signature drinks and popcorn to watch a seasonal film by candlelight. e countdown to New Year’s Eve is celebrated in signature Anantara style. Toast the final hours of 2011 at an elegant cocktail party. Share a feast of imported delicacies and exotic local flavors to the ambient beat of a traditional ai drum parade and the silky moves of a northern ai dance show. Cross your fingers for chances to win amazing prizes throughout the night, including unforgettable stays at other Anantara hideaways. Raise your glasses and cheer in the New Year with a spectacular beach firework display, before uplifting DJ tracks invite revellers to dance long into the night. Time is indulgently well spent on the very first day of 2012, with breakfast served until 11am and a resident “nurse” on duty to prescribe “bloody mary pick me up potions” to those in need. Guests can satisfy their hangover cravings with a “Tex-Mex All Day” lunch and Corona combo special, and then delve into a “New Year Casual Roasting Affair” offering an “all you can eat” selection of succulent roasts alongside soup and an array of desserts, and even recommendations by the Wine Guru for those wishing to continue sipping on the seasonal spirit. Taste unique Christmas flavours and sashay into a fabulous New Year at Anantara Bophut Resort & Spa on stunning Koh Samui. For more information and reservations, please contact 077-428300-9