The Phuket News January 3, 2020

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CHINESE TOURIST SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR KILLING WIFE > PAGE 4

TURTLE ZONES

NEWS

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B1.5bn Phuket cable car project gets green light

LIFE

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Phuket’s new Australian Consul-General Protected areas to be expanded for sea turtle preservation. Photo: Khao Lampi - Hat Thai Mueang National Park

NATIONAL PARK CHIEFS PUSH FOR DEDICATED FOR SEA TURTLE PROTECTION BEACH AREAS Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

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ational parks chiefs in Phuket and Phang Nga are calling for hotels and other beachfront businesses to join a campaign to create turtle preservation zones to protect turtle eggs being laid along west-coast beaches.

Prarop Plangngarn, Chief of “Operations Center 2” at Sirinath Marine National Park, on Phuket’s northwest coast, and Haritchai Rittichuay, Chief of the Khao Lampi – Hat Thai Mueang National Park, north of Phuket in Phang Nga province, along with other nature and environmental

protection officers decided at a meeting last month to survey areas where the zones would be most appropriate – namely in the areas adjacent to the two national parks.

“Presently, there are only a few areas that are suitable for turtles to lay their eggs because of the continual expansion of human communities and the tourism industry,” Mr Prapop told The Phuket News.

“The turtles are afraid of humans on shore, so relevant officers must take action to change the environmental factors to help encourage turtles to come ashore to lay their eggs.

“We need to create turtle protection areas, and we need to do it quickly.

We will start surveying the areas to decide where the turtle protection zones should be by the end of this month,” he said.

In Phuket, the areas already under consideration include the beaches at Nai Yang as well as Mai Khao Beach – at 14 kilometres long, Phuket’s longest beach – all the way to Sai Kaew Beach on the northwestern tip of the island.

Mr Prarop explained that although Sirinath Marine National Park includes all these beaches, only at the southern end of the park does the park boundary include areas on shore.

All along Mai Khao Beach and Sai Kaew beach, the park includes

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the beach areas, but not the land immediately behind the sands, where many hotels, resorts, guesthouses and restaurants are built to offer scenic views to tourists.

“Turtles have returned to laying eggs in the area. We have not seen this for years. The last time leatherback turtles were spotted returning to Sirinath national park was in 2013,” Mr Prarop said.

“From October through December, turtles came ashore near a luxury resort on the headland just south of the park and laid eight different nests of turtle eggs,’ Mr Prarop pointed out.

“The eggs were taken into care by officials from the Phuket Marine...

SPORT

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Golf prodigy Louise tops US junior tourney

News 2

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Local FFP supporters protest EC rulings > p5

Hopes dashed as rumour sunk

Report of missing kayak couple spotted in Rawai a false alarm Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

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ourist Police last week confirmed that the foreign man and Thai woman reported as seen camping in a remote location near where Polish tourist Mateusz Juszkiewicz, 26, and Thai national Werakan Siriprakon, 23, from Nakhon Sawan, were last seen are not the missing kayak couple.

The confirmation came on Christmas Day (Dec 25) after police found that the couple seen camping in the area were Frenchman Jeremy Boris Manchon, 32, of Marseille, and his partner Kongkeo Hienglangtham, 25, from Laos.

The couple were tracked down after Mayor Aroon earlier on Christmas Day reported that rumours had

been circulating among local residents in Rawai that a couple who looked like Mr Juszkiewicz and Ms Werakan were seen camping with a tent near Bamboo Cape about one kilometer from where the missing couple were last seen, about 500 metres from Promthep Cape.

According to the reports, the couple seen at Bamboo Cape (“Laem Mai Pai”, in Thai) reportedly had a kayak matching the description of the rented one that Mr Juszkiewicz and Ms Werakan were last seen using when they disappeared on Dec 7.

The rumours said the foreign man and Thai woman acted suspiciously, refusing to meet and speak with local people, and that the couple were sleeping in a field tent in forest near the beach with a hammock tied to a pipe and

Police confirm with Frenchman Jeremy Boris Manchon, 32, of Marseille, that he and his partner from Laos were camping near where missing kayak couple Mr Juszkiewicz and Ms Werakan were last seen. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub they had one orange boat, Mayor Aroon explained.

“People also said that the couple had a lot of chopped wood beside their tent, which is unusual for tourists,” he added.

Officers had been dispatched to investigate, Mayor Aroon said. The officers found the tent and hammock, but failed to find the couple using the tent, he added.

Ms Werakan’s mother,

Chudarasa Siriprakon, had previously brought the reports to the attention of the Chalong Police.

Maj Ekkachai Siri of the Phuket Tourist Police told The Phuket News that a team of investigators had tracked down Mr Manchon and Ms Hienglangtham by checking CCTV, and eventually found the couple at a rented house in Rawai.

The search for Mr Juszkiewicz and Ms Werakan will continue, Maj Ekkachai said.

“Officers are still working on searching on land and on sea, covering coastal areas and the nearby islands. Fishermen in six Andaman coast provinces have also been asked to help search the couple,” he added.

The families of Mr Juszkiewicz and Ms Werakan are offering rewards for informa-

tion that contributes to or directly leads to finding the missing pair.

A reward of B50,000 is offered for sightings that find both of them safe.

English speakers with any information that may help locate the missing couple are urged to contact Polish private detective Krzysztof Rutkowski, who arrived in Phuket on Dec 21 to begin his investigation.

He may be contacted by calling +48 512 058 370 or +48 512 206 030, or through his website “Patriot24” or through his Facebook page.

English speakers may also call Khun Chu at 0856542969.

Thai speakers with any information that may help locate the couple are urged to call Khun Chu at 085-6542969 or Khun Bird at 064-3429847.

Sea turtles making a comeback Continued from page 1 ...Biological Center [PMBC]. We strongly believe more turtles will come back to lay more eggs,” he said.

For the coastal national park north of Phuket, Park Chief Haritchai explained that the impetus for creating the zone there follows leatherback sea turtles finally returning to lay eggs at Thai Mueang and Natai Beach in recent months.

“Two leatherback turtle nests were found in the park within weeks of each other late last year. The first nest was found at Thai Mueang Beach, and the second nest was found on Tha Theng Beach in Tambon Natai on Nov 26, 12km from the first nest,” he said.

“We are looking to create a turtle protection zone that includes both areas where turtle eggs were laid. The protection zone will cover more than 13km along the beach and extend 1.5km into the sea, covering 20.4 square kilometres in total.

“If any turtle lays egg in the area, we want the eggs to be protected,” he explained.

The turtle protection zones aim to have all businesses and developers in the areas agree to terms laid out in a joint declaration drawn up and signed in February last year by local hotels and resorts, tour operators and local officials already located in or operating in the two key areas.

As such, those in the protection zones abide to reduce the impact of electrical lighting along the beachfront, to reduce the number and intensity of beach parties and other activities on the beaches, to keep the beaches clean and reduce the impact of waste at the beach, and to improve awareness and understanding among local communities in

A leatherback turtle laid more than 100 eggs on Thai Mueang Beach, north of Phuket, late November. Photo: DMCR areas near the protection zones.

“Already 10 hotels in Phuket and another 18 in Phang Nga have joined the campaign,” Mr Prarop said, adding that the goal is to positively promote those who do step up to protect turtles by publicly listing them.

“Tourists are smarter and more aware of environmental issues these days, and given a choice between booking a holiday with a business that supports turtle conservation and a business that does not – they will choose the business that does the right thing every time,” he said.

“Hence, I expect more hotels will join this project soon,” Mr Prarop added.

“However, we need more hotels and private operators to step up and help create more effective change. We welcome them to join the project.

“Any hotels or businesses wanting to join the project can contact the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation,” Mr Prarop said. thephuketnews

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Cable car given green light

B1.5bn aerial lift project approved, but details secret for now The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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he Phuket provincial committee of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), chaired by Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana, has approved in principle for a sightseeing cable car operating three kilometres long to be built in Phuket.

The decision was made at a meeting of the Phuket NESDC committee on Christmas Day (Dec 25).

Also present at the meeting was Phuket Vice Governor Wongsakorn Nunchukan, along with relevant officers and representatives of private companies interested or involved in the project.

Archawin Sitaputra, President of JH Cable Car Thailand Co Ltd, presented the project to the meeting in order to ask for support.

He got it. The committee approved for his company to move ahead with an environmental-impact assessment study and to hold public meetings to gain feedback from

The proposed cable car project is planned to be three kilometres long and reach up to 80 metres high – and cost an estimated B1.5 billion. Image: JH Cable Car Thailand local residents.

Mr Atchawin explained that the current estimated budget for construction of the cable car system was about B1.5 billion.

“The cable car system will be around 82 meters high from the ground and three kilometers long,” Mr Atchawin said, adding that the cable car route will include three stations.

Other than that, Mr Atchawin was reticent to reveal any more details.

“Construction will be controlled by a French company, which is expert in building cable car systems,” he said, declining to name the French company.

“We are sure that Phuket cable car will be popular among tourists with beautiful views of the island. The cable

Tsunami remembrance: 15 years on

R EMEMBR ANCE CERemonies to honour those lost to the tsunami that struck our shores 15 years ago, on Dec 26, 2004, was held at the Wall of Remembrance at the Mai Khao Cemetery last Thursday morning, followed by the “Light Up Phuket” tsunami memorial service at Patong Beach that evening.

At the Wall of Remembrance in Mao Khao, a gathering of a few dozen people turned out for the now usually quiet annual ceremony, with local officials, residents and students beginning the ceremonies with a minute’s silence at 8:30am.

Sarawut Srisakukam, Chief of the Mai Khao Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor), led the formal ceremony, during which he expressed his gratitude to those who turned up and offered his condolences to those who lost loved ones to the disaster.

As is tradition, the formal speech was followed by Buddhist, Muslim and Christian prayers for the souls lost to the waves on Dec 26, 2004, and attendees hung wreaths along the Wall of Remembrance, which was decorated with flags of the 45 nations who lost citizens.

While attendance at the @thephuketnews

Hundreds turned out for the memorial service at Patong Beach. Photo: Patong Municipality tsunami-memorial ceremonies held at the Wall of Remembrance over the years has dwindled, the annual “Light Up Phuket” candlelight service at Patong Beach has gained in popularity. Hundreds of tourists and local residents turned out in Patong for the service and to place candles in the sand to remember the thousands who lost their lives to the tsunami.

Patong Deputy Mayor Phoonsak Naksena led the candle-lighting ceremony.

Joining him was Patong City Council President Thanin Attasab, Patong Police Deputy Chief Lt Col Kittisak Sommat Sarisa Limsakul of the Patong Hotel Association and Patong Hospital Chief Nurse Hathairat Rangsansalit.

The event started at 6pm

with multi-faith ceremonies and a minute’s silence before attendees placed flowers and candles in the sand to remember the thousands who lost their lives in the disaster.

In Thailand, official government estimates marked 5,078 confirmed dead, another 8,457 injured and 3,716 missing, presumed dead, all lost to the tsunami.

While confirmed deaths in Phuket were only 259, another 700 remained listed as missing.

Phang Nga, however, bore the brunt of the tsunami, with 4,163 people confirmed dead and another 2,113 recorded as missing. Records mark that of those killed in Phang Nga by the tsunami 2,213 were foreigners – mostly tourists.

The Phuket News

car will be an interesting landmark in Phuket, aside from natural attractions,” he added.

However, Mr Atchawin also declined to reveal the proposed location of where the cable car is to be built and operated.

“We need to conduct an EIA first. Then we will be sure about the project location,” he said.

Mr Atchawin added that

Archawin Sitaputra, President of JH Cable Car Thailand Co Ltd. Photo: PR Dept his company also had yet to hold public meetings to gain feedback and opinions on building the cable car system.

“These public meetings are expected be held sometime in January,” he said.

“Our company has already planned the location of the cable car stations and pylons, but at this stage we cannot reveal any more about that.

We have to finish our research

and obtain public feedback first, but we will make sure that the view from cable car will be good,” Mr Atchawin explained. * The NESDC for years has been known by its former name, the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB). The formal change of its name will be recognised on Feb 1, 2020.

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Chinese tourist arrested for drowning his wife in a resort-room pool in Phuket last October was handed down a life sentence by Phuket Provincial Court on Christmas Eve (Dec 24), reports Ecns.cn, the official English-language website of China News Service (CNS).

The China News Service is the second largest state-owned news agency in China, after the Xinhua News Agency.

The tourist, Zhang Yifan, 32, from Tianjin, was initially charged with manslaughter after confessing to killing his wife, 29-year-old Zhang Jia, in a fit of rage at a luxury resort in Kamala on Oct 29 last year.

Police later changed the charge to premeditated murder after investigating claims by Ms Zhang’s family that Zhang had taken out life insurance policies for his wife’s death amounting to more than B142 million baht in compensation.

Zhang had refuted accusations that the incident was preplanned and intentional, Ecns reported, citing a slew of reports by China Central Television, Beijing News and Chinese-language news portal ThePaper.cn.

However, in the trial lasting 14 months, Phuket Provincial Court found

An officer from the Kamala Police inspects the scene where Zhang Jia, 29, was killed last October. Photo: The Phuket News / file that Zhang had committed intentional homicide, the report said.

The murder charge is punishable by death, but the judge commuted the sentence to life imprisonment in consideration that Zhang acknowledged the killing in his final statement, reported Ecns.

Thai prosecutors did recommend the death penalty in their submission to the court, the report added.

After learning that Zhang had

bought multiple insurance policies amounting to more than 26 million yuan just months before the trip, with all of them listing him as the sole beneficiary, police in Tianjin last December started looking into fraud allegations and found seven of the policies were not signed by his wife, noted the report.

Zhang denied the fraud accusations, saying the insurance policies were investments, and that while he admit-

ted he had forged her signature on two whole life policies, he insisted that she has been informed, the website said.

Investigators in Tianjin also found the husband had tipped a female livestreamer money adding up to 400,000 yuan, and sent her a luxury bag, the report added.

Zhang Yifan first alleged he was asleep when the body was discovered by hotel staff, but the account was regarded with suspicion after police identified bruises on Ms Zhang’s neck and arms, the newspaper said, quoting Thai police.

During the trial, however, Zhang insisted that his wife drowned after they got into a fight in the resort-room swimming pool, a claim confirmed by Kamala Police last December.

More than 16 people, including prosecutors and members of the victim's family, testified against Zhang during the first eight hearings of the trials. Zhang represented himself in the ninth and final hearing, the Ecns reported.

“We’re a bit disappointed at anything less than the death sentence, considering the abundance of evidence we supplied,” said Zhang Hongyuan, a consultant at a Bangkok-based law firm representing the victim’s family, said the report.

“But there’s still room for both sides to appeal,” she added.

Phuket’s iconic Promthep Cape to get palms from Pattaya THE PHUKET PROVINcial Office, headed by Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana, and Rawai Municipality have together arranged for 80 palm tress worth a total B10 million from Pattaya to be planted at the popular tourist viewpoint at Promthep Cape – for free.

The news follows Governor Phakaphong inspection the popular viewpoint on Christmas Eve (Dec 24), along with a host of officials, including Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos.

Joining the delegation for the site inspection was former Phuket Democrat MP Raywat Areerob, who now serves as Assistant Secretary of the Minister of Public Health, and Kampon Tansacha of NongNooch Tropical Botanical Garden in Pattaya, renowned for its beautiful gardens.

Governor Phakaphong explained, “Phromthep Cape

In total 80 palm tress worth B10 million are being added Phuket’s Promthep Cape. Photo: Rawai Municipality is one of the most beautiful places to see sun set in Thailand. A feature at the cape is that there are a lot of palm trees, but nowadays the number of palm trees has gradually decreased.”

Rawai Mayor Aroon told The Phuket News that the idea to have palms trees from NongNooch Tropical Botani-

cal Garden planted at the cape was suggested by Mr Raywat.

“They have known each other a long time,” he said.

Mr Ray wat asked Mr Kampon to provide palm trees to restore the cape’s natural beauty, Mayor Aroon explained.

Mr Kampon agreed, with 80 sugar palm trees now being

planted at the cape, he added.

“The cost for adding the palm trees is around B10 million,” he said.

Mr Kampon is the son of Pisit and Nong nooch Tansacha, who created the renowned NongNooch gardens on 1,700 rai in Jomtien in 1954, and which now welcomes some 5,000 tourists

each day.

Mr Kampon and his team of landscapers arrived in Phuket on Dec 26, Mayor explained.

“They will finish adding the trees before Dec 29 so that Phuket tourists will be able to see the original beauty of the cape, he said.

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Future Forward stages protest

Phuket supporters speak out over Election Commission rulings Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

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ome 20 members of the Future Forward Party (FFP) in Phuket staged a protest in front of the Phuket office of the Election Commission last week. The protesters even laid wreaths in front of the office to mark what they called “the death of justice”.

The protest followed the commission’s recent ruling to support having FFP leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit disqualified as a party list MP over his highly disputed holdings in a functionally defunct media company at the time of running for election.

The EC made its recommendation to the Constitutional Court to have Mr Thanathorn disqualified. The Constitutional Court made the disqualification formal on Nov 20.

The Constitutional Court is now expected to rule next month on whether to dissolve the FFP over allegations it attempted to overthrow the constitutional monarchy

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The Future Forward Party members protested in front of the Phuket office of the Election Commission on Chrsitmas Day (Dec 25). Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub following a complaint filed over speeches made by party members.

Head of the FFP’s Phuket party working group Theeraphong Thaweesap, at the protest last Wednesday said, “We stage this protest and laid funeral wreaths to show that we disagree with the things that the Election Commission has done. We cannot reveal what next our step is.

“We came out today because we want to show that the Future Forward Party will

be beside the Thai people and should not be dissolved.

“Today, FFP members in each province together made a political movement and opened registration for people to join the party so that Thai people can show what they want. Today’s movement aimed to show that we cannot bear any injustice,” he added.

The FFP written statement issued last Wednesday claimed that in addition to FFP members more than 6.2 million people disagree with

the request to dissolve the FFP, which Election Commission forward to the Constitution Court for action.

The statement did not cite any poll or explain in any other way how the party came to understand that 6.2mn people disagreed with the move to dissolve the FFP. “We want the Election Commission to be responsible and review what they did as fast as possible. We still believe in the power of the people,” the statement said.

Natthaporn Toprayoon, who petitioned the court early this year seeking disbandment of the FFP for violating Section 49 of the Constitution, last week said that he expects a ruling by the middle of January.

His prediction came after the court rejected the FFP’s request for a full inquiry into the case. The court said there was sufficient evidence to rule on the case without holding an inquiry under Section 58 (1) of the Constitutional Court’s Procedure Act. Mr Natthaporn cited the dissolution case against the Thai Raksa Chart Party (TRC) early this year, in which the court handed down its ruling without conducting an inquiry given there was already sufficient evidence.

In his petition against the FFP, Mr Natthaporn accused FFP leader Mr Thanathorn, party secretary-general Piyabutr Saengkanokkul and party executives of violating Section 49 of the charter which prohibits actions that undermine the constitutional monarchy.

He cited FFP actions including the party’s regulations and also speeches and lectures made by the senior party figures.

FFP spokeswoman Pannika Wanich said last Monday (Dec 23) that the party was bracing itself for the court’s ruling after the request for an inquiry was rejected.

“If the court ordered an inquiry, we would make preparations because witnesses and evidence would be called.

But without an inquiry, we just have to be prepared for a ruling that we can’t predict,” she said.

Meanwhile, Metropolitan Police Bureau chief Pol Lt Gen Pakkapong Pongpetra said police are seeking the parliament president’s permission to summon three FFP lawmakers to answer charges in connection with the “flash mob” protest that saw several thousand people converge in central Bangkok on Dec 14.

The three are Mr Piyabutr, Ms Pannika and party-list MP Pita Limjaroenrat, who face charges of violating the law on public assembly.

Opinion 6

OPINION

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EDITORIAL

Lofty aspirations

t first glance the idea of approving, even just in principle, a three-kilometre-long cable car on Phuket does not seem like a good idea. Even second and third glances do not help.

The idea seems like the last thing you would want to see approved here.

Sure, the concept is great; tourists and local residents would love it – but it’s the pragmatism of making the cable car a sustainable reality that lets it down. Phuket is a place where officials and private tour business operators have enough trouble keeping tourists safe on land or on water, nevermind hanging 80 metres in the air.

Archawin Sitaputra, President of JH Cable Car Thailand Co Ltd, certainly has done the right thing by first explaining that construction will be controlled by a French company,

“which is expert in building cable car systems.” Bringing experienced companies from overseas in to make sure the construction is to spec is a good start. The problem is the ongoing operation and maintenance. Think zipline rides in Chiang Mai. This is not to disparage the idea. It is refreshing to see a novel idea put forward that will only contribute as a value-add attraction to the island.

People on holidays need a break from the beach and shopping every now and then, and it’s also an attractive idea for young adults as well as families. Yet, so was the long imagined “world’s largest” Ferris wheel that was prominently announced three years to be built on 30-40 rai just west of Chao Fa West Rd in Wichit. At last report, that project still has yet to break ground.

Safety is paramount for any new attractions in Phuket, and despite the term being used ad nauseum by officials this is where Phuket’s “tourism image” really does come into play. Phuket’s reputation as a safe destination to take a holiday has taken a battering this past year alone, not including the Phoenix disaster that killed 47 tourists in July 2018.

The “Seven Days of Danger” is about to prove how safe Phuket’s roads are, and the tour boat crash just last week showed how safe it is on the water – even after the slew of drownings and other deaths in the water already prompted a top-level call for improved safety.

If Mr Archawin and his company can manage to produce a tourist attraction that is safe, we’ll take our hats off to them. It would be a genuine first for Phuket.

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HAVE YOUR SAY Cable car named desire

Re: B1.5bn Phuket cable car given green light.

Provide an island wide 24-hour bus service instead!

Brexited Paddy Henry More accidents to come Winston Church Should use it to connect a couple beaches together so it’s viable tourist and public transport option beyond mere sightseeing. Like Patong to Karon for example or Karon to the two Katas for instince.

Better yet, make it a bit longer and join all those beach together by cable car. Might save a few lives off the roads from inexperienced tourists crashing bikes on the hill round there.

Plus the great views would boost the economies of all the connected beaches.

Marcus Cesare How long will it take to build, then how long before someone dies?

Cam Smith “Declined to reveal the proposed location of where the cable car is to be built and

operate… Yeah, there’s not a snowball’s chance in Phuket summer that this is actually going to happen Jonathan Voris Thai price B50. Chinese B100. Farang B500 Jeroen Tak I do not think this is a good idea. The money could be better spent on other things. like lifeguards for the beaches, cleaning the beaches of garbage, repaving the roads with quality materials and of course jailing the people who rip off the tourists and farang.

Gary Jones Fancy projects like this (or a light rail way) easily getting green light while the island is still struggling with fresh water supply, wastewater treatment, poor waste management, polluted beaches, overdevelopment etc. Just a pity!

Charly Herget

Too close for comfort?

Re: Hacked security footage from cramped Thai prison leaked on YouTube Prison isn’t meant to be a

luxurious beach resort. Don’t like it, then don’t go Jim Degriz It’s just a good message to send to everyone. If you don’t want to end up here, behave yourself.

Saia Ahovelo If it’s like other prisons around the world there are plenty in there on remand, couldn’t make bail and are, at minimum, unconvicted, if not innocent. Bad practice mixing them in with the worst offenders.

Bill Armstrong Prison should not be a place of comfort, controlled environment, good meals or any recreation. IT’S PRISON. It should be so horrible that people make a clear choice to not commit acts that end them up there.

James Bahr

Justice?

Re: Chinese tourist sentences to life for killing wife at Phuket resort Are the dimwits gonna let him f ree af ter a few years like the serial killer

they just caught again?

David Haka And killing him will only hurt the already failing tourism industry.

Michael White

Phuket protests

Re: Future Foraward Party members in Phuket protest Election Commision rulings.

Prosecute those who protest the officals office. They do not have the right to do it.

Where are the police?

Joy Ratanayenjai

Yikes! Stripes!

Re: Bengal tiger returns for its killed prey in Mae Wong National Park Way too much location details in this article. Hopefully the park service fed incorrect info to the press. But if it is really a Bengal tiger, it has migrated from more than HKK.... Try India!!!

Alexander Coke Smith Fantastic they still exist Shawn Stangeland Lions, Tigers and Bears!

Denae Dockery

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020

European visa fees for Thais to rise 33% THAILAND

Bangkok Post

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rom Feb 2, 2020, Thai citizens will need to pay a fee of 80 euros (2,676 baht), one third more than the current 60 euros, when applying for a Schengen (EU) visa from Thailand, according to the website SchengenVisaInfo. com. The cost for children will rise from 35 euros to 40 euros.

The fees could be up to twice as much, however, for visas to EU nations without visa offices in Thailand. Visitors to those countries will have to apply through an external service provider – and those companies are allowed to charge an additional fee that can be as high as the cost of the visa itself.

“A visa fee of €120 or €160 will apply to non-cooperative third-countries, in cases when the EU Commission considers that action is needed in order to improve the level of cooperation of the third country concerned and the Union’s overall relations with

@thephuketnews

From Feb 2, 2020, Thai citizens will need to pay a fee of 80 euros (2,676 baht), a 33% increase on the current cost. Photo: Bangkok Post that third country,” said Gent Ukëhajdaraj from SchengenVisaInfo.com.

The new rules permit Thais to submit an application up to six months in advance of their trip, instead of the current three, and in theory will facilitate “the issuing of multiple entry visas with lengthier

validity to regular travellers with a positive visa history.”

However, in other cases it is feared that visa validity may be shortened and visa processing periods prolonged.

The website’s figures show that in 2018, Schengen embassies and consulates in Thailand processed 332,269 visa applica-

tions. Of those, 11,102, or 3.3% of the total, were rejected.

Thais spent a total of 19,936,140 euros on visa applications to Europe including 666,120 euros on applications that were denied.

France was the most popular country for applicants, followed by Germany.

THAILAND NEWS

7

Don’t believe the hype, it’s probably ‘fake news.’

THAILAND A PURPORTED TAX ON female sanitary napkins tops the list of the five most interesting rumours or “fake news” stories to spread on social media and capture public attention, according to a poll by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University, or Suan Dusit Poll.

The poll was conducted between December 17-21 on 1,082 people throughout the country to gauge their opinions after the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and the Royal Thai Police Office issued a warning for people not to believe news stories without questioning them, saying they could be fake news.

Asked to cite the latest rumours they have heard, with each respondent allowed to choose more than one answer, 64.34% picked a rise in excise tax on female sanitary napkins; 29.25% the dissolution of the Future Forward Party (FFP); 24.34% an increase in land and buildings tax; 17.74% looming anti-government rallies; and 14.72% a cabinet reshuffle and House dissolution.

Asked which rumours they think are probably true,

Tax on sanitary napkins tops list of interesting ‘fake news’ poll. Photo: Bangkok Post 38.40% chose FFP dissolution; 26.80% an increase in land and buildings tax; 18.79% a cabinet reshuffle; 16.18% an increase in tax on sanitary napkins; and 12.58% antigovernment demonstrations.

Asked what people can do to avoid being misled by fake news, 56.21% suggested that they should exercise discretion; 28.97% said people should cross-check reports with different sources; and 21.56% said people should not share or forward false stories.

Asked what the government should do to reduce fake news, 42.09% of respondents suggested that it set up an agency to handle the matter; 38.90% said the government should conduct checks and quickly clarify stories classified as rumours; and 24.66% said rumour-mongers should be seriously punished.

Bangkok Post

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THAILAND NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020

Abbot defrocked in scandal Sexual abuse charges with youngest victim only 8 years old SAMUT SAKHON Bangkok Post

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he acting abbot of a forest monastery in Ban Phaeo district has been defrocked and charged with sexually abusing novices at the temple, the youngest only 8 years old.

Phra Khru Sangkharak Saksit Kittiko, 40, now again known by his lay name Saksit Sonbanphaeo, was acting abbot of Wat Pa Suwatthanaram in tambon Lak Sam of Ban Phaeo district.

He was detained by a combined team of police and officials from the Social Development and Human Security Ministry on Dec 26, expelled from the monkhood and charged.

The senior monk was wanted on an arrest warrant issued by the Samut Sakhon provincial court for sexually molesting children under 16 years of age, sexual molestation using intimidation and forcing other people to perform obscene acts.

Saksit Sonbanphaeo, 40, formerly acting abbot of Wat Pa Suwatthanaram in tambon Lak Sam of Ban Phaeo district, is arrested on Wednesday (Dec 25) morning charged with sexually abusing novices. Police photo.

He was taken into custody in the temple grounds as he was about to go out collecting morning alms.

Pol Maj Gen Worawat Wat-

nakhonbancha, commander of the Anti-Human Trafficking Division, said police investigators had evidence the suspect had sexually molested novices

who were ordained during semester breaks, and temple boys. This included testimony from victims, parents and nuns at the monastery.

It is alleged the abbot confiscated the boys‘ mobile phones when he abused them, to prevent them taking photos or phoning other people.

However, some victims managed to take photos and to contact their parents, Pol Maj Gen Worawat said.

There were 19 novices, one aged 19 and the others all younger, and 10 temple boys at the temple. The youngest was 8 years old, he said.

Pol Maj Gen Worawat said later that 10 novices and one temple boy had alleged they were sexually abused.

The acting abbot had commanded wide respect from residents, as a development monk who supported the education of children from needy families, he said.

The former Phra Khru Sangkharak had played a key role in developing the monastery 15 years ago and was about to be confirmed as the abbot before the sex scandal broke, Pol Maj Gen Worawat said.

Officials from the Social Development and Human

Security Ministry were assisting the victims. The Office of National Buddhism would make inquiries whether other novices who previously stayed at the temple were also abused.

Mobile phones belonging to novices were found inside the monk’s living quarters.

Used condoms were found behind the novices’ quarters.

All were taken as evidence, Pol Maj Gen Worawat said.

Atchariya Ruangrattanapong, chairman of the Help Crime Victims Club Facebook page, alleged the victims’ hands and legs were tied and they were sodomised. On occasions, novices had been forced to perform sexual acts among themselves while he watched, he alleged. Sometimes, outsiders had been invited to participate.

Mr Saksit denied all the allegations. He said he had been in the monkhood for over 20 years and made contributions to the temple. He did not know why he now faced such false allegations.

He was handed over to local police for legal action.

Hacked security footage from cramped Thai prison posted on YouTube CHUMPHON T H E SEC U R I T Y CA M ER A system at Lang Suan prison in the southern province of Chumphon has been hacked and footage showing inmates living in overcrowded conditions posted on YouTube.

Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin said the Corrections Department had informed him of the incident. Authorities still did not know how the recording was leaked.

He was quick to point out that similar incidents had happened in other countries, including Australia and Russia.

The minister said he told the department to file a police complaint, and assigned the Department of Special Investigation to find out how it happened and who was responsible.

He was concerned the leak may have violated the rights of inmates.

A source in the Justice Ministry said the CCTV systems in Thai prisons were installed by private-sector contractors through a procurement process. The system is connected to the internet to give authorised individuals access to real-time viewing. Prison chiefs and senior officials can view the live CCTV footage on their smartphones.

The minister said it was pos-

sible the access code was leaked to outsiders, who then accessed the system and posted the recording on YouTube, damaging the reputation of Thai prisons as the footage shows the overcrowded conditions.

The video, labelled “Thai Bangkok prison Security Came live” was posted on Youtube on Dec 24. It showed claimed real-time footage from several locations in Lang Suan Prison, showing the daily lives of inmates.

However, authorities pointed out “live-footage” was in fact two hours behind.

A source said it appeared the prison’s CCTV system was hacked

An image captured from hacked CCTV footage. the night of Dec 23.

The YouTube account of the hacker named Big Brother’s Gaze also shows leaked CCTV prison

footage from countries including Russia, Australia and the United States.

Bangkok Post

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020

BUSINESS NEWS

9

A call for unification The highlight was of course the opening of our first internationally branded hotel, Best Western Plus The Beachfront in Rawai. After the soft-opening in July, the property has been fully completed on time for the current high season and we are enjoying above average business levels since late 2019. 2020 is going to be exciting with the continuing construction of two more branded hotels on the Millionaires’ Mile in Kamala and a few more new projects in the pipeline, which will be announced soon.

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et’s join forces and make Phuket a better place for all of us… An exclusive interview with Andres Pira, CEO of Blue Horizon Thailand – one of Phuket’s leading Real Estate Developers How do you see the current real estate market in Phuket and what do you expect from the future?

These are challenging times, not only for the real estate business in Phuket but also for other sectors.

The competition in real estate is tough and unfortunately it is quite hostile. In the hospitality industry for example, multiple associations bring hotel owners and operators together to work on destination marketing, educational and environmental programs while at the same time being competitors.

In the real estate industry in Phuket, this does not exist. Negativity is spread and some real estate companies and desperate agents are trying to ruin the reputation of others in unethical ways. Some stop nothing short of defaming the competition, thinking they help themselves. But they are wrong. Potential investors get confused and lose confidence to invest in Phuket. Defamation is seriously damaging the real estate

Andres Pira, CEO of Blue Horizon Thailand. market and the reputation of Phuket as a lucrative and safe investment heaven.

Having said that, Blue Horizon has a positive vision of the future.

In the long term, the world economy will continue to grow and more and more people will have the financial means and the desire to invest into lifestyle property abroad.

How can the local real estate market and the competitive conditions be improved?

Real estate developers should reach out to each other and join forces instead of working against each other. We are not only all in the same boat but real estate has a huge impact on the environment and many other aspects of Phuket as a destination. We should therefore work together and with the local Government on Phuket’s future.

Long term sustainable strategies on energy resources, water treatment, waste management, transportation, zoning and educa-

Landowners panic over tax changes PROPERTY OPER ATORS OF HOM ESTAY A N D home-sharing premises will soon face much higher commercial property tax than buy-tolet homeowners who pay residential rates, the Finance Ministry says.

However, the new rules have sent many confused land and property owners into a panic, particularly in Bangkok. They received a letter from local administrative organisations and district offices informing them of their property type ahead of the enforcement of the new tax legislation.

To quell homeowners’ unease, the Finance Ministry and related agencies have agreed to group buy-to-let homes and condominiums under residential use, which is charged below the rate for commercial use under the new land and building tax to be implemented in August next year, according to Lavaron Sangsnit, director-general of the Fiscal Policy Office.

This is because the authorities believe these properties are rented for long-term residential purposes. But homestay operators and home-sharing hosts like Airbnb will reap no windfall from the Finance Ministry’s decision to apply the land and building tax rate for residential purposes to buy-to-let homes.

Homestay and home-sharing activities are considered short-term rentals for commercial use, so these operators will be subjected to the commercial rate, Mr Lavaron said.

Daily rentals are deemed for commercial purposes, while long-term rentals are classed as residential use, he said, adding the various durations of rental periods will be spelled out later. According to the new tax structure, @thephuketnews

Homestays at Mae Kam Pong village in Chiang Mai will be affected by the tax.

Photo: Chanat Katanyu / Bangkok Post land and buildings used for residences with appraisal prices of up to B50 million are tax-exempt for principal homes, while those valued at more than B50-75mn are taxed at 0.03% of appraisal prices, more than B75100mn are taxed at 0.05%, and more than B100mn at 0.1%.

Those who only own houses, not land, qualify for a tax exemption for the first B10mn of their houses’ appraisal prices.

If owners have more than one home, the second and subsequent residences are subject to a 0.02% tax for those with an appraisal price of up to B50mn or B200 for B1mn worth of appraisal price, and the same tax rate as principal homes is applied to those with appraisal prices above B50mn.

In comparison, owners of commercial use property will be subject to a 0.3% tax rate for up to B50mn, or B3,000 for B1mn worth of appraised price.

Mr Lavaron said the land and building tax’s objectives are to simplify tax collection and reduce local administrative organisations’ discretion.

Bangkok Post

tion among others are crucial for Phuket to be recognized as one of the best and most unique holiday and investment destinations in the world. By joining forces and working together in a fair and competitive environment, we can make Phuket a better place for all of us.

What were Blue Horizon Thailand’s highlights in 2019 and what are the plans for 2020?

In 2019, we have completed various of our smaller real estate projects.

About Blue Horizon Thailand Blue Horizon Thailand is a highly decorated real estate developer that has over 15 years of experience in project planning and construction including institutional, industrial, educational and residential facilities in Phuket. Blue Horizon also works closely with some of the world’s largest international Hotel chains on Hospitality projects.

Whether a project is large or small, Blue Horizon has the expertise to ensure high-quality construction and excellent client satisfaction.

Contact: Andres Pira CEO Blue Horizon Thailand info@bluehorizon-thailand.com

10 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

The award-winning Royal Phuket Marina.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020

Some 50 yachts will be on display at the show.

Worth a double celebration MARINE

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A

s the world ushers in a new decade, the Thailand Yacht Show has extra reason to celebrate as the 2020 edition – held on 9-12 January at Royal Phuket Marina – marks the fifth anniversary of the country’s premier maritime and luxury lifestyle event.

This year we will have something for everyone with an exciting programme of

workshops, demonstrations, live music and side-events planned throughout the four days, including sommelier courses, oyster and caviar tastings, photography classes and art exhibitions, whilst our painting masterclasses will help you unlock your inner Van Gogh. If fashion is more your thing, designers from all over the country will be presenting their latest collections of evening dresses, beachwear, jewellery and accessories in our daily fashion shows.

For those who know their

Handel from their Haydn, we are delighted to introduce our Children’s Day Music Festival on Saturday 11th (13:00 – 18:00), featuring young musicians from the Phuket School of Music performing classical scores and jazz compositions. In the Marina, we have partnered with the Phuket Yacht Club, who will be offering sailing lessons to children of all ages – a great way for your child to find their sea legs!

If you’re unsure of what to do this Children’s Day, a trip

to the Thailand Yacht Show offers a whole range of fun activities that all the family can enjoy.

The Show’s main draw, of course, is the stunning selection of 50 yachts – of all shapes and sizes – for visitors to admire and even purchase!

From sleek motoryachts to sporty day-trippers, spacious catamarans to RIBs and tenders, the Thailand Yacht Show will once again offer the crème de la crème of the nautical world. This year, we are very excited to welcome national

and regional premieres from Custom Line, Lagoon Catamarans, NEEL Trimarans, Princess Yachts, Riva Yachts and Riviera whilst local shipyard, Asian Catamarans, will launch their brand new model at the Show.

Visitors can check out the latest luxury property developments, marine technologies, gadgets and lifestyle products in the Exhibition Hall, relax with drinks and a veritable smorgasbord of F&B options on the always atmospheric Boardwalk before welcoming

the evening in style with live entertainment and glamorous yacht parties.

Pre-register for FREE online and enter our draw to win exclusive prizes, including yacht charters, hotel rooms and special partner giveaways.

Make sure you don’t miss the fifth celebration of the Thailand Yacht Show; where the journey begins.

For more information visit www.thailandyachtshow.com or email info@thailandyachtshow.com

The Naka Island resort completes seven-month upscale extension HOSPITALITY T H E NA K A ISLA N D, an award-winning resort and spa located off Phuket’s east coast operated as part of Marriott International’s The Luxury Collection, has announced the completion of its seven-month expansion.

The project included building 10 additional brandnew Deluxe units to be added to the existing portfolio and relocation of the 24hour gym to a larger area of 219sqm, with upgraded facilities.

The new Deluxe Room units add to the existing 13 units that opened in Dec 2017. In total, the resort offers 90 luxuriously appointed, uniquely designed rooms and villas accompanied by numerous amenities.

Also part of the expansion was the creation of the casual beachside restaurant and open bar Rum Chapel, added as a new edition to Food & Beverage venue options. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor

The long-awaited seven-month expansion is over.

Photo: The Naka Island

The interior of one of the new Deluxe Rooms. ambience with its design featuring a 50-seat hotspot right on the beach and connecting to the popular infinity pool.

“We are delighted to share this exceptional update

to all guests and we are confident that the enhancements in our services will be well received, optimize our guests’ experiences and increase satisfaction during the stay at our resort,” said General Manager Erich Friedl.

“Whether guests are here for an island retreat, a rejuvenating spa getaway or adventurous Thailand expeditions, guests can find what they need at the enchanting Naka Island resort in Phuket,” he said.

The Phuket News thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020

PIWC ladies get ready for charity Mardi Gras

13

Revealing the delights of Tre’s Chef Claudio

16

READY TO SERVE

New Australian Consul-General to Phuket takes aim at economic diplomacy and tourists’ safety Matthew Barclay, Australia’s Consul-General in Phuket, with responsibility for the provinces of Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

M

atthew Barclay, the new Australian Consul-General to Phuket, has arrived on the island and picked up the baton from former Consul-General Craig Ferguson, who set up the Consulate-General on the bypass road little over three years ago.

Matthew’s posting as Australia’s Consul-General in Phuket, with responsibility for the provinces of Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga, was announced by Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for Women, Senator Marise Payne in August last year, and his credentials were formally accepted by the Thai government last month.

People may be forgiven for underestimating Matthew’s prowess in diplomacy, thinking that Phuket is just another “holiday posting”. A quick glance at Matthew’s career path will quickly make clear that his skills and achievements have been hard won.

Between 2015 and 2018 Matthew was the First Secretary of the Political division at the Australian Embassy in Jakarta. He was responsible for the embassy’s domestic political liaison and strategic education outreach.

Prior to this posting, however, Matthew was a policy adviser in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (DFAT) Consular and Crisis Manage@thephuketnews

ment Division. In this position Matthew provided advice to Ministers and the Departmental executive on management of complex consular cases in the Asia-Pacific region.

Between 2012 and 2013 Matthew served alongside Australian, Slovak and US armed forces in Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan, as a DFAT political adviser within the Uruzgan Provincial Reconstruction Team. In this role, he led the Australian Government’s Interagency Detainee Monitoring Team which liaised with local authorities on the welfare of Afghan detainees.

Matthew also regularly reported on political, security, legal and human rights developments in the Uruzgan province.

Prior to joining DFAT, Matthew worked in the Department of Defence on international policy, public affairs and capability development matters. Between 2007 and 2011, his primary focus was Australia’s defence relationship with Timor-Leste. In this role he served in Timor-Leste as an international policy advisor to the Australian-led International Stabilisation Force and later as a strategy and governance advisor to the Timor-Leste Secretariat of State for Defence and the Timor-Leste Defence Force.

Matthew holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Western Australia and a Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) from Edith Cowan University. He speaks fluent Indonesian and Thai,

and has also completed a Certificate III in vocational Tetum – the language of Timor-Leste.

A recipient of the Australian Operational Service Medal (Civilian) for his service in Timor-Leste and Afghanistan, Matthew has also received the US Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the NATO ISAF Medal for his service in Afghanistan.

And now he’s in Phuket, with a focus on economic diplomacy and tourists’ safety.

“It’s a privilege to work with the close-knit Australian community here in Phuket,” Matthew told The Phuket News over the New Year.

“Australians are an integral part of the local economy, working in a range of sectors and helping the local economy through investment and upskilling.

“The bilateral ties with Thailand are strong and we are keen to see more investment and trade with this part of Thailand into the future,” he said.

“I hope to work with those in the Australian and wider community to see where the opportunities lie and where we can assist,” he added.

As Phuket’s economy continues to grow and diversify, Australia certainly wants to be part of the journey and has a lot to offer, Matthew explained.

“Beyond the already strong hospitality and food and beverage sectors, there are clear opportunities in infrastructure development, vocational skills transfer and marine,” he said.

Continued on page 12

12 PEOPLE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020

Matthew and his team.

Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

Matthew already working closely with his staff. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

Taking care of Aussies abroad Safety First Matthew has already made his intentions clear on taking steps to support moves by local officials to improve safety for tourists and expats on the island, joining a high-level beach safety workshop organised by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation office for Phuket in collaboration with the Phuket Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF).

The “Phuket Beach Safety Workshop”, held in Phuket Town on Dec 17,

saw Dr Rob Brander, Professor and Deputy Head of School at the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES), at the University of New South Wales, Australia, join to explain the dangers of key beach hazards and how they can be mitigated.

“We want to continue to be an active and cooperative partner for Phuket and support the provincial authorities’ focus on water safety,” Matthew said.

“We are keen to assist where we can as, ultimately, improved water safety

awareness and management on the island benefits Phuketians and tourists from all countries.

“We will be keen to work with local authorities to support initiatives in the lifesaving space, including an upcoming visit by trainers from Life Saving New South Wales,” he added.

Specifically regarding Australian tourists, Matthew raised the key issue of having poor travel insurance leaving tourists injured in accidents while on holiday in Phuket in difficult situations, unable to pay for much needed, or even critical, hospital care.

“Phuket still receives a large number of Australians every year. At least 250,000 arrivals per year direct from Australia, but there are certainly others who enter via Bangkok and make their way down south,” Matthew explained.

“There will always be small fluctuations, but expect Phuket to remain a staple for Australian tourists,” he said.

“Recent research tells us that 10% of travelling Australians surveyed found they travelled without insurance, but accidents can and certainly do occur.

“When you consider 11.2 million Aussies travelled in 2018/19. that could be over 1mn people traveling without backup in the event of an accident,” he pointed out.

“We hope Australians heed the message that traveling without insurance is a dangerous and potentially expensive proposition,” Matthew said plainly.

“People need to prepare themselves when traveling and I encourage all Australians traveling and living overseas to read our advice at smartraveler.gov.au before travel and sign up for updates.

The new website is easy to navigate and ensures information is clearer and easier to find,” he stressed.

“For those Australians who need assistance, we are ready 24/7 to provide help. They should call 076-317700 (during business hours) or +61 2 6261 3305 (for 24-hour assiatnce),” he said.

On a personal note, Matthew, who is married to Connie and enjoys cricket, reading about international relations and sketching, welcomes his new posting.

“It’s a rare privilege to live somewhere where people holiday and I am looking forward to my next few years here. But it comes with great responsibilities to provide support to those Australians who need help during times that can be quite distressing,” he said.

“I have just finished Colin Mackay’s History of Phuket and can’t wait to get out and explore the historical sights of the island. Phuket has stood at the cross-roads of so many pivotal historic moments in the region’s history and it will be great to learn more about this,” he added.

“Myself and the team at the Consulate-General are avid readers of the Phuket News. Keep up the great work keeping everyone on the island informed!” Matthew concluded.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

COMMUNITY 13

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020

The measure of success.

Set to be a wild time.

Annual Fundraiser for PIWC

Mardi Gras with Phuket International Women’s Club PIWC”

Put on your wildest green, gold or purple Mardi Gras masks and dancing attire to swing to the music while enjoying an elegant feast...

@thephuketnews

P

huket International Women’s Club (PIWC) Annual Fundraiser is set to be a wild night of Mardi Gras dining, dancing and revelry.

On Saturday, February 29 at the Firefly Restaurant in The Pavilions Phuket in Cherng Talay, PIWC promises a fun foodloving celebration featuring the best of Phuket with its 31st annual charity dinner, silent auction, raffle and danceathon – a masked revelry of dancing, beads and masks, laughter and fun from sunset to late evening including a sumptuous buffet and fantastic auction prizes.

All this revelry has a serious purpose – to raise funds for scholarships to educate local disadvantaged children who would otherwise miss the opportunity to improve their lives and that of their families.

PIWC, the first charity established in Phuket, started as a women’s organisation comprised of members from over 30 countries who bond over shared interests, meals and laughter. PIWC ensures all donated funds go directly to fund the children with no overhead costs included. Since 1989, all funds raised sponsored scholarships to more than 1,400 young girls and boys. Over the past 30 years, hundreds of children have benefited from the scholarship fund.

Today our graduating students are doctors, lawyers, architects, teachers and veterinarians as well as many other professional roles. These former students, now adults, give to the fund annually as a way to say thank you but also to ensure future students receive the same benefit.

Producing a world-class evening of revelry would not succeed without the support of sponsors as well as the many hotels and local businesses that con-

tinually support our scholarship fund.

You can see a list of our supporters on the PIWC website (http://www.PIWCPhuket.com) A full list of sponsors will be announced proudly on the night of the party.

So put on your wildest green, gold or purple Mardi Gras masks and dancing attire to swing to the music while enjoying an elegant feast comforted in the fact you are helping others.

PIWC’s Mardi Gras gala will be held at the Firefly Restaurant at the Pavilions Resort on Saturday, February 29 starting at 6:30 p.m. To purchase tickets at 2500 baht per person for welcome drink, full buffet dinner, silent auction and dancing, contact info@piwc-phuket.com or www.thephuketnewscom/Phuket-ticket-master.php Alternatively, for more information, go to the PIWC website at www.PIWC-Phuket.com.

14 ENTERTAINMENT

Cats gives us reason to paws...

David Griffiths

Perhaps the best way to approach Cats is to think you are about to enter a cinema to watch a theatre musical being projected onto the big screen...

W

hen you look back on 2019 and think of what films made the biggest impact in cinema there were perhaps none quite talked about the way Cats was. When the trailer dropped for director Tom Hooper’s (Les Miserables, The King’s Speech) version of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical it made the nightly news for all the wrong reasons. For some Hooper’s cats looked strange, not-quite-human not-quite-cat, but others, like myself, found themselves erring on the side of caution wondering or not if this was going to turn out to be some kind of visual spectacular.

To be honest, Cats sits somewhere in the middle.

While it is not the musical masterpiece that Hooper created with Les Miserables it is also not as terrible as some would have you think. Perhaps the best way to approach Cats is to think you are about to enter a cinema to watch a theatre musical being projected onto the big screen because this feels much more like

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020

Cats: starring Dame Judi Dench, Jennifer Hudson and James Corden. a concert than it does a cinematic experience.

Originally based on a collection of poems from T.S. Eliot, Cats is told through the eyes of Victoria (Francesca Hayward – The Sun Is God, Extra) a young cat who finds herself dumped in a London alleyway one night. She soon finds herself making friends with a magical cat called Mr. Mistoffelees (Laurie Davidson – Will, The Good Liar) who introduces her to the world of the Jellicle Cats.

On the night she arrives, she finds that the Jellicles are eagerly awaiting the arrival of one of their oldest members – their matriarch Old Deuteronomy (Judi Dench – Skyfall, Shakespeare In Love) who on this night every year chooses which Jellicle will live the life they have always dreamed of. But not everything runs smoothly as the villainous Macavity (Idris Elba – The Losers, Star Trek Beyond) plans on eliminating all of his competition.

Surprisingly, the plot of Cats does work on the big screen. It is extremely light, though at times the film feels like an extra couple of songs have been added to pad it out to feature film length.

Despite what many felt from when that first trailer surfaced, you do also find yourself as an audience member connecting with the cats on screen. Each has their own persona and whether you want to admit to it or not you do find yourself barracking for a cat to win Old Deuteronmy’s approval.

The film’s biggest weakness though is the way it is put together. The stories and scenes are almost presented the way they would be if you were reading through the original collection of short stories. A certain cat will perform and point out their strengths and weaknesses and then they are spirited away

by Macavity before they can have their time with Old Deuteronomy. The sequences though where Macavity and his right-hand cat Growltiger (Ray Winstone – The Departed, Beowulf) are keeping the other cats captive are more like you would expect from a pantomime though and never become as menacing as they perhaps should have been.

While the sequences of watching the Jellicles perform does at times seem magical there is none of the wow factor here that we got with other musicals like Les Miserables and Moulin Rouge. Les Miserables worked on the big screen because it was believable while Moulin Rouge was way over the top which suited the theatre world that it was set in. Cats has the disadvantage of not being believable and it feels like perhaps it would have worked a little

better if Hooper had followed in the footsteps of Baz Luhrmann and made this film go more into the fantasy realm as well.

What does work for Cats though is the casting. Judi Dench and Sir Ian McKellan (Gods And Monster, Lord Of The Rings) steal the show as they expertly lead their younger cast. James Corden (Trolls, Peter Rabbit) brings in just the right amount of comic relief while playing Bustopher Jones but it is Jennifer Hudson (Dream Girls, The Secret Life Of Bees) who shines the brightest with her amazing vocals in the role of Grizabella. The ballet skills of Francesca Hayward also allow her to gracefully float across the screen as she leads the audience through this strange new world.

Cats may not leave its audience in awe the way Les Miserables did but it does have its own special charm. The best way to approach the movie is to go into the cinema knowing you will be about to watch a theatre production rather than a big blockbuster film.

3/5 Stars David Griffiths has been working as a film and music reviewer for over 20 years. That time has seen him work in radio, television and in print. You can follow him at www.facebook.com/subcultureentertainmentaus thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ART 15

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020

Marilyn Band in Black & White

W

Bruce Standley

ith a successful show of new paintings on display at Mom Tri’s Gallery of Modern Art and Cuisine, the artist Marilyn Band has decided to present another, quite different, exhibition of her more familiar, more classical work of original drawings, prints and limited editions at the Villa Royale Gallery at Kata Beach. The exhibition is open from Jan 3 to through Feb 10.

Marilyn’s named the new exhibit “Black and White”, to describe this substantial body of work.

“I’ve had a long, happy career drawing the beautiful villages and people around the Indian Ocean while I have been sailing with my husband, Nick.

We’ve explored from Zanzibar to the outer islands of Indonesia and I’ve drawn the cultures from many regions.

Now I want to share these new and original images.”

She also believes this art shows a vanishing world when the skies and the ocean were cleaner and people could more easily support themselves when living in remote villages.

When Nick and Marilyn sailed to Phuket in 1980, the island was heavily populated with water buffaloes and

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covered with rice fields. There was no international tourism. The beaches were empty and it was difficult to make from one place to another. There was no road connecting Karon and Patong beaches and it was rumoured that dangerous animals still inhabited the hills between Phuket Town and the western beaches.

Marilyn’s early work from this period is available for purchase.

“I think it’s important for Phuket residents to understand that we need to protect the environment including the quality of air and water that has seriously been threatened by overdevelopment,” she says. “I hope my art from an earlier time will remind people of what is being lost.”

In addition to a collection of blackand-white graphic images of Thai religious and cultural sites, Marilyn offers a variety of colourful work from different periods of her career.

Marilyn comes from four generations of English stained-glass artists whose commissions even included work on Exeter Cathedral. They were kept busy repairing damage to churches and building damaged during World War II. As a child, she worked with her father at drawing and fabricating coloured glass for their creations.

She later studied graphic design at High Wycombe Technical College in

Buckinghamshire, England and started her career as a graphic artist in a variety of advertising agencies in London.

But on holiday to the Seychelles, the young artist met her future husband Nick who had sailed his yacht from Africa to the Seychelles. Together they have explored the wide Indian Ocean, where Marilyn has taken inspiration for her art, for 40 years.

They built their studio, made from locally sourced materials, in Rawai in 1980 and Marilyn has been painting and drawing and building collage ever since.

She will be in residence at the Villa Royale Gallery most days from lunchtime til 7pm. For more information, contact Villa Royale at 076 333 568 or info@villaroyalephuket.com

16 DINING

Banyan Tree Phuket.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Dessert - Chiang Mai Strawberries, yoghurt mousse, rose meringue.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020

Starter - River Prawn Tartare, yuzu caviar, almond, papaya.

Our best kept seceret, Tre!

Banyan Tree truly innovative dishes by Chef Claudio!

THE CULINARY DETECTIVE Chris Watson chriswatsonth@gmail.com

I

t is almost a year to the day since I last visited Tre, currently only open for the high season.

Tre is one of Banyan Tree Phuket’s stable of leading-edge restaurants, the other outlets, perhaps slightly better known to you, the Japanese Taihei and the heirloom recipe signature Thai restaurant, Saffron. Executive Chef Chandra clearly has an extremely busy role, coordinating these, in my humble opinion, world class offerings along-with others and many upcoming additions including newly launching dedicated wellness villas and the six-month residency of the culinary theatre Le Petit Chef which has just arrived! On my last dinner, I experienced innovative dishes created by a previous Chef de Cuisine, Kreaton, subsequently and deservedly promoted to a new destination; the benchmark was set high!

I am informed by the dynamic and charming

Director of marketing and communications for the hotel, Filipa Sousa, that the newly arrived Chef de Cuisine, Claudio Barzano, will continue Banyan Tree’s global core commitment to protecting and sustaining the environment by sourcing as much produce as possible locally to ensure a minimum carbon footprint and a drive towards zero waste. Chef Claudio brings with him a star-studded background of working with globally renowned chefs, Giorgio Locatelli and Guillaume Brahimi; they need no introduction! Italian and hailing from Brugherio in Lombardy, he combines his French techniques with his passion for fresh produce. His first time in Thailand, he has been bowled over by the abundance of quality ingredients available from artisan farmers and fishermen.

Currently around 75% of produce used is local but this is a work in progress. I am truly excited to experience his first menu and am greeted on arrival by restaurant manager Paulina, another new addition, from an equally international background. She professionally guides me and my dining partner to our table. At this juncture I would normally extol the virtues of the location and décor of the restaurant but will abstain to devote as much of my allocated space as possible to the food itself. Chef Claudio currently offers an extensive a la carte menu, however plans to introduce a tasting menu as soon as he is settled. He has put together a showcase menu of his specialities for this evening. Following a beginning of breads, a choice of semolina or multi grain, one of Chef Claudio’s fortes, somewhat unusual for a chef from a hot kitchen background. We begin with a technically intricate and successful amuse bouche of asparagus royale with blue swimmer crab and pumpkin seeds and then onto an appetizer of deliciously refreshing local river prawn tartare topped with yuzu caviar and drizzled almond foam with tapioca crackers adding texture. A very clever dish. This is followed by Chef Claudio’s take on malfatti. Malfatti is not often seen in high end restaurants, it has so far remained a dish for home cooking for the family.

The name literally translates to “poorly made”. There’s nothing poor about Chef Claudio’s take; what elevates it is the use of pumpkin instead of the usual spinach and finished off in the pan with a perfectly burnt brown butter to add crispness to this ‘rustic gnocchi.’ It is also dressed with pickled peach and crunchy prosciutto, adding multi layers

Chef Claudio Barzano. of flavour and texture. As I type this, I recall this dish with a smile and a yearning for more. A true flavour bomb!

Next on the menu is Andaman sea bass with pearl onions and delicate balls of potato parisienne accompanied with a perfectly balanced oyster mayonnaise; really quite stunning. Next the piece de resistance arrives at table, a smoked wagyu striploin, a picture on a bed of edible soil and garnished with parsnip, mushrooms and shallots. The beef with a slightly charred aroma literally melts in the mouth with a distinctive smoky taste that lingers pleasantly on the palate. Having almost reached capacity, we have just enough room for his signature dessert, Chiang Mai strawberry, a plate of silky yoghurt mousse partnered with a scented rose mini meringue and accompanied with local strawberry. A stylish finish. Paulina and her team have taken exceptional care of us, helpfully suggesting appropriate and unique pairings to match Claudio’s dishes.

I understand that ‘the management’ are considering keeping Tre open throughout 2020 which I sincerely hope they will do, however in any event, urge you to book Tre soonest to catch Claudio’s creations. This is indeed a valuable addition to Phuket’s culinary offerings and I am delighted that we have yet another new restaurant where one can enjoy seriously intelligent dining. Claudio, keep pushing that envelope!

Chris is a former Michelin Guide Inspector who following an international career in hospitality spanning 30 years in both the Middle East and Asia, has now settled in Thailand and contributes a monthly restaurant column. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

PETS 17

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020

Puppy Time New Year’s guide to raising your pup

A lovely basket of puppies. Photo: haidi2002 / Pixabay

UNLEASHED Russell D Russell info@k9pointacademy.com

Signing up for group classes is always a good bet as it teaches your dog to pay attention to you in a variety of distracting scenarios with the added benefit of some doggie interaction too...

Regardless of future plans for your puppy, it is important to remember that they are still a puppy.

M

any people, and vets, will tell you that training your puppy should not begin until after six months of age. This is utter nonsense and what’s worse, by the time your pup has reached six months, many of the primary developmental stages have long passed and habits, good and bad, have begun to take hold. It is the early training, and indeed socialising, that are massively important factors in producing a well rounded dog.

Early Socialising Puppies are born into this world deaf and blind, yet their learning and socialising begins immediately.

During their first 16 weeks, all of their experience and interactions will shape the nature of the dog they will grow to become. Littermates, its mother, strangers, other dogs, all will make an impression. From his mother, the puppy will learn crucial social skills and how to interact with others, skills which he will practice with his littermates. Pups that removed from their mothers and litters too early in life (eight weeks or younger) are very often socially inept with people and other dogs.

Socialising should start with a reputable breeder.

So if you’re looking for a puppy, you need to “vet” your breeder as much as the puppies. Imprinting and social exercises can allow puppies to experience various situations they will encounter later in life, in a safe and positive environment. The more diverse experiences the puppies can be positively exposed to early in life will help be more confident, better equipped to deal with stress and problem solving as an adult.

Getting your puppy home This early life socialisation doesn’t stop when you bring your new puppy home – it continues in earnest. Expose your pup to safe, new situations in a calm, confident and rewarding manner for desired behaviours.

One of the most important times in a pup’s life is between the ages of eight to 11 weeks, when they go through what is called a “fear period”, which typically lasts for a couple of weeks. During this time, puppies may appear to be fearful of stimuli which they have previously been comfortable with and its important not to respond to this with “coddling” or attention, or you

@thephuketnews

New holiday poppy? Here’s what to do. will reinforce the new reaction. Instead, remain confident in yourself and go on with calm praise for the correct reaction.

Meeting new dogs, is often a scary time for new owners, let alone the puppy, but it doesn’t need to be stressful and can be controlled. It is important that your puppy have good experiences early, so try and pick the dogs you work with.

Signing up for group classes is always a good bet as it teaches your dog to pay attention to you in a variety of distracting scenarios with the added benefit of some doggie interaction too.

On leash and off leash is often of concern to owners – whilst off leash allows your pup the freedom to roam and investigate, having them on leash gives the owner more confidence and control.

However, tension on the leash will lead to tension in the dog, and can actually cause more problems. The best thing to do is lots of focus work with your pup to get them responding to you, so when

you’re out and about you can practice this, even in the presence of other dogs you’re unsure of.

Regardless of future plans for your puppy, it is important to remember that they are still a puppy and should not be pushed harder than they can handle.

Any socialisation or training should be a good experience to maintain interest and make it fun for you both. Though dogs go through several life stages before they reach maturity, a strong foundation from the start makes all the difference.

If you would like some more information on canine training, or behavioural issues, then please to contact us on 091 654 1960, email info@k9pointacademy. com, or check our website www.k9pointacademy.com.

CPA is the only K9 organisation in Thailand accredited with the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), and as an American Kennel Club (AKC) Evaluator.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 19

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020

Beach landing: Santa arrives.

Santa Claus, along with his elves, made their appearance in style to greet guests and give goodies to all children.

SANTA CLAUS, ELVES MAKE SPECIAL STOP AT JW MARRIOTT PHUKET JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa celebrated the festive season on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in style by hosting a spectacular Christmas Celebration at Mai Khao Ballroom and Andaman Grill. Hotel guests enjoyed live music, a magic show, carols by a Christmas Choir, entertainment and a lavish buffet brunch and dinner throughout the festive holidays. The highlight of the events was when Santa Claus, along with his elves, made their appearance in style to greet guests and give goodies to all children.

Jason Beavan receives festive season goodies from Khun Kanokkorn and Khun Natawan from the Vijitt Resort Phuket.

Khun Nikki and Khun Jane from Royal Phuket Marina stopped by with some goodies.

Khun Dew and Khun Mai from Kata Rocks stopped by.

Khun Nok (left) and Khun Pim (right) from the Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach are welcomed by Jason and Khun Noo.

DROPPING IN TO SAY HAPPY NEW YEAR! During the festive season, representatives from a variety of businesses across the island stopped by the offices of Class Act Media and IMAGE asia to wish us seasons greetings and the best for a happy New Year – and drop off baskets of goodies! We would like to thank everyone for their support throughout 2019 and look forward to continuing our award-winning success into the next decade. From all of us, Happy New Year! And may 2020 bring you much success and happiness. @thephuketnews

20 EVENTS

FRI

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM ad & choice of sauces. Reservation recommended. 295 baht P.P. shakersphuket@gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

3 JAN

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020

website at bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents Reservations, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong., Kata Beach 076-333-370 Karon 076-286479 Patong 076-344-914.

Grow Boating Networking Evening - January 2020

Mussels night @ Shakers

1.2kg mussels served with French fries, your choice, your style: natural, marnière, Provençale, garlic and cream or Thai style. Reservations recommended B295 P/P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ RIBS

Come join us for our WEEKLY BBQ EVERY FRIDAY served ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in All You Can Eat BBQ Pork Ribs, Chicken and Sides for ONLY 495 BAHT! Our BBQ is famous at Two Chefs! Come try us out and enjoy our mouthwatering pork ribs, flavour-bursting chicken and more! Join us for Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD Stay for the Fun. www.twochefs.com Kata Beach 076-333-370 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344-914.

The Grow Boating Networking Evening for January 2020 will be held at The Lagoon Saloon in Phuket Boat Lagoon on Friday the 3rd of January 2020 from 5pm onward.

We are very pleased to announce that the Southeast Asia Pilot will be the drinks sponsor. See https://www.southeastasiapilot.com/ Once again Lagoon Saloon will fire up the BBQ serving their famous Friday night burger free to all attendees and there will be special prices on your favourite beverages. Come and join in the fun, everyone is welcome. There is no entry fee, just drop your business card or register at the bar. We hope to see you there and if you know anyone you think would be interested in coming please invite them along. To join our mailing list please send an email to growboatingphuket@gmail. com Grow Boating is kindly supported by our media partner The Phuket News, Live 89.5 radio and Phuket News TV. See www.thephuketnews.com The Grow Boating Networking Evening is organised by the Thai Yachting Business Association.

Find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/491098897758155/ or our Website https://www.thaiyachtingbusinessassociation.com/grow-boatingnetworking-evening

SAT

High Tea@ChaoFah served with free Day Pass to fitness and pool

HighTea @ChaoFah serves more than 10 options of selected teas, delightful cream sandwiches, home-made warm scones with all the trimmings and truly Peranakan specialties. in the surrounding décor of exquisite Sino-Portuguese architecture.

Every Saturday and Sunday from 2-5pm and special on Sunday, nice music from Annie Guzheng. Free for children under 12yrs with complimentary day pass to fitness and swimming pool. RSVP +66 76 338 699. Ramada Plaza Chao Fah.

Banyan Tree Best of Brunch

From noon to 15:30 on Sundays, we brunch introducing Banyan’s Tree Best Of Brunch showcasing our culinary’s team favourite dishes combined with an array of refreshing cocktials relax. Enjoy & indulge it’s Sunday. Food Only - THB 2,800 per guest. Inclusive of free flow of soft drinks hops, grapes - THB 3,700 per guest. Inclusive of free flow bubbly - THB 4,000 per guest. Reservation, The Watercourt at Banyan Tree Phuket, fb-phuket@banyantree.com, 076 372 400.

4 JAN L’Aperitivo Italiano

From 18.30 to 21.00 for Baht 490+. Free flow of Italian Sparking - red and white beverages with pass around Cicchettis (Italian Tapas). L’Opera, L’Opera, Laguna Road, pnesi@loperagroup.com, 076 271 430/095 468 2248.

BBQ Buffet at The Nai Harn

Due to popular demand, our Saturday BBQ Buffet is back ! Join us at Cosmo restaurant for an unforgettable experience of freshest seafood, 200 day grain fed Black Angus beef, homemade sausages, appetisers including home made charcuterie, cheese and sumptuous desserts - all this while overlooking the Andaman Sea at Naiharn Bay. From 6:30 - 9:30pm. To book a table, call: +66 76 380 200, ext. 8311 or 8312 or email: fbreservation@thenaiharn. com

SUN

5 JAN

All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet

Beef, Pork and Lamb – Cauliflower, Broccoli, Peas, Carrots, fried mushrooms, grilled tomatoes – Yorkshire pudding – roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes – gravy, mushroom sauce, mint sauce.

Reservations recommended. B350 P/P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

Sunday Roast All Day, All Night

Musical Weekend

Friday & Saturday, from 6:00 - 10:00 pm. at Lagoon Quay. From 15 November 2019 - 28 March 2020. Live music, DJ, Balloon, Bozo and movie corner. Good fun, Good atmosphere, Good dining. It’s all at Phuket’s most Lively Marina…the place to be.

Email: events@phuketboatlagoon.com.

Tel: 076 239 888 ext.318.

All you can eat BBQ Ribs night

6PM – 11PM: All you can eat BBQ Ribs served with salad buffet, potato sal-

Come enjoy a Traditional Sunday Roast EVERY SUNDAY at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in our Traditional Sunday Roast ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT for ONLY 445 Baht! Enjoy a Large ALL YOU CAN EAT selection of your favorites! Featuring: Roast Aussie Beef, Pork Loin and Chicken. Roasted or Mashed Potatoes. Roasted Mixed Vegetables Flavoured with Thyme and Garlic. Yorkshire Pudding and Gravy. Enjoy Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the Fun. RESERVE Your Table Now Online at bit.ly/TwoChefsReservations Check out more details on our

XANA Sunday Brunch at Angsana Laguna Phuket

An extraordinary weekend with XANA Sunday Brunch at Angsana Laguna Phuket, spend quality time with friends and family, enjoying a one of a kind Sunday brunch on a perfect day of sunshine by the ocean at XANA Beach Club. Every Sunday from 12.00 to 15.30 hrs. Call 076358500. E: fbreservation-lagunaphuket@ angsana.com thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

MON

EVENTS 21

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020

6 JAN

in the country, the Show will once again showcase spectacular displays of yachts, marine exhibits and lifestyle products, plus an improved programme of side-events, parties and family-friendly activities.

SAT

SUN

2 FEB

EVERY DAY

18 JAN

All you can eat BBQ night

6pm – 11pm: Beef, Pork, Chicken, Burgers, Sausages, Prawns and Squid, Salad buffet, Choice of potatoes and sauces, bread, buns and garlic bread. Reservation recommended.

B395 P/P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

THU

9 JAN

BACK TO THE 70’S & 80’S EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT

Don’t miss out on our newest, exciting weekly event at Two Chefs. Come and join us for our special Cajun Grilled Chicken Breast served on a wooden plate with mashed potato, red wine sauce, and bearnaise sauce for ONLY 395 THB. Have a sweet tooth? Treat yourself to the Two Chefs banana flambé served with vanilla ice cream for ONLY 95 THB. Sit back and enjoy one of our drink specials as you listen to the famous Two Chefs band performing all your favorite retro hits and more! Live music starts from 8:30pm and goes late at all of our Two Chefs locations. Reservations are highly recommended. You can book on our website at WWW.TWOCHEFS.COMor find us on Facebook at WWW.FACEBOOK/ TWOCHEFSTHAILAND COME FOR THE FOOD STAY FOR THE FUN! Reservations, Call us directly at Two Chefs Kata Center 076-330-065, Kata Beach 076-333-370, Karon 076-286-479, Patong 076-344-914

Youth Talent Competition 2020

24 Hour Race - Running Against Human Trafficking

The aim of 24 Hour Race is to raise awareness about human trafficking wherein every 24 hours, 5,500 children, women and men become victims of slavery. This event is organised to “Run for The Freedom of Others” and all the profits will be donated to non-profit organisations. Runners can sign up with a team of 8 and run for 24 hours or a team of 4 people and run for 2.4 hours, also an option for children to run 24 minutes! Not everybody needs to run, walking is also fine. Each participant will get a race pack, a great offer stay in Thanyapura Health and Sports Resort Phuket, to have some fun with friends while supporting a good cause and also exercise like no other. Sign up NOW as a team or an individual at uwcthailand.ac.th/24-hourrace

THU

The fifth edition of the Thailand Yacht Show returns to Royal Phuket Marina on the 9 – 12 January 2020. Firmly established as the leading yachting and luxury lifestyle event @thephuketnews

WED

29 FEB

MARILYN BAND, one of Phuket’s most significant artists, invites you to her new exhibition from 30 November 2019 - 31 January 2020, at Mom Tri’s WOK Gallery Kitchen. “…I am presenting recent work, a more abstract expression of Phang Nga Bay’s beauty, which intends to encourage the viewer the opportunity to interpret and appreciate a little bit of paradise.” Contact Lies Sol, liesphuket@gmail.com

23 JAN PIWC Annual Fundraiser 2020

Phuket International Women’s Club (PIWC) Annual Fundraiser is set to be a wild night of Mardi Gras dining, dancing and revelry. The gala will be held at the Firefly Restaurant at the Pavilions Resort on Saturday, February 29 starting at 6:30 p.m. To purchase tickets at 2,500 baht per person for welcome drink, full buffet dinner, silent auction and dancing, contact info@piwc-phuket.com or www.thephuketnews.com/Phuket-ticket-master.php. Alternatively, for more information, go to the PIWC website at www.PIWC-Phuket.com

Australia Day Phuket Sundowners - Jan 2020

Thailand Yacht Show 2020

The 8th edition of PAPA’s annual Youth Talent Competition will be held on Sunday the 2nd of February at the Blue Tree Phuket. Awesome cash prizes across 4 categories. Email admin@phuketacademy ofperformingarts.com for details on how to enter.

MARILYN BAND’s new exhibition at Mom Tri’s WOK Gallery

The Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce (AustCham) and the Australian Consulate General Phuket, is delighted to invite you to join us for “Australia Day Phuket Sundowners” at SALA Phuket Resort, Mai Khao Beach, on Thursday 23 January 2020, from 18:00 -21:00. A celebration of all things Australian, join us for your favourite Australian food & beverages, and welcome in the New Year at the first business networking event of 2020.

The Exotic Fishing Thailand 1.5 Million Baht Tagged Fish Challenge

From Nov 1st to March 1st. Test your fishing skills Phuket and Catch a Monster fish and Monster Prize. 50 tagged fish with 50 prizes valued at over 1.5 Million baht. Anyone can enter for just 1,000 baht in addition to your daily fishing ticket.......... Exotic Fishing Thailand, Phang Nga, exoticfish ingthailand@gmail.com, English 088 379 9377 and Thai 081 199 5922.

DAILY EVENT UPDATES ON

22 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York 1. What is the meaning of the Arab word Habibi?

2. Which weekday is Domingo in Spanish and Dimanche in French?

3. Which artist painted The Scream?

4. What is the profession of Popeye?

5. What number is on Herbie, the ‘Love Bug’?

Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Easy

Across 1. Roadside 5. Flirt 10. Multitude 14. Elaborate melody 15. Furlough 16. Recipe info, abbr.

17. Major leagues, in baseball lingo 18. Boleyn and Rice 19. Plumbing problem 20. “Those who dare to fail miserably can ____” JFK 23. Glove material 24. “Way to go!”

25. Medium claim 27. Burro’s cousin 28. Insurer for military personnel 32. Slow tempo movements 34. Covers with crumbs 36. Healthcare benefits giant 37. “If you want _____” Tolstoy 39. Canal sites 41. Keyboard key 42. South American plains 45. Explosives 46. ___ culpa 49. Grafton’s “___ for Fugitive” 50. Constituted 52. Inventory units

54. “You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better _____” Dr Seuss 59. Little swab 60. Tedium 61. Out of the wind 62. Cheers 63. Equestrian 64. Baseball glove 65. Insignificant 66. Serrate 67. Stage’s scenery

22. Agreement from one’s mate?

26. Good works ad 29. Envision 30. Sounds of contentment 31. Rework 33. The Missouri R. forms part of its border 34. Cap’n’s mate 35. Cross 37. Junkier 38. Loan figure, abbr.

Down 39. Imp 1. Mystical teachings 40. Some developed by 43. “To thine ___ self rabbis be true” 2. Jong, and others 44. Writer known 3. Constitution concern for her detective 4. Count with a stories keyboard 46. African maize 5. One of five Norwegian kings 47. “Dixie” composer 48. All you own 6. Hereditary factor 51. Like some booms 7. Singer k. d. ___ 8. Partner of each 53. NFL opponents 9. Storage bag usage 55. Semicircular 10. Military command recess 11. Brunch order 56.

Dismantle 12. Keeps working 57.

Remorseful one 13. “Shame!”

58. Calamitous 21. Affluent area outside a city 59. Iranian city

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) Sweetheart; 2) Sunday; 3) Edvard Munch; 4) Seaman; 5) Fifty-three

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

9

inches Venice, Italy, has sunk in the past 100 years, and is expected to be entirely submerged in the next 70.

11.25

days on average men will wait to hear back from a love interest before calling it quits. Women will wait 7 days.

130

times have M&Ms been taken to space since 1981.

76,000

categories of movies are on Netflix, including “Imaginative Time Travel Movies from the 1980s” and “Cool Moustaches”.

29 million

Katathani beach sunset. Photo by Tony Wayne Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket? Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

This week in history January 3, 1771 American General George Washington defeats British General Lord Cornwallis at the Battle of Princeton.

US dollars is how much the most expensive bathroom in the world cost to build. It’s in Hong kong, and is made of 24-carat gold.

January 4, 1542 King Charles I of England sends soldiers to arrest members of Parliament, commencing England’s slide into civil war.

Source: Uberfacts

Jnauary 5, 1993 The oil tanker MV Braer runs

January 8, 1297 François Grimaldi, disguised as a monk, leads his men to capture the fortress protecting the Rock of Monaco, establishing his family as the rulers of Monaco.

aground on the coast of the Shetland Islands, spilling 84,700 tons of crude oil.

January 6, 1929 Mother Teresa arrives in Calcutta, India, to begin her work among India’s poorest and sick people.

January 7, 2015 Two gunmen commit mass murder at the offices of French satirical weekly magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris, killing 12 people and

The ‘Je Suis Charlie’ campaign poster in support of free speech. injuring another 11. The mass killings spark the “Je Suis Charlie” campaign for free speech.

January 9, 1349 The Jewish population of Basel, believed by the residents to be the cause of the ongoing Black Death, is rounded up and incinerated.

Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020

Jobs

NT GE UR Good staff required

(Thai)

Staff required for popular hotel in Patong.

We have several positions available. Great starting salary and lots of extras including commissions. Potential to grow and develop with the business. Must speak English. Great career oppurtunity.

@thephuketnews

CLASSIFIEDS 23 The Phuket News @thephuketnews

GE UR

NT

Admin assistant wanted - Part Time

1. Social Media Officer - No need experience 2. Senior Search Engine Optimization (SEO) 3. Google Adverting 4. Social Media Specialist 5. Real Estate Sales Agent (Based on Kamala Full time) 6. Financial Officer 7. Project Construction Supervisor (Expat) 8. Quantity Surveyor 9. Personal Assistant to CEO and COO 10.

Senior Associate Attorney – Real Estate 11. Marketing 12. Architect HRBluehorizon-thailand, recruitment@bluehorizon-thailand.com, 061 149 3233.

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CLASSIFIEDS 27

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020

Buy & Sell BUSINESSES FOR SALE Restaurant for sale

Thai food and Seafood restaurant at Karon Beach for urgent sale. 1M, George, Karon Beach, georgiospolyno@gmail.com, 081 088 1451 George, 061 891 0243 May

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Business opportunity

Four 3-bedroom pool villas, located on the south end of Ao Por, on the east coast of Phuket… only 50 metres from the sea, 150 metres from new Sheraton Grand Bay Resort, 3 minutes from Ao Po Grand Marina… Each villa has 330sqm buillt-up area, 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 10-metre infinity pool, Western kitchen, fully furnished, ready to move in or rent out… Price reduction from 98 mln to 78 mln for all. For viewing or more details please contact owner directly Tel : +66 62 8133888 Email: montha_phuket@yahoo.com

CARS, TRUCKS FOR RENT Toyota Fortuner 2007 for sale

200,000 km. Two owners. Smart TRD 3.0 Good condition! Great deal! Call now!! 590,000 THB, Nony, Kathu, Phuket, Thailand, Nony_ntp@hotmail.com, (Eng/Thai) 099 2650808.

7-seater for rent

We have a New top-model Sienta 7-seater for rent. Has reverse camera, mag wheels, leather and automatic sliding doors. Available from Sept 7. Price daily or per month.

0848474377. stigisaan@gmail.com

@thephuketnews

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE UR

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AMAZING DEAL!

Toyota Vios Model E with only 48,000 Km on it and I have been the only owner, bought in January 2015. Automatic, Power Windows, Electric Mirrors, Power Steering, Adjustable Steering Column, Remote Central Locking, CD/MP3 Player, Air con, ABS, Passengers and Drivers Airbag, Front Fog Lights Tinted Windows, Rubber Floor Mats, Rain Shields On All Windows, Reverse Parking Sensor. The car is fully up to date with all the Toyota maintenance checks. Only driven locally in Phuket. It is kept in great condition and is available to view in Chalong. Only 365,000 THB. If you are interested or Call Adam at 0910161167.

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Car rental @fair prices

Low season prices Monthly from 10,000 Baht. Daily from 400 BHT. High Season from 12,000 monthly. All our cars are in very good conditions at affordable prices. From 10,000 BHT monthly, Stig Johansson, 110/78 Moo 2 T Pa­klok A Thalang 83110 Phuket, stigisaan@gmail.com, 0848474377.

LIKE BRAND NEW

2014 Ford Focus S white w/ black leather interior, sunroof, full options, one owner, accident free. LED front, black roof, 9,400km. Ted Blenkers, Chalong Phuket kapitanted@gmail. com, 0899085199

Mitsubishi Mirage 10/2018

9 months old, 9,000km, first class insurance. Like new. THB 360,000. Andy, Call 082 281 5976 ENG/098 059 8714 THAI

FURNITURE Lis Anette Bergström

Luxury leather sofa by KELVIN GIORMANI As NEW Never used Price 135,000 Now 50% off 67,500. Anette, lisanette2002@gmail.com, 0930914502.

MEMBERSHIPS Blue Canyon Family Membership

Blue Canyon Country Club Family Membership For Sale 450,000 split transfer fee 092-801-9855

Golf Membership

Phuket Country Club. Family membership. Two golf courses. Walk or buggy.

Reduces for quick sale. 300,000 baht plus transfer fee. Alan, paradise11@mac. com, 084 065 7590

Loch Palm - Membership

280,000+transfer. Call 083 388 8036 and Thai 089 972 5378.

Loch Palm Memberships

Loch Palm Memberships with share (family) 340,000+1/2 transfer. Call 089 594 4067.

PROPERTY WANTED Allamanda 2 Bed Freehold

Hi, Am looking for a 2 Bedroom Freehold Unit at the Allamanda in Laguna.

Budget is 8 million baht. Can contact me on wandererthomas1@gmail.com Thanks in advance!

COMMUNITY Play Bridge

Come and join our happy group of Bridge players. Whether you are a beginning or champion, you will have a great time with people from many countries.

Didier, 080 142 8122.

House Wanted in Chalong

4 Bedroom House Wanted in Chalong for under 10 million baht. Please email me at mick11468@gmail.com

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Buy & Sell SERVICES Credit and investment in private section

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE

With honesty, we are offering credit and investment in private section with excellent condition.

Please feel free to contact us for more information. Georgette, GEORGESVALLER@ financier.com

SPORTING GOODS, EXERCISE Oceanus Speargun for Sale

▪72cm speargun ▪2 new Dunlop bands with wishbones ▪1 stock steel spear ▪1 tempered-steel Salvimar spear ▪10m of multifiliment line Rawai, Phuket, 618921323.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

1 Bed Condo Sale Rawai

Saturdays Residence beautiful condo in Rawai. Tastefully decorated with class. Short drive to beach. All condo amenities. Looks so good that you do need to see to believe. You will fall in love at first sight. B6,300,000, Dimitry, phuket@thairesidential.com, 082 030 7199

PROPERTY FOR SALE

1 Bedroom MaikhaoCondotel

One bedroom condo for profitable investment located at 4 star+ Maikhao beach condotel. 400 meters to the beach.Fully furnished.Full facilities.

Restaurants,bars,fitness room.Rental programme. New,Open from may 2019.

Price only 2700000 baht. +66936149082 fudu@mail.ru 2700000, Feliks Goldburt, 71 Moo 4 Maikhao Thalang Phuket Thailand, fudu@mail.ru, +66936149082.

Beautiful Phuket condo with a view of the islands

Very close to Ao Por Pier and Ao Por Grand Marina. 3 rooms 132 m / 2 with private terrace, 22m pool, 2 bath, air con, security service, good shopping, private parking and sunrise over the islands every morning. Fully furnished. Direct From Owner at only B5.3M, jensclausen@yahoo.de +66 0804746609 +49 01738742350.

Villa in Patong prime location

Villa in Patong , top condition. Can generate 1.3 MB tourist rental income/y . 3 bed, 3 bath, 160sqm living. Furnished, 12.9 MB o.n.o.. Ms. Manatchanok, 0800409411.

Luxury Condo Sale

2 Bedroom, fully equipped Kitchen – 212 SQM. Very high standard with a nice view.

2 Big Balcony, Jacuzzi. Location: Kathu, 5 min. Phuket Town and all department stores and International Hospitals. 086268-7901.THB 11,5 M, Martin, martin hkt@yahoo.com

Seaview Condo for sale Karon

Luxury Condo for sale 300 m. from the beach. 100 sqm., furnished, parking, 4th floor, foreign freehold, 1 bedr. Longterm rent. Claudio, claudstrey@gmail.com, 0867479292

2 or 5 BR OCEAN FRONT CONDO

137-274 sqm (2 or 5 BR)/180 sqm terrace. 5 bath. Inside 5 stars hotel estate. New hotel projected 2022?. Foreign/Thai freehold. 18 or 28 M THB. Agents welcome. Contact: Khun Gim mob. +(66)859182238/waruneehangan@hotmail.com

2 bed, 2 bath Stunning Villa

Stunning 2 bed, 2 bath fully furnished villa for sale in Baan Wana gated community, Cherngtalay. Large backyard w/ spacious patio. Swimming pool with new outdoor shower. Fully equipped European kitchen.

Email: mrsglasses1@gmail.com for full color property brochure 9,600,000 baht , Khun Ju, Baan Wana Pool Villa, Unit 4a, phukethrm@hotmail.com, +66835037655.

White sand beach

29 Rai with breathtaking views and 128 meter of white sand beach frontage on Koh Yao Yai , just 20 minutes from Phuket away , secure Chanote tittle , public concrete road , water, electricity and ready to build for sale direct from owner for only 5.5 mln per Rai. Montha, montha_phuket@yahoo.com, 095 0147888.

OCEAN FRONT LAND

7 Rai with 185 meter of ocean frontage, 800 meter from Yacht Haven Marina on Phangnga side, water, electricity, concrete road on the back of property, building permission for 12 two-storey pool villas. For sale direct by owner for only 6 mln Baht per Rai. + 66 95 0147888.

G UR

T EN

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RPM by owner

Unique luxury condo 2 bed, 2 bath, 155sqm. Foreign FREE HOLD. Architect remodel in tropical white. Jacuzzi.

All round beautiful views. Completely furnished to a high standard. Very motivated owner leaving Thailand.

Available to agents. Priced just REDUCED to 15MB or offers. Contact Brian (Owner) 089 054 4354, 076 360 943. bggvirgo@gmail.com

1 Bedroom Condo Kata For Sale

PROPERTY FOR RENT G UR

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Absolute Beachfront Pool Villa

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Absolute Beachfront Pool Villa, 3 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom, fully serviced. Short Term Rental from 35‘000 THB/Week to 195‘000 Month depend on Season. Long Term on Agreement.

Casa Lagoon Phuket House 4 Rent

We have four houses with AmaZing Lagoon view Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, fully furnished available for short & long-term rental in a quiet area located in Koh Kaew area Phuket 0624236499.

House in Boat Lagoon for rent

Lovely condo at Utopia Kata for Sale. Completed in 2017 and close to Kata Beach. Fully furnished. Close to restaurants and amenities. Great views. Rental programme. Full facilities. Dimtry, 082 030 7199. B7,100,000

Boat Lagoon-Only 5 minutes from BIS, 3 bed/4bath. Great for families with kids. Furnished. Longterm (12 months or longer) Available now. 50.000, Claudio, claudstrey@gmail. com, 0867479292.

Super villa for sale

Condo in Patong for Rent

Super villa for sale. 4 bed, 4 bath, 450 sqm private pool villa, 500 sqm land, Heavily reduced price 14.9M. Call +66 (0) 92-6950329 15.000.000 baht, +66 (0) 92-6950329.

Full-furnished studio with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, living room, kitchenette, mountain view, and free wifi. 2 Rooms available; 66 sq.m and 88 sq.m. Start from 25,000 THB/month, Jane, social@karonseasand.com, 062 842 4861.

Karon 1 Bed Condo for Sale

Karon Butterfly hillside condo for sale just 800m from beach. Amenities close by. Fully furnished and condo facilities. Great investment in great area of Phuket. Shuttle Bus to Beach and Rental Program. A must see!!!! B4,300,000, Dmitry , phuket@thairesidential.com

Villa Mission Heights Big Pool

CONDO FOR SALE THE DECK PATONG

44 sqm Condo for sale at THB 5,200,000 – Parking space included – Quiet Unit – email: sale. hd.design@outlook.com - 66937198098.

PROPERTY FOR RENT

COMMUNITY

3bed, 3 1/2 bath, 330sqm living, 900 sqm land, very quite aera, 2 km mission hill golf, 6km UWC, 8 km airport. owner finance.

0870608400 engl/deutsch, price is negotiable.

10.9MB, picharly@gmail.com

OCEAN FRONT VILLA

3 Bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 10-metre infinity swimming pool, maid quarter..., fully furnished and ready to move in.., usable area of over 330sqm....., very convenient located in a gated community at the south end of Ao Por, 50 metres from the ocean, 150 metres from the new Sheraton Grand Bay Resort, 3 minutes from Ao Po Grand Marina, 20 minutes from Airport and shopping centers..., for sale direct by owner 22.9mln. +66 95 0147888.

Dream Village Phuket house

1 story building for rent

150m2 - Located in Allamanda 1 Laguna Phuket is available for rent. Rent is negotiable especially for long term lease. 096 646 6287.

2bed 2bath 295sqm land 100sqm living + veranda, compl. renovated.: new water, electric., tiles, paint in/out, windows, 3A/C, built in kitchen. 0870608400 engl/deutsch, price is negotiable picharly@gmail.com, 66870608400

PROPERTY FOR RENT 2-Bed Furnished Kathu House for Rent

2bd/2bth furnished house for rent in Kathu near Loch Palm Golf Course. See link for more photos and details. www.kathuhouseforrent.com B13,500, May or Wes, wes@pillarmarketing.com, 0899733276

Stunning Ocean Views!

4 bed/bath large pool villa. Privately located in Cape Heights Cape Yamu.

Furnished. Gardens. Fiber WiFi. 80,000/rent long term or 30 million to sell. Richard, Cape Yamu, Phuket, richarddesmondcapeheights@yahoo. co.uk, +66824203270, WhatsApp

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020

SPORT 29

Phuket’s golf prodigy Louise continues her rise in Malaysia GOLF

Qatari organisers have engaged with LGBT groups to try to create an inclusive World Cup 2022 experience for all. Photo: AFP

Welcome with gay abandon WORLD CUP

Gregory Walton

W

orld Cup 2022 host Qatar has given the clearest indication yet that LGBT fans will be welcome, engaging with gay supporters as it hosts the Club World Cup, despite criminalising homosexuality.

Organisers of the 2022 spectacle travelled to Britain in recent months to meet Liverpool fan clubs including the side’s gay supporters’ group, individuals briefed on the meeting have told AFP. Paul Amann, founder of Liverpool’s LGBT supporters’ club Kop Outs, then undertook a fact-finding mission to Doha along with his husband in November at the invitation of the World Cup organisers.

“I’m very satisfied that their approach is to provide an ‘everyone is welcome’ ethos that does include respect, albeit through privacy,” he told AFP. “I’m not sure if rainbow flags generally will ever be accepted ‘in-country’, but maybe in stadia.”

Amman said he felt “paranoia is not needed as people will not pry into your personal business”.

“There was clearly some apprehension, indeed my husband said on the eve of flying that he wished he had not agreed to go,” the 50-yearold council worker wrote in a report for Kop Outs that he shared with AFP. ‘Being gay is haram’ The Kop Outs boast 150 full members and thousands of followers on social media. It is unclear how many LGBT fans from Liverpool and the other six teams participating in the Club Cup will make the journey to the Gulf for the tournament.

Club chief executive Peter Moore said in November that Liverpool had “received a number of assurances” on the @thephuketnews

issue from Qatari authorities.

There are no openly gay or bisexual players in the English men’s Premier League, but major clubs have implemented zero-tolerance policies for homophobia and embraced the “rainbow laces” campaign against discrimination.

Openly LGBT players are well represented in the English women’s game however, with former Lionesses captain, the defender Casey Stoney, the best known.

The chief executive of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Nasser al-Khater said in September that “any fan, of any gender, (sexual) orientation, religion, race (should) rest assured that Qatar is one of the most safe countries in the world and they’ll all be welcome here”.

However he stressed that “public displays of affection are frowned upon, it’s not part of our culture, but that goes across the board to everybody”.

Amann said that “if people basically observe the no PDA advice, then I can’t see them being necessarily identifiable”.

Though there are no openly gay venues in Doha, a handful of bars are known to be more gay-friendly and attract a loyal clientele of airline staff, hospitality workers and other expatriates.

Web users do not face restrictions accessing gay dating apps like Grindr in Qatar, unlike other Gulf countries, although users rarely display identifiable pictures.

“We are living in a society where gay people are not recognised yet. Being gay is haram to their religion,” said a gay barman from the Philippines living in the conservative Muslim country who spoke on condition of anonymity.

“I think Qatar is not ready for it yet.”

He shared a commonly held fear that police monitor gay apps and periodically deport homosexuals, although evidence is limited for this.

During a recent visit by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, three independent experts did however warn that at least one transgender person had been detained “until they changed their behaviour”.

The experts, who are independent of the UN, also reported the detention of individuals because of crimes linked to their sexuality.

“No one should be detained because of who they love,” said group member Elina Steinerte, a Latvian human rights expert.

‘Police yourself’ A gay choreographer visiting Qatar from South Africa described the country as “challenging.”

“The hardest thing is not being able to show any public displays of affection,” said the man who also declined to be named.

“You don’t quite realise how difficult it is to police yourself until you have to.”

During the last World Cup in Russia, international antidiscrimination network FARE opened a match-screening area for gay and ethnic minority football fans in Moscow.

The LGBT-friendly venue opened despite queer activism being severely restricted in Russia under a 2013 “gay propaganda” law forbidding the promotion of “non-traditional sexual relationships” to minors.

Neither FIFA nor the Qatari Supreme Committee organisers have so far publicised any special measures for gay fans ahead of the World Cup. Pavel Klymenko of FARE said “we do have in mind something similar for 2022 but need to see what is possible”.

“Qataris are good at engaging with people, assuring them all is fine, like with the Liverpool LGBT group. But in reality the level of tolerance for these issues might be way lower than in Russia.”

AFP

P H U K E T’S J U N I O R golfing sensation, Louise Landgraf, continues her impressive ascent after winning the US Kids Golf Junior Championship which was held at the Tanjong Puteri Golf Resort in Johor Bahru, Malaysia between Dec 16-20.

She participated in the ‘Girls 10 years’ category and scored 72, 66 and 69 for a total of 9 under par.

Next month she will play at the Asia Pacific Golf Junior Master at Pelican Waters Golf Club in Caloundra, Sunshine Coast, north of Brisbane, Australia. The aim is to finish in the top two in order to qualify for the IMG Academy Golf Junior World Championship which will be held next July in San Diego, California, USA. Louise is a year six student at Head Start International School in Phuket and is currently coached by Pro Teun from the Phuket

Phuket’s Louise Landgraf won her age category at the Malaysia tournament (Dec 16-20) and looks forward to a busy and successful 2020. Photo: Supplied Golf Academy.

She is a member of Loch Palm Golf Course and Laguna Golf Club in Phuket.

She made club history at

the latter when, aged 6, she became the youngest golfer ever to achieve a hole-in-one on the course.

Phuket News

30 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020

Vintage year for Rugby Union

Hugely successful World Cup in Japan made 2019 a triumph RUGBY Luke Phillips

Hosts Japan emerged as the tournament’s surprise package. Photo: AFP

F

af de Klerk guided South Africa to World Cup glory in Japan, with the hosts setting the tournament alight with an unexpected run to the quarterfinals. Here we take a look back at the tournament.

Team of the year: South Africa The Springboks managed to overcome an opening pool defeat by New Zealand to claim a third World Cup title after previous successes in 1995 and 2007.

Reinvigorated by coach Rassie Erasmus, a multi-cultural team led by the country’s first black skipper, Siya Kolisi, beat Japan and Wales in the knock-out phase to set up a final against England, a game they won easily, 32-12, to claim the Webb Ellis trophy.

The Springboks’ game plan was not a tough one to work out: forward power and a crash ball midfield alongside a solid kicking game to ensure maximum pressure on opponents.

When they cracked, the playmakers set outstanding flying wingers Makazole Mapimpi and Cheslin Kolbe loose.

“We have so many problems in our country but a team like this, we come from different backgrounds, different races but we came together

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi and coach Rassie Erasmus. Photo: AFP with one goal and we wanted to achieve it,” said skipper Kolisi after his side’s triumph.

Player of the year: Faf de Klerk A triumph for the smaller man in a game increasingly dominated by bigger athletes, De Klerk enjoyed a breakthrough year on the back of a move to English club Sale.

Teammate Pieter-Steph du Toit may have won the official World Rugby player-of-the-year award, but De Klerk was the effervescent driver of a Bok team based around experienced No 8 Duane Vermeulen, flyhalf Handre Pollard and prop Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawarira.

Instantly recognisable with his flowing blonde locks, De Klerk showcased his fine kicking game and also proved a real nuisance around the ruck area, a handful for any defence.

Standing only 5ft 7in

(1.72m) tall and weighing 13st 12lb (88kg), he makes up for his lack of physical presence with bravery especially in defence and his confrontation with the massive Welsh lock Jake Ball was one of the images of the tournament. Another was the sight of him in Springbok underpants welcoming Prince Harry to the dressing room after the final.

Game of the year: England-New Zealand The match in Yokohama had everything, starting with England encroaching into the New Zealand half during the prekickoff haka.

The All Blacks came unstuck against an England side who produced a performance of the ages in the semi-finals for a sensational 19-7 victory.

Manu Tuilagi scored an opening try for England, the recalled George Ford kicking

four penalties to nullify an Ardie Savea try for the All Blacks.

A startling opening quarter had the crowd on the edge of their seats as Ford marshalled a superb forward effort led by locks Courtney Lawes and Maro Itoje that saw England dominate territory and possession.

Sam Underhill’s driving tackle on Jordie Barrett, which resulted in a penalty for England, summed up how Eddie Jones’ team had won the psychological battle with a misfiring All Blacks side in a classic encounter.

Revelation of the year: Japan Having beaten the Springboks in Brighton in 2015, much was expected of Japan who also had the mixing blessings of being host nation.

They responded superbly

with a stunning win over Ireland and then turned over Scotland to secure a place in the quarter-finals for the first time.

Beating South Africa again was beyond them, but their all-action game reopened the debate about whether Japan should join the southern hemisphere’s Rugby Championship or even Europe’s Six Nations.

Try of the year: Kenki Fukuoka Japan’s run to the quarter-finals saw wingers Kotaro Matsushima and Kenki Fukuoka become household names, the pair running in a handful of tries.

While it was a simple finish for Fukuoka, his catch and grounding from a sweet Timothy Lafaele offload handed Japan a crucial 16-12 lead over Ireland, who had been World Rugby’s number-one ranked team just weeks before.

The crowd in Shizuoka, chanting “Nippon! Nippon!”, went wild as Fukuoka emerged from a mass of Japanese teammates, a try that sealed an invaluable victory for the host nation, just as their upset victory over the Boks in 2015 had caught attention.

What to watch in 2020 Fiji won the inaugural rugby sevens tournament at the Rio Olympics in 2014.

The Fijians will look for a repeat performance in what is expected to be a physically draining competition at a hot and humid Tokyo Olympics later this year.

One thorn in their side could come in the shape of fleet-footed Bok winger Kolbe, whose lightning pace and insane ability to step defenders could flourish in the abbreviated game.

AFP

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020

SPORT 31 English Premier League 2019 - 2020 Table correct as of Friday (Dec 27)

No kick up the backside needed as dominant Liverpool are sweeping all aside. Photo: AFP

Boxing Day stuffing FOOTBALL

The Phuket News editor3@classactmedia.co.th

L

iverpool sent out arguably their strongest statement of intent yet as they outclassed second placed Leicester in a 4-0 rout on Boxing Day to stretch their lead at the top of the table to 13 points.

Coming off the back of an inaugural World Club Cup victory over Brazilian side Flamengo in Qatar on Dec 21, Liverpool were facing their closest league contenders in their rival’s back yard.

Leicester have been a revelation so far this season, boasting the league’s top scorer in Jamie Vardy and the meanest defence in the competition.

Many considered this the sternest test yet for Jurgen Klopp and his troops, especially if any travel weariness after a journey from the Middle East to the Midlands had any effect.

It absolutely didn’t as the Reds were dominant from start to finish.

It took only two minutes for rampaging full-back Trent Alexander Arnold to charge for ward and test Kasper Schmeichel with a rasping shot that the Leicester goalkeeper did well to turn away.

As in Qatar, it was Roberto Firmino who opened the scoring. Alexander-Arnold found himself in unusual territory on the left side although still managed to send over a delightful cross that Firmino nodded home.

In truth it was scant reward for a dominant first half display from Liverpool as both Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane wasted big chances. @thephuketnews

However, three goals in seven minutes in the final quarter ensured the scoreline fairly reflected their control.

James Milner doubled the visitors’ lead before Firmino’s second, with a classy finish, made it 3-0.

Having set up all of his side’s first three goals, Alexander-Arnold capped off a fantastic individual display by crashing home the fourth from long range.

Taking it one game at a time “It’s one of many successful nights so far this season,” said Liverpool midfielder and goalscorer James Milner.

“We are not even halfway and so much can change and happen. The strength of this team is we take it one game at a time.”

After a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City in the previous match, Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers was magnanimous in defeat.

“We played our last two games against two of arguably the best teams in the history of the Premier League,” he conceded.

“Liverpool are going to be very, very hard to stop,” he added. “They have enough quality and experience to get the job done.”

Liverpool boss Klopp, however, was characteristically coy in his response.

“We know the story, that never before in the history of British football has a team had a bigger lead and lost that lead. But that sounds, in my ear, negative,” he said.

“So why should we think about something like that? We are just focused on the next games.

“We have Wolves, Sheffield United, Everton, Tottenham and Manchester United in the next five games so it doesn’t sound like anything is decided. The number (of points) is absolutely not relevant.”

United and Spurs close gap Elsewhere on Boxing Day, wins for Manchester United and Tottenham cut the gap on fourth-placed Chelsea.

United trailed to Newcastle when Matty Longstaff scored his second league goal of the season, both of which have come against the Red Devils.

However, unlike the previ-

ous game against the Magpies when Ole Gunnar Solskajer’s side crumbled, this time their response was emphatic as attacking trio Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood and an Anthony Martial double ensured a 4-1 demolition job.

Spurs also trailed at home in their game against Brighton after Adam Webster headed the Seagulls ahead midway through the first half.

However, Harry Kane swept home at the second attempt after his first shot was saved

by Mat Ryan before Dele Alli then delivered all three points with a delightful chipped finish from an acute angle after a

Team

MP

W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

1

Liverpool

18

17

1

0

46

14 +32

52

2

Leicester City

19

12

3

4

41

18 +23

39

3

Manchester City

18

12

2

4

50

20 +30

38

4

Chelsea

19

10

2

7

33

27

+6

32

5

Tottenham Hotspur

19

8

5

6

34

27

+7

29

6

Sheffield United

19

7

8

4

23

17

+6

29

7

Manchester United

19

7

7

5

30

23

+7

28

8

Wolverhampton

18

6

9

3

26

22

+4

27

9

Crystal Palace

19

7

5

7

17

21

-4

26

10 Newcastle United

19

7

4

8

19

28

-9

25

11 Arsenal

19

5

9

5

25

28

-3

24

12 Burnley

19

7

3

9

23

30

-7

24

13 Everton

19

6

4

9

21

29

-8

22

14 Southampton

19

6

3

10

23

37 -14

21

15 Brighton

19

5

5

9

22

28

-6

20

16 Bournemouth

19

5

5

9

20

26

-6

20

17 West Ham United

18

5

4

9

20

30 -10

19

18 Aston Villa

19

5

3

11

25

33

-8

18

19 Watford

19

2

7

10

12

33 -21

13

20 Norwich City

19

3

3

13

19

38 -19

12

fine move involving Christian Eriksen and Serge Aurier.

Chelsea slipped up in a surprise 0-2 loss at home to Southampton, despite a fantastic win against Spurs in the previous game.

“We are being asked a different question at home. At the moment we are not answering them,” said a frustrated Chelsea manager Frank Lampard. “We do not manage to pick up that final pass.”

Arsenal continue to stutter Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal reign got off to a somewhat underwhelming start as his side

drew 1-1 with Bournemouth, a result that sees the Gunners languishing in 11th place.

New Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti certainly had a positive effect on his team as they won 1-0 over Burnley courtesy of a brilliant diving header from resurgent frontman Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Sheffield United played out a 1-1 draw with Watford and Crystal Palace defeated West Ham 2-1 thanks to Jordan Ayew's brilliant individual run and finish in the final minute.

In the basement battle, Aston Villa beat Norwich after Conor Hourihane's fine strike secured a 1-0 win.

Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor3@classactmedia.co.th

Anthony Joshua

Ben Stokes

Lewis Hamilton

Megan Rapinoe

Novak Djokovic

Tiger Woods

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020

Can Liverpool title charge be stopped? > p31

Bianca Andreescu

Jurgen Klopp

Eliud Kipchoge

Egan Bernal

Tom Brady

Siya Kolisi

CHAMPIONS OF 2019 ALL SPORTS

The Phuket News editor3@classactmedia.co.th

A

s another 12 months of spectacular, engaging, controversial, nerve shredding sports action around the globe comes to an end, we take a brief look at some of the highlights from 2019.

Tennis Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer pushed the limits as they fought out the longest men’s singles final at Wimbledon. Lasting a whopping 4 hours, 57 minutes it was also notable for including the first ever fifth-set tie-break in a Wimbledon final. It was Djokovic’s 16th Grand Slam title. Only Federer (20) and Rafael Nadal (19) have more.

Bianca Andreescu caused a stir in the women’s game by defeating Serena Williams in the US Open final to become Canada’s first Grand Slam singles champion.

“Congratulations @Bandreescu_!

You’ve made history and made a whole country very proud. #SheTheNorth” was Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s congratulatory tweet.

Rubgy Union It was a triumphant year for Rugby as the World Cup in Japan proved a phenomenal success. South Africa emerged eventual champions

after beating England in the final, but it was celebrated as much for the manner in which the host country took to the sport and welcomed its many visitors with typical Japanese grace. See the Rugby World Cup review on page 30.

Formula One Lewis Hamilton clinched his sixth Formula One driver’s title, ending the season with 11 victories from 21 races. Ferrari fought hard with starlet Charles Leclerc showing great promise in collecting four straight pole positions and suggesting he is very much the one to watch next season. However, Hamilton remains the sport’s main man and is now just one world title behind the all-time mark of Michael Schumacher.

“Not bad for a boy from a Stevenage council house,” said a proud Anthony Hamilton after son Lewis’ sixth world championship triumph.

Football As attention on the women’s game continues to increase globally, all eyes were on June’s World Cup in France. It was a hugely successful occasion that saw the USA run out as winners. Their star player was Megan Rapinoe who captained her team to victory and finished as the tournament’s joint top scorer.

Off the field, Rapinoe feverishly maintained her advocacy for LGBT rights and gender equality, sparking the ire of President Donald Trump.

Liverpool were the big winners in the men’s game as Jurgen Klopp guided his troops to Champions League victory against Tottenham in Madrid, securing Europe’s top club competition for the sixth time.

“This is only the start,” stated Klopp after the final win over Spurs.

The most memorable moment, however, came at home at Anfield in the semi-final when the Reds, trailing 3-0 from the first leg deficit, beat mighty Barcelona 4-0. The Kop roared and their team responded on a truly magical evening.

Golf 2019 was very much the year of redemption for Tiger Woods. After falling from grace in recent years Tiger proved he still had his claws as he tore through the field on the final round at the Masters in April to win his first major in 11 years, his 15th major and fifth Masters overall.

He then followed this up by player-captaining the US team to victory against Ernie Els’ internationals in last month’s President’s Cup in Melbourne, inspiring an amazing final day turnaround.

“It’s been amazing, I couldn’t have asked for a better year” said Woods. “I’m speechless.”

Cricket The age-old rivalry between England and Australia played out in fascinating fashion during both the World Cup and Ashes in 2019.

Returning from a ban, Ben Stokes was the World Cup hero for hosts England, scoring runs, taking wickets and catches throughout. In the final against New Zealand, he made 84 not out to tie the game and initiate the rarely witnessed Super Over, which England ultimately won. Stokes was man of the match.

“Almost superhuman,” was how England captain Eoin Morgan described Stokes in the final.

In the Ashes, Stokes clobbered an unbeaten 135, to claw England back from the brink in the third Test at Headingley although this series belonged to former Australian captain Steve Smith.

Also returning from a ban, and despite missing the third test, Smith utterly dominated proceedings, finishing the series with 774 runs in four Tests at an average of 110.57, which was 333 more than the next highest scorer, Stokes. His imperious form ensured Australia drew the series and retained the Ashes.

Boxing There was a shock of seismic proportions in June when last minute replacement fighter Andy Ruiz Jr recorded a seventh round TKO against Anthony Joshua to become the first Mexican-American heavyweight champion.

The Dec 7 rematch was controversially held in Saudi Arabia and saw Joshua regain his crown in a dour affair.

Ruiz claimed he failed to train properly which explained his loss.

“Three months of partying and celebrating affected me,” he said.

Joshua goaded after his victory, “Man, the first time was so nice, I had to do it twice!”

Cycling Colombian Egan Bernal became the first Latin American to win the Tour de France. However, he painted a rather mundane picture when asked about the routine required to pedal to victory.

“It’s team, team, team, get up, see the doctor, have breakfast, ride the race, get a massage, physio and sleep. Then repeat,” he commented.

Athletics Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge made history in Vienna after smashing the mythical two hour marathon barrier.

“The message that no human is limited is now in everybody’s mind,” he said after his triumph.

American Football Quarterback Tom Brady wrote his name into the record books by winning his fifth Super Bowl title after leading the New England Patriots against the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta.

“How could this not motivate you? It’s what it’s all about,” was Brady’s response when quizzed how he continues to impress. thephuketnews