POLL: SHOULD TOURISTS CANCEL HOLIDAYS TO PHUKET? > PAGE 4
PATIENT No. 26
NATIONAL DISEASE
DEPUTY DIRECTOR BLANKS PHUKET COVID-19 CASE
The Deputy Director-General of the national Department of Disease Control (DDC)
Dr Kajohnsak Kaewjarus, flew to Phuket from Bangkok this week only to refuse to confirm or deny whether a Chinese tourist in Phuket had contracted the COVID-19 coronavirus as confirmed by a report issued by the DDC last month.
Dr Kajohnsak on Wednesday (Mar 4) instead would only say that the information in the report was unreliable. He would not elaborate on which parts of the report were considered accurate.
The report had been uploaded online by the Bangkok Metropolitan
Authority, but was later pulled down. Copies of the DDC report posted online earlier this week have since gone viral on Thai social media.
The 11-page report – marked as issued on Feb 12, Day 40 since MoPH began its virus-prevention campaign –lists 33 patients confirmed as infected with COVID-19.
Patient No 26 on the list is reported as a Chinese national, 35 years old, who on Feb 3 presented him or herself at a private hospital and was later isolated at Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town.
Patient No 26 was reported as having a body temperature of 37.7ºC and a sore throat.
In the report’s column marked “Result of laboratory test”, Patient No 26, like all 32 others in the list,
is marked: “Coronavirus family: Detected”
Dr Kajohnsak said he had checked the report himself and confirmed it was a genuine report issued by the DDC.
“But the information inside this document is not reliable because it needs to clarified and updated before we publish it on our website,” he said.
Dr Kajohnsak said that the report, featured on official DDC letterhead with a pink background, included “unfinished information”.
“Reports with pink letterheads are not reliable to publish,” he said.
The DDC posts official daily Situation Updates and daily News Release Updates with blue letterheads, which Dr Kajohnsak explained were the reliable “final” versions.
Of note, however, is that the pink
letterhead report now leaked to the public contains listed information on the patients who apparently had already tested positive for the virus.
None of the finalised “blue” reports issued to the public have ever included that information.
As for the leaked “pink” report for Feb 12, the “unreliable” report includes all the exact same information as featured in the final “blue” report for Feb 12 – except that the “blue” report features no information at all about any of the patients in Thailand who have tested positive for the virus.
Asked specifically whether patient No 26 had tested positive for the virus, now that Dr Kajohnsak said that he himself had checked the report, the DDC Deputy Director refused to answer…
DDC Deputy Director Dr Kajohnsak Kaewjarus in Phuket on Wednesday (Mar 4). Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot
Patong voting areas defined ahead of local elections > p5
Responding to whistleblowers
Continued from page 1
He also refused to confirm whether any persons in Phuket had been confirmed as infected with the virus.
“I admit that there are Patients Under Investigation [PUI] at Vachira Phuket Hospital who are suspected of having the virus,” he said, while declining to confirm exactly how many people at the hospital were “under investigation”.
During his visit to Vachira hospital, Dr Kajohnsak toured the facilities and gave his encouragement to staff working at the hospital.
Dr Kajohnsak’s visit on Wednesday followed Vachira Phuket Hospital Director Dr Chalermpong Sukontapol on Tuesday (Mar 3) taking reporters on a tour of the facilities at the hospital in response to a formal complaint accusing the hospital director of not taking appropriate measures to counter
the spread of the coronavirus.
The complaint, filed with Phuket City Police on Sunday (Mar 1), was submitted by two doctors, including one who works at the hospital, Dr Chalermpong confirmed.
Phuket City Police Chief Col Teerawat Liamsuwan confirmed to The Phuket News that the complaint was genuine, but declined to offer any further details, or a copy of the complaint.
However, Col Teerawat did volunteer, “This case also has been reported to the National Anti-Corruption Commission [NACC].”
At the press tour on Tuesday, Dr Chalermpong read out the complaint as posted on The Reporters Facebook page, which said that a doctor at the hospital had already filed a complaint to the Director and Deputy Director of Vachira Phuket Hospital.
“The way they are working risks harm to the public.
Also the way they are working is inappropriate,” the complaint said.
“The director and deputy director doctor of Vachira Phuket Hospital are not taking appropriate steps to prevent an outbreak of COVID-19,” the complaint read.
The complaint also alleged that the measures being taken at the hospital were more aimed at preserving the careers of certain people at the
uses the same air conditioning as the rest of the hospital,” the complaint read.
The complaint also claimed that staff at the hospital were not adequately protected. “There are no tests to check whether the staff are infected with COVID-19 in order to prevent the spread of the disease at the hospital. This is important in preventing the spread of serious contagious diseases in any community,” it added.
Charnvirakul, and to Ministry of Public Health Permanent Secretary Dr Kanchana Sutthakitparn, the complaint noted.
Dr Chalermpong on Tuesday told reporters that patients were kept in separate, isolated rooms. He escorted the press to one room in particular, and even opened the door so the press could see the patient inside for themselves.
hospital, not for public safety.
“This risks harm to the public and it is unfair to the people,” the complaint said.
The complaint listed six main points, including that patients suspected of being infected with the virus were not kept in isolation.
“These patients must have a separate room in the ICU at a private hospital. Currently they use shared rooms in various parts of the hospital that
The complaint also called for patients suspected of being infected to be kept at just one hospital, not spread out in many hospitals across Phuket.
The complaint was sent to Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana last week but there had been no response, the complaint noted.
On Monday (Mar 2), a copy of the same complaint was sent to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Public Health Minister Anutin
He also confirmed that one of the doctors who filed the complaint does work at Vachira Phuket Hospital. He declined to reveal where the other doctor worked.
“Vachira Phuket Hospital is well-equipped for treatment by experts. We have enough rooms. We also have the ability to take care of more severe symptoms. Currently, all three hospitals [in Phuket] help each other in receiving PUI [patient under isolation] cases and we are still managing well,” Dr Chalermpong said.
Vachira Phuket Hospital Director Dr Chalermpong Sukontapol on Tuesday (Mar 3) shows reporters an isolation room with a recovering patient inside. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot
Elephant camp warned for baby elephant abuse
Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th
The Phuket office of the Department of Livestock Development (DLD) has issued a formal warning to an elephant camp in Rawai following photo evidence surfacing over the elephant being overly restrained by chains while in its infancy.
Phuket DLD Chief Manas Thepparuk told The Phuket News that his officers returned to inspect the Phuchada Safari camp, located in Rawai’s Saiyaun area, last week.
The camp owner last month was given 15 days to clean the area where a 2-year-old baby elephant is kept after an inspection prompted by allegations that the baby elephant had suffered maltreatment at the camp.
The return to the camp followed the Phuket DLD receiving photos and videos of the baby elephant while still at the camp recently after it was born, Mr Manas explained.
The infant elephant was restrained with chains to all four of its legs, preventing it from walking any distance. The baby elephant also had wounds on its head that appeared to have been inflicted by a mahout’s bullhook.
Chief Manas said that his officers last week interviewed 50-year-old Somsak Timtong, the mahout responsible for
looking after the baby elephant Meena, who is now 2 years and 11 months old.
“He said the wounds on the baby elephant’s head were self-inflicted by Meena. She was naughty and hit her head on a corner of the fence. He said that it did not happen from a bullhook,” Mr Manas told The Phuket News
“Mr Somsak also said that Meena was chained by only two legs, not four. This was done when she was being naughty. Most of the time, the baby elephant was free to walk around, not chained,” he added.
Mr Manas explained that as his
officers had no way of refuting the explanations given, his officers were unable to press any charges over animal abuse, despite the evidence provided.
“I made an official record of this inspection and we warned Mr Somsak that he must not use a bullhook and chains. If he does, he will be charged,” Mr Manas confirmed.
“I also asked them to improve the shelter with smooth materials to prevent any further harm to the elephant. When this is done this will be a much better shelter for the elephant to rest,” he added.
Mayor wrankled over slashed hose
THEPKRASATTRI
Mayor Thanasan Jiramorn has filed a formal complaint with the Thalang Police after a hose drawing water from a council pond to serve homes without running water supply was found severed.
Mayor Thanasan told The Phuket News on Tuesday (Mar 3) that the hose was found severed last Sunday after a council worker went to draw water from the pond to supply the Thepkrasattri Municipality water-producing plant one kilometer away.
The municipality started using the pond at the Thalang Historical Park after the pond near the water-producing plant ran dry, he explained.
The water was to be used to help supply homes in the area without running water supply, he added.
The officer arrived last Sunday morning and started the portable mains pump placed beside the pond, but the water plant was not receiving any supply,
Mayor Thanasan said.
The officer traced the hose along its course and found that it had been intentionally cut about 200 metres away, he added.
“I personally went to Thalang Police Station and filed a complaint that afternoon. Right now, police are looking to track down who cut the hose,” he said.
The severed hose has already been replaced, Mayor Thanasan said.
“Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation officers stationed at Thepkrasattri Municipality have already replaced the hose, so we can produce water for local people,” he said.
The baby elephant was chained in its early years.
Photo: Phuket DLD
The Phuket News
The hose was found intentionally cut about 200 metres from the pond. Photo: Thepkrasattri Municipality
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Graffiti most unwelcome Outrage as tourist leaves his mark on Nai Thon rocks
Khunanya Wanchanwet reporter1@classactmedia.co.th
Atourist has been lambasted for painting graffiti on rocks at Nai Thon Beach which went viral over social media last week and alerted police to the crime.
The person believed to be the culprit, a Russian national, was identified via Facebook and Instagram posts that showcased photo evidence of identical handiwork to that which appeared at Nai Thon.
They also shared the same personalised tag name “dem51” that appeared on the rock graffiti.
Chief of Sirinath National Park, Natthawat Nuisriram, told The Phuket News last Friday (Feb 28), “I was notified via a Facebook post that had gone viral which showed the graffiti painted on the rock at Nai Thon Beach.
“Also people sent photos and information to the Sirinath National Park email account directly,” he added.
“We immediately went to inspect the area and found the painted rock, which is about eight kilometers to the south
of Nai Thon Beach.”
Mr Natthawat explained he managed to identify the suspected individual although he was unwilling to disclose specific details at this point.
It appears, however, on further inspection of social media using the personalised tag name of “dem51” that the individual in question is a Russian national street graffiti artist by the name of Dmitrii Bragin.
It also appears that the piece at Nai Thon is not the
only one that was done by the suspect when he was in Phuket.
One Facebook video post from Feb 19 shows an identical image drawn on a tree with marker pen at Mai Khao beach.
What appears to be the suspect’s son is witnessed with the marker pen also graffiting the tree.
His acts of vandalism drew scorn from many across social media where numerous exchanges with the suspect
were witnessed.
When a user under the nickname @phuket_guide informed the suspect @dem51 on Instagram that he has been identified as the person responsible for the graffiti at Nai Thon, the reply was as follows:
“@phuket_guide In fact it’s very funny, don’t you think so yourself? These are just stones, who cares about them?”
Asked by another commentator to keep his street
art graffiti in his own country and respect nature and the hospitality of any countries visited, the suspect ‘dem51’ replied:
“@oleg_morsov Mister, I paint where I want. Don’t tell me what to do”
Despite Mr Natthawat initially believing the culprit to still be in Phuket, it later transpired that he had left the island meaning it was impossible to question or charge him for his actions.
Chief Natthawat appealed to tourists not to consider replicating the act, stating it is illegal and destroys the natural habitat.
“Please do not paint, write, advertise or make any sort of signature piece on rocks like this. It is not pleasant. It is illegal. If anyone witnesses painting like this, please send information to us at: https://www.facebook. com/sirinath.np or call 076328226 and 076- 328226 He concluded with a stern warning: “We are responsible for the protection and maintenance of the National Park and this kind of act of vandalism will be punishable with a fine not exceeding 500 baht.”
Should tourists cancel their holiday?
WITH NEWS OF THE COVID-19 coronavirus dominating headlines worldwide and Thailand suffering its first death last weekend, fears of the virus spreading have been as contagious as the virus itself.
While government agencies around the globe take steps to assure their citizens that appropriate measures are in place, officials in Thailand in particular have come under fire for lack of clear preventative action.
Even the lack of clarity in the information disseminated to the public about the virus situation in Thailand has come under attack, especially for its impact on the confidence people have in such reports.
To this, The Phuket News
Health officials screen tourists on arrival at Phuket International Airport. Photo: PR Dept
asks readers the simple question, “Even if Phuket had one or more confirmed cases of people infected with the coronavirus, if those people were quickly identified and moved to isolation, should this affect tourists’ in their decision to come to Phuket?”
Responses available to the poll are:
• Yes, tourists should cancel their trips to anywhere for
now to help stop the virus from spreading.
• Yes, tourists should cancel their trips to Phuket and elsewhere in Thailand, as there is little confidence in measures taken to contain the spread of the virus.
• No, the virus is already everywhere. It should not affect their decision at all as long reasonable precautions are taken.
• It depends on whether the people contracted the virus while in Phuket.
If your preferred response is not available above, feel free to add it in the comments below.
To vote in the poll, visit The PhuketNews.com and select “Poll” from the “News” menu. The poll will remain open to votes until midnight Sunday night (Mar 8), Phuket time. The Phuket News
The graffiti on the rock at Nai Thon beach, believed to have been done by a Russian street artist under the tag name ‘dem51’. Photo: The National Park
Patong voting districts reviewed for elections
The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th
The people of Patong have not given any feedback comments or suggestions on the voting district boundaries to be used for the upcoming local elections to be held later this year, reports Passakon Siripakayapon, Director-General of the Phuket office of the Election Commission of Thailand (PEC).
A notice calling for all residents in Patong to give their opinions on the boundaries of the three voting districts was issued late last month. The residents had until last week to give their feedback, explained Mr Passakon.
Having residents approve the boundaries for the voting districts for their areas is a standard procedure before any local elections are held, Mr Passakon said.
“The same must be done for all 19 local administrations and municipalities in Phuket,” he added.
“There have been no changes to the boundaries in Patong since the last local elections were held in 2014,” he confirmed. At this stage it appears there will be no changes this year.
However, Mr Passakorn noted that the final decision on the boundaries to be used for the upcoming local elections will be finalised by the Election Commission of Thailand and later submitted to the Cabinet for approval.
Voters in each of the three voting areas in Patong will elect six councilors for their area and cast votes to directly elect the Patong Mayor, Mr Passakon explained.
According to the Registration Administration Bureau, as of Dec 21 last year there were 21,358 people officially registered as living in Patong, he said.
“Of course not all people registered as living in Patong are eligible to vote as many are not of voting age. I estimate there might be about 10,000 people in Patong who are eligible to vote. We will have a better idea of exactly how many eligible voters there are in Patong later,” he added.
In 2014, the last time any local elections were held in Thailand, former
Phuket MP Chalermluck Kebsup won the Patong mayoral election with just 4,390 votes, defeating then-incumbent mayor at the time, Pian Keesin, who garnered just 3,330 votes.
At Mr Passakon’s current estimates, about 5,000 votes still will be enough to secure office as Patong Mayor in a town that generates tens if not hundreds of billions of baht a year in tourism.
Mayor Chalermluck told The Phuket News on Monday (Mar 2) that she was not sure how much money Patong makes in tourism revenues.
Asked when local elections will be held, Mr Passakorn said, “I don’t know what date local elections will be held. The actual date has yet to be set by Cabinet… but they will be held this year.”
Russians blown offshore on donuts
TWO RUSSIAN WOMEN on holiday in Phuket were rescued some three kilometres from Karon Beach on Monday afternoon (Mar 2) after the women were blown offshore on pink inflatable rings at Freedom Beach earlier in the day.
Kittisak Intharuang of Karon Municipality’s Marine Safety Center told The Phuket News that he was notified of the women’s predicament at 2:30pm after a tour guide at Freedom Beach raised the alarm with local Tourist Police.
Officers from the Marine Safety Center together with lifeguards launched a search for the two women, who Kit-
tisak identified only as Mariia, 25, and Ksenia, 27.
“It took around one hour, but they found the two tourists in the sea about three kilometres from shore,” Mr Kittisak said.
“They were safely brought back to the beach, and Tourist Police took them to their hotel in Patong,” he added.
Mr Kittisak urged all beachgoers to be wary of drifting too far from shore while playing on inflatables at the beach.
“If you’re not careful, the wind can blow you too far to get back to the beach by yourself,” he said.
The two women were rescued floating on the inflatable rings some three kilometres offshore from Karon. Photo: Karon Marine Safety Center
Khunanya Wanchanwet
MAIN: Chalermuck Kebsup will be forced to go to the polls before the end of the year. INSET: Voting areas in Patong. Photos: Patong Municipality / PEC
PURIYA BEAVAN Editor
CHRIS HUSTED
Executive Editor
084 307 7408 execeditor@classactmedia.co.th
Fifteen years working in news and covering local issues and events in Phuket, with 18-month hiatus spent working for the Brunei Times on Borneo. From Queensland, Australia; 10 years living in the UK before moving to Phuket in 2000. Degree in business management. Spare time spent sailing or with family.
BEN TIREBUCK
News / Sport Editor
061 806 8132 editor3@classactmedia.co.th
UK born and bred but living and working overseas for 20+ years. A career working in sales, marketing, news and media has seen him based in Shanghai, Sydney, Tokyo, San Diego and Singapore. Most recently with Thomson Reuters and Bloomberg, both in Singapore. Ambition in the heart, not in the head.
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Hiding the truth
Confidence in Thai officials to be transparent and truthful in reporting the current situation in Thailand concerning the COVID-19 coronavirus took a huge hit this week with Deputy Director-General of the Department of Disease Control (DDC) Dr Kajohnsak Kaewjarus flying all the way from Bangkok just to refuse to confirm or deny whether a Chinese national in Phuket had been confirmed as infected with the virus.
Dear Phuket officials and the Ministry of Public Health, you can spin it any way you want, but not telling all the facts in the hope of deceiving people into believing what you want them to believe instead of what is actually true is plain old lying. The coming to light of the fact that a Chinese tourist in Phuket was confirmed as infected with
Get Smart
Re: Phuket Immigration smart car helps nab South African caught overstaying, blacklisted for 10 years
While I agree with catching and deporting overstayers, there should also be smart cars to catch unlicensed and uninsured drivers using ANPR (automatic number plate recognition). I think the number convicted would far outweigh the visa overstayers.
Steve Wooly
Water run
Re: The Long Run: Watersaving measures rolled out to make reserves last as long as possible
Anyway, when Phuket island runs dry, thousands registered inhabitants can still go to Laguna and golf course clubhouses for daily showers and doing laundry. That will comfort. Print the shower tickets now. :-)
Kurt
Laguna IS self sufficient and recycles water. As the golf courses are PRIVATE property and have sources within them like it or not they
the coronavirus as far back as early last month now explains why Phuket officials mid- last month began to refuse to confirm what happened to the 10 people who were last reported as only “suspected” of being infected with the virus. Now we can just guess.
Dr Kajohnsak claimed that he had inspected and checked the report, but still would not confirm whether the Chinese patient in Phuket had tested positive for the virus. One thing is for certain, if the patient had tested negative he would have said so.
This is the problem that these officials have yet to understand. Once you have been caught lying, people get to choose whether or not to believe anything else you might claim to be true. If you can’t believe one thing a person says, how can you believe anything they say?
are doing nothing wrong… Fascinated
Fascinated. I'm talking about Laguna. The site was a tin mine. The lakes were made by Laguna. The are there to look pretty. They are always full. On the way into Laguna, look to your right just as you enter. You will see the massive water mains that come out of the ground to allow for valves. They are painted blue and are running INTO the complex.
Timothy
…and yet, where I live, the water-table is one metre higher than the same time last year. Drought? What drought?
Sir Burr
Price of life
Re: Death of Myanmar baby in Phuket exposes chasm in migrant workers’ rights
…Charge the parents with failing to provide the necessities of life.
Jor12
The ‘necessities of life’ should have been provided by Mr Bunpot and Ms Seangdao of the hospital when Burmese
If Phuket officials, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Ministry of Tourism & Sports also knew about this case, they are no better. But now these officials, in trying to “build confidence among tourists in coming to Thailand”, have to convince foreigners and their governments that it is safe to travel to Phuket.
How do they expect people to believe them when they cannot even tell us where that Chinese tourist was identified as being ill, how the tourist travelled to Phuket and the people in close contact during the flight, where the tourist stayed in Phuket, which restaurants the tourist and friends and/or family ate at, or where that tourist went during his or her holiday.
And if we don’t know any of that about that one tourist, what else don’t we know?
Mr Ang and Ms Moe came at hospital asking for help, instead of sending them away with a cold blooded B20,000 demand. A shameful hospital behaviour.
Kurt
Patong re-run
Re: Patong readies for local elections
Well, already 6 years Patong Mayor who is saying that she has no idea about how much money Patong makes in tourism revenues is or lying or not fit for the job if she really doesn't know... Take your pick.
Kurt
False start
Re: Thailand MotoGP postponed as virus wrecks season’s start
This Anutin is a proper plonker isn't he. He was the one berating foreigners for refusing free face-masks, saying all foreigners should be kicked out of his precious Thailand. Now he's the one cancelling Thailand's number 1 sporting event 3 days after he swore not to. You can't believe a single word from these kinds of people.
CaptainJack69
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PHUKET
Phuket
Looking
Jumbo woes
Re: Phuket elephant camp formally warned over baby elephant abuse allegations Absolutely pathetic! How much kick back did you get to look the other way. Again!!
JohnC
What disgraceful conduct by Manas – it’s pretty clear what has been going on but because Somsak “says” it’s all true. How long must this poor animal suffer due to incompetence? It’s all the fault of the naughty elephant of course, not the barbaric conditions it is kept in to make a baht. Fascinated
Another example of a toothless agency that isn't worth a s#!^. This ignorant and heartless mahout should have lost his chance last month. This is what the mahout does, he mistreats the elephants and lies through his teeth, and the government agent stands there with his thumb up his arse. Disgusting situation and I hope this article goes far and wide, hopefully put an end to places like this. Capricornball
Outrage over mask shortage
Panic buying spurred by first Thai COVID-19 coronavirus death
THAILAND
Dumrongkiat Mala
People are crying foul over the shortage of facemasks amid the novel coronavirus outbreak, triggered by the death of a Thai man who was diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus.
Public complaints grew louder on Monday (Mar 2) over the continuing lack of masks on the back of heightened concerns over the spread of COVID-19, which claimed the life of the 35-year-old man last Saturday night (Feb 29) – the first reported death from the virus in the country.
One more infection was reported on Monday, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 43. The new patient was a 22-year-old Thai woman, who worked as a tour guide along with an already infected Thai, a driver for foreign tourists.
The Private Hospital Association also said their medical personnel have been seriously affected by the mask shortage.
The Bangkok Post on Monday conducted a survey of drug stores in Suan Luang, Prawet and Lat Krabang districts, and spoke to pharmacists and owners, who all said their stocks ran out almost a month ago and did
not know when fresh supplies would be available again.
“We’re out of stock. We sold out of all kinds of face masks and hand sanitisers in the second week of last month,” said a pharmacist at a drug store in the Pattanakarn area.
He said the number of people looking for these items at his store has skyrocketed since Thailand reported its first coronavirus death.
“Hundreds of customers visit my shop each day. They keep asking for masks and hand gels, even though
I have already put up a sign outside the door. Some have even wanted to ‘reserve’ them in advance and asked me to contact them once masks and gels are available,” he said.
Another pharmacist at a drug store near Suan Luang Rama IX said her pharmacy had also ran out of masks and hand sanitisers weeks ago and that she has not been able to order new stock.
“I’ve asked my suppliers to send more masks and hand gels to my shop, but they said demand is far
outpacing the manufacturers’ ability to produce them,” she said.
Exploiting the situation, many online shops have started advertising masks at exorbitant prices.
An N-95 protective mask, which normally retails at between B80-95, is being sold online for B190-220 apiece.
Meanwhile, a simple greenand-blue mask which costs B4 at a pharmacy, is being sold online at B15-20 each.
The owner of another large pharmacy in the Lat Krabang area said some customers have asked why her pharmacy is all out of masks and gels, when these items are still available online.
“I don’t know what to tell them, as I don’t know how these online retailers manage to get their hands on these items when we can’t,” she said.
“Perhaps producers are realising they can make more money selling online than to pharmacies, because pharmacies are subject to controls by the authorities and we can’t overcharge customers.”
Disappointed people finding local stores are out of masks are starting to blame authorities for the shortages.
Prommet, 29, an office worker who only gave his first name, said while the government has already
made masks a price-controlled product with a fixed price of B2.5 apiece, fewer people can find them for that price. In reality, most people pay B15-30 for each mask.
“It is unacceptable the government has let this mask shortage go on, not to mention the inflated prices. Those at Government House should do better,” he said.
He urged the government and related agencies to force manufacturers to increase the production of masks to meet demand.
Whichai Phochanakij, directorgeneral of the Internal Trade Department, said the demand for masks has surged fivefold from normal levels.
He said authorities will review their distribution methods because Thai manufacturers only have the capacity to make 1.35 million masks a day.
Mr Whichai also said that raw materials from China have been in short supply and producers have had to import most of them from Indonesia, which consequently raises production costs.
The government has already tried to assure people that masks are being adequately and fairly distributed nationwide although it does not seem to currently be reassuring enough.
Bangkok Post
People queue to buy hand sanitiser and alcohol at a state-run pharmacy at the Department of Medical Services in Nonthaburi as public concerns over the spread of COVID-19 mount. Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill
A long-serving state of success
After 32 years, Phuket’s famed Baan Rim Pa Patong to move
The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th
Phuket’s dining scene passed a watershed moment last weekend as Da Maurizio Beach Side served its last patron on Feb 28, marking the beginning of the multi-award-winning Baan Rim Pa Patong restaurant’s move from its famed location on the peninsular at the north end of Patong Beach further north to Kalim.
“The original Baan Rim Pa restaurant opened as a 32seat restaurant well over 30 years ago, it then grew into a 200-seat restaurant,” explained Sue Ultmann, Baan Rim Pa Group’s Executive Manager & Marketing Director, who has been with the company for 19 years.
Baan Rim Pa was originally opened by American Restaurateur Tom Mcnamara who came to Phuket in the late ’80s. He rented a Thai house on the water at the north end of Patong which he turned into a 32-seat restaurant in 1989.
“Tom always wanted things done correctly, so
he borrowed the executive Thai Chef from the Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok for six months to train the staff in Royal Thai cuisine,” Ms Ultmann explained.
The restaurant grew rapidly to 200 seats and became one of the best known and highly awarded restaurants in Thailand. Over the years it won local and international
awards including Time Magazine’s best restaurant, HAPA (Hospitality Asia Platinum Award), Thailand Tatler and, since 2002, Wine Spectator awards.
A few years later, Tom, a well known personality in Phuket who loved his restaurant and his golf, received a visit from his old friend from New York, Italian Maurizio
food and he flew the fish and ingredients along with the chefs to Phuket, Ms Ultmann recalled.
After the tsunami in 2004 and the influx of cheap Japanese restaurants, Joe’s Downstairs was born and became popular with the local expats as well as the tourists. It soon started to win its own awards both locally and internationally.
“Location, location, location was always the motto. Along with the best quality in ingredients and service,” Ms Ultmann explained.
Pa Kalim and offers a similar decor, panoramic sea view of Patong and Kalim Bays, piano bar and wine cellar, plus of course the award winning Royal Thai cuisine.
As of April 1, 2020, the two restaurants will become one and known simply as BAAN RIM PA at the new location opposite the Kalima Resort and Spa. Da Maurizio closed on Feb 29 and Joe’s Downstairs’ will close March 31. At this stage they will not move to the new location, Ms Ultmann noted.
Laureri, and over a few drinks they decided to open Da Maurizio Bar Ristorante, almost next to Baan Rim Pa. The venture became an immediate success as Phuket had limited authentic Italian food, and also won many awards over the years.
Then came Otowa Japanese restaurant. This was due to Tom’s love of Japanese
In 2009 Tom passed away after a long battle with cancer. His general manager and business partner Chalermpol “Das” NaNakorn, along with Tom’s Thai wife Pensri McNamara, continued the operation.
In 2016, knowing the current lease on the three properties would be ending in a few years, they purchased a prime location 1.9km north of the current restaurants and built an almost replica of the original Baan Rim Pa Parong. The new venue was named Baan Rim
“Many of the staff will relocate as they have been with us for many years. All other staff will be taken care of and helped to find new opportunities as they are an integral part of our operation,” she said.
“Although it is sad for all of us to say goodbye to such a business icon, we look forward to new and exciting developments in this challenging time.
“The management and team would like to thank you for the support over the years and look forward to seeing you soon,” she added.
BCCT fires up first event for 2020
THE BRITISH CHAMBER OF COMmerce in Thailand (BCCT), in cooperation with American, Australian, Canadian, EABC, French, German, Netherlands and Singapore Chambers of Commerce, will hold its first Phuket event of 2020 at the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort on Mar 27.
At the one-hour briefing event, Birgit Hansl, Country Manager for Thailand, East Asia and Pacific, The World Bank will share her insight on “Thai Economy in 2020” given the many external and domestic challenges currently in play.
After the briefing will be the business networking event, providing an excellent opportunity to connect with other business folk while enjoying food and drinks.
The briefing will be held from 5-6pm,
Birgit Hansl will be the guest speaker. followed by the networking from 6:30-9pm
The briefing is free to attend but preregistration is required. Entry to the networking event costs B500 for BCCT members and participating chambers and B900 for nonmembers, payable at the door. Price includes food and free flow beverages.
To book attendance at the event email banthita@bccthai.com. The Phuket News
The multi-award-winning Baan Rim Pa Patong restaurant will close at its current famed location at the north end of Patong Beach on April 1. Photo: Baan Rim Pa
FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2020
CAN YOU MAKE IT?
#LADSCAN MAKEIT!
Phuket boys advance in Red Bull Challenge
Sean Kelly editor1@classactmedia.co.th
Can you, yes you, travel for seven days across Europe with Red Bull as your only currency? That’s right, Red Bull, that sweet syrup packed with a punch made popular all across Thailand originally under the name Krating Daeng , literally translating to Red Bull in Thai, and later given a touch of the bubbly across the pond to compete in the soda-obsessed West.
Red Bull may give you wings, but it certainly cannot pay a tab, or a taxi fare, or even a room for the night. Or can it? That’s what three young lads raised in Phuket hope to achieve in the coming weeks – but they need your help.
Leon Carpenter, Angus Hamelton, and Danny James, who all spent their formative adolescent years here in Phuket and attended BISP, are representing team L.A.Ds (Get it… we’ll wait for you) in the “Red Bull Can You Make It” challenge.
So how does it work? First, teams across many nations submit a video and attempt to garner as many votes as possible. Next, a select number of teams that amassed enough votes, advance to the next round that is selected by judges and based on things like the team’s social media presence, public support and the overall marketability of the teams. Team L.A.Ds has already made it past round one, with the final round taking place this week, and that’s where you the reader come in.
The #LADScanmakeit!
According to official Red Bull rules,
finalist teams will receive complimentary flights to one of five starting points throughout Europe. Each team must relinquish all credit cards, cash and mobile phones. Teams will take off at the same time, each with a total of 24 cans of Red Bull to use as their only currency, and must reach Berlin within one week. Think Normandy but less barbed wire, bullets and blood and more caffeine, taurine, inositol and B vitamins.
So what are the rules these lads must play by?
According to Red Bull, teams will earn points on their journey in three ways: Completed Checkpoint Challenges, Social Score and Completed Adventure List Challenges.
As the lads learned in BISP, a code of honour is essential to maintain positive character and compete with dis-
tinction. The Red Bull Can You Make It? code of honour states that teams are not allowed to earn, accept or use any form of currency other than Red Bull. No use of personal or borrowed mobile phones, computers, tablets or other devices, except for the officially supplied event device.
Teams must use this officially supplied event device to upload photos, videos and other content along their journey and track their progress. No use of frequent flyer miles or pre-organised modes of travel, so that buddy you helped out on Couchsurfing.com or that smelly backpacker in elephant pants making their way to Chang Mai is of no assistance to you now. A personal favourite rule, and notice the operative word, “No severe sabotage of the other participating teams.”
Continued on page 10
Phuket Town founding father honoured
Phuket’s Best Burger back with a twist
BISP alumni Leon Carpenter ahead of the challenge.
Phuket boys ready for challenge
Continued from page 9
Being an international event, teams must act in accordance of the law in each respective country, no parting of the team at any time meaning that all travelling and checkpoint challenges much be completed as a threesome, although time may be allocated for bathroom breaks as an exception.
Each team must visit a minimum of six checkpoints and any violation of any of the rules will result in immediate disqualification. The team will then be responsible for its own safe transportation back home. Got it? Still think you can make it? The L.A.Ds know they can.
The Phuket News spoke with the L.A.Ds prior to the final vote and were excited to see them move on the next level. We now hope we can all help their march to Berlin.
Next Monday (March 9) is D-Day for all finalists as they learn whether they survived to make the final cut.
“We will then know if we will participate in the competition from April 21-28,” said Angus. “We made the top 53 in voting, and a panel of judges at Red Bull now decides who the top 13 are, presumably based on video quality, character bio, and other factors like social media ground swell,” he added.
Make no mistake about it, these globetrotters are Phuket boys. “I was born and raised in Phuket and went to BISP for 17 years, graduating in 2018. Due to my upbringing I consider Thailand my home, having spent the
majority of my life there. Growing up in Phuket allowed myself, as well as Angus and Danny, opportunities for adventure and activities that may have taken us out of our comfort zone which is perfect preparation for this event,” said Leon.
“I lived in Phuket for 14 years,” said Angus, “and I’m a dual national with both a British and a Thai passport. I went to school at BISP for 12 years (with a four-year stint at boarding school in the UK), spending lots of time travelling between countries and struggling with boarding school, which I believe has really pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me how to grapple with new challenges, all whilst Thailand has managed to kept itself as my home.”
Danny told The Phuket News, “I per-
sonally came from South Korea back in 2011 and instantly fell in love with the laid-back but still exhilarating Phuket lifestyle. I went to BISP for all of my nine years in Phuket and am thankful for all the opportunities I was provided there.”
When asked about preparedness for the wild and wacky obstacles and checkpoint activities Red Bull is likely to throw at the L.A.Ds, Leon said, “I’d say we’re all very sporty individuals, however, we also enjoy activities such as wake boarding, rock climbing, surfing, flow boarding.” Asked about their experience with multicultural situations and the patience gained in Thailand that could prepare them from all that is Europe, with its many linguistic layers, Angus said, “Yeah, I think that’s one thing we’ve all learnt, having lived in a
country that isn’t our own most of our lives, is patience and acceptance that we won’t always be able to communicate quickly but I feel we are very adaptable in that sense.
“As a confident group of individuals, we see the adventures list and challenges as an area in which we can achieve quite well. As a group, we have been working together from a young age, and our chemistry and team dynamism I believe will allow us to tackle problems in unique ways. On top of this, we have seen the social media reaction to our push for votes and our success through the voting phase gives me faith that we can also achieve good social media interaction during the event. Whilst with the race part, I imagine the key will be our adaptability and improvisation that will carry us.”
The boys got a nice bump of 200 votes to push them over the edge and remain a contender for the March 9 vote thanks in part to The Phuket News and the sharing of the story on social media. “Most definitely the push from The Phuket News helped us reach a market we wouldn’t have access to, as well as social media like Facebook Instagram and Snapchat, where posts are so easily shareable and resulted in a lot of support from our friends around the world in places such as Australia and the US,” said Angus. “Our parents also played a big part in helping promote us. I think they want to see us take part in the challenge as much as we do,” he concluded.
The Phuket L.A.Ds in contemplative mood ahead of the challenge.
Double buns, twice the fun
Phuket’s Best Burger returns with a twist
The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th
Everyone loves a great burger.
The perfect ratio of burger to bun, the selection of choice ingredients and the overall personality of the burger maestro are all major factors in determining whether any hamburger is worthy of the label “Phuket’s Best Burger”.
Now in its sixth year, the Phuket Best Burger competition has become one of Phuket’s most-loved events. This year Phuket’s Best Burger will be getting all burgerliscious at the New Blue Tree Phuket on Saturday, March 28, when restaurateurs and chefs will all compete to see whose burger reigns supreme and become Phuket’s Best Burger 2020 under the theme “Greatness, Redemption, Glory”.
The event was a conceptualised in 2013 by Jay Leshark while he was working with Phuket Live Radio and saving the Phuket airwaves with his weekend brunch radio show. Jay was looking for an event idea that would be
something different for Phuket, something to do with food, and something fun. “I honestly never thought it would be as big as it has become,” said Jay. “It was just a crazy idea I had which has grown over the past six years”
“It was the history of burgers that also really interested me. Burgers can be traced back to 1209 when Genghis Khan’s army needed food that could be carried on their mounts and eaten easily with one hand while they rode. Ground meat was the perfect choice, and if it’s good enough for Genghis Khan then who are we to argue.”
After Jay spent a couple of years of research – actually just going around Phuket eating burgers – and studying burger competitions around the world, the inaugural Phuket Best Burger event was held in March 2015, with Xana Beach Club claiming top honours. In 2016, Kata Rocks were declared the winner, Thavorn Beach Village & Spa took home the coveted prize in 2017 and 2018, and then last year the winner was Prime Burger, and for the new Vegetarian and Vegan prize it was Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort.
This year’s event is set to be the biggest and best ever with over 25 burgers already entered as well as other great foods from Phuket businesses, including California Tattoo, Pura Organic Foods and gelato from Pluto Ice Cream. There will be live music on stage from the Two Chefs band and Possible Chaos, the house band from Blue Tree Arena, as well as some great children’s activities organised by Kids Planet. There are also rumors that superstar international DJ El Tiburón will make an appearance.
The biggest change this year is the judging panel. In the past five years there has been a group of judges who taste every burger. However, due to feedback from many of the chefs who have entered over the years, this year organisers have decided on a public vote with no judges. More than 1,500 people visited the event last year and hopes are high to hit 2,000 this year, with every one having the right to determine which is Phuket’s best burger.
Green matters to Phuket’s Best
Burger and all the competitors have been told to use only sustainable or recycled plates and cups, and of course no single-use plastic items will be allowed at the site.
The event will also be giving away an award to the competitor who has the least food waste. Everyone will be given a compost bin to collect all the food scraps and this will be put into Blue Tree’s very special compost machine to be composted down for use in the gardens and the new sustainable centre opening soon at Blue Tree.
So what does the winner get? Well not only bragging rights for a year and the Phuket’s Best Burger trophy, they also receive a host of other prizes already totalling over 250,000 baht, including B103,000 of advertising from Class Act Media, B25,000 of BBQ equipment from The BBQ Shop and B40,000 of photo and video production from Peter V James motion and stills. Mark it on your calendar: Saturday, March 28 at Blue Tree Phuket, an event for all the family!
Ladies looking for that perfect burger.
Phraya Wichit honoured in bronze
Statue of Phuket Town’s founding father unveiled with traditional ceremony
The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th
Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana, together with a host of local officials, joined a ceremony last Friday (Feb 28) to unveil a statue honouring the founding father of Phuket Town, Phraya Wichit Songkham. The statue was unveiled on the southeast corner of the grounds of Wat Wichit Sangkharam on Narisorn Rd.
“I am so honoured to preside over a traditional ceremony to show respect to our great Phuket Town father,” said Governor Phakaphong.
Work on the statue began on Nov 23 with a ceremony to mark the laying of the foundation stone for the statue.
Wat Wichit Sangkharam was chosen as the site as the temple was built by order of Phraya Wichit Songkhram some 170 years ago, when Phuket Town was first being developed under his guiding hand.
The statue, cast in bronze, was built at a cost of B8.7 million, comprising B7.5mn for the statue and B1.2mn for the base and surrounding area.
The statue was created by renowned Thai artist Sunti Pichetchaiyakul, who is best known for creating the sculpture of King Rama 9, Bhumibol Adulyadej, at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in the United States, where King Bhumibol was born.
The statue in Phuket Town was created from a photo of Phraya Wichit Songkhram taken in 1849, with Phraya Wichit Songkhram in a seated position.
The creation and installation of the statue of Phraya Wichit Songkhram was decided on by Phuket City Municipality and local residents wanting to honour the historic Phuket governor so that children and
other people would learn about his achievements and to promote Phuket Town’s historical past as a form of tourism attraction, Phuket City Mayor Somjai explained last year in announcing that the statue was being created.
“It is also a good example of strengthening the love and unity of the Phuket people and showing gratitude to the ancestors who created pride in being Phuket people,” she said.
Phraya Wichit Songkhram is also known as Thad Rattanadilok Na Phuket, an esteemed family name that lives in Phuket and the surrounding provinces.
He was the son of the former Governor of Phuket “Phra Phu Ket (Kaew)”.
Both are honoured by the main roads Wichit Songkram Rd and Phra Phuket Kaew Rd, which link
Phuket Town with the Kathu valley, which was once the heartland of tin mines in Phuket.
Phraya Wichit Songkhram’s name in full was Phraya Wichitsongkram Ramrithidet Lohasetrak Phithak Siamrat Simatayanuchitpiphakdi Phiriyapichit Jangwang, also given the common nickname “Wiset”.
Also known as Thad Rattanadilok Na Phuket and Phraya Phu Ket Lohasetrak, Phraya Wichit Songkhram was the descendant of Rattanadilok Na Phuket family.
He served as Governor of Phuket Town from the late reign of King Rama III until the early reign of King Rama V.
After his father passed away, Phraya Wichit Songkhram was nominated as the Governor of Phuket and bestowed the title “Phra Phu Ket (Thad)”.
The statue of Phuket Town founding father Phraya Wichit Songkham was unveiled with a ceremony on Feb 28. Photo: Phuket Municipality
Optimism 101
The delights of the Nai Harn Resort
DA MEAL WITH...
riving over to Nai Harn Beach to have lunch with Frank Grassmann, the friendly General Manager of the iconic Nai Harn resort which sits on a verdant hillside proudly overlooking those wondrous southern Phuket sands, I made a mistake!
I tuned into the car radio local news and was deluged by an auditory barrage of negativity running the gamut from panic and obfuscation about the growing coronavirus crisis, to the latest speedboat crashes, to the pollution and black water problems on various beaches, to the everpresent drug and road mayhem imbroglios that seem to be a hallmark of life in Phuket.
I was due to meet Frank in their delightful beachside Rock Salt Restaurant to talk about the region’s tourism future. With this tidal wave of catastrophe as a backdrop, my spirits sank. However, I shouldn’t have worried, because Frank proved to be a beacon of well-informed positivity in the face of all this bad news and spelt our many ways in which Phuket’s tourism can continue to grow and succeed despite the undoubted prob-
lems of the present.
Frank was born in the charming German town of Koblenz on the Moselle River and very nearly became a Lufthansa pilot before settling into a career in hotel management. He served his apprenticeship at the Albrecht Durer Hotel Management School in Dusseldorf before embarking on a globetrotting career which has gone from strength to strength.
His impressive resume includes postings at The Sheraton Maria Isabel Hotel in Mexico City, The Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof in Frankfurt, The Riyadh Intercontinental Hotel, London’s iconic Savoy Hotel, The Dusit Thani in Bangkok, Manila and Phuket’s Dusit Thani Laguna, The Evason Six Senses Resort, and the Soniva Kiri Resort on Koh Kood.
Frank is uniquely qualified to speak with authority on the future of the region’s tourism, having spent over 30 years in increasingly senior roles in the industry, both in Thailand and around the world. We sat down to a delicious lunch in Rock Salt consisting of their signature fresh, healthy produce all expertly-prepared under the watchful eye of Executive Chef Mark Jones.
This is a location that positively reeks of optimism and beauty, adjacent to the majestic sweep of Nai Harn’s sands which were still abundantly populated by happy visitors, swimming, paddle-boarding, playing beach volleyball, or just soaking up the sunshine.
At the far end of the beach, towering craggy headlands bracketed this luxuriant scene with Prom Thep Cape and the romantic islet of Koh Man dreaming in the heat haze beyond.
Says Frank, “The Andaman region is uniquely situated geographically at the centre of a huge catchment area of potential in-bound travellers and offers an exotic culture and inherent style of service and attitude that is second to none.
At The Nai Harn we always hire new staff based on attitude before skill set, because we know that our excellent training can imbue the necessary skills, but a happy, helpful, team-player attitude is all important in this business.
“We also take our social and environmental responsibilities very seriously. We hire and train as many locals as we can and we have been honoured with the Gold Medal of the prestigious Green Hotel Award for our enduring commitment to best environmental practices and sustainability in everything we do.”
I asked Frank about the heritage of this iconic resort and its unique location Phuket. “We are now four years into our
re-branding and relaunch and have been able to combine innovation and modernity into the fabric of this most iconic property which, as the Royal Phuket Yacht Club, was graced by a guest-list including both royalty and artistic legends such as Rudolf Nureyev, Peter Ustinov and Roger Moore.
“Our restaurants and all the guest rooms have been extensively remodeled and our culinary and beverage offerings have been hugely enhanced by such experts as Salim Khoury from The Savoy in London who created a range of signature cocktails, and wine legend James Suckling who helped craft the extensive house list.”
Reluctantly departing this enclave of optimism within our current sea of troubles, I had a smile on my face and was at pains not to make the mistake of turning on the car radio on the way home.
While the word “infectious” should perhaps be used with caution in our present crisis, it certainly seems highly appropriate when applied to Frank Grassman and The Nai Harn’s particular brand of optimism!
Baz Daniel baz_gunner2000@yahoo.com
Smiles for miles with Nai Harn’s GM Frank Grassmann.
PIWC MARDI GRAS RAISES FUNDS FOR KIDS EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS
the region ensured future scholarships.
LOCAL DANTE SOCIETY HIGHLIGHTS A NIGHT OF ITALIAN CULTURE
Local chapter Dante
and
of the renowned Italian culture and language society presented their concert event “Transmutation”,
the
FUNKY LITTLE SHACK WITH LOTS OF SOUL OPENS AT TINLAY PLACE
The Phuket Business Family International Networking and Open Mic night, hosted by Ekaterina Churbanova and organised by Phuket property management company Beringela.Asia, was held at the Ramada Plaza Chaofah on Feb 28. Guests at the event, including property developers, digital marketers, event planners, owners of detox and wellness center and others, had the opportunity to introduce themselves, their businesses and services, meet new people, uncover new business opportunities and highlight what connections or opportunities they were looking for.
May, Jonny, Alex, Oilly. Photo: Evgeniy Vorob'yov
Last Saturday (Feb 29) saw the launch party of Soul Shack at Tinlay Place in Cherng Talay. Funky tunes whipped the crowd into a dancing frenzy, overlooked by an impressive wall mural by street artist Cece Nobre, while delicious tapas and a unique range of beverage offerings ensured everyone was satisfied.
Groovsters get together in front of the huge mural at the Soul Shack. Photo: Supplied
Phuket International Women’s Club (PIWC), the first charity on the island, held its annual fundraising gala party on Feb 29 at the Firefly Restaurant, The Pavilions Phuket. With the party theme Mardi Gras!, over 100 guests arrived dressed in full Mardi Gras colours of purple, green and yellow with elaborate matching masks ready to dine, dance and donate to a worthy cause – scholarships for local children who would otherwise not complete their education. More than 140 items donated by renowned restaurants, hotels and businesses in Phuket and around
Carole, Wipa, Sue, Doreen, Tasnee, Athena with past students.
Former students Tak, Sao, Belle, Fai, Tai, Roong and Bow.
John, Carole, Athena, John, Doreen, Sue and Michel.
Wipa, Athena, Carole and Tasnee with saxophonist Korn.
Alighieri Phuket
featuring music composed
arranged by the talented Kiko Francesco Pensato K.F.P, at
grand ballroom of the Centara Grand Breach Resort Phuket on Feb 28. More than 100 Phuket-based Italians were captivated by the multimedia concert that featured video displays, dancing, a live Saxophonist and a performance by international soprano Joung Ju Kim.
Kiko Francesco Pensato (centre) with members of the Royal Thai Police.
Siripa and Paolo
6 MAR
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.
7 MAR
All you can eat BBQ Ribs night 6PM – 11PM: All you can eat BBQ Ribs served with salad buffet, potato salad & choice of sauces. Reservation recommended. 295 baht P./P. shakersphuket@gmail.com, 081 891 4381.
BOHO BEACH BRUNCH
International Women’s Day – March 8, 2020 | from 12pm-4pm. For reservations, call: +66 (0) 62 894 4310. Price: 1,800 THB++ per person - includes bottomless mimosa & rider access to Blue Tree Lagoon. +66 (0)76 602 436 treehouse@bluetree.fun
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.
La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs
Phuket Dinner - March 2020
Location - Wagyu Restaurant at Twin Palms. For more details - www.facebook.com/laChainePhuket
MON
16 MAR
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.
BCCT MULTI-CHAMBER PHUKET BRIEFING & NETWORKING
Briefing 5.00 - 6.00 pm/ Networking 6.30 - 9.00 pm at Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort Cost: The briefing is free to attend but pre-registration is required. Please state briefing when making a booking. The networking is THB 500 for BCCT members and participating chambers and THB 900 for nonmembers payable at the door. Price includes food and beverage.
FRI 3 APR
The Grow Boating Networking Evening - April
The Grow Boating Networking Evening for April 2020 will be held at The Dock A Café, at The Phuket Boat Lagoon Marina on Friday the 3rd of April from 5pm onward. We are very pleased to announce that Sky Marine Group will be the drinks sponsor for the evening. See www.skymarinegroup.com As drinks sponsor for the evening, Sky Marine Group can display their products and services on the evening and give a 10-minute presentation on their company. There also will be a light buffet sponsored by the Dock A Café and 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 The Grow Boating Networking Evening is organised by the Thai Yachting Business Association. Find us at www.facebook.com/groups/ GrowBoatingNetworkingEvening/ or our Website www.thaiyachtingbusinessassociation.com/growboating-networking-evening Grow Boating is kindly supported by our media partner The Phuket News, Live 89.5 radio and Phuket News TV. See www. thephuketnews.com
1. In which English town did Adolf Hitler study art?
2. In which city did Romeo and Juliet live?
3. What is the name of the gas that causes bread dough to rise?
4. Which famous brewer from Amsterdam died in 2002?
5. What color is cobalt?
Answers below, centre
SUDOKU
Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York
Across 1. Youth 5. Fourposter, e.g. 8. Units in physics 12. Flynn of Hollywood 14. “Gone With the Wind” mansion 15. Venom 16. Dark clouds 17. Countess’s husband 18. Large-scale 19. Seafood selection 21. Hermit and king 22. Bronte heroine 23. Future J.D.’s hurdle 25. Sting 28. Do some tailoring 30. Questionable marketing companies 33. Rice 35. Nothing 36. Car club 37. Trout cousins 41. Eternity, almost 42. “When it’s ___” (old riddle answer) 43. Tall tales 44. Brooklyn ending 45. Caught 48. Skyrocket 49. End-of-week cry 50. Introspect
52. Fish dish 55. Atlantic swimmers
59. Legal rights org.
60. “12 Angry Men” star, Cobb
62. Garlic mayonnaise
63. College grad. school
64. Opposed to
65. Basic belief
66. Fishhook’s end
67. Elevs.
68. Little League umps, often Down
1. Certain column
2. ‘’I Shot the Sheriff’’ singer Clapton
3. “Aunt” with a 1979 best seller
4. Blueblood
5. Farmyard sounds
6. Mess up
7. The Cowboys, on scoreboards
8. 1975 Pulitzerwinning critic
9. Big name in TV talk 10. Superficially fluent
1
Stephen King sells the rights to some of his short stories for only $1 so film students can use them to make movies. He calls them his “Dollar Babies.”
7
Ray Charles, although blind since the age of 7, started a foundation to help those with hearing disorders. He didn’t believe his blindness was a handicap but thought the inability to hear (especially not being able to hear music) was more of a hardship.
33
After surviving 33 days lost at sea, a man finally landed ashore by chance on Namdrik Atoll in the Marshall Islands. There he discovered that his uncle, believed to have been lost at sea 50 years prior, had washed ashore on the same atoll and started a family.
percent of children recognize Ronald McDonald, making him the world’s most recognized fictional character
Source: Uberfacts
11. Parts of a min. 13. Easter flower 14. Home on the range 20. 1976 Canada Cup MVP 21. Acquired
Boxer Spinks
Beach, basically
Jag
Slangy greetings
Dress cut
Hair tangle
All Black rugby player
Green stretches
Minister’s home
African river
Resort town near
Press to collect a debt
Handy digit
32-card game
Car launched by an aeronautics company
Bruins of the NCAA
Slander
Subway Series team
Macbeth’s
Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz:
Heineken; 5) Blue
ISLAND VIEW
March 6,
March 11, 1879
Shō Tai formally abdicated his position of King of Ryūkyū, under orders from Tokyo, ending the Ryukyu Kingdom.
March 12, 2003
The World Health Organization officially release a global warning of outbreaks of Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
1) Liverpool; 2) Verona; 3) Carbon dioxider; 4)
Karon View Point. Photo: Jeffrey Villeges
Investor With 90 million THB of Clean Funding to Invest In Deep Sea Fisheries Project Required Investor With 90 million THB of Clean Funding to Invest In Deep Sea Fisheries Project Required Project would be eligible for Thailand Board Of Investment approval with 5 year tax breaks. Project calls for the importation / Thai FlaggingRegistration of 2 fully operational Pelagic Tuna & Swordfish Longline Vessels currently operating successfully in the Indian Ocean Fishery. Thailand Domestic & Japan Fresh-Chilled Auction Floor Export Markets targeted. Thai Captains / Australian-NZ Pelagic Longline Fishing Masters-Crew Trainers on each vessel with minimum 50% Thailand National Crew. Writer is Australian National Fishing Vessel Manager / Pelagic Longline Fishing Master / Marine Engine Driver / Crew Trainer who has been catching & exporting sashimi grade fish killed by the Ikijimi method to the Japanese Auction Floor since 1978. Advertiser has previously been employed as Chief Engineer on 1 of the vessels to be purchased & been employed as Captain/Fishing Master on the other Vessel to be purchased. It
Phuket 83000. Capt. Brad Durkin, P.O.
891 0243.
CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE
Golf Memberships
Loch Palms and Phuket Country Club 200,000 baht plus transfer fee each. Don Morris, discobamboo9309@hotmail.com, 081 597 7442
Family membership Blue Canyon Country Club for sale B550,000 I will pay the transfer. Lars 06-5758-2520 or email info@laliinvest.se
Superb large Laguna Townhouse Beautiful and completely renovated villa, new windows, doors, plumbing, air conditioning and much more situated on a large plot of 910 sq. metres in the heart of Laguna in a quite cul-de-sac of just 8 properties and walking distance of 5 minutes to Boat Avenue, Central and all Laguna amenities and superb beaches of Bangtao and Layan. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, large office/5th bedroom, fully fitted European kitchen, large lounge and dining with
4 Rai land for sale in Pa Khlok Beautiful, flat and all services available. Situated on a side Soi just 400 metres from the main road to Cape Yamu/Ao Po Marina in 7 minutes and Heroines monument in 5 minutes and 10-15 minutes from the airport/ Blue Canyon/Laguna/Boat Lagoon and Royal Phuket Marina. An oasis of peace and quiet yet in a superb location. Almost square piece, perfect for large villa and extensive grounds or quality development. ceopaulm@hotmail.com
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Phuket marathon confirmed Laguna Phuket say 15th edition will help island’s tourism figures
MARATHON
The Phuket News editor3@classactmedia.co.th
The award-winning Supersports
Laguna Phuket Marathon will take place for the 15th time on June 13-14 at Laguna Phuket, welcoming 15,000 runners from more than 70 countries and a new title sponsor, Supersports.
With over 80% of runners coming from outside of Phuket and 20% travelling from overseas, Supersports
Laguna Phuket Marathon is a leading destination marathon in Southeast Asia and an important event for Phuket island.
Contributing B291.58 million in 2019 alone, the event drives domestic and international travel to the island with visitors spending in the local economy on accommodation, food and beverage, and more. With a strong family focus, the event has become a fun vacation for many and participants spend time enjoying the island and its attractions both before and after the event.
“Our registration numbers are up on this time last year,” commented Roman Floesser, CEO of the event’s organiser, GAA Events.
“Despite COVID-19 concerns,
(Mar 30) press conference announcing the 15th
runners are committed to taking part and we are working with our partners to ensure a safe and fun race for all.
Event planning is on schedule, registrations continue to be received and we are confident that more than 15,000 runners from around the world will take part this year.
“We’re also extremely pleased to welcome Supersports as a title sponsor this year. They are very active in the running scene and are a well recognised sports and lifestyle brand in Thailand,” Floesser added.
Supersports, one of Thailand’s leading retailers of sportswear, shoes and equipment, is a brand synonymous
with “Athleisure” and have recently confirmed a three-year title sponsorship with GAA Events.
“We are excited to announce our three-year title sponsorship of the award-winning Supersports Laguna Phuket Marathon,” said Erlinda Petpisit, Omnichannel Customer Director, Marketing Department, CRC Sports, operator of Supersports.
“While we are one of the leaders in Thailand for sportswear and related products offline and online, the event provides us with a valuable opportunity to engage in a meaningful way with a broad demographic who enjoy healthy activities and actively
2020 AFL Phuket Masters cancelled
IT IS WITH REGRET THAT THE 2020 Phuket Masters Football tournament scheduled for tomorrow (Mar 7) is to be cancelled due to the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 virus and the extreme seriousness taken towards the spread of the virus by the Thai government.
The threat of the coronavirus spreading is being taken very seriously with several major sporting events affected after COVID-19 was declared a dangerous communicable disease.
The Thai government has also stepped up security at airports, and anyone entering that shows signs of a high temperature or fever may be detained and quarantined, or deported at their own expense on a non-commercial flight.
The Phuket AFL Masters has been cancelled due to COVID-19 coronavirus threat Photo: Thailand Tigers AFL Facebook page.
The risk factor associated with an event featuring people from countries across the region is too great, and the ramifications for all involved is too severe.
We apologise for any convenience, thank you for your understanding and look forward to some footy in the future. Alan Sutherland
wear “Athlesiure” apparel.
“With up to 15,000 runners from all over the world expected to take part this year, Supersports Laguna Phuket Marathon is the largest destination marathon of its kind in Thailand and we are excited to be a part of it,” Ms Petpisit added.
‘Meaningful causes’
Held over two days, runners can choose from six distances: 2km Kids Run, 5km and 10km will take place on Saturday, June 13 as the sun sets, and the Half Marathon (21.0975km), Marathon (42.195km) and Marathon Relay (42.195km) will take place the following day, Sunday, June 14, as the sun rises.
The scenic course takes runners past local villages, coconut plantations, through the beachfront Sirinath National Park, and starts and finishes at Laguna Grove in the award-winning Laguna Phuket complex.
“It’s an honour that the Superports Laguna Phuket Marathon has been on runners’ wish list for many years, and a delight to witness the steady growth of the running community in Thailand,” said Paul Wilson, Senior Assistant Vice President - Group Director, Golf and Destination Sales & Marketing, Laguna Phuket.
“The past few years have seen
running events play a bigger role not only in promoting a healthy lifestyle, but also helping to raise awareness and funds for meaningful causes. Supersports Laguna Phuket Marathon leads the way in both endeavours, very much in sync with Laguna Phuket’s aspirations,” Wilson added.
“We encourage all visitors to make the most of their time by visiting the many world-renowned attractions, as well as joining us in raising awareness and funds towards Laguna Phuket Foundation’s Children First Fund (CFF) to support more than 400 underprivileged children in seven orphanages in Phuket. You can help them now by making a direct donation upon race registration or contact us at CSR@ lagunaphuket.com,” he concluded.
As Phuket’s largest sporting event and a top marathon major in Thailand, Supersports Laguna Phuket Marathon meets stringent international standards. Certified by IAAF AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races) since the event’s first year, it is a qualifying event for the Boston Marathon.
The 15th Supersports Laguna Phuket Marathon will take place June 13 and 14, 2020 at Laguna Phuket. Registration can be made online at http://www.phuketmarathon.com/ registration.
Tuesday’s
Supersports
Laguna Phuket Marathon on June 13-14 at Laguna Phuket. Photo: Laguna Phuket PR Dept
Thailand MotoGP postponed
COVID-19
plays havoc with season start as Qatar also binned
MOTOGP
Dene-Hern Chen
Thailand’s MotoGP was postponed due to the COVID-19 coronavirus on Monday (Mar 2) as motorcycling’s premier championship took its second hit in two days from the deadly outbreak.
A day after the season-opening Qatar MotoGP was axed, Thailand organisers postponed the March 2022 race in Buriram without setting a new date.
“I don’t say it’s cancelled, I just say it is postponed until time allows us to do (the event),” Anutin Charnvirakul, chairman of the Thailand MotoGP organising committee, told AFP.
“It’s because of the coronavirus,” added Anutin, who is also Thailand’s deputy prime minister and health minister.
“We need to postpone it today until further notice.”
The move means both of the season’s first two races have been shelved. The next race on the schedule is in Austin, Texas on April 5. It could also put renewed focus on Formula One, whose season starts with the Australian Grand Prix on March 15.
The Chinese F1 Grand Prix has already been postponed, and Vietnam is due to host its inaugural race in Hanoi on April 5.
However, Hanoi’s mayor said last week that the city was “ready to cancel it in case of the epidemic’s progression”.
The virus originating from China, which has killed more than 3,000 people worldwide, has had a heavy impact on sports events, forcing a long list of postponements and cancellations.
“The committee decided to postpone the race due to the widespread of COVID-19 around the world,” Anutin said in an organising committee statement.
“People who attend, racers and teams could come from at-risk countries. Thailand has to postpone for the safety of Thai people until the situation is better.”
‘Best interests of the nation’ Even last week Thai MotoGP organisers were upbeat, pledging extra
circumstances worldwide and it (the postponement) is in the best interests of the nation as well as the participants.”
As the coronavirus has spread, Italy has become the hardest-hit European country with 34 deaths and more than 1,600 confirmed cases.
Italian drivers play a “vital role in the championship”, said the international motorcycling federation yesterday following the cancellation of the race in Qatar, which is restricting arrivals from Italy.
Six riders in the elite class are Italian, including seven-time world champion Valentino Rossi as well as 2019 runner-up Andrea Dovizioso, while Ducati and Aprilia are leading Italian manufacturers.
health measures like temperature checks, facemasks and hand sanitisers.
Anutin himself had vowed “no cancellation” last Friday (Feb 28).
But on Sunday (Mar 1), Thailand’s health ministry said a 35-yearold Thai man passed away due to complications caused by the coronavirus.
“Things change every day and it has become pandemic,” Anutin told AFP.
“We have to go along with the
Thailand currently has 43 confirmed cases of COVID-19. The bulk of those infected are Chinese tourists or Thais who’ve come into contact with travellers.
Much of Thailand’s tourism sector is reliant on Chinese holidaymakers, and the country anticipates shedding five million visitors this year due to the virus - a revenue hit of more than US$8 billion (B252 billion).
The MotoGP event in Buriram brought in US$94 million (B3bn) in each of the last two years it was held, Anutin said. AFP
Mixed bag for Phuket-based fighters
DESPITE A GALLANT effort, Phuket-based Salimkhan Ibragimov was unsuccessful in his quest to win the WBC Muay Thai Super-Middleweight title on Feb 23 at the AMMA (Authentic Mixed Martial Arts) event at HatPaong Football Stadium in Phuket.
Russian Ibragimov, who fights out of Phuket’s Revolution MuayThai gym and is
ranked number 10 in the weight class, lost in a tight contest to Hamza Ngoto, who in the process retained his title.
In the other centrepiece match up, Thailand’s Satanfaa Racha-
non lost his WBC Muay Thai Super-Welterweight title by second round KO to compatriot Yodwicha Por.Boonsit, who is one to watch moving forward.
Saksurin TigerMuayThai, who fights out of Tiger Muay Thai gym in Chalong, won by KO in the third round against Kamen Picken.
Another locally based fighter Rafi Bohic, representing Singpatong Gym in Patong, managed to defeat Pakorn Pksaenchaimuaythaigym. The Phuket News
The MotoGP race scheduled at Buriram for March 20-22 has fallen victim to the threat of the coronavirus COVID-19 and been postponed with no new date yet set. Photo: AFP
MUAY THAI
Salimkhan Ibragimov (right) and Hamza Ngoto in action.
Photo: Helen Tran
The mountain man who came in from the cold
FOOTBALL
Ben Tirebuck editor3@classactmedia.co.th
The Liverpool juggernaut’s imperious charge to their first league title in 30 years hit a bump in the road last Saturday (Feb 29) when they suffered their first league loss of the season. It was a huge surprise.
Watford were the ones to deliver the shock blow, a team who prior to the game sat in the relegation zone.
Not only did they win, they spanked their illustrious opponents with relative ease and fully deserved the victory.
The man masterminding this unlikely success, Nigel Pearson, had not long ago resigned himself to the fact he had been castigated to the managerial scrapheap and had no further future in the game.
“I wouldn’t have been thinking it was possible, of course I wouldn’t,” he said to The Guardian when asked whether managing at the top level again was something that had crossed his mind.
'Semi-retired'
Pearson guided Leicester City to top flight promotion in 2014 and engineered the “great escape” the following season to avoid relegation. Many credit him as laying the groundwork for the Foxes’ spectacular title success in 2016.
He was sacked by the club on the eve of that campaign due to disputes with the board and then largely drifted out of the game, sacked again in Feb 2019 as manager of the Belgian second-tier club OH Leuven.
Pearson then spent a month in the north-west of Scotland on a walking holiday in Gairloch although due to the adverse weather conditions
most of his time was spent in the pub. It gave him plenty of time to reflect and it was then he all but accepted that football management was a thing of the past for him.
“I was semi-retired, more or less,” he conceded.
Then, out of the blue, Pearson became Watford’s third managerial appointment of this season in early December, a leftfield choice for many although his track record of saving teams no doubt a deciding factor.
“I’ve been asked whether I was worried about getting a reputation as a firefighter and it doesn’t bother me,” he said. “If that’s how people want to look at it, fine. From my own perspective, coming into a situation like this, it’s just a good opportunity to work back in a league I didn’t think
I’d be working in again. In terms of risk to my reputation or anything like that, I’m not bothered about those things. I wouldn’t have taken on the challenge if I didn’t think we had a realistic chance of succeeding.”
‘Ostriches and wild dogs’ He is, by his own admission,
a no-nonsense character. He was as a player, a rugged central defender who had 11 relatively successful years at the top level with Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough.
His management style is no different. Everyone knows he is tough: the press (recall the infamous “ostrich” rant to a journalist while at Leicester), players, opponents, fans, wild dogs. Yes, wild dogs!
Arguably the best story to encapsulate Pearson’s character was when he encountered a pack of wild dogs whilst hiking alone in the Carpathian mountains.
“There was five of them,” he recalled to Sky Sports, “and what they do is that one goes for you and the others [circle] around until one of them can bring you down – what they essentially do is rip the throat out.”
He escaped a first time by diving into “a patch of brambles and nettles”. The second time the dogs attacked he was forced to back up against a tree and use his walking poles to protect himself. He didn’t disclose how exactly he survived, saying only that he “managed to get rid of
them” before walking out of the forest.
'False position'
This mountain man toughness is evident in his management style. He certainly exudes a prickly exterior, the self fashioned stern sergeant major. Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster has stated Pearson likes to have control over all playing affairs at the club and is a strict disciplinarian who pushes his players hard.
The approach is working though as Watford have endured a fine run of form under his stewardship, save a mini-blip last month. The result against Liverpool proved how much he has improved the team and exactly what they are capable of with many citing them as falsely positioned in the table.
Survival will be tough but for a man who managed to stave off a pack of wild mountain dogs, saving Watford from the drop should be a walk in the park.
Watford are at Crystal Palace in the Premier League tomorrow (Mar 7), kick off 3pm GMT (10pm Phuket time).
MR TOUGH STUFF: Nigel Pearson has turned Watford’s fortunes around since taking charge in December, which could mean another year in the top flight. Photo: AFP
