The Phuket News December 6, 2019

PATONG POLICE CHIEF SHUNTED TO DEEP SOUTH >

Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander Col Phakin Naranong, who also serves as the island’s Traffic Police Chief, has confirmed that the points-based system of penalties for those caught breaking traffic laws will begin nationwide on Dec 19.

The move is being heralded as a way to finally rein in wayward drivers of cars and motorbikes, who repeatedly flout traffic laws on the premise they can just pay the fine and continue their dangerous driving habits.

From Dec 19, police officers issuing tickets for moving violations will update the details of the fine, including which driver has been caught, to a national database which every police station in the country will be able to access, Col Phakin explained.

“The system used is the same one that used in issuing e-tickets, which is already connected to the Department of Land Transport database. Any points deducted will apply to the driver anywhere in the country,” he added.

The system will see each driver appointed 12 points, with points deducted for each traffic law violation.

The number of points to be deducted

will vary depending on the severity of the violation, Col Phakin explained.

However, the enforcement in Phuket will be rolled out in stages, he added.

“Phuket City Police Station will start using the system on Dec 19. Officers at other police stations in Phuket will start doing so after they have been trained properly in how to use the system correctly,” he said.

Dr Wiwat Seetamanotch, Program Manager RTG-WHO (Royal Thai Government – World Health Organisation) Country Collaborative Strategy on Road Safety, which drives the national road safety plan in Thailand, explained that once traffic

police have been trained properly, the system is expected to have immediate effect.

“The demerit points will be attributed automatically when traffic police enter the charge into the database. Police can enter the charge and fine on their smart devices from anywhere, even by the side of the road,” said Dr Wiwat, who well knows Phuket’s road-safety record. Only a handful of years ago he served as the Deputy Chief of the Phuket Provincial Health Office, and he still lives in Phuket.

However, some final adjustments still need to be made before a final order from Bangkok is expected, Dr Wiwat added…

Tanyaluk Sakoot

Policeman turns Grab delivery driver for good> p5

Governor Phakaphong (centre) led the event last Friday to present Wilasinee Kanbuth (3rd from right), wife of Krisana Kanbuth, B500,000 as compensation. Photo: PR Dept

Governor heads event to hand widow compensation

PHUKET GOVERNOR

Phakaphong Tavipatana last Friday (Nov 29) presided over an event held to highlight how much money in compensation payments is to be paid to some of the seven workers killed in the deadly building collapse on Nov 21.

Present for the event, held at Phuket Provincial Hall, was Somphong Pinphakdee, chief of the Phuket branch of the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC).

Wilasinee Kanbuth, wife

of Krisana Kanbuth, who was crushed to death in the collapse, was called to the event to receive B500,000 from three insurances companies.

Muang Thai Insurance PCL and Dhipaya Insurance Co Ltd each presented the widow with payments of B200,000, while Chubb Co Ltd presented a payment of B100,000. Ms Wilasinee, now the sole parent of her child with Mr Krisana, also received B873,000 from the Phuket Social Security Office. The Phuket News

Rewards for eggs

Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

Members of the public who come across a sea turtle’s nest or a sea turtle laying eggs on certain beaches in and around Phuket are urged to contact the Phuket Marine National Park Operation Center 2, and they will be rewarded B20,000 for their efforts, the centre’s chief Prarop Plang Ngan has announced.

“B20,000 will be given to people who find a leatherback sea turtle’s nest or a leatherback sea turtle laying eggs. B10,000 will be given for other kinds of sea turtle,” Mr Prarop explained.

“You don’t need to dig the nest or even touch or move the eggs. Just stay in the area and protect the nest/eggs until a National Parks officer arrives. We will check and identify the type of turtle and then give the reward to the finder,” he added.

The reward system, which is being supported by the Turtle and Habitat Conservation Fund, applies to nests and eggs discovered on Thai Mueang Beach, Bor Dan Beach, Na Tai Beach and Mai Khao Beach – all known nesting areas

The news comes after a leatherback sea turtle measuring nearly two metres long was found laying eggs on Thai Mueang Beach, north of Phuket in Phang Nga province, on Nov 17, and a sea turtle nest was found at Bor Dan Beach on Nov 27.

A series of CCTV cameras have been installed at both beaches to protect the nests and prevent people from stealing

the eggs or otherwise disturbing the nests.

Members of the public who come across a sea turtle’s nest or a sea turtle laying eggs are urged to call the Phuket Marine National Park Operation Center 2 on 081 797 0316, or the Khao Lampi–Hat Thai Mueang National Park Office on 076 679 134 or the Khao Lampi–Hat Thai Mueang National Park Chief Haritchai Rittichuay 081 619 9962.

Demerit points for traffic violations

Continued from page 1

...“At our most recent public hearing on this on Nov 12, about 70% of the demerit points to be deducted were agreed on. We need to adjust a few more. We are waiting for the Royal Thai Police to make the necessary amendments to the regulations. The number of points to be deducted will be finalised and approved in the coming week,” he told The Phuket News on Monday (Dec 2).

Most importantly, drivers who lose all 12 points will automatically be banned from driving for 90 days.

Any person caught driving while their licence is suspended will soon have to face the new penalty for driving without a valid licence – up to three months in jail or a fine of up to B10,000, or both.

The existing fine is up to 30 days in prison or a fine of up to B1,000, or both – but rarely fully enforced.

“The new penalty is being added to the redrafted regulations, which is expected to come into force early in the new year,” Dr

Wiwat said.

Any drivers whose licences are suspended must undergo mandatory refresher courses in order to have their licences reinstated, he added.

“At this stage, once demerit points have been accrued, the points lost will not be restored until one year after the offence,” Dr Wiwat noted.

The Royal Thai Police will launch a new application called “Khap Dee”, which translates to “Drive Well” or “Good Driving”, so drivers can confirm how

many points they have left on their licences.

“It will be available for download by the end of December. People will be ale to see their own demerit points,” Dr Wiwat said.

“Road accidents happen every day – and they are killing people. They can’t just pay the fine and ignore their bad driving habits anymore,” Dr Wiwat said.

“This is about human behavior while driving, which is risky and unsafe. This needs to change, so we can make our roads safer,” he said.

A Traffic Police officer checks a driver’s licence at a checkpoint in Patong. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

for sea turtles.

National Park officers inspect the nest of a sea turtle. Photo: Phuket Marine National Park Operation Center 2

DSI hunts for nominees in tour boat inspections

Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

Lt Col Charoen Bunsin, Special Investigation Officer at the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), joined officers from the Marine Department, Phuket Tourist Police and Department of Tourism conducting a safety inspection at the Asia Marina pier in Rassada last Thursday (Nov 28).

Lt Col Charoen explained that his focus was on tour operators illegally controlled by foreigners.

“From our inspections, we did not find any businesses owned by foreigners, but we have to investigate further with relevant officials’ information. We did find some suspicious irregularities and believe that there may be some businesses run by nominees. The DSI will return to investigate these further,” Lt Col Charoen said.

Also joining the inspections was Athiphong Sengsin, Chief of the Tourism Business and Guide Division, Southern Region 2, under the Department of Tourism.

“With Phuket entering its tourism high season, more tourists are coming and the relevant agencies have joined together to conduct checks on tour operators and the use of guides,” he said.

“Using [qualified, registered] tour guides provides a standard of safety for tourists," Mr Athiphong added.

“And we need to prevent the use of illegal tours, and prevent the use of illegal guides, in order for tourists to maintain a good impression of Thailand and to make our tourism sustainable,” he said.

The inspections were being carried out to boost tourists’ confidence to boarding a boat in Phuket over the tourism high season, explained Phuket Marine Chief Wiwat Chitchertwong.

During the inspections, the officials confirmed that boats at the pier, which serves as a major jump-off point for tourists boarding day tours out to the nearby islands, were carrying the required safety equipment, passengers were wearing life

jackets, the number of passengers on each boat did not exceed the registered capacity, and that the captain and the boats were fully licenced and registered.

Mr Wiwat highlighted that the Asia Marina pier was a key port for passengers coming from or going to Phi Phi Island.

On average some 3,000 to 4,000 people per day pass through the main ports in Phuket, namely Chalong Pier, Tha Ruea, Ao Por and Rassada Pier, Mr Wiwat said.

Random inspections were used to ensure boats, crews and tour operators all complied with marine safety requirements, he said.

Russian tourist, 28, drowns on day trip

A 28-YEAR-OLD RUSSIAN

tourist drowned while snorkelling on a day tour to Pakok Bay at Racha Yai Island, south of Phuket, last Wednesday afternoon (Nov 27).

Capt Weerayut Tanyasirisukvorakul of the Chalong Police Station reported that he was informed of the incident at 2:30pm.

Capt Weerayut identified the drowned tourist Ruslan Asaupov, 28, from the city of Orenburg, near the Kazakhstan border.

Mr Asaupov was one of 20 Russian tourists on the

The 28-year-old Russian man was on an island tour to Patok Bay, Racha Yai Island.

Photo: allochka22ru / Flickr

“Raya Sunset” tour, visiting Maithon Island, Coral Island and Racha Yai Island, from 2pm to 6pm, provided by A Time Nature Tour Co Ltd, based in Chalong.

He arrived in Phuket on Nov 20 and was staying at a hotel in Karon.

Mr Asaupov was snorkeling when the tour guide Syuwari Waeteeh noticed him motionless in the water, Capt Weerayut explained.

Mr Asaupov was rushed ashore, where he was administered CPR.

A medical team from Chalong Hospital was dispatched from Phuket. However, attempts to revive Mr Asaupov failed and he died en route back to Phuket, Capt Weeraut said. Eakkapop Thongtub

Turkish tourists injured in head-on collision

FIVE TURKISH TOURISTS were injured after a pickup truck slid out of control and slammed head-on into a passenger van on the east side of Patong Hill last Saturday afternoon (Nov 30).

Lt Col Somchai Nuboon of the Kathu Police was called to the scene, near PTT gas station in Kathu, at 3:10pm.

Police and rescue workers arrived at the scene to find a white Bangkok-registered pickup truck on its roof by the side of the road and a passenger van, registered in Nakhon Sri Thammarat, with heavy damage to its front askew across the middle lane.

The driver of the van, Sorphan Sahakrit, 51, who was pinned behind the steering wheel, and the five tourists – all men, named as Ismail Dogan, 35; Ergun Bas, 36; Ibrahim Inel, 51; Gursoy Salli, 46; and Salih Koca, 37 – were rushed to Vachira Phuket Hospital.

The pickup truck driver, Wattana Ardduangdee, 30, was still at the scene, without injury.

Wattana told police that he was driving to Patong. The rain had just stopped and the road was slippery, causing him

to lose control of the pickup, which came across the traffic island and hit the van then overturned.

Tourist Police reported that tourists Mr Dogan, and Mr Inel had only minor injuries and were allowed to return to their hotel. Mr Salli, who had some wounds on his body, and Mr Bas remained in hospital care, while Mr Koca had to have surgery to remove a piece of glass stuck in his throat.

The five tourists were among a tour group of 31 on holiday on the island, who checked in at the Swissotel Patong on Nov 24 and were scheduled to fly back home on a Turkish Airlines flight at 11am the next day (Dec 1), Tourist Police explained. At last report, police were still investigating the accident and had yet to confirm which charges Wattana would face. Eakkapop Thongtub

Lt Col Charoen Bunsin, Special Investigation Officer at the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), joined the inspections of tour boats at the Asia Marine pier in Rassada for suspected illegal nominee shareholders.

The five Turkish tourists in the van and its driver were rushed to hospital.

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Heading down south

Patong Police chief shifted to insurgent-rife zone in national order

The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

Patong Police Chief Col

Anotai Jindamanee has been ordered to transfer to the restive Deep South district of Joh I-Rong in Narathiwat province. He is to cease his duties as Patong police chief on Dec 13, and take up his new post on Jan 1.

Under an order by national police chief Pol Gen Jakthip Chaijinda announced last Wednesday (Nov 27), all Phuket police chiefs are to be transferred, many of them to posts outside Phuket.

Asked if he knew why he was to be posted to the notorious Joh I-Rong district (also spelled as “Cho-airong”), Col Anotai told The Phuket News, “I don’t know, my boss may think that I’m suitable for the area. I accept their decision.

“They may want me to change work environment.

I’m not stressed. As a police officer, I can’t choose where to work. My responsibility is to take care of people and build their confidence in safety.”

Joh I-Rong is most well known for the violent attacks,

bombings and murders carried out by insurgents in the area. In February this year, two police officers were kidnapped and murdered. They were shot dead and their bodies were found in a ditch in Moo 2 village of Tambon Pukit.

Coming in as Col Anotai’s replacement will be Col Akkanit Danpitaksan, who currently serves as the Cherng Talay Police Chief.

The other Phuket police chiefs to be transferred out of the province are:

• Wichit Police Chief Col Nikorn Somsuk will take up the post of Krabi Provincial Police Deputy Chief;

• Tha Chatchai Police Chief Col Prasan Harngotha to become Ban Wisai Nuea Police Chief in Chumphon;

• Kathu Police Chief Col Jakkawat Boontaveekunsawat will head Kuan Thale Police Station in Surat Thani;

• Chalong Police Chief Col Terdtoon Soisukphaphan will become the Chief of the Ku Thong Police in Maha

Sarakham province; and

• Phuket City Police Chief Col Sompong Thiparpakul will head to Nakhon Sri Thammarat to take up the post of Thung Song Police Chief.

Coming into Phuket are:

• Col Parinya Tanthasuwan, Chief of the Pak Nam Police in Chumphon province, will become Chief of the Tha Chatchai Police;

• Lt Col Kaken Nikrahatchai, Chief Police Administrator of Chumphon Provincial Police, will become Chief of the Sakoo Police (near Phuket International Airport);

• Lt Col Chiyaphruk Phatiworakorn, Deputy Chief of Hua Sai Police in Nakhon Sri Thammarat, will become Chief of the Kamala Police;

• Lt Col Phirachat Pomboonmee, Deputy Chief of the Investigation Division Region 6 in Pitsanulok, will become the Cherng Talay Police Chief;

• Lt Col Amnat Kalong, Deputy Chief of Sai Mai Police in Bangkok, will become Chief of the Thalang Police;

• Col Sarawut Chuprasit, Chief of Takua Pa Police in Phang Nga, will become Chief of Chalong Police;

• Col Sujin Ninbordee, Chief of Koh Yao Police (including the Koh Yao islands east of Phuket), will become Chief of the Wichit Police.

• Col Pheeraphong Chaiaroon, Chief of Wangwiset Police in Trang, will become the Karon Police Chief.

Meanwhile, Thalang Police Chief Col Teerawat Liamsuwan will become Phuket City Police Chief, and Sakoo Police Chief Col Kittipong Kaikaew will become the Chief at Kathu Police Station.

Similarly, Karon Police Chief Col Prawit Suttiruangarun will take up the post of Deputy Chief of Investigation at Region 8 Police and Kamala Police Chief Col Somkit Boonrat will become Chief of the Communication Division also at Region 8 Police.

Phuket Immigration Police Chief Col Kathathorn Kumthieng will take up the post of Deputy Chief of the Economic Crime Suppression Division in Bangkok, effective Jan 1. Stepping in for him will be Col Narong Chanaphaikul, Chief of the Foreign Affairs Division at the Royal Thai Police Special Branch Bureau.

Singaporean survives four-storey plunge

A SINGAPOREAN MAN SUFFERED serious injuries but is alive after he fell from the fourth-floor apartment where he was staying in Patong last Thursday (Nov 27).

Patong Police Deputy Chief Lt Col Watcharapong Praipan last Thursday confirmed that the man was in care at Patong Hospital, but declined to confirm the Singaporean’s name or age.

Lt Col Watcharapong declined to give any more details about the incident, saying that he did not even know what caused the man’s four-storey fall.

“I don’t know. Let him recover first, then I will go to talk with him later,” he said.

Paitoon Ponrop, Chief of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation office at Patong Municipality (DDPM-Patong), said he was called to the scene, at the southern end of Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd, at 11:36am.

Mr Paitoon explained that he and ambulance staff arrived to find the man on the floor inside a small one-storey building located in front of the apartment block where the man was staying.

The Singaporean was lying face up on the floor, after crashing through the roof and the ceiling.

The Singaporean man fell four storeys and crashed through the roof and ceiling while landing in a building below. Photo: DDPMPatong Municipality

“He was wearing a black shirt and grey shorts. He was conscious, unable to move his arms or legs. He could speak with me and the nurses in English. He said that he had fallen from from the fourth floor,” Mr Paitoon said.

The Singaporean was rushed to Patong Hospital, where at last report he remained in care, Mr Paitoon confirmed.

However, Mr Paitoon also said that he too had yet to identify the man, who he estimated was not more than 30 years old.

The Phuket News

Patong Police Chief Col Anotai JIndamanee will take up the post of police chief in Joh I-Rong District in Narathiwat on Jan 1. Photo: The Phuket News / file

Police officer moonlights to ‘Grab’ extra income

Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

An experienced officer is being lauded as a role model as he has taken on a second job as a Grab food delivery driver to teach his daughter the value of money and hard work.

Taking on an extra part time job is common among many people looking to bring in some extra income and that is exactly what Snr Sgt Maj Jiraphat Nawathong has decided to do. Mr Jiraphat, who is chief of the Prevention and Suppression Division at the Phuket Tourist Police, has, for the past four months, been delivering food via Grab in addition to juggling his daily responsibilities.

Mr Jiraphat told The Phuket News that he has worked as a police officer for 26 years, 14 years of which have been stationed with the tourist police in Phuket. Rather than rest idly he decided that the extra workload would not only generate additional income but also provide an invaluable lesson to his daughter as to the value of money and hard work.

He confirmed the food delivery duties do not affect his main job within the police force and still allows him time with his family. He does, however, admit the perils of safety on the roads can sometimes be a concern and that his levels of concentration have to remain high. He has also provided advice and

In-car argument ends with deadly accident

A WOMAN DRIVING

guidance for fellow delivery drivers on road-safety measures and abiding to traffic laws.

“It’s a new working experience for me. Initially I helped deliver food from a house whose kitchen had set up as a restaurant. It was very much unknown without tables or signs. In fact it was so secretive I even had to call for directions. It’s just a small kitchen but it is popular and they can make some money from it.”

He confirmed a typical delivery order will make him B30.

Naraphat Phetcharoen, the owner of the Jok Nai Hua Phuket restaurant that

regularly engages Mr Jiraphat’s services, said he suspected his new delivery driver had some form of experience in an official government capacity or standing given his well presented appearance and friendly nature.

“Some people devalue this job because of the challenging conditions riders operate in such as the heat and rain. But, despite already drawing a salary, this man chooses to spend his free time to make extra money. People should see him as a role model. I do and I also have a better image of the police in general after my dealings with him.”

Light-rail bids set for mid-2020

BIDDING FOR CONstruction of the light-rail system in Phuket is likely to take place in the middle of next year, reports Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) Governor Pakapong Sirikantaramas.

The revised design of the light-rail system is pending consideration by the MRTA board. When approved, it will be forwarded to the Transport Ministry and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) committee for approval, he told the Bangkok Post on Monday (Dec 2).

Bids to build Phase 1 of the light-rail are expected to open mid-2020. Image: OTP

The MRTA has tweaked the design of the 41.7-kilometre route, from Phuket International Airport to Chalong Circle, to include tunnels and elevated sections to avoid an adverse impact on traffic.

The scheme will be devel-

oped under the PPP scheme, whereby the private sector takes on investment costs and risks in addition to the government’s B27 billion input, and shares revenue with the government under a 28-year concession covering three years of construction and 25 years of operation,

The Bangkok Post noted the project cost B35bn. However, MRTA Project Development Director Gardphajon Udomdhammabhakdi confirmed in June that the budget of B34.8bn was for Phase 1 only.

The Phuket News

a Toyota Vios that overturned on the bypass road early last Sunday morning – leading to her passenger being thrown out of the car as it rolled and later dying from head injuries – has been charged with reckless driving causing death.

Lt Col Suchat Meelumphong of the Phuket City Police on Monday (Dec 2) identified the driver as Chalita Sutthitongtae, 40.

Chalita suffered only minor injuries in the accident, but her passenger Netchanok Detaran, 42, was thrown clear of the vehicle as it rolled, leaving her lying on the road metres from the wreck.

Netchanok was conscious and responsive, but had suffered serious head injuries. She was rushed to Bangkok Hospital Siriroj (formerly the Phuket International Hospital), but was later pronounced dead.

Lt Col Suchat confirmed that Chalita had tested negative for alcohol.

Netchanok Detaran,

from her injuries.

However, Lt Col Suchat explained on Monday that the two women were embroiled in a heated argument when the accident happened.

“They were arguing strongly with each other at the time, which caused the accident,” he said.

Lt Col Suchat declined to reveal further details about Ms Chalita or the accident.

“I need more information. I am continuing my investigation.” he said.

Regardless, he confirmed, “Ms Chalita has been charged with reckless driving causing death.”

The Phuket News

At the scene early Sunday morning, soon after 5am, Chalita told police that she fell asleep at the wheel, leading to the accident.

Snr Sgt Maj Jiraphat Nawathong of the Phuket Tourist Police prepares to make a delivery as part of his second job with Grab. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

42, was thrown from the car is it rolled. She later died

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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.

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Road safety on the horizon

he impending introduction of the demerit points system for people with driver’s licences marks Thailand on the cusp of something great. It’s not the point system itself, it’s the fact that there will be a system in place which will automatically invalidate a driver’s licence once too many penalty points have been accrued.

Why is this so important? Because it breeds an understanding that a driver’s licence is a valuable privilege – and this on an island where there’s next to no public transport.

The attitude of drivers in Phuket towards traffic laws is so appalling that just during the Seven Days of Danger road-safety campaign during Songkran in April this year, 1,092 people were fined for not wearing seatbelts, 328 were fined for speeding, 471 were fined for ignoring traffic

Off the rails

Re: Phuket light-rail bids set for mid-2020

About as much chance of this seeing daylight as Patong tunnel!

Geoffrey Morris

Don’t spend the money managing current transportation infrastructure. No no. Don’t spend any money educating your drivers so the traffic isn’t so horrible. No no. Don’t enforce current laws to guide drivers to obedience on roadways. Oh no. Just spend billions and a decade, where more money can be hid, on a project that will not alleviate transportation woes. Great idea. Go light-rail.

James Bahr

A study should be done to know exactly what people (workers, businessmen, retirees, students, tourists) need and how and where they travel. A huge majority will still use their cars or motorcycles because it is easier, more practical and public transportation will not be available in their areas. I am not sure many people will use the service… More suitable

signals, 533 were fined for ghost driving (driving opposite traffic flow), 325 were fined for dangerously cutting off other motorists in traffic, 472 were fined for using mobile phones while driving and 501 people were arrested for drunk driving. Yet those numbers pale in comparison to the 4,566 people fined for driving without a licence. That’s in only seven days, and during a period when everyone knew that the police were out on the streets to actually enforce traffic laws. The only moving violation that topped that was 6,955 people on motorbikes fined for not wearing crash helmets.

People just don’t care about being caught without a driver’s licence, and why should they?

The fine is up to one month in prison or a fine of up to B1,000, or both – but never fully enforced unless the driver is involved in a major accident.

in a big agglomeration like Pattaya or Chiang Mai.

Philippe Cablat

A shameful event

Re: Governor heads event to hand widow compensation for husband killed in building collapse

Good grief, forcing her on display – just give her the checks. This need for grandstanding aesthetics is one of the more unattractive aspects of Thai society.

Christy Sweet

Disgusting collection of photographs. The widow is obviously gutted by her loss that was caused by criminal negligence and inept government oversight. Then to have these disgusting cardboard checks as if these poor people just won the lottery. This is one of the most tasteless events I’ve ever seen here. Shame on all those who participated.

BenPendejo

“Governor Phakaphong noted, ‘I want all workers to work carefully and have insurance.’” Instead of talking about cracking down on companies, his statement makes it sound

Now it stands to become up to three months in jail or a fine of up to B10,000, or both, though

The Phuket News would like to see an option of converting jail terms to community service, to keep our overcrowded prisons free from misdemeanour offenders and for those convicted to help the community.

Will the new penalty stop people paying their way out of fines? No. Nothing stops a bribe – or extortion – at the scene of the crime without the intervention of a third party. But the new penalty will force the price higher with each infringement, and the last thing anyone wants in Thailand is to owe someone in uniform a favour.

With the new penalty there is hope for true road safety just over the horizon. Now there’s just one more thing left to make the roads safer: actual driver training before a licence is issued in the first place.

like it’s the workers who need to make sure they have good insurance for when they are killed on unsafe work sites.

Tate Pannam

Safety first

Re: Russian tourist, 28, drowns on day trip to Racha Island

If people book a cheap, cheap tour, they can’t possibly get the best. It’s worth paying more for a better tour with qualified PADI or similar fully trained divers, rescue divers and instructors as your guides. Not only do you get the best boats and best tours but you get the best safety. Until the speed boat tours invest in training and hiring the best guides, this will happen again and again. A “tour guide” is not a “snorkel guide”.

Simon Lomas

A drowning person typically [cannot] ask for help. That is why you need welltrained lifeguards who can spot this phenomenon and jump into action.

Michael White

This same sequence of events has happened very

Phuket hotel occupancy rates rise, room rates drop

Eva Air to launch direct flights to Phuket Slowdown hits Pattaya hoteliers

Singaporean man alive after four-storey fall Indian shop owner, 31, dies in suspected respiratory failure

hunts for

Russian tourist, 28,

Turkish

often over the last few years. Tourists taken to Koh Racha, go snorkelling, then drown. Answer = don’t let tourists snorkel, unless in very small, supervised groups.

SueYu2

Worth a watch Re: Diving into ‘The Cave’ [Review of Tham Luang Cave rescue film]

For me, the film covered some useful ground. It talked about the hard work, bravery and skills people from very different cultures were willing to put in together to help kids who were in dire need. It showed the intensity of concentration required to safely dive in these situations and the consequences of failing to do so. It showed the huge number of people and quantity of special resources required that were provided by all comers mostly from their own honest generosity. Of course the movie has its flaws and a particular bias, but ignore any politics you might see and check out what highly trained, generous people can achieve in the most difficult circumstances.

Eric Matson 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PURIYA BEAVAN Editor

DSI

nominees in Phuket tour boat inspections

drowns on day trip to Racha Island

Woman killed, thrown out of car overturned on bypass road

tourists injured in head-on collision

Patong Police chief shifted to Deep South

Thailand re-elected to World Heritage council

THAILAND

The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

Thailand has once again been elected as a member of the World Heritage Committee, the body that reviews and selects listings as UNESCO World Heritage sites. The government is hopeful this will boost chances that the committee will reconsider Bangkok’s proposed listing of the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex and also Phu Phrabat Historical Park next year.

Representatives of 193 countries cast their votes during the 22nd session of the General Assembly of States Parties to the World Heritage Convention in Paris last Wednesday (Nov 27) to fill nine vacant seats on the 21-member World Heritage Committee.

One vacant seat was available for the Asia-Pacific region, with Thailand receiving 156 votes to secure its position. It will be the fourth time Thailand has served on the World Heritage Committee, and its four-year term will end in 2023.

Raweewan Bhuridej, secretary-general of the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning, said the World Heritage Committee would meet in France next June to consider the listing of World Heritage sites.

Man stole village chief’s buffalo to pay loan shark

A MAN WAS CHARGED with burglary after admitting stealing a buffalo owned by a village chief with a plan to sell the animal to pay a loanshark debt.

Mr Saman said he searched in vain for the missing buffalo. Then a relative in nearby Prakhon Chai called him on Friday to say that police there had impounded a buffalo, believed to be Kom.

Earlier this year, the committee rejected listing Kaeng Krachan and asked Thailand to review its proposal, especially in defining the complex’s actual boundaries and levels of engagement with local communities regarding participation in managing the site.

This revision has been done successfully, and the government is hoping its appointment to the committee will boost Thailand’s chances of getting both the Forest Complex and Phu Phrabat Historical Park listed as World Heritage sites.

The Forest Complex covers about 2.9 million rai in Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces.

Thailand plans to propose the listing of Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex and the Phu Phrabat Historical Park, she said.

The Phu Phrabat Historical Park in Udon Thani province possesses an outstanding landscape of peculiar rock formations and bears evidence of a longlasting civilisation between the Bronze Age and the Dvaravati, Lop Buri and Lan Chang periods.

Separately, work is underway on an application for Phuket Old Town to be considered for UNESCO World Heritage status.

Director-General of the Fine Arts Department at the Ministry of Culture Anan Chuchot confirmed that he has spoken with the Phuket Governor and other officials and plans to present the application at the same hearing in Paris next year.

Pol Capt Sompong Srichumsaeng, a deputy police chief at Nang Rong, arrested Somsak Kerdket in Prakhon Chai district on a charge of stealing “Kom”, a 5-year-old buffalo cow owned by Saman Thangern, chief of Ban Khok Noi in Nang Rong district.

Every morning Mr Saman loosely tethers nine buffaloes, including Kom, in fields near the village, so they can move around and graze. Last Thursday (Nov 28), he returned later in the day to take his buffaloes to a muddy wallow, but Kom was missing.

The village chief made the 30-kilometre trip to Prakhon Chai and confirmed it was indeed his missing buffalo.

Mr Somsak, 56, admitted he had seen the animal grazing in the field, untended, and stealing and selling it seemed like a good way to pay off his debt to a loan shark.

He and his wife had borrowed B24,000 and could not pay the rapidly accruing interest of B1,200 a day.

Police pressed a burglary charge against him, which carries a fine of B2,000-10,000 and/or a jail term of one to five years.

BURI RAM

A bird’s eye view of Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex. Thailand hopes it will be accepted for listing as a World Heritage site next year. Photo: Bangkok Post

Bangkok Post

The stolen buffalo has since been returned to her owner.

Photo: Bangkok Post.

Premier League pirates

Strict punishment for illegal broadcasters of EPL games

BANGKOK

The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

ABritish man and a Thai national have been ordered to pay over B25 million and have handed down suspended prison sentences totalling three-anda-half-years for illegally broadcasting Premier League games on the internet.

Following a ruling by the Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court in Bangkok, the two men are to pay damages totalling B15mn, in addition to forfeiting almost B7mn in funds seized, reports the Department of Special Investigation (DSI).

They have also been fined over B3mn and sentenced to a total of three-and-a-half-years’ suspended prison sentences for crimes related to running the illegal operation, which broadcast the games through websites and charged monthly subscriptions for members to view them.

The B15mn is believed to be one of the highest damage compensations ever paid in Thailand for copyright infringement, reported DSI DirectorGeneral Pol Col Paisit Wongmuang.

Premier League’s Asia Pacific Region Business Chief Matthew Cheetham and Commercial Law

Advisor Sean Godfrey met Col Phaisit on Friday (Nov 29) to thank him and the agency for arresting and prosecuting the two men.

The defendants pleaded guilty to multiple offences arising from their supply of illegal broadcasts, which included operating a major piracy network across Asia.

The case began in Hong Kong but undercover investigations led to the hub of the operation being discovered in Thailand, explained

the Premier League when announcing the arrests and sentences.

The various websites, which were managed from Bangkok under a banner of Expat.tv and affiliated domains, provided access to illegal streams of Premier League matches across Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam and Malaysia.

The DSI in their report identified the associated domains as www.365sport.tv and five other websites: Thaiexpat.tv, Hkexpat. tv, Indoexpat.tv, Vietexpat.tv and Euroexpat.tv.

news for fans who watch Premier League content through legitimate channels.

“Those who don’t should be aware that subscribing to services run by organised crime gangs means they risk not just the content disappearing when the service gets disrupted by legal action, but also exposing themselves to the threat of fraud and malware.

“We are committed to pursuing all those involved in providing illegal access to our content and are grateful to the Courts and the public prosecutor for acknowledging and supporting the importance of fighting piracy.

The suspects were also responsible for selling illegal streaming devices, which were preloaded with apps enabling pirate broadcasts of Premier League football.

“This is one of the most substantial compensations for piracyrelated crimes in Thailand and is a stark warning to anyone involved in the illegal supply of Premier League streams,” Premier League Director of Legal Services Kevin Plumb said.

“Attitudes towards, and acceptance of, these types of operators in Asia is changing, which is good

True Visions Executive Vice Chairman Sompan Charumilinda spoke to the bigger picture of piracy in Thailand, adding, “Piracy is not a victimless crime, as the crime syndicates that run these operations do great damage to Thailand’s economy and reputation and even target end users through spyware and malware.

“Thai people are talented and have great potential to contribute to the creative economy and compete on a global level, but their efforts need to be supported by strong intellectual property protections.”

Four Chinese arrested for begging in Bangkok

THAILAND

FOUR CHINESE MEN

have been arrested for begging in Bangkok, with bogus stories to draw public sympathy that allowed them to earn B2,500 a day each.

Immigration Police first caught Duan Yuanbiao, 60, following a tip-off about a man claiming to be deaf and holding a sign in Thai saying he was in dire need of money for his wife’s medical treatment for leukemia.

They then arrested three other Chinese men who admitted to begging and to pretending to be deaf.

Mr Duan told police he was aware that Thais were kind and liked to make merit, so he made up a story that he needed money because his wife suffered with leukemia. He typed the story in Chinese and then translated it online into Thai and printed it out.

The sign read “Need help. My wife is suffering leukemia and now being treated at a hospital. Treatment requires a

huge sum of money. I would like to appeal for your help. Thank you.”

All four of the arrested men lived in Hubei, China and had entered Thailand repeatedly on 60-day tourist visas. When their stay expired, they would travel to Malaysia and Vietnam and beg there before returning to Thailand, the Immigration Bureau chief said.

The four men were charged with begging and their visas were revoked. Bangkok Post

DSI Director-General Pol Col Paisit Wongmuang (left) led the announcement on Friday (Nov 29). Photo: DSI

Pattaya Boat Show steams on Ocean Marina marine expo combines business with sustainability

MARINE

The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

Four days of sunny weather greeted thousands of visitors to the 8th annual Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show where they enjoyed a diverse range of displays at the award-winning marina setting of Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Southeast Asia’s largest marina.

The show, open for four days from Nov 21-24, was opened by Deputy Minister for Tourism and Sports Napintorn Srisunpang.

More than 20 brands of boats were represented with leading brokers Simpson Marine, Boat Lagoon Yachting and Azimut Yachts all present at the show with in-water displays as well as Technohull, Capelli and Funseeker.

The first two days saw action on the docks with brokers reporting quality leads. The number of visitors peaked over the weekend as thousands flocked to the show to explore the boating opportunities in Thailand and the extensive range of displays from luxury properties to home and outdoor products, sports and water sports equipment, international schools and much more.

The Food Festival was a focal point through each day and into the evening as visitors gathered to enjoy delicious bites from many of Pattaya and Bangkok’s leading pop-up restaurants and food trucks, as well as refreshing drinks from leading beer, cider and wine brands.

The helicopter rides proved a

big hit, with visitors taking the chance to see Jomtien and Pattaya from above, while the free yacht cruises and daily sunset cruise allowed visitors to get a feel of what the yachting lifestyle is all about.

Siam Seaplane, the first seaplane service of its kind in the area and a newcomer to the show, caught the

Operators swing for Asean golfers

GOLF

REPRESENTATIVES

from 50 tour operating companies from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Phuket took part in the first round of the Asean Tourism Golf Tournament, held at the Phuket Country Club yesterday (Dec 1) to tee off a multi-stage competition and golf tourism road show to be held in three countries throughout next year.

Hosting the event was the Phuket Golf Association, along with Phuket City Development Co Ltd (PKCD), the Phuket Chamber of Commerce, the Thai Hotels Association Southern Chapter and the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board.

Also present were representatives from Pahang Golf Association and the Johor Golf Association.

Present at a meeting held to explain the tournament was Phuket Golf Association Secretary Satjapon Thongsom, PKCD Managing Director Nipon Eakwanit, PKCD Director Sam Setthee, President of the Thailand Hotels Association Southern chapter Kongsak Khongphongsakorn and representatives from a host of Phuket tour operators

The travelling golf tournament and tourism road show will target three Asean countries in the next 12 months.

Mr Satjapon said that the golf tournament was held to promote Phuket community tourism by using golf as a connection.

“Many community tourism operators from Phuket and other Asean countries have set up booths in order to promote community tourism and share business perspectives,” he said,. Noting that the same will be done at all the later events to be held as the golf tournament and series of road shows continue.

“Some of the proceeds from this tournament will be donated to Phuket Rural Child Development Fund,” Mr Satjapon added.

The first round of the Asian Tourism Golf Tournament held yesterday (Dec 1) was joined representatives from 50 tour operating companies from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Phuket.

The second round of the tournament, and accompanying road show, will be held in Johor State in Malaysia in February, while the third round will see the tournament return to Phuket again in June.

The fourth round will be held in Bogor, Indonesia, in September and the fifth and final round will be held in the Genting Highlands, Malaysia, on Dec 5-6.

The Phuket News

attention of many as did the fun activities for all family members.

Organisers placed a strong emphasis on sustainability this year, introducing free water refill stations at the show and implementing a strict no single-use-plastic policy. This was well-received and saved an estimated 5,000 single-use plastic

water bottles as a result.

With positive talk of quality visitors and high levels of interest in boats at the show, Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show continues in its mission to promote the Gulf of Thailand as a world-class cruising destination and introducing new people in Bangkok, Pattaya and surrounds to boating and the nautical lifestyle through an experiential show, noted a release announcing the results of the marine trade show.

Scott Finsten, Harbour Master of Ocean Marina Yacht Club, organisers of Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show, noted, “Our goal as organisers is to provide a platform for business and to promote yachting and the Gulf of Thailand to Thai residents and visitors from overseas. The weather was great this year, visitors enjoyed the diverse displays, some serious leads were generated and we helped to showcase Thailand’s yachting industry to thousands of visitors.

“I’m also very proud of how the marine industry, exhibitors and visitors came together to reduce the plastic used this year. So much single-use-plastic ends up in the Oceans and it’s important we work together to stop that,” added Mr Finsten.

The Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show drew thousands of visitors over the four days. Photo: Supplied

Once completed the entire project is budgeted to cost B1 billion, reports contractor W. and Associates.

Banyan Tree Krabi to open Q2 2020

HOSPITALITY

THE 72-UNIT BANYAN

Tree Krabi under construction north of Ao Nang is on schedule to open in the second quarter of next year, reports Bill Barnett, Managing Director of hospitality consultancy C9 Hotelworks.

Located at the Tubkaek Beach, some 30 minutes’ drive north of from Ao Nang, the resort is approximately is 35 kilometres from Krabi International Airport.

The isolated locale aims to provide a “locally-infused sanctuary offering a place to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul”, explains the Banyan Tree website.

In addition to all-day dining, a fitness centre, kids club and swimming pool,

the resort is to feature a Banyan Tree Spa with Mini Rain Forest Facility as well as a ballroom.

The resort will feature 72 pool suites and villas built on a construction area of 20,000 square metres, notes contractor W. and Associates, which reports the project owner as TCCCL Andaman Co Ltd.

The project was commissioned in 2016, with construction initially estimated to take 20 months.

The entire resort area covers just over 26 rai, with construction cost listed as B1 billion, reported the contractor.

W. and Associates’ role in the project is listed as civil and structural design and site drainage.

The Phuket News

TAT curries favour with Indian market

TOURISM

Dusida Worrachaddejchai

The number of Indian visitors grew by 26.7% in the first 10 months this year to 1.63 million, with tourism receipts of B69.7 billion, up 31.6% year-on-year.

The wedding segment is seen as quality tourism because of spending. Most Indian couples prefer wedding ceremonies at beach destinations such as Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga and Rayong, said Klissada Ratanapruk, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) executive director for Asean, South Asia and the South Pacific.

Last year, more than 200 Indian couples held weddings in Thailand because of a promotional campaign from TAT offices in Mumbai and New Delhi.

There were also many more wedding ceremonies that were not involved with the TAT, Mr Klissada said.

Average spending for each wedding is B10mn.

Low wedding costs and the exemption from visa-on-arrival fees offered to 19 nations including India since November last year are factors attracting visitors from India, Mr Klissada said.

Based on research from the Bank of Thailand, weddings account for 5% of tourists from

India, while as many as 85% of Indian arrivals are for vacation, followed by Mice (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions) groups.

Chinnarat Chinburi, a committee member of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, said arrivals from India are promising, even from the wedding segment, which is relatively small when compared with the leisure and Mice markets.

Hoteliers are shifting their focus to capture this niche segment by offering services that cater to Indian tradition.

Normally Indian weddings are attended by 400-500 guests with five meals a day throughout the ceremony, meaning

hotel facilities and staff have to be well prepared, Mr Chinnarat said.

Wedding planners must be trained to be more specialised and able to offer tailor-made products because each city in India has different characteristics and cultural landscapes, he said.

Kuldeep Verma, wedding and catering sales manager at Rayong Marriott Resort and Spa, said the average Indian wedding ceremony lasts for 2-3 nights and average cost ranges from B6,500 to 8,500 per person per day.

Most weddings are scheduled for auspicious days during the first and last quarter of each

year, as indicated by the Hindu religious calendar, he said.

There are not many auspicious days for Hindu weddings next year, so Mr Verma suggests hoteliers focus instead on Sikh or Punjabi weddings, which are not scheduled on auspicious dates.

Hoteliers may host other events to attract Indian travellers, such as pre- and postwedding celebrations and Silver Jubilee and Golden Jubilee ceremonies.

Mr Verma said that apart from Thailand, other popular wedding destinations for Indian couples include Bali, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, China, Turkey and Cyprus. Bangkok Post

Tourists from India pose for pictures at Phra Tamnak Hill in Pattaya. Indian tourist arrivals grew by 26.7% in the first 10 months of this year. Photo: Patipat Janthong

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6,

Amy Bryant editor1@classactmedia.co.th

For over 400 million years, sharks have flourished in the deep, surviving five mass extinctions, evolving to become the perfect predator and keeping marine ecosystems in check at the top of the food chain. But these formidable fish now swim into an uncertain future, with a third of all shark species considered either vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

To raise awareness of the plight of sharks, and bust some of the unhelpful myths that surround them, German expats Holger Schwab and Alex Loew launched The Fin Arts in 2017. The Phuket-based social enterprise displays and sells shark sculptures, each one handpainted by its growing network of local and international artists, with 20% of proceeds going to shark and marine conservation projects.

As keen, experienced divers – Holger as owner of Sea Bees Diving since 1995 and Alex as a diving instructor on the island since 2005 – the pair have seen the decline of shark populations in Phuket firsthand.

“The most significant species we’ve seen disappear are leopard sharks. When I started diving, around Shark Point and at other sites near Phi Phi Island, I’d see schools of leopard sharks at least 50% of the time. But by 2010, there were seasons where I’d see only one or two the entire time,” explains Alex.

Phuket waters are also home to blacktip reef, whitetip reef, grey reef, bamboo, nurse, bull and whale sharks, and their diminishing numbers can be attributed to unregulated fishing, bycatch, a continued demand for shark fins for soup and teeth and jaws for souvenirs, and contact with marine debris,

such as plastics and discarded “ghost nets”.

Holger and Alex had wanted to set up a conservation project on the island for some time, and seeing Elephant Parade on display in Chiang Mai two years ago gave them the inspiration they needed. In a similar vein to The Fin Arts, Elephant Parade exhibits decorated elephant statues to raise awareness of the need for elephant conservation. Alex connected with Elephant Parade’s regional manager to learn more, and before long he was back in Phuket undertaking an apprenticeship at a local arts studio creating moulds for his own shark sculptures.

The sculptures come in three sizes: 30-centimetre sharks cast in polyresin to decorate desks and shelves; and 100- and 150-centimetre sharks made from fibreglass, statement pieces that The Fin Arts uses to catch eyes at conventions. A host of talented artists are on hand to decorate the sculptures – including Alex, an art school graduate – or customers can opt to paint them themselves. In this way, no two art pieces are ever truly the same.

“Sharks are one of the oldest species on the planet. They’re a success story by nature,” says Alex. “For us, sharks are art made by nature and we want to convey that to people with our sculptures. It can be difficult to start up a conversation about marine conservation, but I think our sculptures help.”

Shark Guardian, the main conservation project The Fin Arts supports, is also firmly focused on opening up a dialogue about these important creatures. The UKregistered charity, founded by PADI Course Director Brendan Sing and his wife PADI instructor Liz WardSing in 2009, collaborates with marine biologists and shark experts to share data and research, visits schools across the world to educate the next generation about the plight of sharks, and petitions and lobbies governments. Through their presentations alone, they reach

out to approximately 20,000 people each year. Awareness campaigns like Shark Guardian’s have certainly made their mark. Consumption of shark fin soup in China has fallen by a staggering 80% in recent years, for example, but this has been offset by a growing demand for the “exotic” meat in Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia. Nowadays, you don’t have to look far in Phuket’s fresh markets and seafood restaurants to find a baby shark on ice.

But with determined individuals like Holger and Alex, and dedicated NGOs like Shark Guardian, there’s hope that, in the future, a trophy will no longer be an endangered shark caught for its fin; a trophy will be a fibreglass sculpture bought and painted for their conservation.

For more information, visit thefinarts.com and www. facebook.com/thefinarts. The Fin Arts’ shark sculptures are available through their website or at the Sea Bees Diving centre in Chalong. If you are an artist and are interested in a collaboration, get in touch at alex@ thefinarts.com or on 080 143 5472.

Phuket intl schools rank third cheapest in Asia

Each shark sculpture is bespoke.

The evolution of farang food

Western dishes, or the socalled aharn farang, are an inseparable part of Thai lifestyles nowadays. But if we look back to about 60-70 years ago, aharn farang was regarded as food fit for the higher classes and noblemen. Back then, most Thais were not familiar with Western table manners and the taste of Western-style dishes.

The Kingdom was also a class society. Only the privileged were exposed to Western culture; for example, royal descendants who studied abroad. Upon their return, they had parties among them or receptions to welcome acquaintances and guests from overseas. Sure enough, Western dishes were included on the menu.

There were a few cookbooks featuring palace recipes that also featured acclaimed Western recipes of respective royal families. Although cooking Western dishes required specific ingredients, seasonings and cooking utensils not available locally, the royal kitchens could manage to have them imported.

Many Thai cookbooks were published

in 1969. Some included a selection of Western-style dishes. Many recipes looked appetising and not too complicated to cook, but despite such simplicity, it was almost impossible for ordinary Thai families to cook from them because salmon, bacon and even milk were not widely available in Thailand in 1969.

Access to Western ingredients increased for Bangkok families only when a small single-room supermarket named Foodland opened in 1972.

About 50 years ago, Thai people began to regularly patronise restaurants offering Western food prepared locally by Hainanese chefs, who were taught by Western chefs in Hong Kong and Shanghai. When Western diplomats relocated to Thailand, they brought in their welltrained Hainanese chefs as local chefs with Western cooking expertise that was scarce in the Kingdom.

The Hainanese chefs did not come alone. They came with family members who needed to earn a living. They opened restaurants specialising in Hainanese-style Western food all over Bangkok. Some opened in the Silom-Sathon business areas to serve foreigners and Thai workers with high incomes. There was a restaurant on Na Phra Lan Road where high-ranking

officials from the nearby Finance Ministry liked to go for meals.

Popular Hainanese-style Western dishes included salad neua san (beef sirloin salad), yellow curry chicken, barbecue pork ribs and stew lin (ox tongue stew). These restaurants were in business for a long time until new restaurants arrived and served authentic Western dishes. The Hainanese-style Western restaurants finally went out of business about a decade ago.

When Western ingredients became more widely available and affordable, Thai people began to cook Western dishes by themselves. Most Thais were accustomed to Italian ingredients such as pasta. There was a well-known Italian restaurant called Passano on Soi Langsuan before being relocated to Soi

Tonson in the Phloenchit area of Bangkok. The famous Pan Pan restaurant was also in Soi Langsuan. Pepperoni in the Narai Hotel was acclaimed for its delicious pizza. Now Thai people are more familiar with pizza chains such as Pizza Hut and the Pizza Company.

The first American food to become popular in Thailand was the humble hot dog. The first store to sell the backyard barbecue favourite was a small shop near the Foodland supermarket. The hamburger came later.

Today, aharn farang is a favourite of Thai people. There are a wide variety of restaurants serving different kinds of food at different prices and available everywhere to meet the demands of customers at all levels of society.

Suthon Sukphisit

Bangkok Post

Photo: Bangkok Post

Paws on the move

Keeping your Fido fit and healthy

UNLEASHED

Russell D Russell info@k9pointacademy.com

Some dogs (probably yours) just love food. Put anything remotely resembling food within their reach, and they hoover it down as fast as they can, then stare at you blankly as if to ask “Why is my bowl empty? Please fix this, I’m starving!” And whilst food drive is a super useful tool that we can use to help teach our dogs a variety of skills, left unchecked their insatiable appetite can lead to serious health issues.

Owners often think its “cute” that their dogs are fat and therefore “huggable”. Or if they have a large breed dog, it is somehow accepted that they should be as big as possible. However, weight-related illnesses in dogs are comparable to those in humans, such as type 2 diabetes, kidney failure, high blood pressure, cancer and respiratory illnesses, the latter of which is certainly enhanced when you have a brachycephalic (squashed nose) dog, such as a pug or bulldog.

Over time, as the weight of your dog increases and moves into obese levels, their quality of life and engagement factors are going to decrease. You’re less motivated to take them out as they don’t seem to enjoy it or tire too quickly, and it spirals down quite quickly from there. So what sort of things can we, as responsible owners, do in order to keep our dogs in tip-top shape?

1. Maintaining a proper diet

Firstly, understand that pet obesity is not a dog problem, it’s a human problem. Regulating your dog’s food is hugely important, and that’s all on you. Don’t fall for the puppy dog eyes and add extra scoops of kibble. And as for kibble, rather than using just any old brand, look for quality, dense foods that provide nutrition for your dog. Brands like Royal Canine are generally promoted heavily amongst vets here, in part because they are subsidised. It’s sold for

profit, and whilst it’s okay, know that there are much better foods available for your dog.

2. Plodding

Walking your dog is the simplest way to get exercise (for you both) and for you to bond with your dog. More is always better than less, and to change things up, you should try and alter your route when possible. Use different areas which provide different challenges and stimulation for your dog. A walk around the estate is one thing, but the beach or a trail hike is also fun, engaging and really good exercise. Good exercise and well-regulated food intake will help shed those excess puppy pounds. Oh, and by the way, the same is true for you too.

3. Swimming

There’s a reason that swimmers are known to be some of the fittest athletes, plus it’s a non-impact sport, so you’re not going to do damage to your pooch’s joints that running can do. If your dog is already keen to swim, then try and get him to do some power laps in the pool or at the beach by throwing a ball or encouraging him to chase you. Get him power swimming in bursts. Let us know if your dog isn’t much of a swimmer and we’ll see if we can help get him used to it!

4. Working on agility

Agility is a dog sport suitable for well-trained, energetic and athletic dogs, whereby they race from point A to B and clear a variety of obstacles on the way. It’s terrific fun. Your dog doesn’t have to be a speed demon to enjoy jumping over small obstacles and weaving through poles, but the more they do it, the faster and fitter they will get.

5. Attending doggie boot camp

Here at Canine Point, we provide a K9 Boot Camp for your dogs to help get them on the right path to being fit. The boot camp features a variety of workouts, activities and obedience drills, all of which are designed to be highly intensive and active. You’ll also learn

about how to manage these workouts and get your dog to play, engage and interact.

If you would like some more information on canine training or fitness programmes, then please contact us on 091 654 1960, email info@k9pointacademy. com, or check our website www.k9pointacademy.com. CPA is accredited with the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT-KA), and is the only certified American Kennel Club (AKC) Evaluator in Thailand.

Doggy paddle.

On your marks, get set, GO!

From Coast to Mare Culinary surprises await at Centara Grand Beach Resort

THE CULINARY DETECTIVE

Chris Watson chriswatsonth@gmail.com

Imust confess that I have driven past the Centara Grand Beach Resort in Karon on countless occasions but have never ventured within. Celebrating its 10 th anniversary next year, its architecture showcases the distinctive dusky pink colours that are a hallmark of the Sino-Portuguese design we see in Phuket Town today. In addition to a spectacular beachfront location, it surrounds an extensive water park, undoubtedly a unique attraction for the families who choose to stay there. A couple

of years ago, while searching for a suitable venue for relatives to stay, I did in fact select this hotel predominantly because of the water park but also a perceived cosiness due to a smaller number of rooms than in other competitors. They were not disappointed.

As Centara’s flagship property in Phuket, I am curious to see if its restaurant offerings will match its positioning and of course my inevitable expectations.

Arriving at the lobby, I disembark into a typical Phuket early evening drizzle and, directed towards the restaurants, break into a brisk jog as I find myself, yet again, umbrella-less. I make my way to Coast Beach Club and Bistro, where I am greeted by an absolutely charming manager, Khun Ann.

Coast is al fresco, and whilst there is adequate undercover dining, Khun Ann creatively suggests that my companion and I dine in Mare, the hotel’s indoor Italian restaurant which adjoins Coast, and she will offer us both menus. Accepting her kind offer, I pause for a moment to reflect on what for me exemplifies world-class service in going that extra mile. I am impressed!

Now seated in Mare – Italian for “sea” – and perusing the menus, I notice that this evening both restaurants are really quite busy – always a good sign. With recommendations from engaging staff members in aquatic blue attire and smart, white trainers, we make our selections. Despite the blustery weather outside, as I look out to sea from the upmarket trattoria feel of

Mare, I can see that Coast also possesses a smart yet casual all-day beach bistro ambience and looks ideal for passing a few hours, weather permitting! Looking around within Mare, I spot an open kitchen and a pizza oven which persuades me to add another dish to our already extensive order.

We begin with a delightfully refreshing starter of blue swimmer crab, avocado and pomelo segments, dressed in a piquant lemon mayonnaise, and a classic Caesar salad with the additional twist of lightly grilled prawns; the salad a perfect balance of textures from the crunchy lettuce and croutons and creaminess of the anchovy dressing, topped with Parmigiano Reggiano.

We continue with delicate, handmade ravioli stuffed with spinach and ricotta in a silky smooth sage butter sauce. At this point in our evening, the restaurant’s Italian chef, Andrea Morandi, recently arrived from Milan, introduces himself to us at table and I am further delighted to see that he brings with him a seafood tagliatelle in one hand and, cleverly balanced in the other, a Pugliese pizza. The homemade tagliatelle is correctly al dente and is combined with plump and juicy clams amongst other seafood in a rich herb butter sauce. The Pugliese pizza is picture perfect with a lightly charred crust topped with Parma ham, rocket and tomatoes and finished off in the centre with a creamy and buttery burrata cheese.

As our plates are cleared in preparation for the arrival of our main course, a New Zealand Black Angus rib-eye, I wish we had also sampled one of the sustainable, line-caught fish dishes on offer, but regrettably I am almost at capacity and sense Chef Andrea will not let us leave without tasting a dolce or two.

The “pezzo di resistenza” arrives, a perfectly charred 120-day grain-fed rib-eye steak accompanied by fluffy mashed potato and individually chosen sauces of classic béarnaise and an aromatic forest mushroom. On cutting through the steak, I know what this is going to deliver: moist, tender and, best of all, it just melts in the mouth.

Following a short respite, as I suspected, Chef Andrea again returns juggling two desserts: his signature classic tiramisu and a zuppa inglese. The former needs no introduction whilst the latter is an Italian version of that English classic, the trifle, with layers of custard and sponge. Both are triumphs, but the trifle edges it, truly bringing back childhood memories.

I depart, somewhat fortuitously during a short lull in the inclement weather, confident that whether you choose Mare or Coast, Italian or Bistro, you will not be disappointed. Centara Grand, you have indeed exceeded my expectations!

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.

The al fresco Coast Beach Club and Bistro.

Seafood tagliatelle in a rich herb butter sauce.

Zuppa inglese, a twist on the English trifle.

The best in class

Phuket’s international schools rank third cheapest of 19 Asian destinations

The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

Parents naturally want to give their children the best possible start in life. For expat parents, however, this can be a little more challenging than usual, particularly when it comes to education. By sending their children to an international school, expat’s choices are already more limited by default. And, as a recent research project by the International Schools Database (ISB) shows, some cities are much more expensive than others…

The project saw the ISB analyse price data from 19 cities in 13 Asian countries using its extensive database of information about international schools across the globe. (In drawing its conclusions, the ISB noted that there may be additional schools and prices not included in each city because they do not make their price data available.)

What immediately stands out from their data is Chinese prices. China is home to the top three most expensive cities for international schooling in Asia: Beijing’s prices start at over $8,000 per year, Shanghai at just under $5,000 and Shenzhen at over $11,000. Prices finish at $41,000, $39,000 and $32,000 respectively.

Guanghzhou, the fourth Chinese city in the list, also makes it into the top 10 most expensive cities in the world with a range of $11,231 to $29,818 per year.

However, comparatively affordable options can still be found in Asia. Out of the 19 cities in their research, 10 of

them have starting prices of $5,000 per year or less: Hanoi (ranked #8 overall), Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe (#14), Shanghai (#2), Ho Chi Minh City (#10), Singapore (#5), Bangkok (#12), Kuala Lumpur (#18), Manila (#16), Jakarta (#15) and Phnom Penh (#19). Phnom Penh is in fact the most affordable city in Asia for international education and the only city with a minimum price of under $2,000.

Although Phuket is ranked 17th , the third cheapest, its starting price of $5,563 edges it out of this list. But with a finishing price of $20,397, and an overall median of $8,515, it is still one of the more affordable options overall.

But how do Phuket and Asia compare on the global stage? The ISB’s additional analysis of schools in 56 cities in 52 countries showed that the most expensive schools worldwide can still be found in Asia, particularly in China. Beijing and Shanghai have the

first and second most expensive maximum prices on the planet respectively. Phuket takes 40 th place.

Africa offers some of the cheapest minimum prices in the world for international education: four of the 10 cheapest cities in their research are African. In fact, Uganda’s capital Kampala is home to the least expensive price worldwide, at just $523 per year.

Even more affordable in general is the Middle East: Manama (ranked #50 overall) at $1,003 per year, Kuwait City (#41) at $1,241, Doha (#32) at $1,250, Riyadh (#47) at $1,675 and Dubai (#26) at $2,317. However, there is a big range of prices in Middle Eastern cities included in the research due to the high numbers of international schools available. So while their minimum prices may seem cheap, their maximum prices could be considered quite high, which in turn raises the average prices.

As for Europe, certain cities offer very good (relative) affordability. In Madrid (#39), parents can expect to pay a maximum of $15,095 per year, while in Malaga (#45) the maximum price drops to $10,471 – the cheapest on the continent by a significant margin, and the second cheapest in the world.

Switzerland is China’s closest rival at the expensive end of the scale. Zurich takes the top spot in Europe and third in the world with prices ranging from $8,052 to $31,406 per year.

In one third of the European cities included in the study, the median price sits between $9,000 and $11,000. Paris (#28), the city with the widest range of prices and the third highest maximum price, is included in this. So while school prices in Europe do reach the top end of the scale in some countries, the ballpark price on the continent as a whole can be lower than in other regions.

Photo: stem.T4L / Unsplash

There have been large changes to Phuket in recent years, mostly in terms of infrastructure and the availability of such delights as shopping malls, resorts and huge home décor stores. The old history and culture can be a little hard to find under the new layers of modernity, but it’s there. Here are several museums where you can learn more about Phuket’s history.

Phuket Mining Museum

Tin mining played a huge role in Phuket’s history, and this museum has loads of information and great dioramas relating to the tin mining era as well as

geological information and great mock street scenes representing old Phuket. I think it’s very well done, and entry is cheap. It’s located on a back road between the Loch Palm Golf Club and the British International School, Phuket.

Thalang National Museum

The Thalang National Museum opened in 1989 and provides a historical record of the people of Phuket, ranging from indigenous cultures up to the modern era. There’s a big section devoted to Phuket’s famous heroines who led the people to repel a Burmese invasion in 1785, an event remembered each March with a festival. The museum is easy to find: head north towards the airport, turn right at Heroines Monument and the museum is 100 metres along the road.

Phuket Seashell Museum

Open since 1997, this museum features a great collection of shells of all shapes

and sizes collected by a local family. The displays are well labelled with lots of information, and the collection has grown well beyond local Phuket shells. There are rare black cowry shells from New Caledonia, shells from Europe and fossils too. It’s located on the main road from Chalong to Rawai.

Thai Hua Phuket History Museum

This is a really interesting and welllooked-after museum, housed in the old Thai Hua School in Phuket Old Town. Thai Hua was (and still is) a Chinese-Thai school, with Chinese being taught as a second language. This was particularly important 100 years ago with much emigration of Chinese to Phuket. And these days it’s probably just as important in terms of Southeast Asian business. The museum is full of displays relating to Phuket history, particularly how Phuket made its money in the 19 th and 20 th centuries from tin mining, rubber, fishing, prawn farms and agriculture. It’s easy to find on Krabi Road, just half a block west of Thalang Road in Phuket Old Town.

Chinpracha House

Just another block west of Thai Hua are a couple of old mansions. One of these, called Chinpracha House, or Baan Chinpracha, is also a museum. Built in 1903, the house is still owned by the same family several generations later, one of whom lives upstairs. Downstairs is open to the public. It includes bedrooms, a kitchen and a dining room. The walls are decorated with old photos of the family, and the rooms are filled with old furniture, much of it original Chinese. It’s a real slice of Phuket history.

Phuket Peranakannitat Museum

Located in the former Standard Chartered Bank building in Phuket Old Town, this small museum, also called the Baba Museum, opened in 2018.

The museum tells the stories of those who left southern China in the early 19th Century to settle in Phuket and includes quite impressive displays of old Chinese-style furniture and jewellery as well as the former bank vault. A video presentation takes place on the second floor five times per day (10am, 11am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm) except on Monday when the museum is closed.

Phuket Post Office Museum

Just to the east of Phuket Old Town is the central post office. There is a new building and next door is the old Phuket post office which houses a small museum, also known as the Philatelic Museum. There’s a sizeable display with old stamps and a history of the Thai postage stamp as well as old phones, scales for weighing parcels and a teletype machine. History buffs and philatelists will enjoy.

There are other museums and historical oddities in Phuket which I have not written about yet, like the renovated The Memory at On On Hotel, or the Thavorn Hotel which has a small museum in the lobby, or the old shops on Thalang Road. Parts of the old town are like a living museum, and just walking around, stepping into the Old Chinese Herb shop and breathing deeply, can give us a sense of the past.

You can read more about Phuket on Jamie’s Phuket Blog – www.jamiesphuketblog.com

JAMIE’S PHUKET

Jamie Monk

A glimpse into the past.

Procession for the ages

The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

The royal barge procession, marking the conclusion of the royal coronation ceremony, is fast approaching, having been rescheduled from October 24 to December 12 due to water levels and currents in the Chao Phraya River, and weather conditions. But what does this auspicious event symbolise, and what can spectators expect?

The procession, scheduled for Thursday, December 12 at 3:30pm, will see His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayava ra ngkun, accompanied by Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana, travel along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok in a flotilla of 52 ceremonial barges and boats, including four royal barges: the Suphannahong, or golden swan; the Anantanakkharat, or multi-headed naga; the Anekkachatphutchong, or innumerable naga figures; and the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX.

The procession will begin at Wasukri Pier and end at the Ratch-

aworadit Pier, a journey covering approximately 3.4 kilometres that will take around 45 minutes.

Rehearsals have been underway for months to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day. The rescheduling necessitated adding five more rehearsals: on November 12, 19 and 26, with the final rehearsal taking place on December 9, just days before the event.

About 2,200 oarsmen have been prepared to row the barges that are arranged into five groupings. Rhythmic barge-rowing songs are part of this ceremonial water-borne procession, which is a rare spectacle, ar ranged on special occasions only.

Six temples on both sides of the Chao Phraya River will hold a Buddhist chanting ceremony in honour of Their Majesties; each will begin the chanting ceremony when the royal barge is approaching the waterfront of the temple and conclude when the procession has passed the temple. Various sites will be set up along the river for spectators. The event will also be televised for viewers in 177 countries worldwide.

The public is invited to wear yellow shirts to offer good wishes and show

their loyalty to Their Majesties.

The royal barge procession can be traced back to the Ayutthaya period more than 300 years ago. A piece of literature known as lilit phayuha yattra phetphuang, penned by Chao Phraya Phrakang Hon in 1887 during the reign of King Chulalongkorn of the Rattanakosin period, mentioned the launch of the phetphuang royal barge procession, modelled on a similar ceremony in the Ayutthaya period, joined by boats whose masthead figures were elaborately carved into mythical animals.

In the past, other processions by boats served either royal functions or river festivals enjoyed by ordinary people. In peacetime, men were called to take up positions on the barges and boats in an exercise to prepare them for armed conflicts with rival kingdoms.

The processions also provided a means of transport for the monarch during important occasions, such as the coronation, the relocation of principal Buddha images from the provinces to Bangkok and the reception of foreign envoys.

The tradition was revived by the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1960 after a lapse of several decades and takes place at the end of Buddhist Lent, with robes presented to Buddhist monks as part of the event.

Royal processions, both by land and by water, exhibit the glory and great power of the monarch, in accordance with the traditional beliefs and court traditions handed down through generations. This procession also marks the conclusion of the royal coronation ceremony, one of the most important events for all Thai kings.

Rehearsals have been underway for months to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day. Photo: TAT

group.

THE PAVILIONS PHUKET CELEBRATES THE VERY BEST OF KIWI

Over 160 guests headed to The Pavilions Phuket for the second edition of the resort’s “New Zealand Beverage and Food Showcase” on Nov 28. The event, held at the Firefly Pool & Restaurant, put on show food and beverages from the island’s top suppliers of New Zealand produce, all perfectly complemented by live music from Jessie top 10 finalist, who performed classic Kiwi music throughout the evening.

HARLEY QUINNS LIFT TROPHY AT OUTRIGGER’S RUGBY TOURNAMENT

Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort kicked the month off with a one-day touch rugby tournament on Dec 1 at the Alan Cooke Cricket Ground. The kids took to the pitch first for a fun-filled training session and game before the adult tournament which saw five teams compete for the final bragging rights for the year. It was a tense final between previous winners Outrigger and Harley Quinns, but Harley Quinns eventually came out on top by the narrowest of margins (1-0).

MICHELIN-STAR CHEF SHARES SICILIAN COOKING SECRETS

After reopening on Nov 1 with Chef Claudio Barzano at the helm, Tre restaurant at the award-winning Banyan Tree Phuket brought another stellar culinary experience to the island, this time with Martina Caruso, executive chef of Michelin-star restaurant Signum in Sicily. On Nov 29 and 30, Chef Martina shared her love of local ingredients and family recipes with innovative twists at an exclusive masterclass and two dégustation dinners.

HLB THAILAND MARKS TWO DECADES OF ACCOUNTING SUCCESS WITH VIP PARTY

Leading mid-tier accounting firm HLB Thailand marked 20 successful years in business with an exclusive anniversary party at The Nai Harn on Nov 29. Over 80 of HLB Thailand’s clients, as well as VIPs and other supporters, gathered at the resort’s beachside restaurant

MARILYN BAND PUTS PHANG NGA IN THE PICTURE IN LATEST EXHIBITION

Celebrated artist Marilyn

on

Narathip, Luca, Martina, Stefano, Claudio, Chandra and Filippo.

Team ‘Can’t Grumble’ from KIS.

Conor O’Leary, Tim Sargeant and Scot Toon of The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts

Band opened her latest exhibition “Phang Nga Bay and Beyond”

Nov 30 at the recently renamed Mom Tri’s Modern Art and Cuisine Gallery. Marilyn’s works, which will be on display until Jan 31, 2020, depict the limestone karsts of the bay in an abstract style, affording “the viewer the opportunity to interpret and appreciate a little bit of paradise,” says Marilyn.

The event attracted over 160 guests.

Rock Salt to celebrate the milestone. Founded in 1999, the company has offices in Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui.

Uwe and Narumol Sakritchanan.

Kanit Yongsakul, Uwe Heitmann and Sriya Yongsakul.

The Australian Chamber of Commerce (AustCham) hosted the Joint Phuket Christmas Sundowners – its last Phuket Sundowners networking event of the year – at The

on Nov 29, and it was an eventful one, with AustCham Executive Director Brendan Cunningham presenting Tina Hall with a cheque for B100,000 to support the Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation, and Matthew Barclay being officially installed as the Australian Consul-General for Phuket.

AXA THAILAND HAS IT COVERED AT ‘BEAUJOLAIS 2019’ CLIENT EVENT

Seigne, CEO of AXA Thailand General Insurance, hosted 50 of the top AXA Thailand clients on Nov 26 at French-Thai eatery Little Paris for an evening of great conversation, food,

Boathouse

AustCham

Graham, Tina and Brendan.

Methaya with Richard Pope, CEO of Infinite Luxury and Kata Rocks.

Julian, George and Anthony.

Michael Nurbatlian, marketing director of Infinite Luxury, with Michael O’Neil, New and James.

Mashall, Matt, Anthony and Jono.

Claude

drinks and celebration of the insurance firm which has been established in Thailand for over two decades, with Claude taking the helm earlier this year.

Claude Seigne (right) and his clients.

AXA Thailand filled Little Paris with 50 of its top clients.

20 EVENTS

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

High Tea @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 SinoPortuguese 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.

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.

Sunday Roast All Day, All Night 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 Flavored 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 website at bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents Reservations, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong., Kata Beach 076-333-370 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344-914.

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.

Thai Yachting Business Association. Find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ groups/491098897758155/ or our Website https://www.thaiyachtingbusinessassociation.com/

THB 500 for members of partner organization, THB 1,000 for non-members. (Entry fee includes sumptuous food and free flow drinks) We hope you are able to attend and if you have any questions, ed@canchamthailand.org or 096 563 6198. Please

dinner that will surely light up your holiday cheer! Price is 995 baht per person. For more information please visit our website:www.twochefs. com For reservations please email us: patong@twochefs. com or call us at: 076 344 915.

TUE 31 DEC

Bid the

WED 1 JAN

THU

and family-friendly activities.

1. In what year was the first Toy Story movie released?

2. The Thai term for rice noodles is kanom jeen, but what do these words actually translate to?

3. In which two countries is Coca-Cola not sold?

4. Rod Stewart has revealed his model train set: a 124-ft replica of a US city. How long did it take him to build?

5. “Ask me no questions, and you’ll be told no lies” is a line from which Dickens novel? Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York

Across 1. Apple Store buy 4. Whale show 9. Cliffside dwelling, often 14. Capt.’s guess 15. Two-time U.S. Open winner 16. Express 17. Act morally 20. Elbow bone 21. Crystal ball user 22. Cut 26. Power plant apparatus 31. Biting snake 32. Mc-Cormack of ‘Will & Grace’ 34. Girlfriend of Ferris Bueller 35. Johnny Depp’s bird in Pirates of the Caribbean

37. Suffix with consist 38. Contributes 42. Mountain lion 43. More appealing, in a way 44. Menu 47. Alliance acronym 48. Gold fineness meas.

51. Columned porch 53. Dispatched 55. Performed 57. Scandinavian city 58. Award for a

courteous gradeschooler

65. Former Portuguese province

66. Visibly shocked 67. Centre or gram preceder 68. Animal stomachs 69. USA Today, for one 70. Q followers

Down 1. Mythical monster 2. Coral islands 3. Doze

4. Compass point

5. ___ highness

6. “The greatest”

7. Ryan and Tilly

8. Theater worker

9. Starry

10. Suffix for do and go 11. Aishwarya of Bollywood 12. BBC competitor 13. Brain scan, for short 18. Experiences

19. Caddie’s bagful

23. Battered car

24. Botches

25. Topsoils and silts, e.g.

27. Heart of France

28. Converts to leather

29. In the past 30. King, in Cádiz

33. “Suzanne” songwriter 35. Nursery purchase

36. ___ hold’em

38. ‘Les Miserables’ author

39. Part of E.M.T.

40. Commend

41. Interminable time

42. Twaddle

45. Dance clubs

46. Type of palm

48. OK to eat

49. Holland’s flowers

50. “That’s enough!”

52. Ready for use

54. Lean-___ (sheds)

56. Prefix with byte

58. Big name in trucks

59. Row boat equipment

60. Mozart’s “L’___ del Cairo”

61. Raven relative

62. Stun

63. Vane direction 64. Home of “Weekend Edition”

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz:

Expectations

ISLAND VIEW

7

is how many photos the average cat owner takes of their pet every day.

45

years is how long a restaurant in Bangkok has been cooking and serving its “perpetual soup” for.

6,316

people die each hour around the world, and 15,000 babies are born.

157,000

people have signed a petition for the next heavy metal in the periodic table to be named after Motörhead’s Lemmy.

23 trillion

US dollars is the current national debt of the United States, the highest it’s ever been.

Source: Uberfacts

December 6, 2006 NASA reveals photographs taken by Mars Global Surveyor suggesting the presence of water on Mars.

December 7, 1941

The Imperial Japanese Navy carries out a surprise attack on the United States Pacific Fleet and its defending Army and Marine air forces at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

December 8, 2013 Metallica performs a show in

Antarctica, making them the first band to perform on all seven continents.

December 9, 1979

The eradication of the smallpox virus is certified, making smallpox the first of only two diseases that have been driven to extinction (rinderpest in 2011 being the other).

December 10, 1932

After the Siamese revolution, Thailand transitions from an ab-

monarchy to a constitutional monarchy with a prime minister as head of government.

December 11, 1934

Bill Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, takes his last drink and enters detoxification treatment for the final time.

December 12, 2000

The United States Supreme Court releases its decision in Bush v. Gore, putting a stop to the vote recount in Florida and handing George W. Bush the 2000 presidential election.

Source: Wikipedia

Gullies formed by water on a Mars crater.

Storm’s coming at Layan Beach. Photo by Cynthia Tomaszewski.

Buy & Sell

BOATS, YACHTS

CARS, TRUCKS FOR RENT

Phuket, Thailand, Nony_ntp@hotmail.com, (Eng/Thai) 099 2650808.

7 seater for rent

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Buy & Sell

SERVICES

Credit and investment in private section

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2 or 5 BR OCEAN FRONT CONDO

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2 bed, 2 bath Stunning Villa

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OCEAN FRONT LAND

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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.

1 Bed Condo Sale

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1 Bedroom Condo Kata For Sale

Dream Village Phuket house

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Villa in Patong prime location

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Villa Mission Heights Big Pool

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Thalang House for RENT

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Casa Lagoon

Phuket House 4 Rent

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2-Bed Furnished Kathu House for Rent

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4 bed/bath large pool villa. Privately located in Cape Heights Cape Yamu. Furnished. Gardens. Fiber WiFi. 80,000/rent long term or 30

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Schumacher’s record in Hamilton’s sights

Continued from page 32

...And if he were to score the seven wins required to set a new benchmark, a seventh championship would surely come bundled with it, equalling Schumacher’s septuple of crowns, and statistics would then no longer obstruct Hamilton from claiming the legacy as F1’s greatest of all time.

But then what? Having already dispatched some of his generation’s greats, what will there be left for Lewis to prove?

We needn’t wait long for a cue, because not only will these final frontiers be accessible to Hamilton next season, but so too will he be out of contract, and opinions vary as to how F1’s foremost star will play his availability at a time at least five of the six best seats will be spilt.

One school of thought proposes Hamilton will renew terms with Mercedes, playing the German marque off its rivals to secure a blockbuster fee above his reported £40 million (B1.572 billion) salary. It’s the safe option to build on his growing haul of accolades,

and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff rates his chances of retaining the Briton at 75%.

But that still leaves 25% for the second school of thought – that Hamilton will seek to end his career shading Schumacher’s records where they were made: at Ferrari. It’s not as crazy as it may sound. Mercedes’s persistent competitiveness across regulation changes in unprecedented,

but all empires eventually end. Indeed Wolff, one of the team’s key constituents, is persistently linked with a role running Formula One itself, and Hamilton this month suggested his future at the team would in part depend on whether the Austrian stays or goes.

If this were to signal the decline of the Mercedes era, Ferrari has the tools to take

over the mantle, and with Vettel thought unlikely to remain with the Scuderia if he were beaten by Charles Leclerc for a second season, the timing may be perfect for Hamilton’s arrival.

Money would be no object in this sensational switch, and Hamilton would back himself as the missing component in Ferrari’s quest to end what could by 2021 be a 12-year title drought.

Italy’s Gazzetta dello Sport reported last week that Hamilton has already twice met with Ferrari chairman John Elkann this season, and while it’s only prudent for the Briton to assess his options to secure himself the best deal possible, it’s done nothing to quell speculation he’s considering a Mercedes exit.

Of course it’s all speculation in what has become a record-long run-up to next year’s negotiation period, but all the power in the driver market rests with Hamilton, and it’s entirely up to him how he wields it in what will be a fascinating 2020 driver market.

End of an era for Army United?

FOOTBALL

IT APPEARS THAT AFter a 103-year-old history the curtain is finally coming down on Army United Football Club after chairman Apirat Kongsompong confirmed a combination of poor on-field performances and mis-managed sponsorship funds have hampered the club’s progress.

Vice-chairman Chalermpol Srisawat confirmed no final decision has yet been made but that his boss Gen Apirat, who also serves as army chief, has indicated he is taking measures to disband the club.

Questions surround whether sponsorship revenues have been utilised effectively to meet targets around player development and recruitment in addition to broader planning.

Gen Chalermpol said the team, currently in Thai League 2, receive about B90 million in sponsorship annually from the private sector but the money has not been used well.

“The money should be used to develop Army personnel and youth near military camps and not only for foot-

ball or any other sport,” Gen Chalermpol said.

The club has failed to get into the division 2 regional league for the last four years, a level it regularly achieved in the past.

Recent plans to build a new club premises in Lop Buri after the club was relocated to the army stadium on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road in Bangkok had to be abandoned due to the high costs involved.

Over the past few years, several football clubs have been disbanded or suspended by their owners including PTT Rayong and Thai Honda. The Phuket News

Gen Apirat Kongsompong

Photo: Bangkok Post

Could Hamilton and LeClerc be Ferrari teammates next season? Photo: AFP

Kingdom’s golden start

Thais open SEA Games account with four golds

SEA GAMES

Bangkok Post

Thailand claimed four gold medals across the opening two days of the 30th SEA Games in men’s mountain bike cross-country, men’s floorball, women’s water polo and men’s shooting.

Keerati Sukprasart became the Kingdom’s first gold medallist in the biennial tournament in the Philippines when he won the men’s mountain bike cross-country event (Dec 1).

Keerati crossed the finish line in one hour, 36 minutes and 15 seconds to capture the gold medal at Talong Bongo.

Nino Serban and John Flores, both from the Philippines, took silver and bronze medals.

Another Thai, Adisak Tailanka, failed to make a podium after coming in fourth.

“At the beginning of the race I started off strongly because I knew what they (the host team’s cyclists) would do as we’ve met many times in different tournaments.

“They’ve prepared well for

the Games but my experience really helped me get through this today.

“I would also like to thank Adisak. He helped me a lot during the race and made it possible for me to win the gold medal for Thailand,” said Keerati.

In the women’s event, Natalee Panyawan came fourth in 1:54.07 while Warinthorn Petchpraphan managed to finish fifth in 2:07.41.

The women’s water polo team overpowered the Philippines 19-2 for their fourth straight win in a double league

competition of the biennial tournament for the Kingdom.

The Thai men’s floorball team recovered from a threegoal deficit to pull off an 8-8 tie with Singapore and then edge their opponents 2-1 in a penalty shoot-out to claim the gold medal (Dec 1).

The hero of the Thai team was goalkeeper Christian Karlsson, who saved four shots from the Singaporeans during the shoot-out.

At the end of the second period, the Thais seemed destined for a heavy loss as Singapore grabbed a significant 7-4 advantage.

Thailand hit back in the third period as they rallied from 8-5 to level and then held their opponents goalless in the 10-minutes of extra-time.

Gustafian Fathur (248.4) and Singapore’s Abdul Rahman (225.9).

In tennis, all Thai players cruised through their opening matches on Sunday (Dec 1) at Rizal Memorial Tennis Court in Manila.

Peangtarn Plipuech won her opening women’s singles match, beating Thandar Aung of Myanmar 6-1, 6-1 to progress into the quarterfinals. She will play Indonesia’s Priska Madelyn Nugroho in the last eight.

Rising star Aunchida Chanta, 18, also won her opener, beating Grace Annete Krusling of Cambodia 6-3, 6-1. She will next take on Singapore’s Charmaine Shi Yi Seah.

featuring three nations in Clark City (Dec 1).

The team were already guaranteed the gold medal after their resounding 20-2 victory over former champions Singapore on Nov 29. This was their third consecutive gold in the women’s water polo

Earlier, the Thai women’s dream of grabbing the gold was shattered by Singapore, who won the floor ball title showdown 3-2 in Manila.

On Monday (Dec 2) Thai shooter Napis Tortungpanich won gold in the men’s 10m air rifle. The 24-year old amassed 250.6 points to beat Indonesia’s

In the men’s singles last 16, another 18-year-old star Kasidit Samrej beat Indonesia’s Ari Fahresi 7-5, 6-2 to move into the quarter-finals.

Sonchat Ratiwatana and Patcharin Cheapchandej also made it to the last eight after winning their mixed doubles opener against Myanmar’s Thandar Aung and Myu Paing Min 6-0, 6-4.

Keerati Sukprasart celebrates as he crosses the finish line (Dec 1). Photo: PR

Liverpool scrape win to extend lead at top

FOOTBALL

Liverpool, Leicester and Tottenham were the big winners of the Premier League weekend as the only three sides in the top half to win. The biggest loser was Watford’s Quique Sanchez Flores who became the fourth manager to lose his job in the top flight this season after only 85 days in charge.

The gap between Liverpool and Leicester at the top remains eight points, but the Foxes are now three points clear of Manchester City in second and six ahead of Chelsea, who suffered a shock 0-1 home defeat by West Ham.

Tottenham are up to fifth as they ride the wave of Jose Mourinho’s arrival, but Manchester United and Arsenal dropped more points in 2-2 draws with Aston Villa and

Norwich respectively.

The only Premier League match Liverpool have won by more than a single goal since mid-September was against City last month and even after Virgil van Dijk’s early double at home to Brighton last Saturday (Nov 30) they had to endure a nervy finale.

Goalkeeper Alisson Becker’s red card and Lewis Dunk’s clever free-kick made the European champions sweat in the final stages, but they dug in and held on in a manner that has characterised their charge towards a first title in 30 years.

“The boys threw everything on the pitch,” said a delighted Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. “It’s unbelievable how much they want to win.”

By contrast, when the going has got tough, City have not got going.

The 2-2 draw last Saturday

(Nov 30) at Newcastle was the fifth time Pep Guardiola’s men have conceded two or more goals this season and on each occasion they have dropped points.

Worse could even be still to be come with City facing five of the top nine before the new year.

Over at Tottenham the mood is buoyant. Three games into Mourinho’s reign and three wins have booked Spurs’ place in the last 16 of the Champions League and enlivened their chase of Chelsea to make it back into the competition next season.

Mourinho’s men are now within six points of his old side after a 3-2 victory over Bournemouth that was far more convincing than the scoreline suggests.

“When I arrived we were 12 points behind the Champions League positions and I said ‘I don’t want to think about it,

I just want to play matches.’” said Mourinho. “If we think too much about it we are going to be depressed because we want to play European football next season.

“We play Chelsea by the end of December. If we play them tomorrow, it is with six points difference, it would be a fantastic situation to play them. But we play them in the end of December and we have to keep as close as possible.”

Just over a week after Mourinho replaced the fired Mauricio Pochettino, there was also change across north London as Arsenal sacked Unai Emery last Friday (Nov 29).

Less than 48 hours later, Quique Sanchez Flores became the latest Premier League manager to lose his job after Watford fell to the bottom of the table with a 2-1 defeat at fellow strugglers Southampton. Flores had been re-hired by the club to replace former boss

Javi Gracia only 85 days ago.

The pressure on Marco Silva shows no sign of abating as Everton were undone by Kelechi Iheanacho’s stoppagetime winner for Leicester to slip just two points above the relegation zone.

However, the Toffees may take note of West Ham’s decision to give Manuel Pellegrini an extra week to turn around his side’s fortunes.

The Hammers travelled to

Stamford Bridge on an eightgame winless run, but were the perfect blend of disciplined in defence and dangerous on the counter-attack to hold Chelsea scoreless in the Premier League for the first time since the opening weekend of the season.

In other results Crystal Palace won 0-2 at Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sheffield United played out a 1-1 draw at Molineux.

Quique Sanchez Flores lasted only 85 days as manager at Watford. Photo: AFP

Liverpool’s Virgil Van Dijk scored a brace against Brighton (Nov 30) as Liverpool extended their lead at the top. Photo: AFP

Making a splash! SEA Games > p30

IN A LEAGUE OF HIS OWN

Hamilton looks to record-breaking

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was Hamilton’s 84th victory, putting him within striking distance of Michael Schumacher’s massive 91 wins. Winning on average 10 races a year since 2014 and with stable regulations enabling Mercedes to continue developing its 2019 championship-winning chassis, Hamilton seems destined to better the German maestro’s tally…

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