The Phuket News January 10, 2020

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020

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NO CHANGE TO TM30, TM28 REPORTING > PAGE 2

WUHAN FLU

NEWS

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Reward offered to catch turtle nest raiders

LIFE

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Royal Phuket Marina learns to Speakeasy A passenger arriving on a direct flight from Wuhan is scanned for elevated body temperature at Phuket International Airport. Photo: PPHO

HEALTH OFFICIALS RAMP UP SCREENINGS TO STAVE OFF MYSTERY PNEUMONIA FROM CHINA Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

H

ealth officials this week upgraded up their screenings of passengers arriving from Wuhan, China, in the hope of preventing a minor outbreak of a new form of pneumonia there from reaching the island.

Wuhan arrivals have been screened for elevated body temperature since last Saturday (Jan 4), as fever remains one of the early indicators of infection.

Other signs and symptoms include difficulty in breathing and chest radiographs showing invasive lesions of both lungs, notes the World Health

Organization (WHO) in its description of the illness.

However, the causal agent has not yet been identified or confirmed, reports WHO, while health officials in Wuhan said they had ruled out common respiratory diseases, such as influenza, bird flu and adenovirus infection, as the cause.

At least 59 people in Wuhan have been diagnosed with the mysterious infection in the past four weeks.

Eleven of those infected were in critical condition and the rest stable, Wuhan health officials said, adding that all had been isolated and doctors were observing 121 people with whom they had been in close contact.

Five people, including a 3-yearold Chinese boy, were quarantined on arrival in Bangkok earlier this week, though initial tests confirmed all five were not infected with the mystery viral pneumonia.

Dr Sirilak Thaichareon, director of the regional Disease Prevention and Control office, told The Phuket News on Tuesday (Jan 7) that so far no arrivals from Wuhan had been identified as infected.

However, while he downplayed the potential impact of the illness, he at the same time confirmed that measures to identify infected arrivals had been raised to top level.

“This [form of] pneumonia is less

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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harmful than SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome), but we are upgrading the standard for scanning at Phuket International Airport to the same level used for SARS.” The decision to boost efforts was made at an emergency meeting at Office of Disease Prevention and Control Region 11 office in Nakhon Sri Thammarat last Sunday (Jan 5), he said. As director of the Office of Disease Prevention and Control Region 11 division, Dr Sirilak is the leading outbreak health official for the provinces of Ranong, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Sri Thammarat, Krabi, Phang Nga and Phuket…

SPORT

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Swim sensation Aniqah sets sights on Tokyo

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TM30, TM28 reports are still required

THERE HAVE BEEN NO changes to requirements for landlords of foreigners and for foreigners themselves to report their own whereabouts under the TM30 and TM28 provisions, a senior officer at Phuket Immigration has told The Phuket News.

The confirmation follows a foreigner posting online on Thursday (Jan 2) that a friend in Maha Sarakham province had presented himself to his local immigration office there to file a required report, but being told that the reporting requirement under the TM30 provision no longer applied throughout the country.

“He was told all reporting requirements connected to TM30 are canceled. No more reporting of a return after leaving your home province,” the post said.

To this, Lt Col Udom Thongchin, Deputy Chief of the Phuket Immigration Office, told The Phuket News last Friday (Jan 3) that his office has received no instructions to waive any of the reporting requirements.

“T M30 has not been canceled. It is still active. In fact, all the TM30 and TM28 forms are still active. There have not been any changes,”

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020

Student killed in knife attack at New Year event > p4

Wuhan mystery flu

Protection measures raised to SARS level The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

A Phuket Immigration officer explains the rules to a foreign expat. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot Lt Col Udom said.

Regarding the case report by the foreigner in Maha Sarakham province, Lt Col Udom said, “I have no idea why some immigration officials might say that.”

Lt Col Udom repeated the explanation that the TM30 is the form for landlords to report to Immigration within 24 hours of the arrival of any foreign tenants, as required under Section 38 of the Thailand Immigration Act of 1979.

The TM28 form is for foreigners to report themselves to Immigration after staying away from their registered address for more than 24 hours, as required under Section 37 (c) of the same act.

Lt Col Udom also repeated confirmation that the TM30 is the property owner’s responsibility. The Phuket News

Continued from page 1 “We have to upgrade the level of checking because this case is urgent and serious, Also, the Chinese New Year holiday [on Jan 25] is coming. With more flights from Wuhan arriving, we will need to check more passengers,” he said.

Chief of the Phuket Provincial Health Office (PPHO), Thanit Sermkaew, on Monday (Jan 6) confirmed that six officers – three from the PPHO and three from the Phuket Airport Health Control division – were tasked with scanning arrivals on direct flights from Wuhan.

Additional officers have been assigned to support the scan teams at the airport, Chief Thanit said.

“Four extra health officers from Thalang Hospital have been assigned to support the team, and other hospitals are standing by to provide additional support,” he added.

However, at this stage, only passengers on direct flights from Wuhan to Phuket are being scanned for the virus, Chief Thanit also confirmed.

Asked why travellers arriving from areas near Wuhan or on connecting flights were not being scanned, Chief Thanit said, “We are following the order issued, and because the infections so far were found in Wuhan and in people who travelled to Wuhan.

A passenger arriving from Wuhan is screened for possible fever at Phuket International Airport. Photo: Office of Disease Prevention and Control “Officers at Wuhan Tianhe International Airport are also scanning passengers, and we scan them again [when they arrive]. We check thoroughly, there is no need to worry.”

Counter measures Chief Thanit explained that the first step in preventing the disease from arriving in Phuket is screening arrivals for high body temperature and handing the arrivals leaflets informing them of the new form of pneumonia.

“If we find a passenger with a body temperature higher than 38ºC, we will take them to an isolated room where an officer will record their name, age and gender, and more importantly their recent activities, such as where they have visited in the Wuhan area.

“The officer will quarantine any passengers who have traveled to Wuhan and

exhibit any symptoms before handing them over to the disease investigation team, who will examine the person more thoroughly.

“If the symptoms are serious, the person will be taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital, where there is reverse-pressure isolation room where doctors can further examine and treat the patient until the symptoms improve,” he said.

Chief Thanit urged any persons who believe they may have been infected to contact the PPHO urgently by calling 076-211330.

“This is especially for those who develop any signs or symptoms of a serious cold within 14 days of returning from Wuhan,” he said.

Any persons in Thailand who suspect they may have contracted the virus are urged to immediately call the Department of Disease Control (DDC) hotline 1422.

Crewman in hospital after fishing boat fire

ONE CR EW MAN IS I N hospital recovering from extensive burns from a fire that broke out on a fishing boat he was working on south of Phuket on Wednesday (Jan 8).

Phuket Fishery Association President Somyot Wongboonyakul was informed at 10:30am that the fishing boat Sor Pattana 12 had caught fire 16 nautical miles from Koh Racha Noi and needed assistance.

The Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command at Cape Panwa dispatched patrol boat Tor 992 with a medical team on board to provide assistance and help put out the fire.

The Navy personnel confirmed that the fire had been safely extinguished, and that the boat was being brought back to Phuket.

There were three people

Navy personnel bring the injured crewman ashore at Cape Panwa. Photo: RTN on board the Sor Pattana 12: Capt Suren Kiannok, 60, and Myanmar nationals Maung Thein, 46, and Zaw Myo Aung, 27. One of the Myanmar crewmen suffered only minor injuries, but the other suffered extensive burns to his torso and arms, the Navy reported.

The Tor 992 returned to the Navy base at Cape Panwa, and quickly had the injured man taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital for medical treatment.

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B100k reward offered to catch turtle nest raiders Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

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hang Nga Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada has announced a reward of B100,000 to anyone who has information that leads to the arrests of the person or persons responsible for removing leatherback turtle eggs believed to have been stolen from a nest on Thai Muang Beach, north of Phuket.

The reward offered follows officers from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) conducting a “turtle patrol” finding a near-empty nest on Na Yak Beach soon after sunrise last Saturday morning (Jan 4).

The nest contained only two leatherback turtle eggs. Both eggs were spoiled and would not have produced hatchlings, the officers noted.

The officers excavated the sand around the nest, but no other eggs were found at the site. As turtles usually lay clutches of anywhere from about 50 up to about 100 eggs in one laying, the officers believed that the nest had been raided for its eggs.

“I will give B50,000 to anyone who has information that leads to arrest the thief [or thieves],” said Phang Nga Governor Chamroen, who in 2016 served as Phuket Governor.

“This will be added to another B50,000 from the Mai Khao Marine

@thephuketnews

Mayor Aroon Solos (right) with one of the new signs directing tourists to Promthep Cape. Photo: Rawai Municipality

Hackers blamed for Promthep map pin The tracks found on Na Yak beach last Saturday led to a nest that contained only two leatherback turtle eggs. Both eggs were spoiled and would not have produced hatchlings, said the ‘turtle patrol’ officers. Photo: DMCR Turtle Foundation and the head of Thai Muang village, bringing the total reward to B100,000,” he explained.

“I am begging people to protect turtles together,” he added. “I know that turtle eggs were popular for eating in the past, but we don’t see a lot of them [anymore].

These turtles are nearly extinct.

“In recent months, we have seen turtles came back to Phang Nga beaches.

Stealing turtle eggs hurts Phang Nga people’s feelings. I have no idea who did this or why. Maybe they sell the eggs. But if you don’t have enough money for food, please come and see me. I will provide it for you,” Governor Chamroen assured.

Haritchai Rittichuay, Chief of the Khao Lampi – Hat Thai Mueang National Park in Phang Nga province, north of Phuket, told The Phuket News on Monday (Jan 6) that police already have some suspects in their sights.

“CCTV footage from the area shows the suspects riding a motorbike into the national park area to go fishing. We are checking the motorbike’s licence plate, but we have not been able to identify the thief [thieves] yet,” Mr Haritchai said.

“If anyone sees a turtle laying eggs on a beach, please call us at 076-679134 so we can quickly go to protect the eggs and take care of them,” Mr Haritchai added.

MANY VISITORS RELYing on Google Maps to go to Promthep Cape, the popular viewpoint on Phuket’s southernmost peninsular, have ended up in a wrong place after the map pin had been moved by hackers, reports Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos.

Mayor Aroon said the map pin for Promthep Cape on Google Maps had been changed since Dec 31, direceting many visitors who insead ended up at a house at Huay Namthor, about four kilometres away from the famed viewpoint.

“The move has affected visitors who relied on Google Maps as they were misguided to another venue, which is not Laem Promthep. It’s a waste of time for the visitors. They

also missed opportunities to view the beauty of the sunset viewpoint on the island,” Mayor Aroon explained.

Rawai Municipality has posted signs along the route and advised visitors to use nearby areas such as Larn Phra Prom or Promthep Cape Lighthouse to search for Laem Promthep on Google Maps.

Mayor Aroon also called on the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry and concerned agencies to help solve the problem.

Pinning and editing a pin on Google Maps can be done by any user without high-level expertise as the service relies on collaboration of users.

Maps can be private, editable by invite only, or allow public edits.

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Female student, 20, stabbed to death in attack at New Year event Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

GENERAL MANAGER

Jason Beavan 086 479 7471

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SALES SUPPORT Siriporn (Nok) Seangmas 086 479 7470 sales@classactmedia.co.th

O

ne of t h re e me n wanted for a vicious attack at a New Year’s celebration event at the Sarasin Bridge last Saturday night (Jan 4) that left a 20-year-old student from Phuket Rajabhat University stabbed to death has surrendered himself to police.

Kerkkiat Songsaeng, 23, from Khok Kloi, just north of Phuket in Phang Nga province, was wanted for his role in the deadly attack, which occurred at the “Countdown Saphan Sarasin” New Year event organised by Mai Khao Subdistrict Administration Organisation (OrBorTor), held at the Sarasin Bridge from Dec 26-Jan 4.

Capt Kraisorn Boonprasop of the Thalang Police said he was first made aware of the attack when staff at Thalang Hospital informed him at 3am on Sunday (Jan 5) that a woman brought to the hospital had died of knife wounds.

At the hospital officers were shown the body of Noppamas “Baitong” Ngenyangthong,

Noppamas Ngenyangthong, 20, was stabbed at a New Year 'Countdown' event at Sarasin Bridge late last Saturday night (Jan 4). Photos: Supplied / Eakkapop Thongtub 20, originally from Prachuap Khiri Khan. She had died from a two-centimeter stab wound under the left breast. She had also suffered slash wounds on her left wrist and left calf.

Hospital staff told police that Miss Noppamas died while being rushed to the hospital.

Four other people were injured in the attack, Capt Kraisorn reported.

Thanaphon Janjit, 23, had been stabbed in the stomach, suffered a large slash to his chest and had a head wound that took three stitches to close.

He was taken to Thalang Hos-

pital, but transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital for surgery.

Of the three others injured, Mr Thanaphon’s twin brother, Mr Thanaphong, had suffered injuries to his hands, Patipat Deekhran had suffered a slash wound on his right hand, and a man named only by his nickname “A-ngoon” (“Grape”) had suffered injuries to his eyes.

All three had been taken to Thalang Hospital and treated, and all three had been already released from hospital care, Capt Kraisorn reported.

R at t a n awa n “ K a e m” Khunthong, 23, from Pra-

chuap Khiri Khan province, told police that she and Miss Noppamas had been girlfriends for about five years.

The couple with about 10 friends on Saturday went to the last night of the event for a live music concert, she said.

After the concert, one of the group, Sittichai Khongyam, 18, went to urinate in the grass under the bridge. After Mr Sittichai had finished his business, he was attacked by three men.

Earlier during the night, the three men had made unwelcome gestures and advances towards Miss Noppamas, Miss Rattanawan explained.

Mr Thanaphon, a 23-yearold third-year student at Thalang Technical College, went to intervene, and the three men turned to attack him, smashing a beer bottle on his head, she said.

The group moved to help Mr Thanaphon and Mr Sittichai, Miss Rattanawan explained.

During the fight, one of the three attackers grabbed a meat cleaver from a local vendor and struck Mr Thanaphon several

times. However, the attacker dropped the knife and Mr Thanaphon was able to pick it up and chase the attackers off, she said.

In the melee, Miss Noppamas had hit one of the attackers with a chair. In response, one of the attackers pulled out a knife and attacked her. She suffered slash wounds on her left wrist and left calf, and was stabbed in the chest.

Miss Rattanawan said that Miss Noppamas had never had a boyfriend. The two had been a couple since school in Prachuap Khiri Khan.

However, on the night of the attack Miss Noppamas was openly showing her affection in public, which was unusual for her, Miss Rattanawan said.

Miss Rattanawan told police that she already knew the three men before the attack.

Before the surrender of Kerkkiat, Capt Kraisorn said that police had the names of all three attackers and were taking action to take all three into custody.

Police are are now tracking down the remaining two, Capt Kraisorn said.

SALES REPRESENTATIVE Kanokwan (Meo) Rungseang 088 754 1371 sales1@classactmedia.co.th

Peaceland members were part of the Tham Luang cave rescue mission in 2018.

CNY 2020 to get boost for safety CHINESE RESCUE NGO Peaceland Foundation will have members join security and marine safety efforts in Phuket from Jan 20 to Feb 2 to help boost safety over the Chinese New Year, which this year falls on Jan 25.

The Peaceland members will be at Chalong Pier, Wanit Pier, Coral Island, Patong Beach, Kata Beach and Karon Beach, explained Phuket Vice Governor Supoj Rotreuang Na Nongkhai. The Phuket News thephuketnews

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PLS lifeguards return to Rawai Win contract to patrol Nai Harn, Yanui; set up post at Koh Racha

Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

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ifeguards operating under Phuket Lifeguard Service Co Ltd (PLS), which provides the trained, qualified lifeguards patrolling Patong Beach, are now providing lifeguards and beach patrol coverage in all parts of Rawai, including a post on Koh Racha Yai, south of Phuket.

PLS Secretary Vitanya Chuayuan explained that the new patrols began on Jan 1 and will continue until October this year, under contract

by Rawai Municipality.

“Last year, we focused on lifesaving education and water safety for kids in the community nationwide,” Ms Vitanya said.

“Now we are returning our focus on the beaches, starting back at Rawai,” she added.

“We have set our goal at zero deaths from drowning in the Rawai area. Last year the area suffered three beach drownings in Rawai, and that does not include the tourists who drowned while snorkelling or drowning at Racha Yai,” Ms Vitanya pointed out.

In total the PLS is providing 15 lifeguards for Rawai along with a range of lifesaving equipment.

“We have eight lifeguards at Nai

A young girl prepares to enter the water at Nai Harn Beach. Lifeguards from the Phuket Lifeguard Service now patrol Nai Harn, as well as Yanui Beach and at Koh Racha. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot Harn Beach, two at Yanui Beach and five at Koh Racha. The lifeguards will be on duty at all three locations from 8:30am to 7:30pm every day,” Ms Vitanya said.

“As Koh Racha is a new location and a tourist area, we need to explain about life saving to local people,” she added.

In terms of rescue equipment,

the lifeguards at Nai Harn have at their disposal one jet-ski, one ATV, three first aid kits, three AEDs, one lifeguard paddle board, six rescue boards and six rescue tubes.

At Yanui Beach, the lifeguards have two first aid kits, two rescue boards, two rescue tubes, and one AED, while the lifeguards at Koh Racha have two first aid kits, two

Australian shoplifter charged for stealing B28k drone

A 38-Y EA R- OLD AUStralian man has been charged with theft after he stole a drone valued at more than B28,000 from a store at Central Festival shopping mall.

Tourist Police Region 3 Commander Maj Gen Krissak Songmoonnak announced the arrest of the Australian – named by police as “Ayden Depp” – at a press conference held at Phuket Tourist Police headquarters in Phuket Town last Sunday (Jan 5).

Gen Krissak explained that Depp was arrested at Phuket International Airport last Saturday (Jan 4) as he re-entered the country from a trip to Yangon, Myanmar.

Depp was wanted according on arrest warrant no.

213/2019 issued on Dec 31 for the charge of theft, Gen Krissak said.

Police received a report from staff at a store, which Gen Krissak did not name, in the Central Floresta shopping mall on Dec 27, reporting that a man had stolen a drone on Dec 26.

The man was recorded on CCTV in the mall, Gen Krissak said. @thephuketnews

Police search the house in Rassada as Ayden Depp, 38, of Australia, looks on, Photo: Phuket Tourist Police “He stole the drone while there were a lot of customers in the shop,” he said.

Depp initially denied stealing anything from the mall, but after he was taken to Wichit Police Station for questioning he later confessed that he had and was keeping it at his rented accommodation in Rassada, Gen Krissak explained.

Officers searched the home in Rassada and found a Parrot drone matching the description of the one reported as stolen from the shop.

“Mr Depp confessed that before stealing the drone, he bought a shaving machine from the shop, but it did not work well. He brought it back to the shop to get his money back, but the staff refused,

so he stole the drone,” Gen Krissak said.

The drone was valued at B28,990, Gen Krissak added.

At the home, police also seized seven other brand-name goods, including handbags and sunglasses, which Gen Krissak said were valued together at more than B100,000. The goods were seized as Depp could not provide receipts to prove that he bought them.

Gen Krissak explained that Depp arrived in Thailand on Nov 4 on a tourist visa and had his permit to stay extended to Jan 2. “On Dec 26, Mr Depp stole the drone at Central Phuket, and on Dec 29 he flew to Don Mueang airport in Bangkok in order to fly to Yangon. He returned to Phuket on Jan 4 with new 30-day visa that will expire on Feb 2,” Gen Krissak noted.

Gen Krissak urged shop owners to report any items believed to have been stolen, and said property owners and managers must file TM30 reports to inform Immigration of any foreign tenants “because the tenants might be wanted people”, he said.

Eakkapop Thongtub

rescue boards, two rescue tubes and two AEDs. Jula Nontree, who previously served for years with and was trained to international standard by the PLS, remains as the chief lifeguard at Nai Harn, Ms Vitanya pointed pointed out.

“He is our supervisor for the lifeguards in the Rawai area and will

organise their training, including exercises every day,” Ms Vitanya said.

The Rawai lifeguard division currently has 10 lifeguards who have passed tests set by the International Life Saving Federation. The rest will undergo the same training, she added.

Many of the lifeguards serving in Rawai also have years of local experience, and understand the dangers local currents pose, Ms Vitanya said.

“They are very familiar with the area,” she noted.

Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos explained that the move to hire the PLS was part procedural, but also to bring their skills and experience to the area.

“The previous lifeguards were hired only temporarily, from October to December 2019, so a new contract had to be offered to make sure lifeguards continued to patrol the beaches,” he said.

“Two companies entered bids for the contract, which offered about B6 million for 10 months, but the PLS is well qualified and experienced.

“Their close work with Surf Life Saving Thailand means they much more experience on Phuket’s beaches than anyone else. I expect they will protect and save people from drowning in Rawai area,” he said.

Opinion 6

OPINION

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020

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084 307 7408 execeditor@classactmedia.co.th Fifteen years working in news and covering local issues and events in Phuket, with 18-month hiatus spent working for the Brunei Times on Borneo. From Queensland, Australia; 10 years living in the UK before moving to Phuket in 2000.

Degree in business management.

Spare time spent sailing or with family.

BEN TIREBUCK

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061 806 8132 editor3@classactmedia.co.th UK born and bred but living and working overseas for 20+ years.

A career working in sales, marketing, news and media has seen him based in Shanghai, Sydney, Tokyo, San Diego and Singapore. Most recently with Thomson Reuters and Bloomberg, both in Singapore.

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China catches a cold

ealth officials this week showed that they are well practised when it comes to trying to stave off an incoming infection from China. All the practice since the SARS scare in 2003 seems to have paid off. Since then, Thai health officials have had to raise shields for bird flu, swine flu and MERS. Thankfully Phuket health officials are well drilled on what to do to try to identify those infected as they arrive, and have the facilities and protocols to follow. However, at the time this article went to print no one had any idea how long the incubation period of this latest illness might be.

By the way, if you think bird flu and swine flu are dead, think again. In July last year an outbreak of 216 confirmed cases of swine flu in Myanmar were reported. Sixty-two of

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Re: Electric outage to hit Kamala Always best to reserve tasks like this for high season Sefton Hanley Again? Third one in twomonths-great planning David Newstone

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those people were dead in just one month; 40 of those in Yangon alone.

Bird flu continues to rear its ugly head, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) makes it very clear that although the majority of infections are in animals, “Humans can be infected with zoonotic influenza viruses such as avian or swine influenza viruses.”

Then there’s MERS, which has been reported in 27 countries since 2012. While about 80% of human cases have been reported in Saudi Arabia, in December three cases were confirmed in Doha, Qatar.

That now puts the disease in a country that is one of the most popular transit points for Europeans travelling to Asia.

On that note, while officials in Phuket are monitoring only arrivals on direct flights from Wuhan, it is worrying that arrivals on connecting flights

or flights from nearby areas in China are not being monitored.

Wuhan is the capital of Hubei province, which is home to some 58 million people.

Right next door is Chongqing, which is home to some 30mn people. Both provinces are very popular for tourists wanting to see the Three Gorges Dam, and a simple search on Google Flights shows more than 79 direct and connecting flights for people travelling from Chongqing to Phuket to choose from.

With that volume of connecting flight options, and the loud noises being made about Mainland Chinese about to set a record number of crossboundary trips this Chinese New Year holiday, it does beg the question whether our health services are prepared to handle the volume of arrivals from China expected to touch down in Phuket come Jan 25.

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

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No change in TM30, TM28 reporting, says Phuket Immigration Phuket Opinion: Lofty aspirations Female student, 20, stabbed to death in attack at New Year event New Year beach sing-along ends with jealous stab in the neck, beating Briton killed by exploding firework in Pattaya Australian shoplifter charged for stealing B28k drone, police suspect B100k of brand-name goods also stolen Road deaths rise to 256 after 5 days of New Year holiday travel Hackers blamed for editing Promthep Cape map pin Four killed in Udon Thani family tragedy Phuket vendors appeal eviction from Surin Beach

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TANYALUK ‘MANGO’ SAKOOT

EDITORIAL

Tempertures highten over mysterious illness

Re: Four travelers reported feverish symptoms kept in quarantine after landing from Wuhan Perhaps the airport should stop scanning all fingers until this passes.

Simon Graves Scanning their wallets.

Warren Lack “Scan for the virus”… seriously!? How can one scan for a virus.

Deboy Stylin

A burning desire to help Re:AustCham launches appeal to help bushfire victims

Well done THAILAND Australia, other countries fight for you. The world pulls together in times of need Virginia Downton Thank you Thailand… my home for many years…

Australia really appreciates your love and support… we are truly thankful.

Angie Flowers As we all know, Australia has been massive in supporting all Asian Countries when they have had any kind of disaster… I wonder what Asian countries including Thailand are likely to do for us now that we have a disaster… hhhmmmmmmm…

Peter Crisp We land in Phuket on the 22nd. Unfortunately we are leaving our home that is currently being threatened by a fire not knowing if we will have a home to come back to.

But in saying that we have got all our important things packed to leave with loved ones just in case.

Thank you very much for caring and helping to raise much-needed funds Ana Stasia

It’s in the bag

Re: Activist clams customers’ rights infringed by plastic bag ban.

If people are stupid enough or lazy enough not to pack a bag to the store, far out. Let them pay. I saw bags in Tesco the other day for B40. I had my empty rice bag folded up in my back pocket as I laughed.

Frank Stein Just a prof it ma k i ng scheme from companiesabsolutely no effect on the environment… Put the effort where it matter, Seriously how many bags from Tesco, Big C, 7-Eleven, etc, do you see laying around? It’s plastic waste in general due to poorly educated people and a lack of garbage bins Lars Peter Jacobsen I learnt quickly and rarely forget my bags now. I always feel quite chuffed with myself presenting my little collection of bags at the checkout… most accumulated at inflated prices when I felt like a loser for forgetting them!

Jacinta Plazzer Yeah, bring your own bag

since they can’t seem to stock enough bio bags for customers to purchase. Incredible Michael White This is ridiculous… seriously, bring your own bags.

Pathetic excuses. People’s stupidity infringes on my sanity.

Monica Dias My little town did the no plastic bags thing and I bought four biodegradable bags and just keep them in the car. Here in Thailand, my wife and I have a couple in the car and a few in the motorbike. It is just a matter of getting in the habit. Once people acclimate to this routine, the process will be smooth and the goal will be recognised.

Clint Macbeth

What the Clutch?

Re: Officals vow legal action after turtle nest raided, eggs stolen Turtles if they are interrupted at the start of laying they can abandon the attempt.

You could contact the Mon Repos Conservation Park in Queensland for confirmation of this.

Shaun Toomey

Have an opinion? Comment on stories at thephuketnews.com thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020

THAILAND NEWS

New Year death toll at fiveyear low, down nearly 20% BANGKOK Bangkok Post

T

he death toll from road accidents during the “seven dangerous days” of the New Year holidays dropped by almost 20% to 373, the lowest level in five years.

On Thursday (Jan 2), 45 people were killed, up one or 2.3% year-on-year, bringing the total in seven days to 373, down 19.4%. On the same day, 359 injured were in 354 road accidents, both down from the previous year.

Most of the vehicles involved in the crashes were motorcycles, which accounted for 83%, said Deputy Interior Minister Niphon Bunyamanee said on Friday, citing the latest report from the Road Safety Directing Centre.

From Dec 27 to Jan 2, there were a total of 3,421 road accidents across the country, with 3,499 injuries. Bangkok had the highest number of deaths at 15, while Songkhla recorded the highest number of accidents and injuries at 116 and 121, respectively.

Drink driving and speeding were major causes of the crashes. A total of 230,603 people were charged with traffic offences, including failing to wear crash helmets (56,447), and driving without licences (51,686).

Compared with last year’s figures,

A pickup truck rams into a roadside electric pole in Si Satchanalai district, Sukhothai province, on Jan 1, killing a woman and injuring four others. Photo: Phubes Faites the number of New Year holiday road accidents this year was 370 lower. The numbers of deaths and injuries during this New Year holidays were also down from the previous year by 90 and 393, respectively, he said.

Court of Justice spokesman Suriyan Hongwilai said on Friday there were 25,376 traffic offence cases, mostly drink-driving, sent to courts from Dec 27 to Jan 2. Of the total, the courts already ruled on 24,986 cases, or 98.5%.

Drink-driving topped the list of traffic offences sent to courts during the seven-day dangerous New Year period, with 23,723 offenders. The other top two offences were driving without licences (3,879) and driving under the influence of drugs (344), said Mr Suriyan.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha

said on Jan 2 that despite the improvement, he was not happy with the figures since hundreds of deaths were still considered high. Authorities must remain vigilant and continue to find measures to lower the numbers further for the next long holidays during Songkran, he added.

He also floated the idea of changing the name of the monitoring period from “seven dangerous days” to something more positive. He suggested “seven days of happiness” so people think more of their loved ones and their own safety when driving during long holidays.

While the death toll dropped, it is still a far cry from the international goal adopted by the Land Transport Department at below 10 per 100,000 population this year, or 664 a year based on the population of 66.4 million in the 2018 census.

New health regulations for tattooists THAILAND TATTOOISTS AR E R Equired to get an annual health clearance and to know about proper use and disposal of their tools and waste under a new regulation announced by the Public Health Ministry.

The announcement was published in the Royal Gazette on Thursday (Jan 2) and was signed by Deputy Public Health Minister Sathit Pitutecha. It will take effect in 90 days.

The regulation is aimed at ensuring clients’ health is not harmed through infection or allergic reactions to colourings and chemicals used.

Skin-artists are required to be healthy and free of respiratory and skin diseases.

They must have a medical certificate from an annual physical checkup, confirming they are in good health and do not carry hepatitis B or C, or tuberculosis.

They are also required to know about infection prevention and the proper disposal of waste from their business.

The announcement also covers piercing services, but spares tattooing and piercing for religious beliefs.

Bangkok Post @thephuketnews

A skin - artist at work during a tattoo contest at MBK shopping centre in Bangkok last October. File photo: Apichit Jinakul

7

Prayut warns of worst drought in forty years THAILAND PRIME MINISTER PRAYUT Chan-o-cha has warned people to brace themselves against serious drought which is expected to start this month and last almost half the year.

“The drought situation this year will be worse than in previous years. Many of the main rivers are drying up while salty seawater is intruding into the rivers also,” he told the media yesterday after a cabinet meeting.

“The government is going to approve a budget to help drought-affected farmers and villagers. The help might come in forms of creating alternative job opportunities. Help will come along,” he added.

When questioned on how to provide water resources for drought-stricken villages, the premier said the government has ordered provincial administrations across the country to dig wells to tap water from aquifers.

Thailand is combating severe drought which the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD)’s acting director-general Kornrawee Sittichivapak said would be the worst in four

The Thai Meteorological Department has predicted an upcoming drought as the worst in four decades.

Photo: AFP decades.

Precipitation in the last year decreased by 18% from previous years across the country and as much as 24% in northern and upper central region provinces, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives.

Last week, the TMD warned that the drought will reach critical levels this month and February and that the problem will continue until May before the return of the rains in June.

The areas predicted to be hardest hit will be 43 provinces in the northern, upper central and northeastern central regions, according to TMD’s official forecast released on Dec 23.

It is unclear when the government relief package for affected regions is likely to be available. Bangkok Post

THAILAND NEWS

8

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020

Campaign gains momentum Anti-plastic drive to eradicate 27m tonnes of waste each year BANGKOK Bangkok Post

A

mong Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa's top priorities is reducing the amount of single-use plastic bags.

To help him, 75 department stores, convenience stores and other shops with more than 24,500 branches nationwide have agreed to do so and as of Jan 1 they stopped giving these bags away for free.

Meanwhile, customers of many big department stores are saying no to plastic bags, partly because of growing awareness about how harmful they are to the environment, especially marine life.

As well as the “Every Day Say No to Plastic Bags” campaign, the Pollution Control Department (PCD) has introduced a 20 year-action plan on plastic waste management from 2018-2037, which includes measures to stop Thais using seven plastic items and types.

They are cap seals, Oxo-

Activists join a campaign called 'Everyday Say No to Plastic Bags' on Dec 25 at the EmQuartier shopping mall in Bangkok. Photo: Somchai Poomlard degradable plastic, microbeads, plastic bags of less than 36 micron thickness (widely known as single-use plastic bags), polystyrene-made food containers, plastic cups and straws.

It is estimated that Thai con su me r s get t h roug h 700,000 tonnes of polystyrene for food containers per year, 1.72 million tonnes of plastic cups and straws, together with 1.17 million tonnes of plastic bags. They also produce around 1.13 kilogrammes of waste per day per head, which

adds up to around 27 million tonnes of waste per year.

The PCD kicked-off the plan by announcing a ban on using plastic cap seals in drinking water bottles in 2018, expecting it would eradicate around 2.6 billion pieces, or around 520 tonnes of plastic, per year.

Elsewhere, the Thai Food and Drug Administration has announced a ban on microbead use in all cosmetic products, effective Jan 1.

Additionally, the minister said a ban on plastic cups

and straws will be imposed next year.

A cashier at Golden Place supermarket, who asked not to be named, said the shop now has paper bags for sale for two baht each for customers who do not bring their own bags, but admitted they were not strong enough to hold large and heavy items.

Manufacturers not happy Meanwhile, the campaign against single-use plastic bags is a nightmare scenario for their manufacturers, who claimed they stand to make huge losses as a result of the ban.

The Thai Plastic Industry Association's chairman Somchai Techapanichkul said the government campaign to stop using single-use plastic is two years ahead of schedule, which will seriously hurt SMEs unable to make production adjustments in time to produce thicker plastic. The original time frame was for the year 2022.

According to the association, there are around 500 plastic manufacturing plants nationwide with over 8,000 employees. A sharp drop in the number of orders as a result of the ban will almost certainly mean job losses in

A customer, using her own bag, packs her purchases herself after major retailers stopped issuing single-use plastic bags from Jan 1. Photo by Wichan Charoenkiatpakul the near future and damage to the industry estimated at 30 billion baht per year.

“We don't oppose the ban, but it should have been gradual. An immediate halt will completely destroy our business. We have not seen any government measures to help us cushion this blow,” Mr Somchai said.

The association submitted a letter to the ministry, demanding a rehabilitation scheme, including compensation for employees and firms.

Mr Somchai also feared the situation will get worse if the government bans plastic bag use in fresh markets owned by state-owned agencies by the year 2021, as they are major plastic bag industry customers.

Regarding plant-based bag production, he admitted that this is one alternative and many manufacturers have already turned to this as it is an inexpensive investment.

However the cost of each bag is four times higher, which raises costs for shops which makes replacing plastic bags more difficult.

A PCD source recommended manufacturers produce plastic bags of more than 36 microns in thickness which can be distributed by stores.

One shopper, who identi-

fied himself as Mink, believes the government is coming down hard on consumers when it comes to plastic.

He thinks the government is misleading the public into believing plastic bags are not good for environment, when in fact the problem lies with plastic waste management.

It should implement measures to improve waste management and promote recycling by providing incentives and encouraging people to dispose of waste responsibly so that it does not end up in the sea.

He said the new policy will cause problems for shoppers who forget to bring their own bags to stores. He said he saw one incident in which a shopper's purchases ended up on the floor because the paper bags she was provided with were not strong enough to hold her shopping.

“I don't want to be in that kind of situation. I want my plastic bags back, and better waste management in this country,” he said.

A woman who did not wish to be named said she also preferred plastic bags because they can be used many times and are light.

“I've been asking for more at shops before they disappear,” she said.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020

BUSINESS NEWS

9

Surin Beach vendors evicted

Appeal to Governor, claim ‘virgin beach’ status denies livelihoods The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

M

ore than 40 beach vendors evicted from the sands at Surin Beach before Christmas have appealed to the Phuket Governor to help them continue working on the beach.

The contingent of beach vendors, led by Phuket MP Natthee Thinsakoo of the Palang Pracharat Party, met with Phuket Vice Governor Supoj Rotreuang Na Nongkhai at Phuket Provincial Hall on Monday (Jan 6) to file their appeal.

Also present to hear the vendors’ complaints were Phuket Provincial Office Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) Anupong Wawongmoon, Thalang District Chief Adul Chuthong and Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor) Chief MaAnn Samran, among other officials.

Mr Natthee explained that Cherng Talay OrBorTor posted a notice on Dec 23 ordering all vendors to vacate the sands at Surin Beach by Jan 12 – or face having their businesses demolished by the OrBorTor and the vendors themselves face legal action.

Not wanting to tempt fate, the beach vendors all vacated their areas immediately.

The beach vendors on Monday (Jan 6) were led by Phuket MP Natthee Thinsakoo of the Palang Pracharat Party. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub At the meeting, the vendors said they had continually suffered under the beach-management policy introduced in Phuket under the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), which ran the country after the coup in 2014.

Of note, Phuket is the only place in the country where any beachmanagement policy was introduced.

Under the policy, Surin Beach was designated a “virgin beach”, meaning a “vendor-free beach”, as it was to be left bare for all people

to enjoy in honour of King Rama 9.

“Since the beach was designated [as a ‘vendor-free’ beach] under the NCPO, local residents have always suffered,” one representative said.

The move denied local residents the opportunity to work on the beach, and caused worry among the villagers, the representative added.

“If we cannot work here to make money so we can eat, where can we work?” he asked.

“Therefore we would like to ask [for the government] to set up an

AustCham Thailand launches appeal to help bushfire victims THE AUSTRALIAN-THAI Chamber of Commerce (AustCham) has launched an appeal to raise funds for those affected by the devastating bushfires ravaging towns and communities in Australia.

Reserve troops fanned out across fire-ravaged regions in three Australian states on Monday after a horror weekend last Saturday and Sunday, as the government pledged US$1.4 billion over two years to help recover from the devastating months-long crisis, AFP noted.

Catastrophic bushfires have turned swathes of land into smouldering, blackened hellscapes and destroyed an area about the size of the island of Ireland, according to official figures, with authorities warning the disaster still has weeks or months to run.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison, whose government has been criticised for its slow response to the emergency, pledged AUS$2 billion of taxpayer money for a national recovery fund.

“It’s a long road ahead and we will be with these communities every step of the way as they rebuild,” Morrison said.

Almost five million hectares @thephuketnews

Military teams have begun assisting evacuations across eastern Australia. Photo: AFP (50,000 square kilometres) have been razed across New South Wales and more than 1.2 million hectares in Victoria since late September, officials said.

That took the total amount of land burnt close to eight million hectares – around the size of the island of Ireland or South Carolina.

Twenty-four people have lost their lives so far, with over 1,800 homes damaged.

In a statement issued earlier today, AustCham Thailand noted, “AustCham Thailand would like to express our condolences to those who have experienced loss and gratitude to those who continue to fight the bushfires that have destroyed vast parts of Australia.

“As with all Australians, and Australians at heart, we would like to do our part to assist the devastated regions,

and will be providing opportunities for members and friends to donate through AustCham to our selected channel – the Salvation Army,” the statement explained.

“If you would like to make a donation, please contact Chanakarn Lim chanakarn@ austchamthailand.com or call 02-210-0216.

“We will also be taking cash donations at The Great Australian Bash on Saturday, January 18, and at the Australia Day Phuket Sundowners on Thursday, January 23,” the statement said.

AustCham also suggested that people can make donations directly directly to Australia to the Salvation Army (https:// www.salvationarmy.org.au) or to the Australian Red Cross (https://www.redcross.org.au/ campaigns/disaster-relief-andrecovery-donate).

For people wanting to make direct donations to other organisations, AustCham directed people to a News.com report citing many charity organisations involved (see https://www. news.com.au/technology/environment/bushfire-relief-howyou-can-help-those-in-need).

The Phuket News

area where the villagers can work and comply with the law and make a sustainable living. At present, around 40-50 vendors at Surin Beach of various types of trade are out of work,” the representative said.

Vice Governor Supoj said that Phuket government had no choice but to follow the order by the NCPO to designate Surin Beach as a beach honouring King Rama 9, and therefore no persons were permitted to operate any businesses on the beach.

“Therefore, the Phuket government cannot allow the vendors to do as they want,” he said.

Cherng Talay OrBorTor Chief MaAnn also said that he was just following the order by the NCPO to clear all vendors, including bed and umbrella operators, from the beach.

“We warned local vendors twice and posted announcements on the beach in December,” Mr MaAnn said.

“If we did not do this, we may have been charged under Section 157 of the Criminal Code,” he said.

Section 157 of the Criminal Code specifically states, “Whoever, being an official, wrongfully exercises or does not exercise any of his functions to the injury of any person, or dishonestly exercises or omits to exercise any of his functions, shall

be punished with imprisonment of one to ten years or fined of two thousand to twenty thousand Baht, or both.”

“Nowadays, there are more than 80 vendors on the beach, and at the same time local people want the OrBorTor to clear the beach and be strict with enforcing the law so that the beach can really be a public beach open to everyone to use,” Mr MaAnn said.

Vice Governor Supoj in concluding the meeting said plainly, “The beach is a public area and declared to be a beach in honor of King Rama 9 – which means there must not be any activity on the beach, especially occupying areas on the beach. Government officials must follow the aforementioned steps.

“If the affected persons do not agree with the order [to vacate the beach], they must file an appeal with the relevant office within 15 days – in this case, by January 7.

“All affected people must submit an appeal with the Cherng Talay OrBorTor. The appeal will be considered within 30 days before being forwarded to the governor for further consideration,” Vice Governor Supoj said.

Additional reporting by Eakkapop Thongtub

10 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020

Tourism growth slowly returns

H2 arrivals begin to bounce back after stifled start to 2019 Bill Barnett

R

obust passenger arrivals in the second half of 2019 highlighted by growth in Indian tourists helped rebalance the island’s tourism sector according to the C9 Hotelworks newly released Phuket Hotel Market Update.

The addition of direct flights from Mumbai, Dehli and Bengaluru propelled numbers by 298% versus the same period in the previous year, noted the report released this week.

In 2019, year-on-year passenger arrivals declined in Q1 (-4%) and Q2 (-7%) due to international economic volatility, China-US trade tensions and a strong Thai baht.

Long-haul travelers from Australia and European countries – led by Scandinavia, Germany, and Italy – shrank. Moreover, Chinese arrivals moved into troubled territory with a negative year-on-year growth rate of -9%, the report added.

However, passenger arrivals notably regained momentum in Q3 (3%) and Q4 (8%). The demand came from regional Asian feeders, led

by India, Malaysia and Singapore.

Overall for the year passenger arrivals in 2019 are forecasted to be similar to 2018, but punctuated by a H2 rising trend.

Tourist arrivals to Phuket began climbing after the mid-year, while more hotels are on target to open in the near future. Images: C9 Hotelworks In 2019, the total number of passenger arrivals at the Phuket International Airport is forecasted to be 9,109,487, with the December year-on-year monthly 2019 figure forecasted to be up by 8%.

Citing recent media reports about Phuket’s hotels being half empty, C9’s Managing Director Bill Barnett stated, “Current 2019 data that reflects over 9 million passenger arrivals at Phuket International Airport, and hotel occupancy levels for the year in the low 70s is contrary to the media claims, which are largely unsupported by a lack of metrics.

“While 2019 saw a slight drop

in occupancy, and marked reduction in average rates and RevPAR, these are mainly attributed to an appreciating Thai baht and reaction to increased competition in leisure destinations. The latter part of 2019 trending showed higher demand which is encouraging but seasonable challenges remain a key challenge,” Mr Barnett said.

Looking at key hotel performance trends, the second-half growth spurt in demand drove full-year marketwide occupancy to 72% according to data from STR, which is 3% lower versus 2018.

Rate pressure remains intense

and a challenge to RevPAR; with Thai currency appreciation set to continue in 2020. Two key metrics that were impacted was a drop in island average rates by 6%, and the knock on impact to RevPAR that also stepped back by 10%, largely driven by lower room rates.

Tourism receipts in Phuket for the period January to November 2019 tallied B416 billion.

A key airlift factor is direct f lights and diverse destinations.

Comparing Mainland China with 21 destinations from 22 airlines and Russia with 34 destinations from eight airlines, the number of

Indian arrivals from three cities and two airlines is anticipated to see continued market penetration and upside in 2020 and beyond.

Phuket’s developing surge has continued with 57 properties under development in the pipeline representing 15,277 new keys. Over 50% of the incoming supply are hotel managed residences or real estate led projects, the report added.

In 2020, 5,009 new keys from 21 properties will enter the island hotel supply, which is a 6% increase.

The majority of future pipeline developments are in upscale and midscale tiers.

Govt postpones land tax THE ENFORCEMENT OF the new land and building tax measures under the Land and Building Tax Act BE 2562 has been postponed from an initial starting date of Jan 1, 2020.

In making the announcement, made public on Dec 30, Interior Minister Gen Anupong Paochinda said that the responsible Local Administration Organisations will be asking land owners to submit details of their land holdings until March 2020.

The introduction of the Land and Building Tax law has caused confusion and concern among many parties, especially the taxation criteria, Gen Anupong said.

According to the new tax structure, land and buildings used for residential purposes with appraisal prices of up to B50mn are tax-exempt, those valued at B50-75mn are taxed at 0.03%, properties worth B75-100mn are taxed at 0.05%, and those appraised at more than B100mn at 0.1%.

If owners have more than one house, subsequent residences up to B50mn in value are subject to a 0.02% tax, and the same rate as principal homes is applied to residences worth more than that.

Gen Anupong said that the

Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda announced that new tax has been postponed to at least March. Photo: NNT Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Finance were working together on the matter. He also stressed that the law is intended to collect tax from the wealthy in order to help the poor, noted a report by state news agency NNT. The Interior Minister said any persons receiving notification letters with inaccurate information after submitting their land plot details, can file for an amendment at the respective local administration; by submitting the request by mail or online, or authorising other persons to file the request on their behalf.

The move to delay the tax measures follows the government being urged to delay the implementation of the tax to give local authorities and taxpayers more time to prepare.

Future Forward party-list MP Sirikanya Tansakun, who also

chairs the House committee on economic development, said local officials are not ready for the new property tax regime, reported the Bangkok Post.

She said even the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, which is supposed to be ready for the new law, is not fully equipped to handle large numbers of property owners who wish to update their assets at district offices.

The new rules sent many land and property owners into a panic after they received letters from local administrative organisations and district offices informing them of their property type ahead of the enforcement of the new legislation, Ms Sirikanya said.

She also criticised the government for failing to help local authorities prepare.

Fiscal Policy Office director Lawan Saengsanit admitted that some hiccups were likely because the law is new, but suggested some people might see their taxes go down.

Under the new law, tax is applied to four types of land – residences, farmland, commercial areas and undeveloped land – and rates vary depending on how the property is used.

The Phuket News thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020

Take family fun to The Next Level with Jumanji

12

Nothing quiet about Speakeasy Yacht Club

13

‘Ringsels’ formed from the brain of Shakyamuni Siddhārtha Gautama.

DEM’ DRY BONES The ‘bone procession’ through Phuket Town. Photos: PR Dept

Buddhist Bone Relics Evoke Memories of Bygone Days ALL ABOUT BUDDHISM

Jason A. Jellison mitnoy@live.com

R

ecently, we had some events in Phuket that had me thinking more about my family’s deep American roots than about Patong Beach. You see, America’s Old South and modern-day Phuket actually have more in common than it may appear because they are two places which clutched their religious traditions tightly even as society grew more permissive in general.

In the 1920s and ’30s, the Old South used music to retain its spiritual traditions and one of the biggest hits on the AM dial was a song called Dem’ Bones. Popularised by the Delta Rhythm Boys in the late 30s, the song was inspired by Ezekiel’s journey through the Valley of the Dry Bones and any good southern boy would have surely known that song.

While Buddhism does not use music to spread its messages, bone relics are sacred to many world religions and an event here in Phuket recently brought my mind back to this song. From the 13th through the 17th of December, Phuket was treated to a sensational series of ceremonies in which the relics of four highly revered Buddhist monks were most auspiciously interred. One of the relics even has been attributed to Buddha himself.

With great pomp and ceremony, the deeply-revered relics proceeded through the heart of Phuket Town amidst a gala parade; ending in an afternoon celebration at Wat Lang San. Ceremonies like this are pre@thephuketnews

cious to many Buddhists and, to be sure, bone dedications have a long and winding history in the Buddhist Canon.

Originally, Buddha’s personal ashes were supposed to go to only one kingdom after his passing. However, this nearly ended in conflict. To make all well, Buddha’s relics were subdivided amongst eight ancient kingdoms. Centuries later, King Ashoka further divided many of Buddha’s personal relics and entombed them amidst thousands of ancient monuments.

Today, many Thai Buddhists learn to spend a good deal of time studying their own mortality because Buddha knew that he could not allow his followers to ignore the topic of death. Ignorance of human mortality leads to psychological fallacies that tend to cause considerable stress and unnecessary suffering.

Historically speaking, Buddha lectured on the reality of death on many occasions. More recently, Buddha’s lectures stand out in the minds of international followers who learned Buddhist canon through English-language translations because Buddha’s words are often memorably translated into English as “a heap of bones”.

In one such lecture, a monk had asked how many bones a person would leave behind as a person wanders through multiple rounds of reincarnation. In the Itivuttaka, Buddha is recorded as saying that an unenlightened person would wander through reincarnation for eons and the skeletons of this recycling soul would leave “a heap of bones as large as Mount Vepulla”. (Itivuttaka: 24) There are other memorable exchanges like this in the ancient texts. Buddhists are well-known to believe in reincarnation and they often intern the bone relics from great sages inside of grand monuments after

cremation. Each Buddhist region has its own folklore and legends. However, I acquired Buddhism from particularly fervent Thai Buddhists and they have some beliefs about bone relics which are very unique.

Some Thai Buddhists believe that the bones of deeplyrevered monks transform into diamond. They believe that diamond spurs appear inside the bones of great monks because these men possess unique spiritual insight. Diamonds, of course, survive cremation. There are a number of such “diamonds” which are kept on display throughout Thailand as proof of this.

Only a few displays are open to the public, but I was allowed to see a display at a rural Buddhist temple because I was embedded with a devout congregation for many years. These translucent pearls had been collected from the Master’s ashes after cremation and they were stored inside of small urns which were then enclosed within elaborate glass display cases. At one temple, a wax copy of the deceased monk was displayed close to his urn.

Skeptics have long claimed that these pearls are simply a byproduct of the cremation itself. However, nobody has ever been able to adequately explain why it is that these diamonds seem to appear inside the ashes of highly revered monks only, but never anyone else.

Regardless, bone relics mean many things to many people. For some, they ward off evil spirits. For others, they simply incite grace, and for certain Thai Buddhists, they may represent pearls of supra-human insight.

But whichever of those qualities that a believer might identify with, bone relics do seem to touch believers from all over the world. After all, isn’t it true that life has always leapt forth out from the ashes of our past?

12 ENTERTAINMENT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020

Starring Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart and Karen Gillan

Jumanji: Next Level is Rock solid David Griffiths

C

inema fans rejoice as the true dream team are back. Yes a team made up of Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart and Jack Black may seem like a strange line-up for what is essentially an action adventure film, but nobody gets things done like these guys do. No one seemed to predict just how successful of a film Jumanji:

Welcome To The Jungle was going to be back in 2019 and once again people seem caught out but the arrival of the latest film in the franchise and just how good it is.

Picking up a few years after the events of Welcome To The Jungle we find our original players coming together for the first time since they graduated from High School. Spencer (Alex Wolff) and Martha (Morgan Turner) have split up and Spencer finds himself in a rut that sees him separate

himself from his friends.

Determined to try and put some spark back into his life Spencer begins to put the Jumanji game back together and places himself back in the world of the video game. When they discover that he is missing his friends decide to go into the game to rescue him but in doing so accidentally take Spencer’s grandfather Eddie (Danny DeVito) and his ex-best friend Milo (Danny Glover) with them. From there it is up to the team of Ruby Roundhouse (Karen Gillan), Dr. Smolder Bravestone (Dwayne Johnson), Franklin Finbar (Kevin Hart) and the Professor (Jack Black) to once again save Jumanji.

With so many franchises staying beyond their welcome these days I can imagine there are a few people out there who are rolling their eyes and thinking ‘oh no, not another one’ when it comes to Jumanji. The good news though is director/screenwriter Jake Kasdan once again finds new ways to bring a freshness to the franchise. The inclusion of Danny DeVito and Danny Glover in the cast enhances this film in a way nobody could have predicted.

As well as their character’s storyline adding a little bit more personal drama to the plot, seeing Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson have then to take on the characteristics of DeVito and Glover is absolutely priceless and shows both actors did have more range than many would have predicted. The same goes for Awkwafina who later has to carry the DeVito mantle and does it with brilliant comedic timing.

It is the comedy of Jumanji: The Next Level which also makes the film such a pleasure to watch. Kasdan seems to be able to mix genres throughout this film in a way that very few filmmakers can. Often a film that tries to mix comedy, drama and action would feel disjointed but here Kasdan can go from a scene of pure comedy between Johnson and Hart to an action sequence where all the characters’ lives are placed in danger and it seems just perfectly natural.

The big difference this time around is that the action scenes, excuse the pun, feel like they have gone to the next level. The ostrich attack and the monkey battle on swinging bridges are right up there as some of the best action

Now showing in Phuket

sequences that you will see in cinemas this year and only further enhance the video game feel that the film portrays throughout.

As we mentioned earlier Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart steal the show as they try to mimic Danny DeVito and Danny Glover. Hart actually produces some of the best acting of his career as he portrays a character who feels like he owes his former best friend a lot but just can’t break away from his bad habit of over-explaining things. Credit must also be paid to Karen Gillan who is sensational when it comes to the action and fighting sequences throughout the film showing why she is one of the most under-rated action stars going around.

It had taken nearly a year to get there but Jumanji: The Next Level is one of the most enjoyable action films to close out 2019. The film has the right mix of drama, comedy and action and contains one of the best ensemble casts we’ve seen on the big screen for a long time.

4/5 Stars David Griffiths has been working as a film and music reviewer for over 20 years. That time has seen him work in radio, television and in print. You can follow him at www.facebook.com/subcultureentertainmentaus thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020

Prohibiton is over The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

A

mericans have a special place in their heart, perhaps more accurately in their liver, for the resurgence of the Speakeasy. The Prohibition, a constitutional ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcohol that lasted from 1920 to 1933 was in fact 13 years of pushback against a government policy of temperance that was rejected wholly by the masses. The national constitutional ban on alcohol had a direct correlation with organised crime as just prior to the ban, the saloon was a staple of American society.

The desire to imbibe did not simply vanish with the stroke of the pen that ushered in the amendment and the absence of absinthe would swiftly be filled and distilled.

Smugglers began importing distilled libations, homemade cocktails

@thephuketnews

came into the lexicon, and many a patron found their way to a secret new shop they could partake and please their parched palate for the spirit they sought.

The shops that sprang up as a result of these temperance policies became known as a Speakeasy, aptly named as a softly spoken tone was expected to be adopted when describing the illicit activity taking place in such an establishment. By 1925, there were anywhere from 30,000 to 100,000 speakeasy clubs in New York City alone suggests “Teaching With Documents: The Volstead Act and Related Prohibition Documents” in the United States National Archives. For over a decade, Americans endured crime waves, illness from unregulated distillations, and many other ills as a result of this policy but all that was about to end.

December 5, 1933 the grand temperance experiment failed and the repeal of the 21st Amendment took place. Ever since, Americans have donned the regalia of the Roaring Twenties, and enjoy a Repeal Party at a local Speakeasy throwback.

People in Phuket have the opportunity to enjoy one of the island’s newest.

The Speakeasy Yacht Club Restaurant is a welcomed addition to Royal Phuket Marina’s boardwalk with the boats and marina backdrop making any date night quite impressive. This newly remodelled establishment gives all the

DINING 13

Lush decor at Speakeasy Yacht Club. thrills of the classic Roaring Twenties feel with a modern touch of international culinary delights. The décor is something right out of the era with long quilted leather chesterfield sofas and Edison bulbs illuminating the room. If you prefer a view, you can enjoy your meal with a waterside candle-lit view of the Royal Phuket Marina and all the beautiful yachts and amazing villas that make this area one of Phuket’s most treasured.

Every Friday, Speakeasy shifts between Indian and Mexican delicacies.

On Indian cuisine night, head chef Rom Bahadur Rayamajhi, who hails from Nepal and is the personal chef of RPM’s CEO and founder Gulu Lalvani, treats diners to an assortment of dishes. Chef Rayamajhi’s credentials are long. He was the head chef for AKA SAKA Restaurant, Defence Colony, New Delhi and has been the Executive Chef at Royal Phuket Marina since 2012.

One challenge many people have

with Indian cuisine is navigating the menu. While they love Indian food, the menu can be quite intimidating as there are rarely pictures or explanations of what items are what, so one tends to rely on fate to decide what will be for dinner. That intimidation is removed at Speakeasy Yacht Club as the most popular dishes are offered with ease and simplicity. Butter Chicken with its deep sunset red hue, roasted Gobi with a crisp perfect texture, sensationally seasoned basmati rice and fluffy nan bread to soak it all in.

Speakeasy Yacht Club selects quintessential regional dishes from the north and south of India and simplifies it just right for the night.

Delicious food, tasty drinks and stunning views, including every Friday Indian or Mexican night Contact: 081 971 2082 Location: Royal Phuket Marina, Baan Koh Kaew, Phuket, Thailand 83000

14 HEALTH

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Honey not vinegar LET’S GET BENT Kim White kim@mindbodyyogasystem.com

Look yourself in the mirror daily and remind yourself of the positive things in your life that you wish to cultivate this year.

H

ello and welcome to my first article for 2020! I don’t know about you but 2019 seems to fly by so fast, I may have suffered some whiplash! On contemplation of my year that was, I have one little quote that I want to adhere to more this year and I believe the whole world could perhaps learn to pay attention to it, after the events of last year on the whole: “You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar” I tend to be quite a blunt and honest person and although I don’t believe these are terrible qualities, I do feel that sometimes I start off on a new situation in a negative state as I forget to sprinkle a bit of sweetness into my greeting. So this year, I wanted to start off my monthly yoga articles with a little advice for your Yamas and Niyamas or another way to describe it, your social and moral conduct.

Yamas and niyamas are two other important aspects in the practice of yoga that do not concentrate so much on your muscle flexibility but definitely focus on the flexibility of the attitude you give out to the world on a day-to-day basis.

When we give out kindness and happiness to our

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020

Photo: Kim White community we are creating great karma for ourselves and those around us. A positive person inspires others to be the same way and the whole idea of paying it forward will continually create a pleasant community and environment.

Having a positive mantra to repeat daily will remind you to be the Honey.

I like to encourage myself and those around me to be the example in this crazy world, instead of being the cause of ill will and negativity.

Look yourself in the mirror daily and remind yourself of the positive things in your life that you wish to cultivate this year. Write a list of little things that make you happy and emulate them for your family and friends and dare I say it… Strangers. At the end of each day, contemplate the way you proceeded through that day. How were your reactions today? Is there room for improvement? What great things do you want to repeat again? what lessons did you learn this day? What bad habits do you want to eliminate? Gather all this information up on a daily basis to set your goals for the following day. If you stick to this idea of being present and conscious each day, one day at a time, you WILL see some positive changes.

Proceed through your day with more honey vibes than vinegar to attract more sweetness in your own life.

Start the year, the way you wish to end it.

Happy stretching Metta Kim oxo

One of the main motivations that drives Kim to teach yoga is her desire to keep true, real yoga alive; the propagation of yoga for yoga. She strives to achieve this through teaching and helping people fall in love with yoga every day. She gives you her yoga mind and yoga heart to guide anyone wishing to traverse the beautiful journey that is yoga. Teaching group classes, private classes, yoga intensives and retreats across the island. Monthly subscription is also available on her online yoga channel at KimWhiteYoga.com and you can also listen to her yoga podcast “Let’s Get Bent”.

How to cook insects the Thai way

O

ne of the most common insects for snacking, is the humble if not ravenous grasshopper and cricket. Once cleaned and washed they are fried briefly in a wok, removed and then seasoned with soya sauce and a pinch of Thai white pepper powder, which is a combination of ground white pepper, pounded together with coriander seed powder and garlic. Eat hot or cold. Thais don’t eat raw insects and we don’t cook dead bugs. The insects must be fresh and alive before we prepare them.

They are normally 1.25-1.5 inches long (about 3.2-3.8cm) and a 3.5-ounce (nearly 100 grammes) serving of raw grasshoppers contains between 14 and 28g of protein, which is quite a lot for such a small amount of food. That translates to between 30 and 60% of the 46g of protein women

need each day and between 25 and 50% of the 56g men need on a daily basis. Grasshoppers and crickets are a good source of unsaturated fats, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, which can help lower your risk of heart disease. These insects also supply small amounts of iron, though the exact amount depends on how large the bug is.

A1 Backpackers Pattaya thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

COMMUNITY 15

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020

Phuket kids ready for festivities The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

Children’s Day, in Thai called Wan Dek, is celebrated throughout the country on the second Saturday of January every year

@thephuketnews

L

ocal municipalities across the island are getting ready to celebrate Children’s Day this Saturday (Jan 11) with a host of fun activities for kids.

Children’s Day, in Thai called Wan Dek, is celebrated throughout the country on the second Saturday of January every year.

The national day, although not a public holiday, to give children the opportunity to have fun and to create awareness about their significant role towards the development of the country. The day was set as a national day to be observed in 1955.

Phuket, along with the rest of the country, will host activities at many government offices and hotels across the island on Saturday as follows: The Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command, based at Cape Panwa, will host its traditional activities which will include military weapon exhibition, a live air-marine rescue simulation performanc, and a chance for people to board and view the Navy base’s hostage rescue military ship.

The Phuket Provincial Office and the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO, or OrBorJor) will host their Children’s Day events at Phuket Provincial Hall, where children will be able to sit in the Governor’s chair among other fun activities.

Cherng Talay Tambon Administrative Organisation (OrBorTor) will host a live concert of a famous singer “M The Star” and other fun activities, from 4pm, at the Cherng Talay OrBorTor’s football field.

Koh Kaew Tambon Ad-

Phuket readies for Children’s Day on Saturday. Photo: Phuket’s Administrative Organisations ministrative Organisation (OrBorTor) will also host a live concert of singer “Pete Pira Thetwisarn” and other creative activities, from 7:30am to 2pm, at Baan Sapam Mongkol Wittaya School.

Kamala Administrative Organisation (OrBorTor) will host a drawing and painting contest in three different age range groups from 5-7 years old, 8-12 years old, and 11-15 years old. For parents, there will also be a baby, and newborn to 4 years old, photo contest. The activities will be held from 8am to 2pm,

at Kamala Beach.

Kathu Muncipality will host activities, including childrens performance and lucky prize drawings. The prize will be 60 bicycles and various other toys. The location will be at Faculty of International Studies building of Prince of Songkla University, Phuket campus.

Patong Municipality will host a fun event at Loma Park, on the Patong beachfront, with more than 4,000 prizes for kids. There will also be free food and drinks for the children.

16 ART

VIVE LE BARD!

Shakespeare influenced us all THE PLAY’S THE THING! Joel Adams

B

efore we jump off into this month’s article, I want to wish you all a very Happy New Year, and that you will join Theatrix in making it great by participating in or attending some of our many projects this year. You can always contact me to find out what those are at the phone number or email address at the end of this article or visit and like Theatrix Group on Facebook.

And now…

You name it, I love theatre in all its many forms. The tradition of Western theatre has its roots in Greece, but then, close to 1,000 years later, a man who has eclipsed all other English language playwrights for 400 years burst on the scene of the Elizabethan stage.

Of course, I am speaking of none other than William Shakespeare.

Imagine! This obscure glove-maker’s son came out of Stratford-upon-Avon to London in the late 1500s to write the greatest, most wonderful and enduring plays in our wonderful language, English, a language he helped make the leading language of the world. He is credited with inventing over 1700 original words, by changing nouns into verbs, verbs into adjectives, connecting words never used together before, adding prefixes and suffixes, and devising words wholly original.

Even more interesting, at least to me, is the fact that, before the day is out, you and I will probably say something that Shakespeare said first in one of his plays. Wanna bet? Since you

leapt out of bed this morning, I am sure most of you are unaware that you’ve been quoting Shakespeare all day. Do this with me, will you? In the upcoming text, every time you see this, ‘…,’ I want you to fill in the words, “quoting Shakespeare”. Let’s go! The following was borrowed from Christopher Gaze’s Ted Talk: Shakespeare is everywhere.

If you claim to be more sinned against than sinning, you are… “quoting Shakespeare”. See how it works?

If you recall your salad days, you are…

If you act more in sorrow than in anger, if your wish is father to the thought, if your property has vanished into thin air, you are…

If you’ve refused to budge an inch or suffered from green-eyed jealousy, if you’ve been played fast and loose, been tongue-tied, a tower of strength, or been hoodwinked, or in a pickle, if you’ve knitted your brows, made a virtue of necessity, or insisted on fair play, slept not one wink, stood on ceremony, danced attendance on your lord and master, laughed yourself into stitches, had short shrift, cold comfort, or too much of a good thing, if you’ve seen better days or lived in a fool’s paradise, why, be that as it may, the more fool you, for it is a foregone conclusion, that you are, as luck would have it…

If you think it is early days and clear out bag and baggage, if you think it is high time, and that is the long and short of it, if you believe that the game is up, and the truth will out even if it involves your own flesh and blood, if you lie low to the crack of doom because you suspect foul play, if you have your teeth set on edge at one fell swoop without rhyme or reason, then to give the devil his due, if the truth were known, for surely you have a tongue in your head, you are…

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020

A Shakespeare play in action inside the Globe, a perennially popular cultural destination.

The Globe Theatre in the heart of London, a replica of the Shakespeare’s original theatre.

Even if you bid me good riddance and send me packing, if you wish I was as dead as a doornail, if you think I’m an eyesore, a laughing stock, the devil incarnate, a stony-hearted villain, bloody-minded or a blinking idiot, then,

by Jove, O Lord, tut tut, for goodness’ sake, what the Dickens, but me no but’s, it’s all one to me, for you are… QUOTING SHAKESPEARE! Amazing, isn’t it?

I once had a friend say to me that Shakespeare’s appeal was all in the beauty of his language, because there was no story to speak of in his plays. I was gobsmacked! His plays are actually packed with action galore! Wars, murder, love at first sight, deceit, beheadings, fairies, ghosts, witches, duels, divorce, marriage, feasts, plays within plays, court intrigue, riotous and bawdy comedy, mistaken identities, twisted and untwisted plots, mystery, horror, assassinations, philosophy, unforgettable characters, both male and female, and much more.

You would be hard pressed to find a

modern play or movie with as much plot as one of Shakespeare’s plays. I don’t have time or space to prove that, but just Google a synopsis of any one of his plays and you will see for yourself how action-filled it is.

In closing, I want to tell you that I have recently joined a Facebook group called Shakespeare 2020 Project founded by a writer named Ian Droescher.

There are about 2,500 of us and it’s growing, and we are all going to read through all of Shakespeare’s works this year. We will read the plays, write each other our impressions, questions, criticisms, and more. We are having a ball so far, having just started with our first play, Twelfth Night. You are welcome to join us. Just google Facebook 2020 Project, and have your say.

Joel Adams is building a vibrant thea­ tre community right here in Phuket.

You can contact him at theatrixphuket@ gmail.com or by phone on 093 6490066.

Facebook: Theatrix Group

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

HISTORY 17

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020

Meanings of the Term ‘Farang’ SIRINYA’S WORLD

Dr Sirinya Pakditawan pakditawan@googlemail.com

W

e’ve all come across the word ‘farang‘ in some context or other. We all know that in Thai it describes a European person. However, what are the origins and the meanings of this term?

It is an assured fact that the word derives from ‘Frank’, a word that originally referred to a Germanic speaking people in the region of today’s France.

Nevertheless, this term was also widely used in medieval Greece, Egypt and further Mediterranean areas attributing to West European people generally. In addition, similar expressions can be found in other languages as well. For instance, there is the Persian ‘farangg’, the Hindi ‘farengi/farangi’, the Tamil ‘pirangi’, the Arabic ‘frangi’ and the Polynesian ‘palangi’. These terms all sound very similar and point to a common origin.

In fact, the Thai word ‘farang’ was borrowed from Muslim Persian and Indian traders during the Ayutthaya period (1350-1767). During that time this term referred to the Portuguese who were the first Europeans to visit Siam. Later, the term became a generic Thai word for other Europeans as well and finally to all Caucasians generally. What is more, ‘farang’ describes the West in general. Thailand’s neighbouring countries Cambodia (‘barang’) and Laos (‘falang’) also know this term.

Thus, we may say that ‘farang’ is a Thai word referring to ‘Otherness’ whereby there is no specification of culture, nationality, ethnicity and so on…

Hence, this word is in fact neutral, even though it might be used as an insult in some contexts. There

@thephuketnews

Western tourists in Thailand. Photo: Siwaphong Pakdeetawan, Instagram@knack66

A farang temple guard at Wat Pho. Photo: Ian Gratton, wikimedia.org is for example the expression ‘farang khi nok’ to describe an ill-mannered European. Literally translated this term means ‘guava tree or fruit growing out of bird’s dropping’ since ‘farang’ also means guava which originally came from South America and was brought to Thailand by the Portuguese.

Nevertheless, ‘farang’ is also used as a classifying category to describe things that come from the West.

These may be fruits, vegetables, animals, goods or inventions. For instance, think of ‘man farang’ (potato), ‘mak farang’ (chewing gum) and ‘nang farang’ (Western movie). In fact, we may say that things labelled as ‘farang’ sometimes not merely indicate their foreign character but also their alluring character or in other words, the allurance of ‘farangness’. This may be interpreted as signifing some superior qualities in comparison to the Thai counterparts.

Summing up, we may say that ‘farang’ is a cultural signifier of cosmopolitanism that also reflects how Thai people have dealt with Western Otherness and incorporated some foreign aspects into their own culture.

Yours, Sirinya (Reference: Rachel V. Harrison & Peter Jackson eds.

The Ambiguous Allure of the West. Traces of the Colonial in Thailand, 2010) Sirinya Pakditawan is a ‘luk kreung’, or half-Thai, born and raised in Hamburg, Germany. She enjoys writing about Thailand, with a focus on culture, art, history, tradition and on the people, as well as a mix of topics concerning Thai popular culture, travelogues and articles about Thai food.

Sirinya’s aim is not only to entertain you but to provide you with information and facts about Thailand, its culture and history that may not be generally known, in particular to the Western world. She has a PhD in American Studies from the University of Hamburg.

To read the original story, and many more, be sure to check out Sirinya’s blog: www.sirinyas-thailand.de

18 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

François, JB and Ian

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020

Andrew, Martin and Asa

Mark and Susan

Ian and Ben

DOCK A CAFÉ RISES HIGH FOR ITS FIRST GROW BOATING NETWORKING EVENT An excellent turnout marked the very first Grow Boating Networking Evening held at the Dock A Cafe restaurant and bar at Boat Lagoon Marina last Friday (Jan 3). The minikebabs and other food delights went down a treat, while Thailand Yacht Show kept everyone’s glasses topped up – and conversations going about the opportunities that lay ahead at the Thailand Yacht Show on now (Jan 9-12). Thank you François Laing of Dock A Café for being a great host. Grow Boating will return to the Dock A Cafe in April. The next Grow Boating Networking Evening will be held at the d’deck bar at the Ao Po Grand Marina on Friday, Feb 7, from 5pm.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 19

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020

Julian Lowry (right), GM at Le Meridien Phuket Resort & Spa, hands Jason Beavan a gift for the New Year.

Mae (left) and Orn from the Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort brought some tea and other healthy beverages for Jason to enjoy.

Fon and Bee from Angsana Laguna Phuket stopped by.

NEW Y EA R BLESSI NGS COME TO CLASS ACT MEDIA IN BASKETS A host of well-wishers stopped by the offices of Class Act media and IMAGE asia over the New Year, with many bringing baskets of goodies and the best wishes for 2020. We thank you all for your continuing support. May 2020 bring health, wealth and happiness.

Pu from Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort, Jason Beavan, Nate and Prapa from Laguna Phuket, and Fon and Pond from Laguna Phuket Golf.

Prathumthip and Alina

THANK YOU FOR A HELPING HAND Zainab, Fon and Natasha from the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa dropped in to deliver a basket of goodies.

Chinese tourist Alina Qy this week honoured Prathumthip Meesuk, a local security guard with SGS Security Guard Co Ltd in Thalang, for her honesty and help in making sure she got home safely after Alina became lost in the Khao Phra Thaew National Forest Reserve. Alina had made her way over the hills and finally saw another human being, only to be told it would cost her B300 to get back. Ms Prathumthip offered her help for free, and even refused a B100 “thank you” from Alina.

From left: Andrea Kotas Tammathin, Pierre Chabloz Ambassador Helene Budliger-Artieda and Pierre-Andre Pelletier.

AMARI PHUKET WELCOMES SWISS SOCIETY FOR CHRISTMAS Amari Phuket’s representative, Pierre-Andre Pelletier, Regional Vice-President, Operations – Southern Thailand, Vietnam and the Maldives, recently was the host of a warm welcome given to the board and members of the Swiss Society Phuket, as well as special guests, at a Christmas celebration and annual get-together dinner at Rim Talay Restaurant, Amari Phuket. Present for the occasion were Helene Budliger-Artieda, Ambassador of Switzerland to Thailand, Cambodia and Laos; Pierre Chabloz, Consul General at the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangkok; and Andrea Kotas Tammathin, President of the Swiss Society Phuket and Swiss Honorary Consul to Phuket. @thephuketnews

Hunny, Fon, Jorm and Kratai.

DUSIT THANI SHAKES UP YEAR’S END WITH MOROCCAN TOUCH The Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket gave year-end celebrations a different twist with a chilled out Moroccan dinner featuring chef “Morad Rafaoui” from the renowned restaurant Bis, in Montreux, Switzerland. All you can eat delicious Moroccan cuisine with free-flow Moroccan tea were the treats to indulge in to see out 2019 and usher in the New Year. Chef Morad Rafaoui is Moroccan-born but grew up in Italy. He started his career in 2013 at Restaurant La Maree, Switzerland. Later, he traveled around the world as a private chef for many celebrities. He is now an executive chef at restaurant Bis in Switzerland.

20 EVENTS

FRI

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

10 JAN

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

SAT

grilled tomatoes – Yorkshire pudding – roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes – gravy, mushroom sauce, mint sauce.

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

11 JAN

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020

and for those who never forget: step back to a time of Peace, Love & Music, Blue Tree style! Not only you can find the perfect combination of a boho, chic and hippie vibes at Tree House Phuket, but delicious cuisine, perfect for sharing with friends.

STAY-ALL-DAY with lots of fun in the sun and games on the beach. 1,800THB++ per person - includes Rider access to Blue Tree Lagoon. 900 THB++ KID* 5-12 - includes free flow of juice and Rider access to Blue Tree Lagoon. +66076602436.

Mussels night @ Shakers

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

Sunday Roast All Day, All Night

All you can eat BBQ Ribs night

6PM – 11PM: All you can eat BBQ Ribs served with salad buffet, potato salad & choice of sauces. Reservation recommended. 295 baht P.P. shakersphuket@gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ RIBS

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

Musical Weekend

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

Email: events@phuketboatlagoon.com.

Tel: 076 239 888 ext.318.

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

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

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

12 JAN

All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet

Beef, Pork and Lamb – Cauliflower, Broccoli, Peas, Carrots, fried mushrooms,

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

13 JAN

All you can eat BBQ night

Banyan Tree Best of Brunch

L’Aperitivo Italiano

XANA Sunday Brunch at Angsana Laguna Phuket

MON

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

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

SUN Thailand Yacht Show 2020

Come enjoy a Traditional Sunday Roast EVERY SUNDAY at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in our Traditional Sunday Roast ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT for ONLY 445 Baht! Enjoy a Large ALL YOU CAN EAT selection of your favorites! Featuring: Roast Aussie Beef, Pork Loin and Chicken. Roasted or Mashed Potatoes. Roasted Mixed Vegetables Flavoured with Thyme and Garlic. Yorkshire Pudding and Gravy. Enjoy Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the Fun. RESERVE Your Table Now Online at bit.ly/TwoChefsReservations Check out more details on our website at bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents Reservations, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong., Kata Beach 076-333-370 Karon 076-286479 Patong 076-344-914.

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.

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

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

WED

15 JAN

SALIM KHOURY IS BACK AT THE NAI HARN

BOHO BEACH BRUNCH

BOHO BEACH BRUNCH EVERY SUNDAY | TREE HOUSE BEACH LOUNGE | 12PM-4PM For those who never knew

Find him Wednesday until Sunday at Cosmo Bar from 12.00-03.00 pm & 06.00 - 10.00 pm and try his signature drinks or have a drink prepared just the way you like it. Salim is available for a masterclass on Thursdays and Saturdays between 01.0003.00 pm for just THB 1,000 net per person. Choose two drinks from our extensive drinks list and learn how to make them like a pro. For more information please call +66(0)7638 0200. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

THU

16 JAN

PIWC Lunch - January 2020

We are kicking off with our first lunch for 2020 at Momtri’s Wok Gallery Kitchen.

Thursday 16th January. Members 700 Baht. Non-Members 850 Baht. Registration 11.30am for a 12noon start. There will be a choice for the main course. Duck Mango or Panaeng Seabas. To RSVP please email shelpmitchell@gmail.com. A Minivan can be arranged for those in the North depending on numbers.

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

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

SAT

EVENTS 21

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020

18 JAN

hours, also an option for children to run 24 minutes! Not everybody needs to run, walking is also fine. Each participant will get a race pack, a great offer stay in Thanyapura Health and Sports Resort Phuket, to have some fun with friends while supporting a good cause and also exercise like no other. Sign up NOW as a team or an individual at uwcthailand.ac.th/24hour-race

THU

7 FEB

23 JAN

Australia Day Phuket Sundowners - Jan 2020

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

SUN

26 JAN

The Grow Boating Networking Evening for February 2020 will be held at the d’deck bar, at the Ao Po Grand Marina on Friday the 7th of February from 5pm.

Please contact us if you would like to be our drinks sponsor for the evening. Sponsors receive a generous media package from the Phuket News and can display their products and services on the evening and give a 10-minute presentation on their company. There will be a light buffet sponsored by the d’deck Bar and special prices on your favourite beverages. Come and join in the fun, everyone is welcome.

There is no entry fee, just drop your business card or register at the bar. We hope to see you there and if you know anyone you think would be interested in coming please forward this email to them or invite them along. If this email was forwarded to you and you would like join our mailing list please send an email to growboatingphuket@gmail.com

WED

Phukets biggest celebration of all things Aussie! Fun activities incl. Beach cricket and volleyball, thong tossing etc. Super casual dress, All you can eat Aussie menu - THB 999 ++ P.P., 4 hour beverage package - THB 1,499++ P.P. Mini bus transfers from Boat Avenue & Boat Lagoon - THB 100 P.P. per trip. For more info 076 336 111 or mbeachclub.phuket@minor.com

2 FEB

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

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

29 FEB

Australia Day at Mai Khao Beach

PIWC Annual Fundraiser 2020

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

The Exotic Fishing Thailand 1.5 Million Baht Tagged Fish Challenge

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

DAILY EVENT UPDATES ON

24 Hour Race - Running Against Human Trafficking

@thephuketnews

FRI

EVERY DAY

Grow Boating Networking Evening

SUN The aim of 24 Hour Race is to raise awareness about human trafficking wherein every 24 hours, 5,500 children, women and men become victims of slavery. This event is organised to “Run for The Freedom of Others” and all the profits will be donated to non-profit organisations. Runners can sign up with a team of 8 and run for 24 hours or a team of 4 people and run for 2.4

day the 2nd of February at the Blue Tree Phuket. Awesome cash prizes across 4 categories. Email admin@phuketacademy ofperformingarts.com for details on how to enter.

Youth Talent Competition 2020

The 8th edition of PAPA’s annual Youth Talent Competition will be held on Sun-

22 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York 1. In which city did Romeo and Juliet live?

2. Who painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel?

3. What is Elvis Presley’s middle name?

4. Which famous group was once known as The Quarrymen?

5. What is the English name of the Russian novel titled Voyna i Mir? Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Medium

Across 1. Slightly open 5. Clarified butter of India 9. Henrik who wrote ‘Peer Gynt’ 14. Asian fruit tree 15. Loot 16. Spacious 17. ‘’The Witching Hour’’ author Rice 18. Composer Thomas 19. Peruvian peaks 20. Plaza in central Beijing 23. Six-pointers, for short 24. Alliance that includes Ukr. 25. Blue grass instruments 29. Government lending group’s 31. Tanning lotion letters 34. Crying veggie 35. ___ Grand Cherokee 36. Taiwan-based computer company 37. El Paso’s place?

40. Go bad 41. Barbecue fare 42. Together 43. Med. plan 44. Like old records 45. Butchers’ offerings 46. Midmorning

47. Queen of the fairies 48. Emperor penguin’s realm 57. Richter, e.g.

58. Constellation divided into four 59. US abbr.

60. Comic-strip frame 61. Overbrim 62. Musical poetry 63. Smart 64. On deep water 65. Prefix with spore

one’s mate?

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

Down 1. Mystical teachings 39. Imp 40. Some developed by rabbis 43. “To thine ___ self 2. Jong, and others be true” 3. Constitution 44. Writer known concern for her detective 4. Count with a stories keyboard 5. One of five 46. African maize Norwegian kings 47. “Dixie” composer 6. Hereditary factor 48. All you own 7. Singer k. d. ___ 51. Like some booms 8. Partner of each 9. Storage bag usage 53. NFL opponents 10. Military command 55. Semicircular 11. Brunch order recess 12. Keeps working 56. Dismantle 13. “Shame!”

57. Remorseful one 21. Affluent area 58. Calamitous outside a city 22. Agreement from 59. Iranian city

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) Verona; 2) Michelangelo; 3) Aaron; 4) The Beatles; 5) War and Peace

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

1

is the age South Korean first born children are born, then all South Koreans turn one year older on New Year’s Day.

7

years old was the survivor of the 2004 Tsunami who had his entire education funded

by Cristiano Ronaldo after the boy was found 21 days later, alone and wearing a Portuguese football team jersey.

10

years later, that boy grew up to play football and was signed by Portugal’s U-19 football team.

90

aircraft carriers have roughly the same combined weight of all the plastics that end up in the ocean every year.

100

million US dollars is how much the new Cats movie is on track for a box office loss.

Source: Uberfacts

Last sunset of 2019 at Promthep Cape. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket? Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

This week in history January 10, 1863 Service began on the Metropolitan Railway between Paddington and Farringdon Street, today the oldest segment of the London Underground.

January 11, 1964 In a landmark report, US Surgeon General Luther Terry issued the warning that smoking may be hazardous to people’s health, concluding that it has a causative role in lung cancer, chronic

bronchitis and other illnesses.

Jnauary 12, 1554 Bayinnaung, known in Thailand as Phra Chao Chana Sip Thit, who later assembled the largest empire in the history of mainland Southeast Asia, was crowned king of the Burmese Toungoo dynasty.

January 13, 2018 A false emergency alert warning of an impending missile strike in Hawaii caused widespread panic.

by an individual entertainer in television history.

Jailhouse Rock, Elvis Presley.

January 15, 1989 The Coca-Cola Company, then known as the Pemberton Medicine Company, is incorporated in Atlanta.

January 14, 1973 Elvis Presley’s concert Aloha from Hawaii is broadcast live via satellite and sets the record as the most watched broadcast

January 16, 1979 The last Iranian Shah flees Iran with his family for good and relocates to Egypt.

Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020

Jobs

NT GE UR Good staff required

(Thai)

Staff required for popular hotel in Patong.

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

@thephuketnews

CLASSIFIEDS 23 The Phuket News @thephuketnews

GE UR

NT

Admin assistant wanted - Part Time

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

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

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 25

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020

Trades & Services

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

CLEANING SERVICES

CORPORATE SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Trades & Services

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT

PERSONAL SERVICE

PERSONAL SERVICE

PERSONAL SERVICE

SERVICE

OTHER

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 27

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020

Buy & Sell BUSINESSES FOR SALE Restaurant for sale

Thai food, Sea food restaurant at Karon beach for urgent sale.

1M, George, Karon Beach, georgiospolyno@gmail.com, 081 088 1451. George, 061 891 0243. May

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

CARS, TRUCKS FOR RENT 7-seater for rent

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

0848474377. stigisaan@gmail.com

CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE Nissan X-Trail SUV 2012

TOP DEAL - X-TRAIL 2.0 - Only 49,000 km, Automatic gear, leather, Top condition, 2nd owner, electric chairs, 10/2012, petrol motor. claudstrey@gmail.com

@thephuketnews

@thephuketnews

CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE UR

GE

NT

AMAZING DEAL!

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

Business opportunity

Four 3-bedroom pool villas, located on the south end of Ao Por, on the east coast of Phuket… only 50 metres from the sea, 150 metres from new Sheraton Grand Bay Resort, 3 minutes from Ao Po Grand Marina… Each villa has 330sqm buillt-up area, 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 10-metre infinity pool, Western kitchen, fully furnished, ready to move in or rent out…

Price reduction from 98 mln to 78 mln for all. For viewing or more details please contact owner directly Tel : +66 62 8133888 Email: montha_phuket@yahoo.com

The Phuket News

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Car rental @fair prices

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

LIKE BRAND NEW

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

Mitsubishi Mirage 10/2018

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

FURNITURE Lis Anette Bergström

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

MEMBERSHIPS Blue Canyon Family Membership

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

Golf Membership

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

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

Loch Palm - Membership

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

Loch Palm Memberships

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

PROPERTY WANTED Allamanda 2 Bed Freehold

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

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

COMMUNITY Play Bridge

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

Didier, 080 142 8122.

House Wanted in Chalong

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

28 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Buy & Sell PROPERTY FOR SALE Secluded Rawai Pool Villa

Secluded Rawai Pool Villa on 1,600 sqm land plot. A good opportunity to buy a well constructed and maintained three bedroom, two bathroom pool villa in large mature gardens in a very quiet, peaceful cul de sac. This private home of 172 sqm sits on a large plot with a Chanote land title. It is within walking distance from a busy main road with numerous restaurants, bars and assorted retail outlets. Enter through the remote controlled front gate up the 70m long picturesque drive to park in either the double sized covered car port, or double garage, which also has a remote controlled electric door. The teak front door opens into a spacious main living dining area of over 80 sqm. There are marble floors throughout the property. The master en suite bedroom is 27 sqm, the second bedroom is 15 sqm and the third bedroom is 14sqm. The modern, western style kitchen / utility room of 14sqm has a Hafele oven and extractor hood and Smeg electric/gas hob. The room includes a very large side by side fridge freezer, wine fridge, plus a front loading washer drier.

At the front of the villa is a 10m x 4m salt water chlorinated swimming pool with LED lighting. One end of the pool is a Sala with a table and 4 chairs, while at the other end is an outdoor Jacuzzi complete with an ornamental water feature.

The properly is conveniently located close to the following locations:- Saiyuan Road 2 minutes, Friendship Beach 5 minutes, Nai Harn Beach 10 minutes, Ya Nui Beach 10 minutes, Central Festival Mall 30 minutes. 25,000,000 Baht, Paul, ptd2505@yahoo.co.uk, 0848384607.

Beautiful Phuket condo with a view of the islands

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

Villa in Patong prime location

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

Luxury Condo Sale

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

2 Big Balcony, Jacuzzi. Location: Kathu, 5 min. Phuket Town and all department stores and International Hospitals. 086268-7901. THB 11.5 M. Contact Martin: martinhkt@yahoo.com

Seaview Condo for sale Karon

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

2 or 5 BR OCEAN FRONT CONDO

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

2 bed, 2 bath Stunning Villa

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

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

White sand beach

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

OCEAN FRONT LAND

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

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE

1 Bed Condo Sale Rawai

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

1 Bedroom MaikhaoCondotel

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

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

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

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020

PROPERTY FOR SALE G UR

T EN

SA

LE

RPM by owner

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

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

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

1 Bedroom Condo Kata For Sale

PROPERTY FOR RENT G UR

EN

Absolute Beachfront Pool Villa

T

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

Casa Lagoon Phuket House 4 Rent

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

House in Boat Lagoon for rent

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

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

Super villa for sale

Condo in Patong for Rent

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

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

Karon 1 Bed Condo for Sale

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

Villa Mission Heights Big Pool

CONDO FOR SALE THE DECK PATONG

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

PROPERTY FOR RENT

COMMUNITY

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

0870608400 engl/deutsch, price is negotiable.

10.9MB, picharly@gmail.com

OCEAN FRONT VILLA

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

Dream Village Phuket house

1 story building for rent

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

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

PROPERTY FOR RENT 2-Bed Furnished Kathu House for Rent

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

Stunning Ocean Views!

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

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

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020

SPORT 29

Sports lends a healing hand Stars of sport step up to help victims of bushfire devastation WORLD SPORTS

Shane Warne

The Phuket News editor3@thephuketnews.com

L

eading stars in the world of sport are lending their support to help victims of the devastating bushfires that have been ravaging large parts of the country for weeks.

Nick Kyrgios is widely perceived as the bad boy of tennis, largely due to his own controversial behaviour and on-court demeanour. However, it was he at the forefront of the efforts after he called upon Australian tennis authorities to act and help.

“C’mon @TennisAustralia surely we can do a pre @AustralianOpen exho to raise funds for those affected by the fires?” tweeted the 24-year-old.

Tennis Australia subsequently announced a “Rally for Relief” exhibition match to be held at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on January 15 ahead of the Australian Open, with “the world’s top players” taking part.

“It is heartbreaking to see the devastation the bushfires are wreaking across the country and to see so many people and communities suffering,” Tennis Australia CEO and Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said in a statement.

“I know fans will turn out in force to support this great cause, as well as get involved in all our other fundraising activities,” Tiley added.

Tennis Australia also made a AUS$1 million donation to help communities repair and rebuild tennis facilities damaged or lost in the bushfires.

Kyrgios himself confirmed that he will be donating $200 for every ace he successfully serves at any tournament he plays in during the Australian summer, starting at the 24-team ATP Cup which began Jan 3 and is being held in Brisbane, Perth and Sydney.

His Australian teammate at the inaugural ATP Cup Alex de Minaur went one better by stating “I like this, I will go $250 per ace, just because I don’t think I’ll be hitting as many aces as you mate.”

@thephuketnews

Daniel Ricciardo

Nick Kyrgios Australian veteran Samantha Stosur ($200), Priscilla Hon ($50) and Storm Sanders ($10) pledged to donate for every ace they send down in competition.

The promises came after Ellen Perez, a rising Australian who made her Australian Open debut last year, said she would send $10 per ace.

“Wish I was a big dog and able to give more but everything counts,” Perez wrote on Twitter.

Fellow Aussie, and current women’s world number one, Ashleigh Barty revealed on Jan 5 that she had already donated $30,000 to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) to help with injured wildlife, after seeing the effects of the fires back in November.

She also confirmed she would be donating all of her winnings from this week’s Brisbane International tournament to the Red Cross. This could potentially reach $360,000.

Support has also come from nonAussies as household names Maria

Sharapova and Novak Djokovic each contributed $25,000 to the cause.

“The month of January in Australia has been my home for the past 15 years,” Sharapova wrote on Twitter.

“Watching the fires destroy the lands, its beautiful families and communities of animals is deeply heartbreaking.”

Cricket world pitches in Stars from the cricket world have also been quick to step forward and lend support.

Former spin bowling legend Shane Warne declared he was auctioning his beloved “baggy green” cap with proceeds going to the Red Cross.

The “baggy green” is awarded to Australian players when they make their debut and is worn as a badge of pride when they are on the field.

Warne wore the cap throughout his 145-match Test career for Australia in which he took 708 wickets.

Within two hours of the auction opening on Tuesday (Jan 7) the top

bid was $315,500. It is predicted to fetch in excess of $500,000.

Former fast bowler Jeff Thompson is also auctioning his “baggy green” as well as his cherished cricket vest.

Australia’s current fast bowlers pledged $1000 for every wicket taken in the Sydney Test while Big Bash Stars including Chris Lynn and Glenn Maxwell are donating $250 for every six they hit this season.

Ricciardo Raffle Australian Formula One star Daniel Ricciardo is also hoping to raise some much-needed funds to assist multiple charities involved in combating the bushfires.

The Renault Formula 1 driver confirmed he will raffle off the race suit he will wear at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in March.

“As pretty much the whole world is aware of now, Australia is suffering with some severe devastating bushfires,” the 30-year-old communicated via Instagram.

“Anyone who is kind enough to donate, please do. There’s the Australian Red Cross and there’s WIRES wildlife rescue. I’m sure there’s a bunch more but these are two I’ve donated to and please do the same if you can.

“My race suit I’ll race with at this year’s Australian Grand Prix. I’ll sign that and we’ll raffle that and all proceeds will go to those two charities as well.”

Fellow stars and clubs from AFL, NRL, National Basketball League, Football Federation Australia, Netball Australia and two-time Dakar Rally winner Toby Price have also lent support as have New Zealand basketball club NZ Breakers.

The bushfires have been some of the worst Australia has ever experienced and have devastated massive areas of the country. At time of press, 26 people have been killed, more than 2,000 homes have been destroyed and it’s estimated than 1 billion animals have perished.

30 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020

England’s ‘Golden nugget’ Stokes inspires first Cape Town win in 63 years to level series CRICKET

Ben Stokes was once again the hero for England as he helped the team register their first win in Cape Town since 1957. Photo: AFP

Colin Bryden

E

ngland captain Joe Root described Ben Stokes as a “golden nugget” after the allrounder produced a match-clinching spell of bowling to secure a 189-run win inside the last hour of the fifth day of the second Test against South Africa at Newlands yesterday (Jan 7).

The win levelled the four-match World Test championship series.

“He’s just a fantastic specimen,” Root said of Stokes, who was named man of the match after innings of 47 and 72 and three wickets for 35 in the second innings.

“You put him in a lot of different situations and he stands up to it.

He’s a born match-winner. He puts the team first and gives everything to the group of players he stands alongside.”

It was not just the numbers that stacked up for Stokes. His second innings of 72 off 47 balls took the game away from South Africa, while his spell in the last hour ripped away the last of the home team’s stubborn resistance. He took the last three wickets in the space of 14 balls with a spell of fast, hostile, short-pitched bowling.

But Root said he was delighted

with the way the whole team played.

“It was a very pleasing performance.

I thought we played really well all week. It was a great game of five-day Test cricket. We built pressure at the right times, showed patience and had the character to keep believing going into that last session.”

England still needed five wickets after tea. “We knew there would be partnerships but we never stopped believing,” said Root.

“When the chances came we took

them. We were excellent in the field.

We took pretty much everything which came our way. We recognised those key moments that we probably got wrong in the first Test match. For a young group of players to learn that quickly was very satisfying.”

‘Small margins’ South African captain Faf du Plessis said his team probably lost the match when they failed to capitalise after bowling out England cheaply in the

first innings, eventually conceding a 46-run lead. “We got into a position where we probably should have got a little bit more. There were a lot of small margins in this Test match.”

Du Plessis said he was proud of the fighting spirit shown by his team, who batted for 137.4 overs in the second innings before being bowled out for 248 when there were only 8.2 overs remaining.

“You never want to lose Test matches but the challenge we had to

our group last night and this morning was that we will fight with everything that we’ve got to make England do anything and everything they had to beat us. They threw the kitchen sink at us.”

Du Plessis said it had been “a fantastic five days of Test cricket.”

He singled out new opening batsman Pieter Malan, who made 84 in 369 minutes, facing 288 balls, before falling to Sam Curran with the second new ball.

But he said the whole batting unit could take heart from their performance after South Africa were outplayed in three Tests in India last year. “When you look at where we were two months ago, we were very weak mentally, where we exploded in India,” he said.

“There were some real good signs for us as a batting unit in this Test match. There’s a lot of room for improvement but I feel we are improving.”

England had an injury worry when James Anderson, who took seven wickets for 63 runs in the match, did not bowl between lunch and tea on the final day, then bowled only two overs after tea. Root said Anderson had a side injury. “He will have scans and treatment. We will have to wait and see. It could just be a little niggle.”

AFP

Lyon roars as Australia crush New Zealand to sweep series CRICKET NATHAN LYON CAPTUred five for 50 and 10 match wickets to lead dominant

Australia to a crushing 279run victory over New Zealand to sweep the three-Test series in Sydney on Monday (Jan 6).

The off-spinner led the powerful Australian bowling

attack to dismiss the Kiwis for 136 and seal another heavy win over the Black Caps after similar victories in Perth and Melbourne.

Australia have been unbeatable this season, winning all five Tests at home after retaining the Ashes by drawing the series 2-2 in England.

Australia declared their second innings at 217 for two with David Warner scoring an unbeaten century, leaving the Black Caps with a revised 416-run target in the fourth innings on a wearing Sydney Cricket Ground pitch.

But the Kiwis buckled under the pressure of Australia’s superior bowling attack with Mitchell Starc taking three for 25 to support the wiles of spinner Lyon.

New Zealand were reeling early at 27-4 and never recovered after Starc and Lyon took two wickets each in the middle session to put the skids under the tourists.

Starc removed both openers, Tom Latham and Tom Blundell, in the first five overs.

Blundell fell to a stunning catch by a diving Lyon at point for two and stand-in skipper Latham lost a review for leg before wicket on umpire’s call

for one in a shattering blow to New Zealand’s hopes.

Jeet Raval was out in a review to the faintest of edges on ‘Snicko’ in Lyon’s first over for 12, with the Kiwi innings unravelling under the onslaught from the Australian attack.

First-innings top-scorer Glenn Phillips went for a duck after technology detected a faint outside edge to wicketkeeper Tim Paine off Lyon leaving the Kiwis a shaky 22 for four.

Taylor’s Kiwi record Ross Taylor became the leading all-time Kiwi batsman, going past Stephen Fleming (7,172) before he was bowled

by Pat Cummins for 22 to take his Test aggregate to 7,174.

Big-h it t i ng Coli n de Grandhomme smacked Lyon for six over extra cover to bring up his fifty but went next ball hoicking to Joe Burns at deep mid-wicket to take a comfortable catch for 52.

Todd Astle was out to a superb diving catch by James Pattinson in the outfield for 17 to give Lyon his fourth wicket of the innings late in the day.

Starc yorked William Somerville’s middle stump for seven and BJ Watling

Nathan Lyon led the dominant Aussie bowling attack to dismiss New Zealand and clean sweep the three-Test series in Sydney (Jan 6). Photo: AFP was the last to fall, caught at backward square leg by Pat Cummins for 19.

Earlier, Warner completed his 24th Test century with a clip off his pads for three runs through mid-wicket and remained unbeaten when skipper Paine declared upon the dismissal of Marnus Labuschagne.

Labuschagne, who was dropped on four in a regulation caught and bowled chance by

leg-spinner Astle, was caught at long on off Matt Henry for 59 - his seventh score over 50 in eight innings this golden domestic summer.

Labuschagne finished the home five-Test season against Pakistan and New Zealand with a stunning aggregate of 896 runs, made up of his 215 in the first innings, three other centuries and three halfcenturies in eight innings.

AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020

SPORT 31 English Premier League 2019 - 2020 Table correct as of Friday (Jan 10)

Back in the good old days at Everton when Rodwell had it all at his feet. Photo: AFP

A shot at redemption FOOTBALL Ben Tirebuck editor3@classactmedia.co.th

N

ow the disruption of the FA Cup is over, normal service resumes for fans of the Premier League with a full fixture list ahead this weekend.

Liverpool continue their march of dominance; not only are they running away with the domestic league but they are, of course, reigning European champions and were recently crowned World Club Champions.

This week the club signed a new bumper kit sponsorship deal with Nike to ensure the coffers remain plump for a few years yet.

Last weekend they fielded their third string team to embarrass fierce rivals Everton and dump them out of the cup. This team, peppered with enthusiastic, fearless and hugely talented youngsters, sent an ominous message to everyone that the club’s future is bright and they intend to rule the roost for some time yet.

Curtis Jones, Pedro Chirivella, Neco Williams, Harvey Elliott and Nat Phillips are just a handful of the names that we will no doubt be hearing much more of in future as

@thephuketnews

their careers progress.

It was somewhat coincidental then that another former teenage prodigy came in from the cold and made a return to top flight action in the same competition last weekend in an attempt to resurrect his career.

Lost youth Jack Rodwell came through Everton’s academy having joined them as a 7-year-old, making his first team debut aged 16. He excelled as the Toffees flourished under David Moyes’ shrewd management and were consistent top 10 finishers.

International recognition soon followed as he earned the first of his England caps in 2011. The world was his oyster yet it soon unraveled.

Manchester City came knocking and, tempted by the riches on offer, in 2012 he made the move. It was a classic example of how commercially driven clubs stockpile talent but don’t allow it to flourish as Rodwell only made 16 league appearances in two seasons.

His bank balance grew, yet he stagnated.

A calamitous time at Sunderland soon ensued, epitomised by two consecutive relegations, limited appearances and an ugly contract dispute where he refused

to cut his earnings despite the clear strain on the club’s finances. His then manager, Chris Coleman, stated he did not know where the player was mentally. His contract was terminated in June 2018.

Last chance saloon After a brief yet unmemorable stint with Championship club Blackburn Rovers, Rodwell signed for Premier League surprise package Sheffield United last week (Jan 3), making his debut against non-league AFC Fylde in the FA Cup on Sunday (Jan 5).

United have been an absolute revelation this season: honest, robust and refreshing, playing such an innovative style of football that plaudits have come from the highest echelons in the guise of messers Klopp and Guardiola, amongst others.

Their manager, Chris Wilder, offers a no-nonsense approach to the game and his style of man management, not afraid to lambast players publicly whose performances may have been poor.

Maybe that is exactly what Rodwell needs, the guiding light of tough love from an authorative figure, much in the same way Moyes operated.

“It’s a great club, the manager [Chris Wilder] is obvi-

ously brilliant and I feel like I’ve still got a point to prove at the highest level, so it ticked every box,” Rodwell told The Guardian.

“I feel like I’ve got more to offer at this level for sure,” he said. “I’m still capable of playing at the highest level.

“That remains my ambition.

I’m very ambitious and nothing has changed there. I’ve got to be patient and show the right attitude, but I will be ready whenever I’m called upon.”

That chance may come sooner rather than later as his new club host West Ham

Team

MP

W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

1

Liverpool

20

19

1

0

49

14 +35

58

2

Leicester City

21

14

3

4

46

19 +27

45

3

Manchester City

21

14

2

5

56

24 +32

44

4

Chelsea

21

11

3

7

36

29

+7

36

5

Manchester United

21

8

7

6

32

25

+7

31

6

Tottenham Hotspur

21

8

6

7

36

30

+6

30

7

Wolverhampton

21

7

9

5

30

27

+3

30

8

Sheffield United

21

7

8

6

23

21

+2

29

9

Crystal Palace

21

7

7

7

19

23

-4

28

10 Arsenal

21

6

9

6

28

30

-2

27

11 Everton

21

7

4

10

24

32

-8

25

12 Southampton

21

7

4

10

25

38 -13

25

13 Newcastle United

21

7

4

10

20

33 -13

25

14 Brighton

21

6

6

9

25

29

-4

24

15 Burnley

21

7

3

11

24

34 -10

24

16 West Ham United

20

6

4

10

25

32

-7

22

17 Aston Villa

21

6

3

12

27

37 -10

21

18 Bournemouth

21

5

5

11

20

32 -12

20

19 Watford

21

4

7

10

17

34 -17

19

20 Norwich City

21

3

6

13

22

41 -19

14

United in the curtain raiser this weekend (3am Sat, Jan 11 Thai time). Somewhat ironically, should he be involved, the match will re-unite him with his first manager Moyes who is now in charge at the London club for a second time.

Second chances are rare but

maybe Rodwell can grasp his opportunity and serve as an example for other prodigious youngsters making their way in the game that humility and hard work will always yield more positive results than money and fame.

The Phuket News

Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020

Sports stars lend bushfire support > p29

OLYMPICS IN SIGHT UWC STUDENT TARGETS TOKYO SWIMMING The Phuket News editor3@classactmedia.co.th

A

niqah Gafoor is a Grade 10 student at UWC Thailand who competed last month for her country Sri Lanka at the South Asian Games in Nepal.

She smashed the country’s national women’s relay record by more than 15 seconds, coming in at 4:00.18 to win the silver medal. Aniqah also earned a bronze in the 100m butterfly.

The Phuket News was fortunate enough to secure some time in Aniqah’s very busy schedule which sees her juggling the demands of an aspiring professional athlete with her academic duties. We asked her a couple of questions to learn more about this future queen of the pool.

Tell us a little about your experiences at the South Asian Games The South Asian Games was

a meet that I will not forget anytime soon. For me it was the first time I travelled and was based with the Sri Lankan team, which was a truly great experience and learning curve.

With neither the conditions nor the venue not really being the best, it was an invaluable learning experience; it taught us a lot about being able to overcome problems and how to plan effectively for future meets and any challenges that may come with them.

Tell us a little about your daily routine and life at UWC Thailand My daily routine is very similar throughout the entire week. My mornings start early at 4:30am. I swim from 5:15am until around 7:30am.

I then go to school.

Once school is finished, around 3:45pm, it is back to the pool where I train until approximately 6pm.

After swimming I typically undertake an hour of either crossfire or weights, finishing

up around 7pm.

We have Sundays off in order to recover and take both a physical and mental break.

UWC is a wonderful school filled with amazing people that really have made me a better person and also supported my swimming career, which has helped me grow.

What are your plans and hopes for the future, in and out of the pool?

For the immediate future I am hoping to qualify for the upcoming 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. In order to do so, however, I need to drop around 3 seconds from my overall time in the 100m butterfly. This is quite achievable although there is a lot of work that needs to be done in order to achieve it.

If I am unable to make it for the upcoming Olympics in Japan then my goal will be the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France.

Other than swimming, I would like to have a career or experience in the sports science area.

No looking back – Aniqah is only looking forward, with confidence, to the future with this year’s Tokyo Olympics her main target. Photo: UWC Thailand Who is your biggest influence and role model, personally or professionally?

I would say my biggest influence is my fellow swim

team. They are a g reat source of support, helping me face challenges and get through any tough times.

They also help me grow as a swimmer by making coming

to practice everyday fun.

As clichéd as it may sound, I would say my role model is Michael Phelps. I admire him greatly and aspire to achieve what he has.

ONE Championship and SAT ink deal to promote Muay Thai MUAY THAI ONE CHAMPIONSHIP ANnounced on Monday (Jan 6) a new partnership with the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) that aims to further develop the country’s traditional martial art of Muay Thai on a global scale.

The partnership will see both organisations work together to establish ONE Hero Series Muay Thai in Thailand, which seeks to discover grassroots Muay Thai talent at both the local and international levels.

The goal of ONE Hero Series is to provide young Muay Thai fighters a global platform to showcase their skills, and carve a path towards having a sustainable professional career in the sport.

The One-SAT deal was announced at the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit Hotel ahead of One Championship’s “One: A

Jonathan Haggerty (left) and Rodtang Jitmuangnon face off in Bangkok on Friday (Jan 10). Photo: Bangkok Post New Tomorrow” event at the Impact Arena on Friday (Jan 10) night.

The secretary to Thailand’s minister of tourism and sports, Khemmapol Auitayakul, and the government’s director of professional sports development, Tanukiat Janchum, were in attendance. The SAT is a government body that regulates sports associations in Thailand.

Speaking at the launch of the

partnership, Jachum said, “We are excited to announce this partnership with ONE Championship, with our goal of raising the profile of the sport of Muay Thai. Muay Thai is steeped in Thai martial arts history. It is a representation of our people and our culture.

“The sport deserves to be showcased on a global scale, to millions of people around the world.

Through this partnership with

ONE, we can leverage both of our resources to bring the action and excitement of authentic Muay Thai to fans across the globe.”

Chatri Sityodtong, the chairman and chief executive of One Championship, said, “Together, we will work towards developing the sport of Muay Thai not just in the country, but also on a massive global scale. There is a lot of spectacular Muay Thai talent in Thailand.”

One: A New Tomorrow is being held on Friday (Jan 10) evening at Muang Thong Thani’s Impact Arena.

The main bout is a rematch between ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Jonathan Haggerty.

Rodtang said, “Jonathan is a very talented fighter and he is a former champion. In our first fight, we put on a great show for the fans, and I am sure that we will do the same in this rematch.

I am also sure that like in the first fight, I will show everyone that I am the better fighter and the rightful champion.”

Haggerty said, “I am excited to be able to compete in Thailand, and I welcome the pressure of being the visitor in a hostile territory, so to speak.

“Rodtang is a fantastic champion and he pushed me to my limit during our first meeting.

But now, I am back to take down another Thai legend and reclaim my ONE flyweight Muay Thai world championship.”

Other fighters in Friday’s event include Stamp Fairtex, Victor Pinto, Muangthai PK Saenchai Muay Thai Gym and Sangmanee Sathian Muaythai Gym. Stamp said, “I get to prove my worth against another tough challenge in Puja Tomar. Puja will give me a good fight but I know that I can overcome any challenges that she may pose.” The Phuket News thephuketnews