The Phuket News November 15, 2019

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019

thephuketnews thephuketnews1 thephuketnews.com

Friday, November 15 – Thursday, November 21, 2019

Since 2011 / Volume IX / No. 46

20 Baht

GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES CALL TO SAVE WATER > PAGE 2

GOING LIVE

NEWS

PAGE 3

Child hawker gang busted for trafficking

LIFE

PAGE 11

Tree Tops, a true sanctuary in the south Workers conduct checks on the new high-voltage power-supply lines high above Phuket. Photo: Egat

ISLAND POWER SUPPLY TO GET MAJOR UPGRADE AS NEW HIGH-VOLTAGE SUPPLY COMES ONLINE Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

P

huket’s entire electricity network will receive a long-awaited boost at the end of this month as new high-voltage supply lines from the mainland go live on Nov 30.

The move will deliver more stable electrical supply to the island, say officials, who expect a dramatic fall in the number of power surges, brownouts and blackouts caused by overdrawing on the current system afflicting residents and businesses.

Although an official notice informing the pubic has been issued,

there is no cause for alarm or any precautionary measures to be taken by the public, assured Boonthum Charoenpong, Manager of the Phuket branch of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA).

“The new power supply will not harm or affect electrical appliances in houses or businesses. Please don’t worry about it,” he said.

People can keep farming and staying in their houses near the main lines and the new power towers, Mr Boonthum added.

“Of course, please keep clear of the towers. Don’t go up to touch them or bring any large equipment near

them – and don’t fly any kites in the area. Other than that, the towers are absolutely safe,” he said.

The mains supply from the mainland was to be switched over this coming Tuesday (Nov 19). However, a meeting by Electricity Generation Authority of Thailand (Egat) officials overseeing the project this week pushed the switchover to Nov 30.

Although the new supply lines are rated to carry 500kV, on Nov 30 the power supply will be switched over from the 115kV now to 230kV carried through the new lines.

“This is just the latest upgrade under the plan to increase the electric-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

@thephuketnews

ity supply to Phuket to 500kV overall under a project by Egat costing B1 billion that started in 2015,” he said.

“We have already upgraded more than 360 kilometers of cables. Phuket needs more power. The previous electricity network was not stable,” Mr Boonthum explained.

“This will solve the problem.

There will be fewer unscheduled power outages. The only ones will be for when we are still upgrading power lines in certain areas,” he said.

The move comes after a major push by the Phuket PEA to upgrade power supply lines across the island ahead of the switchover…

SPORT

PAGE 32

BISP Soccer 7s international line-up expands

News 2

PHUKET NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019

execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

Tourists suffer minor injuries in ‘beach bus’ crash > p4

‘Save water’ campaign launched Officials crunch numbers to stave off islandwide water-shortage The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

P

huket Vice Governor Wongsakorn Nunchukan on behalf of the Phuket provincial government has urged people across the island to use household water sparingly in order to make the island’s reserves last as long as possible.

Vice Governor Wongsakorn called for water-saving measures at a meeting of the provincial water resources subcom mittee at Phuket Provincial Hall last Friday (Nov 8).

“Phuket people, please save water, so we can have water to use all year long,” Vice Governor Wongsakorn said Vice Governor Wongsakorn pointed out that the provincial water resource

subcommittees was formed on Nov 4 by order of the Governor’s Office to come up with a master plan for water management and to prevent water shortages.

“Water usage information will be used to make a plan and solve the water shortage problems in each area,” he said.

The order to form the “water-shortage task force” follows Office National Water Resources (ONWR) SecretaryGeneral Somkiat Prajamwong giving a direct order in person at Phuket Provincial Hall on Oct 28 for Phuket officials to develop more local water sources in order to avoid water shortages that may affect local residents and main tourist areas.

At the meeting last Friday, Phuket Agriculture and Cooperatives Office Chief

Staff at the Phuket branch of the Provincial Waterworks Authority hold up leaflets to be handed out as part of the campaign to save water. Image: Tanyaluk Sakoot Atchariya Chantarawong said that while Phuket has been experiencing greatly decreased rainfall this year, the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation have continued their efforts to help replenish Phuket’s main reservoirs by creating

artificial rain.

The last efforts of the ongoing campaign is currently underway, from Nov 5 to 15, he said.

Somsawat Chaisinsod, Director of the Phuket Provincial Irrigation Office, gave his projected estimates of how

much water Phuket needed each year.

According to Mr Som­ sawat’s calculations, the 394,000 people registered as living in Phuket needed in total about 17.26 million cubic meters of water per year, while a further estimated one million people staying in in Phuket but not registered as living on the island need about 43.8mn m3 of water per year.

Mr Somsawat estimated that Phuket has around 13-14 million tourists on the island each year, who collectively use about 10mn m3 of water throughout the 12 months.

“In total, Phuket needs about 71mn m3 of water per year,” he said.

The meeting was also told that research conducted by the Faculty of Technology and Environment at the Prince of Songkla University Phuket

Campus in 2017-18 found that there are 109 surface water sources in Phuket: 41 in Thalang (total capacity 5.3mn m 3), 22 in Kathu (capacity 7.1mn m3), and 46 in Muang Phuket (capacity 8.6mn m3).

The total capacity of the 109 surface water sources is 21mn m3, not including the three main reservoirs, Bang Wad in Kathu, Bang Neow Dum in Srisoonthorn and Khlong Katha in Chalong.

The study showed that Phuket needs about 80mn m3 of water per year and the need for water has been increasing every year. One household uses on average about 280 litres of water per day, the meeting was told.

Areas where households use the most water on average are Tambon Sakoo near the airport, Tambon Kathu, Patong, and Phuket Town.

Island power supply gets big boost Continued from page 1 …Permpon Tonsakun, Head of Phuket PEA Maintenance Division explained, “The draw on the system has been near full capacity for years. The power supply kept shutting down or became inconsistent.

“The PEA has continually worked on upgrading and installing extra cables over the past two years. We have added extra 115kV, 33kV and 400kV cables across the island. The new cables are national standard, which have a lifetime of about 25 years. Of course these cable will need

Workers carry out checks to the new high-voltage supply lines to Phuket. Photo: Egat maintenance or be replaced later, but they do last a long time,” he said.

“These three kinds of cables make it possible for reliable power supply to be distributed to people’s homes

effectively. We will still shut down the power if an accident happens, such as a car crash, snakes causing electrical shorts or other incidents, but otherwise power outages will not happen often anymore,” Mr Permpon said.

The upgrade comes as the demand for electricity supply increases by about 8% each year, Mr Permpon explained.

“In 2018, people across Phuket used about 455.4MW. T h i s ye a r t h a t r o s e t o 491.3MW… Next year, demand is expected to reach up to about 520MW,” he said.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019

3

Child hawking gang busted Children forced to work long hours, beaten for not making money Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

P

olice have arrested four suspects for operating a criminal child-exploitation operation in Phuket that forced children as young as 10 years old to work all night selling coconut water in bars and restaurants – or face being beaten.

Lt Gen Jaruwat Waisaya, Commander of the Royal Thai Police Office of Legal Affairs and Litigation, travelled to Phuket to announce the arrests at a press conference at Patong Police Station last Sunday afternoon (Nov 10).

Present for the announcement were Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commanders Col Sermphan Sirikong and Col Chaiwat Uikam, who has previously served as the Patong Police Chief, along with the current Patong Police Chief Col Anotai Jindamanee and Kitti Intharakul, Chief of the Phuket Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office, and Atchara Surakul, head of the Child, Home and the Family Affairs

Lt Gen Jaruwat Waisaya, Commander of the Royal Thai Police Office of Legal Affairs and Litigation, announced the arrests at a press conference at Patong Police Station last Sunday (Nov 10). office in Phuket.

Gen Jaruwat named the four suspects arrested as Mr Wanthakan Aramsri, Mrs Khemika Upakarnkaew, Mr Pornthep Upakarnkaew and Mr Vachira Poonchuay.

All four were arrested at their homes in Nakhon Sri Thammarat.

All four arrests were made under arrest warrants issued

by Phuket Provincial Court last Saturday (Nov 9), Gen

Jaruwat explained.

The operation was brought to officials’ attention when the Phuket Muang District Palad (Chief Administrative Officer) and his deputy on Oct 28 saw children aged 10-13 years old hawking and selling coconut water at a night venue in Phuket’s Muang District, Gen Jaruwat said The children were skinny and dressed in rags. The officers asked the children why they

German expat, 72, injured in violent house robbery A BARTENDER AND A security guard left jobless in Patong have been arrested for a house robbery last week that saw a 72-year-old German expat with a 12-centimetre gash to his left forearm and bound to a chair while the pair threatened his wife with a sword and a long knife.

Sofian Aba, 25, from Yala, was arrested in Koh Kaew on Tuesday, while Munaddeedee Doloh, 27, from Narathiwat, was arrested in Satun province on Monday night, Phuket Provincial Police Chief Maj Gen Rungrote Thakurapunyasiri said Tuesday (Nov 12).

Sofian and Munaddee last Thursday evening (Nov 7) entered the home of 72-yearold German national Wilhelm Schrei in Moo Baan Srisuchat 3, located off the bypass road.

With their faces covered and armed with a machete and a 30cm knife, they bound Mr Schrei with tape, with Mr Schrei suffering a 12cm-long gash to his left forearm. They then waited for Mr Schei’s wife, Juthaporn Chudam, to come home, Gen Runrote said.

They forced Ms Juthaporn to hand over B2,000 cash and ATM cards to two accounts. @thephuketnews

The men could withdraw only B5,100 as the rest of the money by that time had been transferred, Gen Rungrote explained. Eakkapop Thongtub

Wilhelm Schrei, 72, suffered a 12cm gash to his forearm.

Photos: Phuket City Police

did not go to school and were told that the children were told to sell coconut water.

The children explained that if they didn’t they would be beaten, he said.

The children were taken into protective custody and an investigation into the operation was launched, Gen Jaruwat explained.

The resulting investigation saw a complaint filed at the Damrongdharma Center

(Provincial Ombudsman’s Office) in Nakhon Sri Thammarat Province and a press conference held accusing the officers of having no right to detain the children and threats to sue the officials involved, he said.

“This became big news, and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha and Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wonguwan are very interested. They want to clarify the truth, and leading officers were sent from Bangkok to carry out the investigation,” Gen Jaruwat explained.

The result was the four suspects being arrested on human trafficking and child exploitation charges against all four suspects.

“At present, the case is in the process of bringing the suspects back to face legal proceedings in Phuket,” he said.

The four suspects collectively face charges of human trafficking acting in conspiracy of three or more people for the purpose of exploitation of child labour of children not yet 15 years old and a separate charge of the same of children over

15 but not yet 18 years of age.

Khemika and Pornthep also face separate child labour exploitation charges.

“This cannot be tolerated.

We will prosecute to the end,” Gen Jaruwat said.

“These children were forced to work more than 10 hours a day, and sometimes they were attacked, slapped and beaten,” he said.

“Some of these children had to carry up to 10 coconuts at a time. They had to make B400 a day, all of which was handed over. If they came back late or were unable to sell, they were punished,” he added.

“Operations such as this can generate hundreds of thousands of baht per month.

There is a huge profit from the exploitation of children,” Gen Jaruwat noted.

Gen Jaruwat concluded the press conference with a direct order for local police.

“Child trafficking gangs in Phuket must be eradicated within one to two days. All gangs must be eradicated, with absolute legal action,” he said.

4

PHUKET NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019

PHUKET SEVEN DAY WEATHER FORECAST

The Phuket News offers flexible advertising options both online and in print.

www.foreca.com

FRI NOV 15

SAT NOV 16

SUN NOV 17

MON NOV 18

TUE NOV 19

WED NOV 20

THU NOV 21

High: +32° Low: +25°

High: +32° Low: +24°

High: +32° Low: +25°

High: +32° Low: +26°

High: +32° Low: +26°

High: +32° Low: +25°

High: +33° Low: +26°

Wind 2 m/s

Wind 1 m/s

Wind 1 m/s

Wind 1 m/s

Wind 1 m/s

Wind 1 m/s

Wind 2 m/s

On the way to the beach Tourists hurt as ‘bus’ slams embankment at Paradise

The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

GENERAL MANAGER

Jason Beavan 086 479 7471

gm@classactmedia.co.th

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

T

ourists travelling in a small truck converted to carry people in the back escaped serious injury last Saturday afternoon (Nov 9) as one of the front wheels “failed”, sending the pickup truck into a roadside ditch on the road to Paradise Beach, south of Patong.

Lt Pongsatorn Pothong of the Patong Police said the accident occurred at about 1:50pm.

The tourists had arrived at the entrance to the beach on the main road by their own transport and boarded the small “bus” to be taken down to the beach, Lt Pongsatorn explained.

“While heading down a steep slope towards the beach, one of the front wheels suffered a failure while the pickup truck was on a curve. The driver lost control and the pickup

The ‘bus’, a small van/truck vehicle converted to carry people in the back, sits beside the road hidden behind green screening. Photo: Patong Police ended up in a canal beside the road,” he said.

Following a report from an eyewitness posted by the Mirror last Saturday evening saying “Holidaymakers were catapulted from the open-sided

vehicle and ‘strewn in the middle of the road’,” Lt Pongsatorn said he was unable to confirm that.

The report by the Mirror also noted “The roof was torn off and the driver was ‘barely conscious’” and

that “the bus driver (sic)… had to be carried from the wreckage.”

Lt Pongsatorn confirmed that the roof was torn off from the vehicle in the accident but made no mention of the driver being “barely conscious” and “carried from the vehicle”.

“All of the tourists are alright.

The staff at Paradise Beach sent all the tourists to Patong Hospital. All of them had scratches only. There were no serious injuries,” he said.

“There were 11 passengers: two Thais, seven Bulgarians, one French [national] and one British. The Thai driver suffered some injuries. In total 12 people were treated at the hospital,” he added.

“Now everyone is safe and have gone back to their hotels,” he said.

“The Thai driver, Mr Wanchai Srisawat, has been charged with reckless driving causing injury,” Lt Pongsatorn said.

Family Mart robber surrenders to police SALES REPRESENTATIVE Kanokwan (Meo) Rungseang 088 754 1371 sales1@classactmedia.co.th

THE MAN WANTED FOR robbing two Family Mart convenience stores in Phuket before dawn last Sunday (Nov 10) by threatening the staff with a kitchen knife surrendered to police later that night.

Boonrit Khaoprasirt, 21, originally from Phang Nga, surrendered himself to officers at Phuket City Police Station at about 8pm, explained Capt Anirut Thongpung of the Phuket City Police.

Officers learned that Boonrit was their prime suspect by checking CCTV footage.

“We called him and pressured him to give himself up,” Capt Anirut said.

When Boonrit arrived at the police station, he was still wearing the same clothes he wore when committing the robberies and was seen on CCTV as wearing, Capt Anirut added.

After surrendering himself, Boonrit also showed police officers where the motorbike he used in making his getaways was parked at the apartment block where he was staying on Chao Fa Rd on the south side of Phuket Town.

Boonrit confessed to robbing the Family Mart convenience store on Tilok Uthit 2 Rd

Boonrit Khaoprasirt, 21, as seen on the CCTV footage.

Image: via Phuket City Police in Phuket Town, near the fresh market on Ong Sim Pai Rd, at about 5:40am that day, and another Family Mart store in Wichit at 4:50am.

In both robberies, Boonrit pulled up in front of the Family Mart store and walked in like any other customer. He then walked to the kitchen utensils section and grabbed a kitchen knife, before walking up to the counter and threatening the staff to hand over the money.

From the Phuket Town robbery he made off with B1,500, and from the Wichit robbery he made off with B1,000.

Eakkapop Thongtub thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019

PHUKET NEWS

5

Express food, faster trash Food-delivery boom feeds fears of disposable waste explosion The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

T

he fast-rising popularity of food-delivery services in Phuket has raised serious concerns over the volume of plastics and other non-environmentally friendly packaging used by the companies delivering food across the island by motorbike.

A survey by the Prince of Songkla University Phuket Campus found that there are currently three food-delivery service providers in Phuket, employing more than 2,850 drivers with over 1,000 participating restaurants using the platforms.

According to the survey, conducted on Oct 19-22, 48.15% of the food-packaging boxes used by food delivery services in Phuket were foam, 25.68% were plastic and only 26.17% were paper.

Adding to the problem was that 37.14% of deliveries saw plastic utensils provided, and 100% of drink deliveries were provided using plastic cups.

Not one food-delivery company in Phuket used paper or biodegradable cups for delivering drinks, the university noted in announcing the survey results.

The university recognised that

Assoc Prof Pun Thongchumnum PhD, Vice President of the Prince of Songkla University Phuket Campus, called for an immediate policy shift to curtail the use of non-environmentally friendly food packaging used by food-delivery companies in Phuket. Photo: PSU Phuket Campus Phuket provincial officials have been working with state and private organisations, and private companies, to introduce more environmentally sustainable practices.

The release announcing the survey results also noted that the public and private sectors in Phuket under the supervision of local government organisations, the retail sector and the tourism industry have issued policies and regulations for businesses and the public, as follows:

• to curb the usage of foam containers and plastic straws; • to encourage the use of natural or biodegradable materials that are not harmful to the environment; • to urge manufacturers to substitute the use of foams and plastics in products and packaging effective from February 14, 2019; and • to encourage stores and the public to start using cloth or paper bags effective from October 1, 2019.

Associate Professor Pun Thong-

At times, to catch snake, it takes a village MORE THAN 10 PEOPLE were needed to help rescue workers heave a three-metre python out of a drain in front of a house in Koh Kaew Thursday night last week (Nov 7).

Kusoldharm rescue workers arrived at the scene, near the Koh Kaew Public Health Center, and tried unsuccessfully to remove the snake using their blue plastic pipes with nooses looped through them and resorted to pouring a weak caustic soda solution into the drain to get the python out.

While the mild caustic soda solution did not have the

@thephuketnews

Local residents had to lend a hand pulling the snake from the drain. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub immediate desired effect, after half an hour the snake finally moved closer to the opening of the drain.

Rescue workers were able to get a loop fastened around the python’s tail and start

pulling the reptile out of the drain, but the snake was a little heavier and resistant than expected, leading to a host of local residents lending a hand.

The python was eventually put into a sack and later released into the wild away from people’s homes.

The owner of the house, Thanawan Eakthaweewatthanadet, explained that she had previously seen two pythons in a ditch nearby and had called local residents to catch them, which the local villagers failed to do.

Eakkapop Thongtub

chumnum PhD, Vice President of Phuket Campus, said, “In today’s fast-paced culture, factors such as economic, social and competitions play a major role in shaping and changing the way we behave in the society and the way we live our lives, including our eating habits.

“In response to the growing demands for fast and convenient meals in the past few years, food-delivery services with B2B2C (Business to Business to Customer) business model began to evolve rapidly, especially in bustling big cities and provinces,” he added.

“Along with the booming of food-delivery service platforms, the amount of waste generated from food packaging is also increasing significantly – adding to the already complex waste problems we are facing,” Prof Pun said.

In response to the survey findings, the university researchers proposed four solutions to address the waste problems in Phuket, without affecting consumers’ behaviour: • Phuket Province should request for cooperation from all restaurants and food delivery service providers to start using environmentally friendly packaging; • launch a campaign to urge consumers to reduce the use of

disposable single-use plastic utensils by encouraging them to bring their own utensils from home, and encourage consumers to refrain from using plastic straws; • launch a campaign to encourage consumers to avoid buying anything from businesses that still use packaging and utensils that are not environmentally friendly; and • Phuket Province should announce clear environmental policies and practices, such as Phuket being a foam-free province, and penalise any violators accordingly.

“Prince of Songkla University Phuket Campus (PSU Phuket) is a higher education institution that does not only focuses on teaching and learning but also serves as a main research center in developing solutions to solve common problems faced by the local community and the country’s society in general,” the university noted in its release.

“As a higher education institution, PSU Phuket is fully aware of the increasing waste problems in Phuket. Thereby, the university is implementing strategic plans to be a green university (Green Campus) by integrating energy and environment conservation measures into our teaching methods, research and all activities of the university,” it added.

Opinion 6

OPINION

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

editor@classactmedia.co.th

CONTACT US

editor@classactmedia.co.th 076 612 550

PURIYA BEAVAN Editor

CHRIS HUSTED

Executive Editor

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

Degree in business management.

Spare time spent sailing or with family.

AMY BRYANT

Lifestyle Editor

editor1@classactmedia.co.th Former freelance writer and editor for a music news and reviews website in the UK. Now turning her hobby into a career with The Phuket News and broadening her scope from music to, well, everything. Likes the weird and wonderful.

TANYALUK ‘MANGO’ SAKOOT

Chief Reporter

091 165 0260 reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

KIATTIKUL ‘JOM’ CHUMANEE

Translator

082 729 0270 translate@classactmedia.co.th

NITAD ‘TAE’ MANEE THANAPONG ‘OAK’ KHAO-AMPHAIPHAN NIRAVIT ‘MOS’ VORAVANITCHA Graphic designers

The Phuket News @thephuketnews ADVERTISING 076 612 550 ext. 605 Fax: 076 612 553 info@classactmedia.co.th thephuketnews.com

99/7 Moo 1 (Billion Plaza), T. Kathu, A. Kathu, Phuket 83120

O

EDITORIAL

This cannot be tolerated

f all the news reported this past week, least expected was the arrest of four people for human trafficking and child exploitation for operating a gang of child hawkers.

It was not unexpected because no one knows about such operations. Everyone knows about it. Seeing a pitiable young girl selling roses late at night in a bar or restaurant is one of the most depressing sights a tourist sees in Phuket.

The news was unexpected because no law-enforcement official on the island has ever publicly made such arrests. And that single, sickening fact breeds suspicion to the deepest level.

Worse, the gang taken down was operating at an undisclosed venue in Muang District, not the hotbed of Patong, where they are seen night after night – and where tourists are stuck with the quandary of whether to give

the child some money in the hope they won’t be beaten on returning to their masters with an empty purse, or to send them away penniless in the hope the operators start to understand there is no money to be made by such unscrupulous schemes.

Yet The Phuket News understands that the press conference announcing the arrests was held at Patong Police Station to send a very clear message.

It is impossible for any police officer who has done the rounds in any tourist hotspots on the island to say he has never seen such children – and yet it has been allowed to continue.

As Lt Gen Jaruwat Waisaya, Commander of the Royal Thai Police Office of Legal Affairs and Litigation, explained, Bangkok knows better. Officers were dispatched from the capital to investigate. Local police were left out of the loop. If that is what it takes, then good.

Gen Jaruwat pointed out that Prime Minister Prayut Chano-cha and Deputy PM Prawit Wongsuwan had an active interest in the case. That begs the question why, when Phuket is certainly not special in this ugly side of life in Thailand.

If this is what the US Government meant when it said Thailand was not doing enough to uphold labour laws, they were very polite about it. If this is even only a small part of the fallout from the threat to suspend benefits under the Generalized System of Preferences for Thailand amounting to over US$1.3 billion, we welcome it.

On this issue, we don’t care where the pressure comes from. We prefer it to come from within Thailand, for Thais to do more to protect Thai children, but if this is it, so be it.

Gen Jaruwat in announcing the arrests got one thing right: “This cannot be tolerated.”

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Phuket Opinion: A moratorium on stupidity, shame Phuket tourist arrivals jump for October no reason to celebrate Kata Group launches Pamookkoo Resort Swedish woman killed by motorbike while crossing Khao Lak highway German expat, 72, wounded by knife-wielding Phuket house robbers Russian-Swiss woman in coma after pulled from surf at Patong Beach Patong, Karon, Kata to suffer week-long daily mains water-supply outages Russian tourist dies after pulled from surf at Karon Beach Tourist ‘beach bus’ crashes on way to Paradise Beach Bus drivers reminded how to drive safely to Patong

Visit thephuketnews.com for all the latest news

HAVE YOUR SAY Break away from takeaway

Re: Phuket food-delivery boom raises concerns of disposable waste explosion Well, ban polystyrene for a start. Thailand has the technology and facilities to manufacture environmentally friendly packaging made from cassava and other [vegetables/ plants].

Michael Dawson The plastic monster is impossible to rein in unless drastic measures are taken.

The study targeted three delivery services but didn’t mention the tens of thousands of food carts that are 100% addicted to plastic, stuffing foam boxes into plastic bags for people to walk 20 metres to sit down and eat, then leave their trash right where they sat. I don’t see any change without drastic fines.

BenPendejo I had a food delivery from a “green” restaurant nicely packed in pretty cardboard boxes… all placed in a big plastic bag together with plastic cutlery. Who the hell doesn’t have cutlery in their home? And could they not

have used one of the many cheap non-plastic bags available nowadays? Even 7-Eleven has them.

Tamsyn Stead

ministrations, more than 40% of water is lost through water pipes which need to be fixed.

Seafarer Divers Charlie Phuket

I agree with substantial fines to be handed out by authorities for littering. The fines would cover the costs for beach cleaning equipment and other services. Nice beaches = tourists. Inevitably when they are covered in trash, it affects wildlife and the aesthetics tourists are coming for.

Travel Smart

Stop the greed. Stop building more hotels, more villas, more condos. Stop bringing in more tourists. More, more, more. Enough is enough.

Ellen Castagno

Go figure

Re: Phuket officials crunch numbers to stave off island water-shortage crisis Does Mr Somsawat [Director of the Phuket Provincial Irrigation Office] know that the real number of Thai citizens is at least twice his number of 394,000, or is he just playing dumb for the sake of figures?

His calculations are useless as, until now, nothing has been done based on them.

Only talks.

Kurt According to different reports from local civil ad-

Fast lane

Re: Swedish woman killed by motorbike while crossing Khao Lak highway He didn’t even look like he was going that fast. What is he meant to do if a woman walks out in front of him? The sad thing is I’m sure he didn’t intend for anyone to die and now he’s got to live with that for the rest of his life.

Adam Hoffman Why is he being charged?

She walked out in front of him?

Sharon Tony Healey The area where she was hit is a disaster waiting to happen.

Cars and bikes come speeding down the hill, and the police have done nothing to slow the traffic down. Checkpoints,

really? How about narrow the road and put speed ramps to slow the traffic to a snail’s pace?

Also maybe some pedestrian crossings with traffic lights to help people get across the road.

Ciaran McNeill

Fighting back

Re: Man arrested in Phuket for violent attempted rape in Krabi Good example of insufficient consequences for this career criminal lowlife. This punk has proven time and time again that he is not capable of living among civilized society.

This violent crime should be his last. And kudos to the lady that fought him off. I hope you have a peaceful life.

BenPendejo How horrifying for the woman and I’m so glad she fought back successfully. It’s hard to know if fighting back is going to help or result in more violence and injury. This man should have his testes removed.

Christy Sweet Unfortunately, if his past record is anything to go by, he won’t spend long behind bars.

Geoffrey Morris

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

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019

THAILAND NEWS

7

Ex-park chief turns self over

Chaiwat surrenders to answer murder charge in Billy case PETCHABURI Bangkok Post

C

haiwat Limlikit -aksorn, former chief of Kaeng Krachan National Park, turned himself in at the Department of Special Investigation in Bangkok on Tuesday (Nov 12) to answer a charge of murdering forestbased Karen activist “Billy”.

At the same time, DSI investigators searched his house in Phetchaburi for evidence in the case.

Mr Chaiwat and three other suspects in the murder reported to investigators, as he promised on Monday (Nov 11), after the DSI obtained court warrants for their arrest in connection with the murder of Karen rights activist Porlajee “Billy” Rakchongcharoen, 31.

DSI officials started interrogating the suspects right away.

Mr Chaiwat, now the chief of Ubon Ratchathani-based Protected Area Regional Office 9, told waiting reporters he wanted to see the DSI’s evidence. He wondered how the DSI had concluded its

@thephuketnews

A portrait of Porlajee “Billy” Rakchongcharoen is displayed at an event. Photo: Bangkok Post

Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn, ex-chief of the Kaeng Krachan National Park, centre, as an official of the Department of Special Investigation reads out a warrant for his arrest at the DSI headquarters in Bangkok on Tuesday morning (Nov 12). Photo: Bangkok Post investigation into the Karen activit’s disappearance in six months, learning all about the case, finding a human skull and finishing DNA examination.

He said he would cooperate, and then made a strange comment.

“Reports made me, (my) family and (my) organisation villains in the world of social media. I, as a defender of forests, no matter how big government officials are, if I can stand, I will definitely

knock down all of them.”

Mr Chaiwat accused media of causing him damage without waiting for proof.

“I and my subordinates are ready to fight. We will not flee because our families are here… I and my subordinates have devoted our life to forest protection,” Mr Chaiwat said.

DSI Director-General Paisit Wongmuang said investigators searched Mr Chaiwat’s residence in Kaeng Krachan district of Phetchaburi on Tues-

day morning for evidence in the Billy case.

On Monday the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases issued arrest warrants for Mr Chaiwat and three others on suspicion they murdered Billy, who went missing in April 2014.

Porlajee disappeared while he was helping his relatives sue Mr Chaiwat for setting fire to their bamboo huts and rice barns during a series of forest evictions in the Kaeng

Krachan National Park.

Two other suspects who work for state agencies, Bunthaen Butsarakham and Thanaset Chaemthet, also face charges brought by the DSI. In addition to premeditated murder, the three are accused of detaining, robbing and threatening the victim with weapons, and concealing his dead body.

The other suspect, identified as Kritsanaphong Chitthet, is not a state official and is accused of supporting the trio’s alleged crimes.

Porlajee was last seen alive on April 17, 2014, after Mr Chaiwat and his officials arrested the Karen activist for allegedly collecting wild honey

in the forest.

Mr Chaiwat and park officials were earlier charged over the man’s disappearance, but acquitted for lack of evidence.

After reopening the case in June, the DSI discovered skull fragments in an oil drum in the Kaeng Krachan reservoir that matched with the DNA of Porlajee’s mother, and a murder investigation was launched.

Mr Chaiwat earlier disputed the DSI’s finding, saying the DNA match did not prove the bones belonged to Porlajee.

The DSI is now working with experts to analyse 30 more bone fragments, as well as questioning over 100 possible witnesses.

8

THAILAND NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019

Doc warns teen phone addicts THAILAND A GROWING NUMBER of youngsters, especially university students, are suffering “trigger finger” and other muscle-related problems as the time they spend on smartphones increases.

At risk are those who use phones for prolonged periods, bending their necks and elbows and tapping fingers on screens to text long messages. This can result in fingers, wrists, shoulders and even necks becoming “locked” in one position, with associated pain.

“We’ve found that the ages of our patients are getting lower, since [students] are spending more hours on smartphones and computers,” Chutiphon Thammachari, a physiotherapist at Mahidol University’s Faculty of Physical Therapy, said on Monday (Nov 11).

In a growing trend over the past two years, more young patients – mostly students aged between 20 and 22 – are seeking treatments for muscle and tendon inflammation at the university’s Physical Therapy Centre.

A student in Bangkok checks her mobile phone.

Photo: Bangkok Post In the past, the majority of patients were office workers in their 40s, Ms Chutiphon said.

Trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis) is a disorder of the tendons characterised by stiffness and a sensation of locking when a finger is straightened, she said.

Meanwhile, the associated “texting thumb”, or De Quervain’s syndrome, is caused by inflammation of tendons controlling the thumb.

Frequent and prolonged use also puts phone users at risk of painful “tennis elbow”, when tendons are overloaded by the need to hold the joint in a bent position.

The same problem can afflict tendons in the shoulder and neck.

To avoid these painful conditions, users should change the way they operate their devices, Ms Chutiphon said.

“If you want to have a long conversation, it’s better to make a phone call rather than type,” she advised.

Users should also make use of voice-activated search and messaging features, which ease the burden on fingers.

Ms Chut iphon also warned of the stress caused by bending the neck for prolonged periods while using a phone.

Bangkok Post

Passengers sit in the front of a vehicle at a checkpoint manned by armed civil defence volunteers and police. Photo: Bangkok Post

Two wanted over deadly Yala attack YALA

Bangkok Post

P

olice are seeking arrest warrants for two suspects whose DNA samples were found at the scene of last Tuesday’s (Nov 5) massacre at a security checkpoint in Yala's Muang district, which killed 15 and injured five others.

The suspects are Saudi Ting-useng whose blood was found at the attack scene and Natsarulo Sama whose DNA was also found there, said Pol Lt Gen Ronnasin Phusara, commissioner of Provincial Police Region 9, on Monday (Nov 11).

Both suspects already face a number of arrest warrants over their alleged involvements in previous insurgent attacks including an attack on a security checkpoint in Yala’s Krong Pinang district in 2017, which killed 12 people, and

the bombing and arson attacks on the Provincial Electricity Authority's regional office in Kabang district of Yala last year.

Further blood samples were collected which belong to three other suspects who police are trying to identify, said Pol Lt Gen Ronnasin.

As for the six people detained after multiple raids in Yala and neighbouring Pattani on Saturday (Nov 9), he said, they were still being questioned at the Inkhayutthaborihan military camp in Pattani’s Nong Chik district.

In related news, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon revealed that His Majesty the King has had some gifts sent to families who lost loved ones in last Tuesday’s attack as a way of offering moral support to them.

Personally, Gen Prawit said he was deeply saddened by the losses of the defence volunteers who were all villagers.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda to ensure necessary assistance is promptly provided to all affected families, said Gen Prawit.

In another development, an academic has voiced concern over the latest threat by the Internal Security Operations Command to impose a curfew in eight districts of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla.

Asst Prof Srisompob Jitpiromsri, director of the Centre for Conflict Studies and Cultural Diversity (CSCD) of Prince of Songkla University, said any new curfew in the deep South will do more harm than good.

“To impose a curfew in the region again will result in a massive negative psychological effect on the affected areas as it would be tantamount to formally admitting that the security situation in the South is worsening,” he said.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019

BUSINESS NEWS

9

Know your bungalows and villas Phuket properties are many and varied, know which one you want THE PHUKET PROPERTY GUIDE Thai Residential phuket@thairesidential.com

W

e previously wrote in this column on how a limited Thai company can be used legitimately to buy property in Thailand. This is obviously not an issue for condominiums or certain resort-managed properties – which can be owned freehold – but a Thai entity is required to purchase landed property.

Here we discuss the most popular types of landed property and the relative attractions of each. The categories are our own and serve to distinguish one type of house from another, even if they can all be generically called “villas”. Please allow us to reiterate that any foreigner whose Thai company is purchasing property must do things correctly, which is covered in detail in our Phuket Property Guide.

Bungalows and Bungalow Estates The world “bungalow” originally referred to Bengali-style houses, which were typically one-storey homes with a veranda. It is a style

@thephuketnews

Bungalow, or pool villa? When it comes to buying property in Phuket, you could easily have both all in one. Photo: Thai Residential of house which today is popular throughout the world.

Bungalows are very popular in Phuket, and the last 30 years have seen large numbers of these constructed. These are mostly found in and around Phuket Town or in the more rural areas of the island.

There are also “bungalow estate” developments, including higher-end compounds in popular tourists areas, often with modern design concepts and sea views. Some developments are even structured to allow the bungalows to be sold to foreigners.

Bungalows today come in all shapes and sizes, and the prices can range from B3 million to B7mn, if not more.

Villas While foreigners are allowed outright ownership of “bricks and mortar” – the physical buildings – only in very unique circumstances are they afforded the right to own land. This naturally prevents full freehold ownership of villas, bungalows or any landed property by foreigners.

Any foreigner without a legiti-

mate Thai company is advised to consider a long-term lease if they want a house or villa. But if you are looking for a villa, the options are also varied.

Villa Estates are usually quite good value for the money.

Often found inland from the beach, these tend to be gated communities (or at least walled-in), back from the major roads and do not offer much in the way of views.

These villas usually have quite stylish layouts, with a patio area and private pool.

If you want a warm weather home, these can be an affordable and convenient option, especially if you find one near to shops, restaurants, or the beach. You can get one these homes for as little as B7mn, and because villas generally rent quite well in Phuket, these can also be excellent investment properties.

Sometimes developers will even offer investors an attractive rental program.

High-end villas are usually larger, both the house and the plot of land.

They also tend to be in tourist areas or close to the beach. The quality of construction, including fittings and fixtures is generally higher, with a greater focus on architectural detail.

This class of villa can range in

price from B15-50mn, and for that there is a noticeable difference in space and comfort. These villas rent extremely well, especially in the high season, making them attractive investment properties.

You will typically find “Luxury Villas” and “Super Luxury Villas” resting on verdant hillsides, with amazing views of the Andaman Sea, complete with spectacular sunsets.

Usually found in the most soughtafter areas of the island, they also feature impressive designs with high ceilings, western appliances and bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. Spacious gardens, infinity pools, sundecks and outdoor dining salas are common features, ensuring that comfort and quality are not sacrificed.

Prices start at B50mn, but you can also find these properties selling for as much as US$10-20mn (B300-600mn).

This article is taken from the 2018/2019 Phuket Property Guide.

To view the complete 2019/2020 Thai Residential Phuket Property Guide online, visit thairesidential.com/ phuket-property-guide. You can also contact Thai Residential directly at Email: phuket@thairesidential.com or Tel: +66 9484 11918.

10 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019

Kata Group opens Pamookkoo New B1.75bn resort targets family groups, MICE event market HOSPITALITY The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

K

ata Group, the long-established Thai local hotel operator that began with the opening of its first hotel on Phuket’s southwest coast 40 years ago, has launched its eighth resort, Pamookkoo Resort, representing an investment of B1.75 billion.

The new hotel is led by Pariyawit “Benz” Achariyachai, son and heir to Kata Group founder and President Pramookpisitt Achariyachai, who will promote the project as a new leisure destination, focusing on fun-and-sunloving family groups, said a release announcing the new resort.

At an investment of over B1.75bn, not including the cost of land, Pamookkoo Resort is a theme hotel, designed as an adventure land into the past, with a Mesopotamian concept and a décor of golden earth tones, the release noted.

The four-star resort, covering an area of over 16 rai in Kata, is set around a large pool with a four-storey water slider.

The resort also features an outside playground for children and boasts the biggest “Kid’s World” in Phuket, at an area of 135 square metres and two storeys in height, equipped with ball pools, colouring stations and a nap area.

For corporate guests and events, the hotel offers several options of meeting rooms and facilities, with four function rooms of different sizes, the largest of which can host over 1,000 people, making it one of

The 512-unit Pamookkoo Resort, covering more than 16 rai in Kata, represents and investment of B1.75 billion, not including the land. Photo: Pamookkoo Resort the biggest event spaces in Kata.

The resort’s Pamookkoo Pamookkaa room can accommodate up to 1,100 delegates, the Geology room can host 230 delegates, and the Zoology room 200 delegates. For smaller scale meetings, the Forest room offers a space for 30 persons.

With 512 units, the room options include Deluxe, Deluxe Premium, Family, and Suite with the sizes ranging from 32.8sqm to as large as 77sqm, all of which are well equipped with modern amenities and a large private balcony for every room.

The highlight of the resort is the Pamookkoo Adventure Pool, a large turquoise pool situated at the centre of the resort, with the four-storey slider in the shape of a fortress.

For small children, two more swimming pools are provided in the

kid’s zone, together with mini slider and a “water house”.

The resort offers three restaurants, while its “Fit Room” features a wide variety of modern fitness equipment.

ON TARGET The opening promotion rates offer room prices from B2,000 to B4,000 per night, with the resort targeting both Thai and international visitors from countries such as Russia, China and India, and countries in Scandinavia explained the release.

The occupancy level during the opening phase is expected to reach 90-95%, which is commensurate with this Phuket’s tourism high season, said the release.

“Marketing will be focused on direct booking via the hotel’s official

website, with special promotions for Thai residents,” it added.

“Today, we are pleased to welcome visitors to Pamookkoo Resort, the latest hotel by Kata Group. With over 40 years of experience, we have long been providing our guests with excellence in service, and we have always prided ourselves on meeting the changing demands of tourists,” said Mr Pariyawit, Product Development Director of Kata Group Resorts.

“Today’s guests are seeking fulfilling experiences, more than just accommodation, and this is an opportunity for our brand to grow in the market,” he added.

“Also, we are truly confident that Phuket tourism will continue to significantly grow, with a consistent 70-90% occupancy rate for our properties throughout the year. There are

several more golden sites on the island that promise high potential, there are other up-and-coming world-class destinations, and the improvements in infrastructure including the expansion of Phuket International Airport all make Phuket one of the greatest of international destinations,” Mr Pariyawit explained.

Kata Group now has a total of eight hotels and resorts in operation.

Beyond Resort Karon in Phuket and Beyond Resort Khao Lak in Phang Nga are both luxury resorts open to visitors of over 18 years of age.

Beyond Resort Krabi and Beyond Resort Kata, Phuket, target family vacations. Beyond Patong in Phuket is a landmark in the island’s popular beach resort of Patong, with its Underwater World theme, while Phuket Orchid Resort & Spa at Karon Beach is a family destination.

Novotel Samui Resort Chaweng Beach Kandaburi, on Samui, is the only property not directly operated

by Kata Group. Pamookkoo Resort, at Kata, Phuket, is the newest of the Kata Group properties.

Kata Group plans to further expand their business along the Andaman coast, adding one or two units within the next three to five years, bringing the total accommodation to around 2,000 rooms, the release explained.

Regarding high competition in the hotel business in Phuket, Mr Pariyawit expressed his confidence in Kata Group’s hotels, saying they are able to answer to tourists in every segment. All of the hotels by Kata Group have their own distinctions, and are trusted by existing and new customers, he said.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019

Why Ang Lee’s Gemini Man misses the mark

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019

13

Phuket Sikhs hold first procession in 11 years

15

WALKING WITH ELEPHANTS

A magical morning at Tree Tops Elephant Reserve

The beauty of Tree Tops is that the elephants are in charge. Photo: Russell Withers Amy Bryant editor1@classactmedia.co.th

I

n June this year, Louise Rogerson and Russell Withers were in a cold and inevitably rainy England, mulling over their options after a circuit of Asia scouting out locations for a new elephant sanctuary, when the phone rang.

On the line was tourism industry veteran and former Executive Director of Phuket Deep Sea Port Wallop P. Luengdhama with a proposition: how about a sanctuary in the hills of Chalong to cater to those seeking an ethical elephant experience in the south?

Wallop certainly picked the right people for the job.

Louise has worked with captive elephants in Thailand and Cambodia for over a decade, successfully spearheading campaigns for their welfare and release as well as setting up the Elephant Asia Rescue and Survival (EARS) Foundation. And both Louise and Russell were vital in setting up Phuket Elephant Sanctuary back in 2016, the island’s first genuine “hands-off” elephant project.

Within days of the phone call, the pair were back on the island, sleeves rolled up and ready for round two. Over the next five months, Wallop, Louise and Russell worked tirelessly to set up Tree Tops Elephant Reserve, and what they’ve created is something quite magical, something with the potential to shake up Phuket’s elephant tourism industry entirely.

Given the misuse and overuse of the term “sanctuary”, the team settled on “reserve”. But Tree Tops is both a reserve – a protected area for wildlife – and, in the truest sense of the word, a sanctuary – a place of refuge and safety. The seven elephants here have been retired from years of hard work hauling timber in the logging industry, giving rides to tourists or performing tricks at tourist attractions.

Tree Tops is located on a rocky side road at the far end of Chalong Dam and backs out onto 50 rai of lush, rugged grassland and muddy wallows where the elephants roam, socialise, bathe and play freely. @thephuketnews

Egrets and eagles fly overhead, and the resident dogs play at our ankles as we pull on our wellies and set off on a morning tour of the reserve.

We start with a brief feeding interaction with nine-year-old Fah Sai, who scoops up bananas with her inquisitive trunk like they’re going out of fashion, and her 50-year-old adoptive mother Nam Gaew who watches carefully over her. Potassium levels peaked, the elephants lead us through the forest and into their great green stomping ground.

And herein lies the beauty of Tree Tops: the elephants are in charge. Wherever they go, we go, following and watching from a respectful distance at all times. Their gentle pace has an almost meditative effect on the group; we’re near silent, thoughts fixed only on the environment around us, captivated by these gentle giants.

Thatched-roof salas are dotted across the land, acting as viewpoints from which we watch Lam Poon and Tong Tip investigate a particularly luscious patch of foliage, Boon Song break up tough clumps of pineapple grass by thrashing them across her legs, and 65-yearold Nam Sook, affectionately known as “grandma”, stroll slowly through the grass in the distance.

And then there’s an almighty splash. The group turns to see that playful Fah Sai has decided to take a dip with Nam Gaew in a muddy pool which an overnight storm has filled to the brim. Fah Sai slaps the surface with her trunk and trumpets excitedly while Nam Gaew rubs up against the bank, turning her grey skin brown with clay.

Witnessing the natural behaviours these animals exhibit when they’re given the freedom and the space to do so, it’s a wonder that anyone would opt for the wholly unnatural experiences of riding or bathing with them. Simply being in the presence of these magnificent animals is enough.

As we settle in for a buffet lunch with the elephants still nearby, Louise and Russell explain that, before Tree Tops, the land and elephants were in fact used as part of a riding camp. Much of Louise, Russell and Wallop’s work has been retraining

Fah Sai and Nam Gaew take a dip. Photo: Russell Withers the owners, guides and mahouts as they make the transition to ethical tourism. While they were on board with this shift, they had their reservations.

Won’t the elephants go on a rampage if they’re uncontrolled? Is it safe? Will tourists be interested in this experience?

These concerns dissipated as they saw the elephants relax, roam, swim, play, trumpet and socialise in ways they’d never witnessed before. The mahouts’ job now is simply to feed and care for the elephants, and it’s clear that they relish their less interfering role as they line up at the water’s edge next to our group, laughing as the elephants make muddy work of their morning swim.

Tree Tops is more than a sanctuary and reserve; it’s a shining example that change is possible.

Tree Tops Elephant Reserve is open Monday to Saturday with two tours a day (9:30am-1:30pm and 1:30pm-5:30pm). Tours must be booked in advance. For more information or to book a tour, visit www.treetopselephantreserve.com or email info@treetopselephantreserve.com

12 PETS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019

The pedalling pair in Khao Lak.

Pedalling with Polar Polar as a ‘little chipolata’ (right).

BLAZING SADDLES

Baz Daniel baz_gunner2000@yahoo.com

T

his month marks the one year anniversary of the death of my little dog and enthusiastic cycling companion named Polar. He died a slow death, probably from doggie meningitis, during which he progressively lost his power of locomotion and ability to eat and finally went to sleep on a Thursday morning in his basket next to me as I sat writing at my computer.

It was a sadly ironic death for such an active and enthusiastic little soul, and it hit me hard. In fact only now, a year later, do I feel strong and recovered enough to actually write this article and quasi-obituary about some of our cycling adventures together.

Polar arrived on planet Earth in late 2014 via the good graces of his Chihuahua mother Khun Sausage who was out walking with me one evening on Chalong Beach where we used to live. I turned my back for a couple of minutes, during which time Khun Sausage was amorously set upon by a roguish French poodle named Hero who lived on the beach.

Sure enough, some nine weeks later Khun Sausage gave birth to four little sacks of life, each about the size of a shrivelled chipolata!

We nurtured these blessed arrivals, and after about three months the day came when we’d planned give three of the litter to our friends for adoption, keeping just one female puppy named Cutie. But when the time came, I found I just couldn’t bring myself to part with little Polar.

Polar was so named because he looked like a miniature version of that iconic Arctic bear. He was like a lovely little fluffy bear, but he was not exactly the most intelligent doggie in the world.

He also had a canine tooth on one side which was too big to fit into his hairy little jaw, and so he tended to bound about, tooth protruding, like a demented Dracula.

All things considered, I decided that this cold, hard world was just too harsh a place for Polar to face without me, so I staged a dramatic nervous breakdown one evening so that my partner Pattie would agree to keeping Polar within our family menagerie, in addition to his hairy little sister Cutie. It was an inspired act, as Polar quickly became my main go-to cycling companion and allround right-hand man… er, dog.

What he lacked in intelligence, Polar more than made up for with unbounded enthusiasm, energy and an endless naive curiosity about this strange planet upon which he found himself. He was always at the gate waiting to join me on any junket, be it a hike over Promthep Cape or merely a quotidian saunter to the local Tesco Lotus.

One evening I took Polar in the car along with my mountain bike on its bike rack up to Bang Wad Dam. After a walk with Polar so he could do his various bits of doggie business, I unloaded the bike and put Polar into a backpack, his hairy little head protruding into the evening air. Off we set around the dam,

Always ready for an adventure. with Polar on my back, nodding his hairy little head in a sort of grand papal salute to the highly agitated pack of soi dogs who bounded along behind us hoping to get their teeth into him.

Polar thought this was a marvellous way of seeing the world, and so he made it very clear that henceforth he was going to join me on all my cycling adventures.

Over the next three years, we shared some epic escapades together: up to Khao Sok National Park where he was chased by a tribe of macaques; to the floating cottages on Cheow Lan Lake; island-hopping by bike and boat around the islands of Phang Nga Bay; and circumnavigating Koh Lanta by bike.

Polar was not the most athletic, handsome or intelligent dog that’s ever lived, but what he lacked in natural gifts he made up for in an unending torrent of enthusiasm, fun and love.

He was the epitome of that overused French commodity “joie de vivre”. Every moment of his all-too-short existence he was truly grateful just to be alive. A lesson for us all.

So now at last you have your obituary my wonderful little cycling buddy, and I can finally say R.I.P. Ride In Peace!

“Bicycling” Baz Daniel fell off his first bicycle aged three... a case of love at first slight. Since then he has spent a further 65 years falling on and off bicycles all over the world, but his passion endures.

When not in traction, he found time to become Senior VP of the world’s largest advertising and communications group, finally retiring to Phuket in 2006. He has been penning his Blazing Saddles column, chronicling his cycling adventures in Phuket and beyond, since 2013. thephuketnews

Double trouble THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019

Will Smith meets Will Smith in sci-fi flop Gemini Man

“K David Griffiths

now your limits!” is the kind of thing you would expect to say to a first-time director who wants to bury themselves in an overly ambitious cinematic project. But it’s hardly the kind of thing that you would think a studio or producer would have to tell an experienced, Oscar-winning director like Ang Lee. As far as filmmaking goes, Lee has never been afraid to push the envelope. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon saw him bring Asian cinema to the American mainstream, while Brokeback Mountain tackled taboo topics and showed once again why cinema plays an important part in opening up discussions in society. Then there was Life of Pi, a film which used CGI in a way that no other director had ever dared to imagine.

Therefore, it probably shouldn’t have been a surprise when it was announced that Lee’s new film Gemini Man would once again attempt to use cuttingedge technology to bring its audience something fresh and new. The technology that Lee decided to use saw the film shot digitally at an extra-high frame rate of 120 frames per second and then modified to 3D. Lee thought the finished product would make audiences feel like they were standing right there amongst the action. Instead, what has been delivered is a terrible cinematic experience on par with M. Night Shyamalan’s fall from grace when he helmed the illfated The Last Airbender.

When it comes to plot, Gemini Man is made up of a story that action heroes like Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger would have fallen over themselves to be involved with back in the 1990s. Will Smith plays Henry Brogan, one of the government’s top hitmen.

After a hit becomes too close for comfort, he decides to retire, but when he learns a painful secret about his career, he suddenly finds another agent, Danny Zakarweski (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), is sent to kill him.

After explaining to her that she is mistaken, an even deadlier enemy arrives to finish off the job: a clone of Brogan’s younger self.

With a plot like that, you could easily imagine a brilliant film that delivers an intense exploration of cloning alongside the suspense of a big action blockbuster. Sadly, though, Gemini Man just doesn’t deliver at all.

First of all, it looks bad. You may remember that this type of extra-high frame rate film technique failed miserably when it was trialled in The Lord of the Rings franchise, and here it does exactly the same thing for exactly the same reason. The problem is it leaves the image way too clear, which results in a sun-drenched look that you would normally see on a television soap like The Bold and the Beautiful. And while some may say that it makes the audience feel part of the action, that crystal clear vision also means that the filmmaker can no longer “hide” all the magic of cinema. Suddenly, fake blood is identifiable as fake blood, and as we see here a stuntman filling in for @thephuketnews

Will Smith is forced to cover his face in an absolutely ludicrous way so the audience can’t tell that he isn’t Smith. Yes, for the motorcycle sequence you will be gasping in wonder, but for the rest of the film you will be groaning with disappointment.

If the visual aspects of Gemini Man don’t have you groaning, I can guarantee that some of the cheesy lines and woeful dialogue certainly will. There’s a scene in the film between Danny, Brogan and the clone where the dialogue is so bad that you would swear it had been lifted from some terrible family soap opera. Then there are the cheesy lines throughout the film that sound like the screenwriter was desperate to try and deliver a catchphrase.

Hearing Brogan declare that he is from Philadelphia as he gives his life story does, for once, get the audience to laugh but for all the wrong reasons as they recall the lyrics that Smith sang during the title credits of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. It’s easy to see that what Ang Lee wanted to deliver with Gemini Man was an action film that went down in history for changing the face of cinema. What he has created, though, is a film so bad that it’s likely to become a cult classic for the same reason The Room has become a must-see – a film that shows young filmmakers how not to make a film and has them laughing from start to finish.

ENTERTAINMENT 13

Now showing in Phuket.

Perhaps one day a filmmaker will take a look at something as serious as cloning in a way that can open up discussion for the audience, but Gemini Man certainly isn’t that film. Like Ang Lee, Will Smith rarely delivers a flop, but somehow them working together has resulted in one of the worst films of the year.

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

14 ART

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019

Fame, the Musical

HeadStart set to dazzle with most ambitious show yet The musical, set between 1980 and 1984, tells the stories of fame-hungry teens at New York’s celebrated High School for the Performing Arts.

Amy Bryant editor1@classactmedia.co.th

O

ver the past five years, HeadStart International School has steadily built a reputation for putting on a real show, transforming their sports hall into everything from an enchanted forest in Into the Woods, to a bustling Old Baghdad in Ali Baba and the Bongo Bandits, to a circus big top in The Greatest Show.

Well, the only way is up, and on November 29 and 30 the school will perform its most ambitious show to date: Fame, the Musical.

The musical, loosely based on the film and television series of the same name, throws open the doors of New York’s celebrated High School for the Performing Arts and follows the students from their admission in 1980 to their graduation in 1984 as they struggle for success in the most illustrious of industries.

To borrow the title of season six, episode five of the series, Fame is “All Talking, All Singing, All Dancing”.

To find out more about what audiences can expect, I spoke to Director of Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) Erika Cramp who is working overtime with

Dance Programme Manager Fabienne Mester, Drama Coordinator Hayley Milner and drama teacher Joel Adams to bring Fame to life.

We meet in the department office where a mini makeshift stage takes pride of place on the table and crates of colourful costumes are stacked high, each a miniature treasure trove of performances past.

Erika explains that, while the team chose Fame while still buzzing with adrenaline as soon as the curtain fell on their last performance, they’re confident that both the CAPA Academy and the Dance Academy are up to the challenge.

“It’s definitely the hardest show we’ve ever done.

The harmonies are intense and the dancing is insane.

It goes from ballet to modern to hip-hop,” says Erika.

“But, for most of the kids, it’s their fifth year in the academy, and they’ve performed for even longer, so they’re ready. I told them that when they pull this off, they can be really proud of themselves.”

The cast of 25 was chosen back in August, and rehearsals began in earnest in September. Students have pored over their lines and relished each opportunity to make the characters their own, even when that’s meant squeezing in after-school and weekend rehears-

als. And with acid-washed denim and oversized band T-shirts back in fashion, they’ve been able to supply some of their own costumes too, albeit accidentally.

“Instead of amazing wardrobe and scene changes, the show really focuses on the singing, dancing and acting. It brings out the talent,” says Erika.

But Fame isn’t just a CAPA and Dance Academy effort. What’s wonderful about HeadStart productions is their inclusivity. The graphics team has designed the backdrop of a dusky New York skyline, the computing department has created an online ticket platform, and the stairs on set were carefully constructed by design technology in the style of school lockers.

On the night, the art department will be on hair and make-up duty, drama students will become stagehands, and a number of talented teachers will perform in the live band.

And those who aren’t involved in the run up are sure to be a supportive presence in the audience. Be sure you’re right there with them.

HeadStart International School will perform Fame, the Musical on November 29 and 30 at 6pm. Tickets are available online at: headstartphuket.com

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CULTURE 15

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019

Sikhing remembrance Phuket Sikhs honour birth anniversary of founder Guru Nanak The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

T

he Sri Guru Singh Sabha Association and the Thai-Sikh community of Phuket came together last Sunday (November 10) to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh religion, with a programme of events at the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Phuket.

The Sikh religion has an estimated population of 30 million worldwide, with approximately 70,000 in Thailand. In Phuket, there are about 30 Sikh families, and the Sikh gurdwara, which can be found on Suthat Road in Phuket Town diagonally opposite the Phuket Provincial Land Office, is the only Sikh religious place of worship on the island.

Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) of the Phuket Provincial Office Anupong Wawongmoon acted as ceremonial chairman for the events at the gurdwara where he was joined by Phuket Rajabhat University Vice President Asst Prof Dr Thavatchai Thumthong, Deputy Director of the Medical Department at Vachira Phuket Hospital Dr Weerasak Lawtongkum and representatives from the Phuket office of the Ministry of Culture.

Heavy downpours didn’t deter the community who led a colourful mid-morning nagar kirtan procession from Chatuchak Market to the gurdwara, performing jaikaras (calls of “Bole So Nihal… Sat Sri Akal” meaning “Shout aloud in ecstasy… True is the great timeless one) on arrival. Safely indoors, the congregation heard from the ceremonial chairman and senior members of

@thephuketnews

A Sikh priest takes part in the akhand paath. the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Association, sung hymns and recited the Ardas supplication prayer.

Members of the congregation then took turns to undertake the akhand paath, the non-stop ceremonial recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib scripture, which continued for three days and two nights until the birth anniversary itself on November 12.

The Sri Guru Singh Sabha Association also marked the occasion by donating 20 wheelchairs to Vachira Phuket Hospital and welcoming the congregation to a communal vegetarian meal in their dining hall.

In explaining the significance of the anniversary, speaker Sharan Singhsachakul said, “Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji received a revelation from God and went on a mission to spread his religious dharma throughout South Asia and the Middle East. He preached a doc-

The Panj Pyare, five representatives who form the executive body of the Sikh community. trine of a simple way of life, pure and truthful, to be in the spirit of selfless service while also earning an honest living. He preached oneness of mankind above gender, race, religion and nationality, stressing that no one is an enemy, no one is a stranger.”

“He also preached how to rightly channel the five passions of lust, anger, greed, emotional attachment and pride by ever abiding in the awareness of our common father and creator in every moment of consciousness,” added Sharan.

The events were also significant as they marked the first time in 11 years that the Thai-Sikh community had held a large, public procession. The last procession of this kind took place in 2008 to mark the 300 year anniversary of the installation of the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal guru of the Sikhs.

16 TRAVEL

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019

Exploring Ban Nam Khem Blair Horgan journalist.blair@gmail.com

The images of those lost in the tsunami stay with you, as do the plaques and how quiet it is. I felt like time had stopped.

S

even hundred words it is. One shot at my debut article about my recent trip to Thailand, plus I need to pick just two photos out of the 800-plus I took while I was visiting places not many tourists venture to. In a nutshell, I need to describe to you what was important to me.

I was beyond fortunate to have a local show me around parts of Khao Lak and Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial Park, amongst other off-thebeaten-track locations where you’ll find no tourists.

Some of the beaches and little spots that we stopped at were beyond amazing – isolated, near deserted and pristine with local Thai families just out enjoying a quiet Sunday afternoon, and to me that stands out.

They’ve been through so much yet are so resilient, always offering that world-famous Thai smile.

Jonny, a friend I met three years ago, offered to show me around what he called his Thailand, his home, and it was something special. For me, it’s all about telling a story, sharing that with other people.

Jonny runs Lucky’s, a Thai-Western restaurant situated along what’s called Khao Lak Eating Street near Bang Niang Market – which is well worth checking out.

So there we were: me, Jonny and our friend Thomas heading up towards the fishing village of Ban Nam Khem. I’m in the back seat trying to take photos on my phone, juggling my Osmo Pocket and GoPro cameras all at the same time and, despite the air conditioning, I was struggling. Jonny says if I want to take photos to let him know. Let me say, we stopped a lot. Photos of locals, beaches, a multi-million-baht prawn farm and even some cute little semi-domesticated piglets. I took photos of them all.

As a photojournalist what stood out the most was around the area where the ferries left for Pak Ko har-

Busy with locals, the port feels like the heart of the village. bour. Busy with locals, it felt like the heart of the village, in contrast with the surrounding area which hasn’t come close to being fully recovered after the devastating 2004 Tsunami. Massive structures remain empty except the nesting swallows that have taken up residence. While other areas around Khao Lak have taken off thanks to tourism and holiday resorts, this is one place that hasn’t. Even now, being back home in Australia, it still hits me hard looking at photos of just after the tsunami hit, and seeing what I saw cannot but affect you.

The tsunami memorial at Ban Nam Khem is run down and eerily haunting. As I walked along the concrete wall that’s in the shape of a wave, I spotted a local family who were out on a Sunday afternoon walk, perhaps remembering those who were no longer with them. I cannot describe what it’s like walking along this section of the memorial. I always think of Coldplay’s song Fix You. The images of those lost in the tsunami stay with you, as do the plaques and how quiet it is. I felt like time had stopped.

One plaque that is burned into my mind is a yellow helmet of possibly a firefighter or paramedic. There’s the number 196 in red on the helmet and what looks like a diver’s badge on the bottom left of the plaque. I was told they were from Finland and were in Thailand at the time with their family, but the Thai text on the plaque translates into something different. Reports differ, and even now it’s nearly impossible to get records on who the helmet belongs to. Nonetheless, people need to remember, people need to visit these places. It’s about respecting

The helmet of possibly a firefighter or paramedic. the Thai people and their culture and understanding what happened.

If you do visit, just remember not to act like a tourist. Treat the locals with the utmost respect and they will return the favour.

Blair Horgan is a writer and photojournalist from Australia who has spent the last couple of years working closely with various emergency services based in the North West of Tasmania. He frequently travels to Thailand, Bali and Vietnam where he enjoys mostly doing street photography, finding himself off the beaten track and trying to get the next story.

You can follow him at www.facebook. com/aussiejournalist or check out his portfolio at gurushots.com/Blair.Horgan/photos

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Funding the future

Scholarship support flows into Phuket The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

W

ith the opening of UWC Thailand (UWCT) in August 2016, Phuket became home to the globe’s 16th United World College (UWC) – an international collection of schools with a mission to use education as a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.

Nestled in the foothills of the northern Phuket mountains, UWCT – formerly Phuket International Academy – has worked tirelessly to bring its mission alive across the island through service activities, community screenings, seminars, hosting environmental working groups and uniting more than 70 different nationalities on campus.

To create this microcosm of diversity, UWCT brings in Grade 11 and 12 scholarship students from around the world who have shown they are com-

@thephuketnews

EDUCATION 17

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019

mitted to creating positive and lasting change. Funding these Diploma Programme scholarships means the school must raise between US$2-5 million per year in donations.

To encourage new donors and the entire Phuket community to contribute to UWC’s bold mission, the school was given a million-dollar donation matching opportunity by the Davis-UWC Impact Challenge.

On November 15, UWCT proudly announced that it met and surpassed this request, raising more than US$3 million. As a result, the school will receive an additional US$1 million from the Davis United World College Scholars Program. All funds raised are used to support current and future scholarship students at UWCT. “We are exceedingly grateful to all of our donors and to the Davis-UWC Impact Challenge for their support.

There is no question that their challenge helped further unite our community as we worked together on this goal,” said

Shelby Davis (centre) and his wife Gale (4th from left) visit UWCT. UWCT Head of School Jason McBride.

The challenge was created by longtime UWC benefactor Shelby Davis in an effort to generate awareness about the UWC movement and spur its supporters into action.

Action, rather than words, has been a focus of the US fund manager’s philanthropic work, who frequently quotes Sarah Ban Breathnach’s when he says, “The world needs dreamers and the world needs doers. But above all, the world needs dreamers who do.”

In order to “do”, Davis and international education leader Phil Geier co-founded the Davis UWC Scholars Program, which Davis funds at a cost of tens of millions of dollars per year, making it the world’s largest, privately funded, international scholarship program. Davis and his family have contributed more than US$75 million to UWCs and currently spend US$40 million annually on various scholarships.

The program currently supports the undergraduate education of more than

3,100 UWC students in the US from 164 nations through need-based financial support. This includes more than 40 UWCT graduates, with a new cohort set to join the program in May. The goal of the program is clear: “The Davis UWC Scholars Program and our scholars are committed to building cross-cultural understanding across US campuses and ultimately throughout the world in this century.

“By supporting students from many countries who are energized by the UWC mission of building understanding in active, personal ways, the program exemplifies how diversity can contribute to a much richer education and to a more internationally oriented undergraduate experience for everyone on campus.

“The stability of our world, and ensuring America’s place in it, demand no less than an initiative this large in scale, innovative in design, and as powerful in impact,” explains the Davis UWC Scholars Program website.

18 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Matt, Eddy and Richard.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019

Heidi, Stewart and Karol.

Room and Prinsiree.

James, Alastair and Gren.

PHUKET BUSINESS NETWORKING HITS THE HEIGHTS AT NOVEMBER EVENT A great turnout from the island’s business owners on Nov 8 who assembled at the Phoenix Sky Lounge on the top floor of Ramada Plaza Phuket Chao Fah for another successful evening of business card exchanges, fine beverages and good fun. The event was the November edition of Phuket Business Networking (PBN), held on the second Friday of every month.

The krathong are offered to the water goddess Phra Mae Kongkha in the hope it will bring prosperity.

‘Nong Noppamas’ beauty pageants are often held as part of the celebrations.

COMMUNITY LIGHTS UP ISLAND WITH LOY KRATHONG CELEBRATIONS Phuketians, expats and tourists alike celebrated Loy Krathong all across the island on Nov 11, paying respect to the goddess of water by releasing lotus-shaped rafts (krathongs) onto the waterways. Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana led the celebrations at Saphan Hin, while celebrations took a more rural twist at the age-old village of Bang Maruan in Srisoonthorn and the Chalong celebrations at Palai Pier carried a true community atmosphere.

Star golfers.

Bollywood ladies.

GOLFING BY DAY, BOLLYWOOD DANCING BY NIGHT, ALL FOR CHARITY Over 40 local golfers competed in the Varun Memorial Trophy golf event at Red Mountain Golf Club on Nov 9, with the winners gratefully receiving their prizes at Bollywood Phuket. The restaurant and bar celebrated its 6th annual “Bollywood Theme Night” on the same evening, with all proceeds going towards the Phang Nga Special Education Centre. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 19

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019

Adam and Pramook.

Nicolas Weeks with Swedish Muay Thai extraordinaire Sandra Godvik.

EMBASSY PUTS 150 YEARS OF SWEDE-THAI RELATIONS IN THE PICTURE

Bo and his wife.

The Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok Nicolas Weeks opened a special exhibition on the 3rd floor of Central Floresta Phuket on Nov 11 to highlight 150 years of relations between Sweden and Thailand. The exhibition, which runs until Nov 19, features 15 portraits that represent the unique people-topeople relationships that bind the two countries together.

Kim and Anna.

Live 89.5’s Donna Toon and her family.

(You’ll have to take our word for it...)

A group of fun runners catch their breath.

PHUKET SHOWS ITS TRUE COLOURS AT ANNUAL THANYAPURA FUN RUN Friends, families and solo runners of all abilities came together on Nov 9 for the annual Thanyapura Colour Fun Run. Runners were bombarded with powder as they made their way along the 1.5- and 5-kilometre routes, blanketing the health and sports resort under a cloud of colour. There were no winners, no losers, no age categories or chip times – the event was all in the spirit of fun and community.

Shiver me timbers! It’s the Phuket Pirates.

RIVALRY ON THE RINK AT PHUKET YOUTH ICE HOCKEY TOURNAMENT Competition was fierce at the Annual Amateur Youth International Ice Hockey Tournament held at Ice Arena Phuket from Nov 6-10. Congratulations to the Phuket Sailors, winners of the under-10s category, and the Phuket Pirates, whose adult team won the open category and whose under-14s team were runners up overall. @thephuketnews

Developers Michel Chiappetta and Raisa Sheludkina (centre) with the LemonDom team.

SOLE MIO CONDOMINIUM SET TO BE A PROSPEROUS PROPERTY Directors of Railand Project Co., the developers of the up-and-coming Sole Mio Condominium in Bang Tao, joined with the LemonDom real estate agency team for a blessing ceremony of the construction site on Nov 6. The ritual is believed to bring prosperity to the property, which is scheduled for completion in March 2021.

20 EVENTS

FRI

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the Fun. RESERVE Your Table Now Online at bit.ly/TwoChefsReservations Check out more details on our website at bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents Reservations, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong., Kata Beach 076-333-370 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344-914.

15 NOV

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019

TUE

19 NOV

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.

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.

ANDAMAN CATCH TUESDAY

The Sunday Brunch Club: Brunch & Pool Party

L’Aperitivo Italiano 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, flavor-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.

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, Laguna Road, pnesi@loperagroup.com, 076 271 430/095 468 2248.

Thai Night Buffet

All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet Two Chefs Reggae Night

Marriott Resorts Southern Thailand Chef’s Dinner 15 Nov 2019! We’re hosting an epic, one-night only culinary event as the head chefs and gourmet leaders at several Marriott Resorts in Southern Thailand craft their signature specials at the Pakarang Restaurant. A nine-course + premium beverages pairing at THB 2,500++ per guest. Reservation, Pakarang Restaurant at Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, 076 370 100 ext. 5307.

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.

SAT

16 NOV

Get together for seafood buffet experience at Dream Beach Club offering fresh local and import items plus premium BBQ dishes and international favourites. Live performance by Jessie Cassin (NZ Top 10_ followed by Resident DJs, guest musicians, Dream dancers and more! ** DREAM MEMBER priced at THB 1,590/ person. ** BRUNCH ONLY priced at THB 1,890++/ person. ** Add free-flow package priced at THB 1,500/ person (4hrs). ** Kids under 10 eat free. 7-10 years old half price. Dream Beach Club, reservations@dreambeachclub.com, 098 048 3500.

Have a night of no worries on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at Two Chefs Karon! Let’s jam all night long at Two Chefs Reggae Night! Hear the Two Chefs house band play your favorite reggae hits and transport you to the Caribbean! Who doesn’t like that?! We also have our All You Can Eat Jamaican Inspired Mixed Grill for just THB495! Message us NOW to book your table! Live music starts from 8:30pm and goes late Reservations are highly recommended. You can book on our website at WWW.TWOCHEFS.COM or find us on Facebook at WWW.FACEBOOK/TWOCHEFSTHAILAND You may also call us directly at Two Chefs Karon 076-286 479 COME FOR THE FOOD STAY FOR THE FUN!

Beef, Pork and Lamb – Cauliflower, Broccoli, Peas, Carrots, fried mushrooms, grilled tomatoes – Yorkshire pudding – roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes – gravy, mushroom sauce, mint sauce. Reservations recommended. B350 P/P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

High Tea @ChaoFah serves more than 10 options of selected teas, delightful cream sandwiches, home-made warm scones with all the trimmings and truly Peranakan specialties. in the surrounding décor of exquisite SinoPortuguese architecture. Every Saturday and Sunday from 2-5pm and special on Sunday, nice music from Annie Guzheng. Free for children under 12yrs with complimentary day pass to fitness and swimming pool. RSVP +66 76 338 699.

Ramada Plaza Chao Fah.

Experience Authentic Thai Food. Let’s take a tasteful journey through Thai cuisine, Baan Talay is feature a tempting selections of traditional Thai food and local Phuket delicacies. Enjoy with a variety of live station; Thai papaya salad, spicy soup and much more to give a true taste of Thailand.

THB 950++ per person. Every Tuesday from 6 pm to 10 pm.

Reservation, Angsana Laguna Phuket, fbreservation-lagunaphuket@angsana.com, 076 358 500.

WED

20 NOV

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

Ribs, beats, brews Devour our succulent pork rib set complete with sweet corn chowder, blue cheese salad, moist cornbread and finished off with a bread and butter pudding. DJ Q will keep the soul flowing and your toes tapping as you wash down those tender ribs with a bucket of craft brews. Full Rack set 1,400 Baht, Half Rack set 1,100 Baht. Reservations, SALA Phuket, events@salaphuket.com, 076-338-888.

Poolside Night Market at Angsana Laguna Phuket Experience a traditional Phuket Night Market every Saturday from 17:00 – 22:00 hrs. The Angsana night market is a bustling gathering of vibrant food and beverage stalls comprised of local vendors and hotel catered stalls, providing a unique blend of Thai street food, BBQ and classic dishes from the resort’s restaurants with live entertainment. Enjoy yourself in the natural setting of the resort gardens every Saturday night. Starting from THB 150 net per item. Reservations: contact Angsana Laguna Phuket at fbreservation-lagunaphuket@angsana.com or call +66 (0) 7635 8500.

SUN

17 NOV

XANA Sunday Fun Brunch An extraordinary weekend with XANA Sunday Fun 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.

Food Highlight: Tuna Ritual, Seafood & Mezze, Live stations & BBQ, Chill-out dessert lounge Activity highlight: Live Band, Dj, Massage corner, Kid’s corner & Bouncing castle, Beachside swimming pool access Every Sunday from 12.00 to 15.30 hrs. THB 2,700 net Brunch with free-flow soft drinks.

THB 3,900 net Brunch with free-flow selected beverages.

THB 900 net per child (7-12 years). Kids under 6 dine free when accompanied with a paying adult. Reservation, fbreservation-lagunaphuket@angsana.com, 076-358500.

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

Every Tuesday our culinary team prepare a special Andaman Catch menu featuring our fish of the day selection prepared in one of three ways, a special seafood appetiser and a sweet finish dessert. Pair your catch with one of our sommelier selections special offers, available Tuesday only. 950* Baht. 18.30 - 22.00 www.salaphuket.com Advance bookings are recommended - 076 33 8888. *Subject to 10% service charge and 7% value added tax. Sala Phuket.

18 NOV

Sunday Roast All Day, All Night Come enjoy a Traditional Sunday Roast EVERY SUNDAY at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong.

Indulge in our Traditional Sunday Roast ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT for ONLY 445 Baht! Enjoy a Large ALL YOU CAN EAT selection of your favorites! Featuring: Roast Aussie Beef, Pork Loin and Chicken. Roasted or Mashed Potatoes.

Roasted Mixed Vegetables Flavored with Thyme and Garlic.

Yorkshire Pudding and Gravy. Enjoy Live Music from 8-Late

All you can eat BBQ night 6pm – 11pm: Beef, Pork, Chicken, Burgers, Sausages, Prawns and Squid, Salad buffet, Choice of potatoes and sauces, bread, buns and garlic bread. Reservation recommended. B395 P/P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

Phuket Sportfishing Tournament 2019 Registration 20 Nov 2019 Start: 3pm – 6pm at Rosis Bar and Restaurant Chalong Fishing Times: 21 Nov 8am – 7pm 22 Nov 8am – 7pm 23 Nov 8am – 6pm All Boats must return to Chalong pier and verify their arrival time with the marshal, hand over their catch in bags with the team number. Separate a potential Species winner of all eligible species. Any teams arriving late will not have any points counted for that day.

THU

21 NOV

Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show 2019 Don’t miss the biggest boat show exhibition in Thailand! Taking place at Ocean Marina Yacht Club, South East Asia’s largest marina complex. Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show represents many of the world’s leading boating, marine, water toys, properties, and luxury goods. Making the 2019 show a must-attend event for everyone.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

THU

EVENTS 21

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019

21 NOV

Music w/Fiddlehead, Welcome Cocktail, Imported Roast Turkey w/Gravy, Apple Cranberry Stuffing, Cranberry Port Relish, Prawn Cocktails, Stuffed Salmon Lox, Mashed Potatoes, Thai Special Entree, and a large selection of Sides, Salads & Desserts. Vegetarian options available. Adults 890THB++ Children under 12 yrs. 350THB++ For Reservations call (66)089-728 5304 or email to chef@friendshipbeach.com Chef Charlie, 27/1 Soi Mittrapap Rawai Phuket 83130, chef@friendshipbeach.com, (66) 89 728 5304.

cially created for the evening. 100% of ticket donations go to Phuket Has Been Good To Us to teach English to underprivileged children. Seating is limited! For bookings and enquiries: tina@phukethasbeengoodtous.org or 080 143 9554 or message Chow Down For Charity on Facebook!

PIWC November lunch The November lunch will be at the Phuket Vocational College on Thursday the 21st November 2019. 11:30 Registration with lunch soon after. Members 700 Baht Non Members 850 Baht Please have the correct money if possible. There will be a mini bazaar for handicrafts items on sale (made by the students) and there will be some dance performances during lunch, also performed by the students. Ladies in the North, a minivan can be arranged leaving from outside Villa Market depending on numbers. RSVP at shelpmitchell@ gmail.com

FRI

22 NOV

Festive Season 2019 New Zealand Wine & Food Showcase 2 Returning for the 2nd year to Firefly bringing together the island’s to suppliers of the New Zealand beverages and ingredients showcasing the kiwi’s culinary scene at its best, with entertainment by NZ Idol finalist. Jessie Cassin. Thursday 28 November. 7 - 9 pm. Tickets are priced at THB 1,200 net ALCOHOL MAY BE A HEALTH HAZARD! Reservation, The Pavilions Phuket, firefly.phuket@pavilionhotels.com, 076 317 600.

Effortless Running Clinic Remember that Effortless Running feeling you had as a child? When you felt you could run forever? Every movement just flowing naturally, like it is supposed to? Well, you can feel that way again! You will learn how to run effortlessly with very simple and easy to follow techniques. As a bonus, instant bio hacks to transform into a more healthy lifestyle.

From 8am-2pm. Location Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach. Price THB 2,000 per person, includes - Video Gait Analysis. darrenscherbain@gmail.com

LAGUNA PHUKET TRIATHLON 2019 Legends of Change Exclusive Book Launch A revolutionary book powered by woman-kind… From doctors, nutrition experts and Olympic athletes, to mums, daughters and women struggling with chronic illness, Legends of Change is the ultimate compilation of 85+ first-hand stories, helpful habits, and life-changing tips from women who have transitioned into a vegan lifestyle. Guest Speaker: HEATHER MILLS, Plant-based buffet and cooking demo by Chef Jamie Raftery. 1 copy of the inspiring Legends of Change book.

Limited Tickets THB1,100 until Nov 12, THB 1390 until the 22nd November. facebook.com/events/324561141721431/

BISP’s 18th Annual Soccer 7s Tournament The much-awaited BISP Soccer Sevens, hosted by British International School, Phuket - BISP, will take place on November 22nd-23rd, 2019. This exhilarating football tournament will feature over 1,500 players, 152 teams and 37 international schools! For details, email sportsadmin@bisphuket.ac.th and visit www.bisp7s.com

SAT

23 NOV

Great Wines of Italy @ The Nai Harn James Suckling will bring his successful event for a third time to Phuket’s iconic The Nai Harn Resort. More than 40 of the top Italian wine producers and winemakers of worldrenowned estates will personally be present at the event.

Guests will be treated to a multi-course live cooking dining experience at the casual open-air setting of Reflections rooftop terrace. For more information and bookings, please call +66 76 380 200 or fbsec@thenaiharn.com or check out https://www.thenaiharn.com/dining/james-suckling/ ALCOHOL MAY BE A HEALTH HAZARD.

THU

28 NOV

26th edition of Asia’s longest-standing triathlon race will take place during 23-24 Nov and comprise Laguna Phuket Triathlon (1.8K Swim, 50K Bike and 12K Run); 25 For 25 Sprint (0.5K Swim, 18.5K Bike and 6K Run) and includes LPT Charity Fun Run (5K, 10K and 2K Kids Run) to raise funds for Children First Fund (CFF) in support of underprivileged children in Phuket and Kao Kon La Kao Foundation to help hospitals in Thailand. Register at www.LagunaphuketTri.com until 17 Nov (or sold out).

FRI

29 NOV

AustCham Thailand is delighted to invite members and guests to join us to celebrate the festive season at our Phuket Christmas Sundowners to be held on Friday 29th November, 2019, at The Boathouse Phuket. Taking advantage of the beautiful surroundings at The Boathouse Phuket, the Phuket Sundowners offers a great opportunity to network with likeminded people from the business community. Cost: Baht 500 for AustCham members, partner Chambers’ members and Australian Alumni Members. Baht 900 for non-members.

MARTINA CARUSO : THE BEST FEMALE CHEF OF THE YEAR For THE PRESTIGIOUS MICHELIN ITALY GUIDE 2019. 29 November: Masterclass and Lunch starting from noon, THB 2,200 net. 29 - 30 November: Degustation Dinner Food only THB 2,999 net. Food with special selected beverages THB 3,999 net. Starting from 6.30 at Tre Restaurant. Reservation, Tre Restaurant at Banyan Tree Phuket, fb-phuket@banyantree.com, 076 372 400.

SAT

30 NOV

Chow Down for Charity

Friendship Beach Waterfront Resort welcomes you to our annual Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet & Party. Featuring: Live

On November 30th, dine at one of our exclusive participating restaurants, savoring the unique Chef’s Table menu spe-

Come and celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve oceanside style. We are offering an exciting program as you bid farewell to 2019 and look ahead to 2020 at The Nai Harn Phuket overlooking beautiful Nai Harn Bay. Please contact us for more details at Tel: 076 380 200 Email: fbsec@thenaiharn.com Reservation, The Nai Harn Phuket, fbsec@thenaiharn.com, 076 380 200.

THU

30 JAN

Thailand Health & Fitness Expo 2020 Kata Rocks Goes Big on 5th Anniversary Celebrate Kata Rocks’ fifth anniversary with us on Saturday, 30 November from 12 to 3 pm. The pool party continues until 5:30 pm. • THB 4,500 ++ per guest including a bottle of selected beverage per couple and free-flow special beverages and soft drinks • THB 1,600 ++ for children between 5 and 12 years of age It will be an epic day for all to remember so reserve a table today by emailing dining@katarocks.com or call on +66 76 370 777.

WED

4 DEC

Joint Phuket Christmas Sundowners hosted by AustCham

Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet Party Friendship Beach Resort

@thephuketnews

TUE

24 DEC

The inaugural Thailand Health & Fitness Expo from 30th January to 2nd February 2020 will showcase brands and services related to the health, fitness and wellness industry.

A four-day extravaganza featuring an exhibition as well as workshops and networking events. Among scheduled events are a sportswear fashion show, healthy lifestyle seminars, healthy cooking workshops, group classes, dancing, DJs and live music. For more information please contact Munlika Boonyawong on +66 (0) 76 600 225 or email munlika.b@ jandevents.com or info@thailandhealthandfitnessexpo.com

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

Christmas Fair 2019 We invite you to join UWCT and the Phuket community in a fun filled family day in celebration of “The Season for Giving”.

The 2019 Fair will host A Christmas Wishing Tree - come select a child profile and help fill Santa’s Sleigh for Charity, Christmas Themed Student Performance, a Santa’s Grotto with family photo opportunities, Retails, Sustainability and Ecco Friendly focused Gift and Services Stalls, a fantastic array of Festive Stalls, and Games for all to play. 2:30 - 6:30 Free Entry. UWC Thailand.

FRI

6 DEC

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

Celebrate Truffle Season at Pinto Restaurant The truffle season is upon us and guests can experience a gastronomic journey inspired by this luxury ingredient - black and white Alba trufes at Pinto restaurant from 18-30 November. A specially curated 5-course trufe menu with selected beverage pairing from starts from THB 3,950. On Friday 22 November, delight in a rare opportunity to book an exclusive white trufe dinner joined by 5th generation owner of Marchesi di Barolo estate, Anna Abbona. Book now at: phuket.intercontinental.com/offer/trufe-promotion. Reservation, Pinto Restaurant at Intercontinental Phuket Resort, inphuket.dining@ihg.com, 076 629 999.

Grow Boating Networking Evening - December 2019 The Grow Boating Networking Evening for December 2019 will be held at Royal Phuket Marina on Friday the 6th of December from 5pm. Sponsored by Thailand Yacht Show - https://www.thailandyachtshow.com Come and join in the fun, everyone is welcome. There is no entry fee, just drop your business card or register at the bar. We hope to see you there and if you know anyone you think would be interested in coming please invite them along. To join our mailing list please send an email to growboatingphuket@gmail. com Grow Boating is kindly supported by our media partner The Phuket News, Live 89.5 radio and Phuket News TV. See www.thephuketnews.com The Grow Boating Networking Evening is organised by the Thai Yachting Business Association. Find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ groups/491098897758155/ or our Website https://www.thaiyachtingbusinessassociation.com/

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, exoticfishingthailand@gmail.com, English 088 379 9377 and Thai 081 199 5922.

22 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York 1. Brothers Caleb, Nathan and Jared Followill and their cousin Matthew Followill make up which band?

2. A philatelist is a person who collects what?

3. Thai band Faiyen, whose songs criticise the monarchy and military, are seeking asylum in which country?

4. Capable of floating on water, what is the lightest metal on the periodic table?

5. Which of the planets is closest to the Sun?

Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Hard

62. More fit Across 63. Gathering dust 1. In other words 4. Prefix with suction 64. Handheld device 8. Cheerleader cheer 65. Worn 66. Ham, to Noah 11. Printing word 13. “Here’s to you!”

Down 14. Dynamic start 15. Game by the sea 1. Police announcement 18. Bios of a sort 2. Capital on the 19. Difficulty Dnieper 20. Corporate 3. Type of berry abbreviation 22. Thanksgiving dish 4. Thai language 23. Harry Potter series 5. Indisposed 6. Cheap mag owl 27. Famous American 7. Frankfurt’s river 8. Kingdom battle 9. City on the Rhone 31. HBO sitcom, 10. ____ Oak Lucky ____ 32. Right fielder, on a 12. Undertaking 13. Swedish speed scorecard skating gold 33. Thanks, for short medalist Kramer 36. Activity for 14. Mamma Mia couples singers 40. Ethyl or benz 16. Cab grabber follower 17. It comes easily 41. “That’s ___!” to hand 42. Key 43. Persona non ___ 21. Oil source 23. Hamburg’s river 44. Accounts 24. Stable color 45. Gathering 48. Easter’s beginning 25. Preside over 50. Regarded highly 26. Lubricate 28. Cap 53. Prospect 29. Mountainous 57. Jumping game range in South 61. Nascar driver, America Kenseth

30. Start of an apology 33. Bill’s place 34. Word before sock or jerk 35. Some N.C.O.’s 37. Rower 38. Acid type 39. Civ. War side 43. Form a spiral 45. Get fooled 46. “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina” musical 47. Let off steam 49. ___ easy (eggs order) 50. Dudley DoRight’s org.

51. Son of Isaac 52. Ball girls 54. Alpine gear 55. Baseball Hall of Famers Lyons and Williams 56. “Last train” singer, Guthrie 58. Largest Buckeye St. airport 59. Common contraction 60. Legislator in D.C.

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 4) Lithium; 5) Mercury.

1) Kings of Leon; 2) Stamps; 3) France;

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW VIEW ISLAND

This week in history

1

out of every 17 Samoan residents is a registered rugby player.

Mickey Mouse debuts in Steamboat Willie.

November 15, 1933 Thailand has its first election. There are no political parties, so all candidates run as independents.

42.2

November 16, 1938 LSD is first synthesised by Swiss scientist Albert Hofmann from ergotamine at the Sandoz Laboratories in Basel.

minutes is how long it would take to fall through Earth if you could dig a hole straight through it.

3,106

November 17, 1603 English explorer, writer and courtier Sir Walter Raleigh goes on trial for treason. He is later imprisoned in the Tower of London.

is how many carats the largest diamond ever found was.

November 18, 1928 Release of animated short Steamboat Willie, the first fully synchronised sound cartoon. The cartoon is considered the debut of Mickey Mouse and his girlfriend Minnie.

300,000 US dollars is how much hot dog vendors must pay a year to operate outside Central Park.

November 19, 2006 Nintendo’s first video game console with motion control, the Wii, is released in the United States.

194 million

is how many Line users there were globally at the beginning of 2019.

Source: Uberfacts

November 20, 1820 An 80-ton sperm whale attacks and sinks a whaling ship near South America, inspiring, in part, Herman Melville’s 1851 novel Moby-Dick.

Vibrant skies over Chalong. Photo by Bjorn Ronningen.

Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket?

Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

November 21, 2017 Robert Mugabe formally resigns as President of Zimbabwe, after 37 years in office. Zimbabweans celebrate in the streets.

Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 23

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019

Jobs

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

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

NT GE UR Wanted- Designer

HTML Eflyers

Designer and creation of HTML responsive email marketing newsletters. Excellent written English, must be able to use Campaign Monitor. Please email CV - personalassistantphuket@gmail. com

Marketing Executive

Art House Real Estate is looking for Native Russian speaking, basic salary plus commission. info@arthouse. asia, 089 594 6888

Chinese Marketing Manager

Art House Real Estate is looking for Chinese speaking, basic salary plus commission. Art House Development Co., Ltd, info@arthouse.asia, 089 594 6888

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 25

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019

Trades & Services

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

CLEANING SERVICES

CORPORATE SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

@thephuketnews

26 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Trades & Services

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

MARINE SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

PERSONAL SERVICE

PERSONAL SERVICE

OTHER

TRAINING

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 27

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019

Buy & Sell BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE Speedboat for Sale

14.2 m Speedboat, named Rayao DD, is still in a good condition with 3 engines, four-stroke engine, Yamaha manufacture. The boat is owned by 1 owner for 1 year (2018) with well maintenance. 4,400,000, Jane, social@karonseasand.com, 062 842 486.

CARS, TRUCKS FOR RENT Toyota Fortuner 2007 for sale

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

G UR

EN

T

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.

7 seater for rent

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

0848474377. stigisaan@gmail.com

@thephuketnews

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE 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

COMPUTERS, LAPTOPS Lenovo Nova Notebook 530

Approx 2 months old. CPU Intel i3 - 7130V. 2.7 GHz Ram 8GB Storage 128G SSD Windows 10 14” screen Plus pen./ headphones and carrying case Cost approx 24k baht. Kevin Carter, Unit 5/ 220 The Base condo phuket 094 3146995, knc552015@gmail.com

COMMUNITY

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

Willing to Sell / Rent Property in Laguna?

Willing to sell or rent your property in Laguna area?

Please contact me raisa@rl-property.com +66 (081) 737 1687 (Viber, WhatsApp, Line) Raisa Sheludkina, Railand Property International., 46., Lagoon Road.,Ch erngtalay.,Thalang.,Phuket 83110., raisa@rl-property. com, 0817371687, 076324448.

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.

Lost dog in the Patong - Kalim - Kathu area.

Female by the name of Lola. If you see her, please contact 0620611191.

MEMBERSHIPS 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

House Wanted in Chalong

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

PERSONAL SERVICES Tom Jones Of Philippines

Has been doing a show in different country here in Asia like Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Macau, China, Japan, Canada and here. He is now in Phuket, Thailand. For special occasion please call. Jun Alvarez (AKA), junalvarez331591@gmail. com, 096 592 6297 / 094 947 7712.

28 CLASSIFIEDS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Buy & Sell SERVICES

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Credit and investment in private section

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

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

SPORTING GOODS, EXERCISE Oceanus Speargun for Sale

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

PROPERTY FOR SALE

1 Bed Condo Sale Rawai

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

PROPERTY FOR RENT

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. THB 11,5 M, Martin, martinhkt@yahoo.com

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.

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.

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

OCEAN FRONT LAND

7 Rai with 185meter 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 story pool villas. For sale direct by owner for only 6 mln Baht per Rai. + 66 95 0147888.

OCEAN FRONT VILLA

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

Shophouse near Boat Lagoon

MUST SELL Nice shophouse near Boat Lagoon 30% below market. Bank financing optional. Buyer pays transfer fees. https:// bit.ly/31621Pb 30/12 Moo2 Thepkrasattri Rd, Koh-Khao, Phuket THA 83000, 0922537251, info@remxep.com

Seaview land Nai Harn Beach

2.5 rai of superb seaview land overlooking Nai Harn bay & the Andaman Sea, ideal for deluxe villa (s) or resort. Walking distance to beach. Email development@amsasean. com Henri.

Dream Village Phuket house

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

Villa in Patong prime location

Villa in central Patong , top condition.

Can generate 1.3 MB tourist rental income/y . 3 bed, 3 bath, 160sqm living.

Furnished, garden. Ms. Manatchanok, 0800409411.

Villa Mission Heights Big Pool

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

UR

N GE

TS

AL

E

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. sunparasol@ gmail.com, +66 91 040 8869

4-Bedroom House for rent

4 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms furnished house for rent. 7 minutes to BIS. Newly renovated. Swimming Pool and Garage. 65,000, Owner, Baan Suan Loch Plam, heitmann@hlbthai.com, 081-8996557 (Eng)/ 088-7602825 (Thai)

Thalang House for RENT

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

2 Bedrooms, semi-furnished with next door gym and smiming pool. 199/167 Moo 9 Thepkasattri Rd. Thalang Phuket, 089 882 9246 sawasdeeka84@hotmail.com

Condo in Patong for Rent

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.

1 Bedroom Condo Kata For Sale

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

2 Bed Condo Bangtao Phuket

Mandala Condominium - Wonderful spacious condo. Great location near Bangtao beach and Laguna. 184sqm with private pool and tropical gardens. B15,900,000, Andy, 083 800 1888

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

Super villa for sale

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,-, +66 (0) 92-6950329.

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

7 Bed Boutique Hotel for Sale

A unique opportunity to buy a beautiful, fully licensed and 100% legally compliant boutique hotel business in Cherng Talay.

The resort has full restaurant, alcohol and cigarette licenses. B30,000,000, Mike, phuket@thairesidential.com

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.

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, NOVEMBER 15, 2019

SPORT 29

Awards rack up for Laguna

Laguna Golf Phuket, Banyan Tree shine at World Golf Awards GOLF Sponsored

L

aguna Golf Phuket’s 18-hole championship course and Banyan Tree Group’s flagship Banyan Tree Phuket have been named Thailand’s Best Golf Course 2019 and Thailand’s Best Golf Hotel 2019 at the 6th Annual World Golf Awards held in Abu Dhabi.

Launched in 2014, World Golf Awards recognise excellence in golf tourism, worldclass courses and golf destinations through its annual awards programme. Votes for a range of categories were cast by golf professionals and the public over a nine-month duration to eventually honour organisations that are leaders in their fields.

“Celebrating Banyan Tree Group’s 25th anniversary this year, we are grateful to be recognised as a leader in the golf tourism business. These two prestigious awards exemplify our brands – Laguna Golf and Banyan Tree – and spur us to be a forerunner and

@thephuketnews

Laguna Golf Phuket’s 18-hole championship course and Banyan Tree Group’s flagship Banyan Tree Phuket have been named Thailand’s Best Golf Course 2019 and Thailand’s Best Golf Hotel 2019 at the 6th Annual World Golf Awards held in Abu Dhabi. Photos: Supplied continually raise the bar to deliver excellent service and exceptional experiences,” said Paul Wilson, Assistant Vice President/Group Director of Laguna Golf.

Located by Bang Tao Bay on Phuket’s northwest coast, Laguna Golf Phuket is an 18hole, par-71 golf course. With easy access by complimentary shuttle between surrounding hotels in Laguna Phuket, the

redesigned golf course has been revitalised to worldclass standards. The layout is playable yet truly challenging golf course for enthusiasts of all abilities, said a release announcing the awards.

The course features scenic lagoons, coconut groves and undulating fairways. After fully reopening in January 2015, the landscape provides golfers with two distinct scenic

experiences with lush tropical foliage on the front nine, while the back holes feature coconut groves and sand bunkers.

“The layout also highlights sustainable environmental conservation, of which Laguna Phuket is renowned for.

Emphasis on the natural surroundings, combined with local wildlife to create a tranquil holiday paradise for golfers,” the release noted.

Laguna Phuket, part of the Banyan Tree Group, is home to three distinctive Banyan Tree resorts: Banyan Tree Phuket, Banyan Tree Spa Sanctuary Phuket and DoublePool Villas

by Banyan Tree.

“Each deliver a unique experience in a tranquil setting,” said the release.

“Banyan Tree Phuket features luxury all-pool villas nestled around a saltwater

lagoon and surrounded by lush tropical gardens. It is the perfect destination for travellers who seek a secluded hideaway, and a golf vacation at the doorstep.

“Banyan Tree Spa Sanctuary Phuket offers an exclusive wellbeing journey to restore the mind, body and soul, while DoublePool Villas by Banyan Tree Phuket is an intimate haven offering the utmost in comfort and privacy,” it added.

30 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019

Gatland says no to All Blacks top job RUGBY

F

AFP

Antoine Griezmann and Barcelona will take on Atletico Madrid in Jeddah. Photo: AFP

Saudi Arabia to stage Spanish Super Cup FOOTBALL THE SPANISH SUPER CUP will be held in Saudi Arabia and moved to the winter for the next three editions, Spain’s football association (RFEF) announced on Monday (Nov 11).

Jeddah’s King-Abdullah stadium will host the four-team tournament in early January as opposed to its traditional pre-season date in August.

The competition sees La Liga winners Barcelona face Atletico Madrid and Copa del Rey champions Valencia play Real Madrid before a final on January 12.

RFEF president Luis Ru-

biales said women would be allowed into the ground for the fixtures and the governing body would subsequently help the Saudi Arabian football federation to organise a local league for women.

De facto leader Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has recently introduced reforms including allowing concerts, reopening cinemas, and lifting a prohibition on women driving.

In December unified heavyweight world champion Andy Ruiz of Mexico will take on Britain’s Anthony Joshua in their rematch in Diriyah as the country attempts to improve its international image.

AFP

ormer Wales coach Warren Gatland confirmed Tuesday (Nov 12) he has turned down an offer to apply for the All Blacks head coaching job.

The New Zealand-born Gatland told Radio Sport his loyalties lie with the Waikato Chiefs club and coaching the British and Irish Lions in 2021.

New Zealand Rugby has invited 26 New Zealand coaches to apply for the All Blacks coaching post vacated

by Steve Hansen, and has previously said if Gatland wanted to be considered then he would have to give up the Lions role.

“It was nice to be contacted. I politely declined putting my name forward,” Gatland said.

“I’m a little bit old school.

I’d made the commitment to the Chiefs and I’d made the commitment to the Lions, it was important that I carry on with that… honour the

Gatland says he’s sticking to his word to coach the Waikato Chiefs and the British and Irish Lions. Photo: AFP commitment I made to those two sides.”

Gatland said if the chance to coach the All Blacks arose again in the future he would consider it, but if not then he had no regrets.

“If you are successful, other opportunities will come along. It was time for me to

make a decision to leave Wales and the northern hemisphere and come back to New Zealand and I’m excited by that,” he said.

Gatland will coach the Barbarians against his former Wales side on Dec 1 before returning to New Zealand to take over the Super Rugby club

Chiefs on a four-year contract that includes a sabbatical to coach the Lions.

His 12 years with Wales ended when they were beaten by the All Blacks in the playoff for third at the World Cup. New Zealand Rugby expects to appoint Hansen’s successor before Christmas.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019

SPORT 31

Liverpool beat Man City to boost EPL title hopes FOOTBALL

AFP

L

iverpool took a huge step towards a first league title in 30 years by beating defending champions Manchester City 3-1 at Anfield on Sunday (Nov 10) to open up an eight-point lead at the top of the table.

Two goals in the first 13 minutes from Fabinho and Mohamed Salah gave the European champions a dream start before Sadio Mane’s diving header early in the second half sealed City’s fate.

Bernardo Silva pulled a late goal back, but a third defeat in eight league games leaves City down in fourth, nine points behind Liverpool, and with a mountain to climb if they are to claim a third straight league title.

“It’s nine points but there is a long way to go,” said Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.

“It’s not important. Who wants to be first in early November? It's important to be top in May.” City’s defensive deficiencies have been much publicised without the injured Aymeric Laporte so far this season and they crumbled as Liverpool scored with their first two attacks of the game.

But the visitors were furious with some justification at the move that led to the opening goal when a dangerous foray into the Liverpool box ended with the ball striking Trent Alexander-Arnold on the arm.

Instead of City being awarded a penalty, the hosts broke down the other end and the ball fell to Fabinho on the edge of the area.

The Brazilian is not renowned for his goalscoring, but when invited to shoot by a hesitant City back line, he

@thephuketnews

Liverpool’s Fabinho (left) celebrates after scoring the opening goal in the match against Manchester City at Anfield last Sunday (Nov 10). Photo: AFP arrowed a strike beyond standin goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.

“Ask to the referees, don’t ask me,” said City boss Pep Guardiola on the controversial opener. “I would like to talk about our performance.

It was one of my proudest performances as (Man City) manager.”

The visitors had more of the ball and plenty of chances even in between Liverpool’s early blitz as Raheem Sterling headed wide Kevin De Bruyne’s in-swinging free-kick.

But it was Liverpool who were ruthless as a pinpoint cross by Andy Robertson was headed home on the bounce

by Salah.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a goal like it,” said Klopp of his side’s second. “It was wild, intense from first second.

“You could sense it was really important for both teams.

We scored two incredible goals, but we had to suffer in moments because of the way City played.”

Damage done City went on to enjoy the better of the play in the remainder of the first half, but the damage was already done.

A purposeful burst forward

by Angelino saw his deflected shot come back off the post before Sergio Aguero then dragged City’s best chance of a reply before the break wide after great work by De Bruyne.

Any hope of a City comeback was eliminated six minutes into the second half when Jordan Henderson’s teasing cross was met with a diving header by Mane, although Bravo could have done better to stop the ball creeping over the line.

Guardiola’s mood was not improved when another VAR check went against his side after Sterling went down in the area under pressure from Mane.

City finally got the goal much of their approach play had threatened when Bernardo Silva swept home Angelino’s cross 12 minutes from time, but it was too little, too late.

“Today we showed in the most difficult stadium in the world the reason why we are champions,” said a defiant Guardiola.

“There are three teams in front of us that have more chances to win the Premier League than us, but hopefully we can sustain this mentality and try it.”

Liverpool agonisingly missed out on the title by a solitary point last season as City ended the season on a 14-match winning run to edge a titanic tussle.

Guardiola’s men will need to produce something similarly spectacular in the months to come, but after quickly making up for the disappointment of the title race by wining the Champions League last season, Liverpool look destined to go one better this time round.

English Premier League 2019 - 2020 Team

MP

W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

1

Liverpool

12

11

1

0

28

10

+18

34

2

Leicester City

12

8

2

2

29

8

+21

26

3

Chelsea

12

8

2

2

27

17

+10

26

4

Manchester City

12

8

1

3

35

13

+22

25

5

Sheffield United

12

4

5

3

13

9

+4

17

6

Arsenal

12

4

5

3

16

17

-1

17

7

Manchester United

12

4

4

4

16

12

+4

16

8

Wolverhampton

12

3

7

2

16

15

+1

16

9

Bournemouth

12

4

4

4

15

15

0

16

10 Burnley

12

4

3

5

17

18

-1

15

11 Brighton

12

4

3

5

15

17

-2

15

12 Crystal Palace

12

4

3

5

10

16

-6

15

13 Newcastle United

12

4

3

5

11

18

-7

15

14 Tottenham Hotspur

12

3

5

4

18

17

+1

14

15 Everton

12

4

2

6

13

18

-5

14

16 West Ham United

12

3

4

5

14

20

-6

13

17

12

3

2

7

17

20

-3

11

18 Watford

12

1

5

6

8

23

-15

8

19 Southampton

12

2

2

8

11

29

-18

8

20 Norwich City

12

2

1

9

11

28

-17

7

Aston Villa

Liverpool’s Brazilian midfielder Fabinho (centre) watches as Manchester City’s Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo is unable to prevent his shot making the score 1-0. Photo: AFP

Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019

Laguna Golf Phuket bags award > p29

ENGINE TROUBLE Ferrari’s engine controversy in Brazil GP BOX OF NEUTRALS Michael Lamonato michael@boxofneutrals.com

T

he championship fight may be over, but there’s still plenty of angst among the frontrunners for the final two rounds of the Formula One season.

Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton’s cruise to another title double belies the unpredictability of competition in the second half of the season.

Whereas Mercedes won 10 of the 12 races before the midseason break, it’s been fortunate to claim four of the seven since.

The architect of this late disruption is Ferrari. The

Italian team has been strong since the resumption, notably coinciding with its most recent power unit update.

Ferrari’s motor has been its strength since last season, but its second upgrade put it comfortably ahead of the field. The red cars went on a spree of six pole positions in succession, laying the foundations for three wins that could have been five had reliability and strategy been favourable.

But the run of fine form came to an abrupt end at the United States Grand Prix, and the more speculative among the paddock believe a ruling from the sport’s governing body is behind the dip.

Mercedes and Red Bull Racing have been bitterly suspicious of Ferrari’s strides

in the power stakes, and this season in particular, with the advantage at its most extreme, several theories have abounded regarding the source of the extra horsepower.

The FIA has been quizzed repeatedly about several known elements of the Ferrari motor, from its battery configuration to the interaction between the intercooler and the internal combustion engine, and each time suspicions were rebuffed as unfounded.

But a clarification requested by Red Bull Racing appeared to strike paydirt. The Austrian marque lodged an official enquiry with the FIA regarding whether electrically interfering with the fuel flow meter to disguise a higher flow rate would be permissible.

On Saturday (Nov 2) at the US Grand Prix the FIA published a technical directive definitively outlawing such a method. Later that afternoon Ferrari’s run of pole positions came to an end and in Sunday’s (Nov 3) race it was woefully off the pace.

“That’s what happens when you stop cheating,” Max Verstappen bluntly told Dutch media after the race, having comfortably beaten Charles Leclerc to third. While others were more delicate voicing their opinions, it’s clear that belief in the correlation between the FIA ruling and Ferrari’s underperformance has taken hold.

Ferrari hit back immediately, vehemently denying the accusations.

Charles Leclerc of Monaco driving the (16) Scuderia Ferrari SF90 on track during the F1 Grand Prix of USA at Circuit of The Americas on November 03, 2019 in Austin, Texas. Photo: AFP

“I heard comments at the end of the race which I feel very disappointed by,” Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto said.

“These type of comments I feel are completely wrong.

It’s not good for the sport.”

“I think it’s a joke to be completely honest,” Leclerc added. “[Verstappen] has no clue.”

There are mitigating factors for Ferrari’s underperformance. Leclerc was using an old, less powerful engine for qualifying and the race due to an undiagnosed oil leak during practice, which in turn may have led the team to run both his and Vettel’s up-to-date engine less powerfully.

Even so, Vettel was just 0.012 seconds off pole, and suspension failure early in the

race meant his true performance couldn’t be considered.

But F1 loves speculation, and with the title fight finished, suspicions remain unquenched, setting up this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix as an important test to clear Ferrari’s name.

The high-altitude Interlagos circuit and its long final sector, powering up the hill towards the start-finish line, is demanding on engines. If Ferrari dominates that part of the track, the rumours may finally be put to rest, forcing Mercedes and Red Bull Racing to re-evaluate their deficits.

But if the Scuderia is again uncharacteristically underpowered, expect the controversy to rumble on to Abu Dhabi with some added spite.

BISP extends global reach with 2019 Soccer 7s FOOTBALL THE LARGEST INTERNATIONal school football tournament in the Asia-Pacific region will return to British International School, Phuket (BISP) next month for the 18th year, with more teams, more players and an expanded global reach.

New Zealand’s Scots College will be the first school team from Oceania to join the Soccer 7s line-up, highlighting the growing nature of

BISP’s flagship football tournament.

BISP will also welcome teams from India, Oman, UAE, China, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Myanmar, Taiwan, Philippines and Thailand.

From 22-23 November, BISP’s 44-acre campus will host some 400 games and 147 teams from 36 international schools. Eighteen BISP teams from U9 to U19 will take part, with the BISP Cruzeiro U13, U15 and O15 boys’ sides all looking to defend their 2018 titles.

BISP Soccer 7s Tournament

Director, Jeff LaMantia, says the “Sevens appeal” is growing each year, with more teams expressing interest from countries further afield.

“The sevens format allows players to touch the ball more often, which is obviously great for skill development and makes for some exciting football,” he says.

“This tournament is a huge event for us and we’re looking forward to hosting many returning teams, as well as first-time competitors from the Asia-Pacific region this year.

“We’re lucky to have such an amazing campus, with 12 sevena-side grass pitches, on an island that has so much to offer tourists.

We hope this year’s tournament will be another compelling event showcasing great football, teamwork and sportsmanship.”

In addition to all the football action, visiting teams and spectators will enjoy entertainment care of BISP’s music students and a variety of food and beverages on sale by local vendors.

The Phuket News

BISP O15 footballer Max Reed (right) contests the ball in the 2018 BISP Soccer 7s. Photo: BISP Media More information on the BISP Soccer 7s can be found at www. bisp7s.com, or by contacting info@ bisphuket.ac.th. thephuketnews