The Phuket News February 21, 2020

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PHUKET HEALTH CHIEF EXPLAINS VAGUE VIRUS UPDATES > PAGE 3

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NEWS

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Immigration denies long airport queues

LIFE

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Keeping the Sarasin Bridge love story alive

A sign hangs on closed shutters on a shop in Phuket Town. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

WUHAN FLU FALLOUT TO COST PHUKET B9 BILLION IN MARCH, SAYS PSU EXPERT The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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he fallout from the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus may cost Phuket’s tourism industry up to B32 billion by the time the industry starts to recover, experts revealed this week – and that is if the spread of the virus starts to be contained by April.

The predicted impact came during a visit to Phuket by Nathee Thinsakoo, Deputy Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Tourism, on Monday (Feb 17) to hear grievances from the ailing industry.

Mr Nathee’s visit to Phuket comes

amid a dramatic plunge in the number of international tourist arrivals at Phuket International Airport – falling anywhere from 21% to 48% year on year to the day from Feb 1-18, but so far averaging as a fall of just over 36% overall.

The plunge began on Jan 26, hot on the heels of China banning its citizens from travelling abroad on Jan 23 in the hopes of containing the spread of the virus.

Mr Nathee told the meeting in Phuket that he was already aware that Chinese tourist arrivals to Thailand in February had fallen by 60-70%.

However, he warned that the worst month will be March, when the

number of Chinese tourist arrivals is expected to fall by at least 90% year on year.

Mr Nathee said that current predictions expected Chinese tourists to start to return in April, when it is expected the spread of the virus will start to be contained, but recovering to only 50% of previous levels.

Dr Chayanon Pucharoen PhD, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies at the Prince of Songklha University (PSU) Phuket’s Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism, agreed.

Although he gave no forecast for the predicted impact on Phuket’s tourism industry for February, Dr

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Chayanon warned that in March, “The tourism situation in Phuket will lose around B8.5-9bn in tourism revenues in one month.”

Dr Chayanon also predicted that overall from February through April, the lack of Chinese tourist arrivals may cost Phuket’s tourism industry around B30-32bn in lost revenues.

The financial impact was calculated on an average daily spending amount of B6,334, a figure he said he sourced from the National Statistical Office (NSO).

Sarayuth Mallam, President of Phuket Tourism Industry Council and the Phuket Tourist Association’s Vice President of Government Relations,…

SPORT

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Wuhan flu fallout to hit hard in March Continued from page 1 …said that Phuket had been hit hard by the fallout – and not just the tourism industry, but also many associated and dependent industries.

“Each year 3 million Chinese tourists visit the island and this year’s huge shortfall has been felt in most business sectors. Some local tour companies have been forced to shut down their businesses permanently,” Mr Sarayuth said.

Mr Sarayuth said that some hotels had already closed, while other hoteliers had already decided to to close for at least three months to ride out the storm.

“And some have not paid staff salaries as well,” he added.

“The overall impact might result in 30% of tourism-related businesses shutting down,” Mr Sara­ yuth warned.

Hotel occupancy rates are declining, and hotels that depend on Chinese tours are heavily affected.

“Almost all customers have disappeared now, all tourism businesses are affected, including hotels, spas, souvenir shops, rubber pillow outlets, shows, entertainment venues and guides.

Kamala canal wastewater runs onto beach > p5

Airport Immigration denies long queues at Arrival Hall The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

T Dr Chayanon at the meeting. Photo: PSU “The atmosphere is very quiet. Even large stores such as King Power are open for only office hours and encourage tourists to use the airport instead,” he said.

Mr Sarayuth explained to Mr Nathee that Phuket businesses were united in their call for the government to provide support through soft loans, for which a formal request was handed to Phuket Governer Phakaphong Tavipatana earlier this month.

Governor Phakaphong on Feb 3 was handed a formal request for the government to provide up to B20bn in assistance to tourism businesses suffering as the number of international tourist arrivals continues to plunge in the fallout from the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak in China. The same request was sent to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and the Ministry Finance on Jan 28.

he Immigration office at Phuket International Airport has dismissed reports that tourists have been suffering waits of up to two hours to clear the Arrivals Hall at the airport.

The Phuket News received a direct report of a two-hour wait for international arrivals to clear Immigration at the airport on Feb 12, following another report of people suffering horribly overcrowded conditions while waiting to be cleared by Immigration the preceding Saturday (Feb 8).

“My customers arrived with WK50. They were waiting more than two hours in the arrival hall to gain 15 metres in the queue,” the aggrieved wrote to The Phuket News.

“Hundreds of people were held in this hall like animals in a pen.(the government is telling the public that such crowds of people should be avoided because of the corona virus) “At the disabled counter [officials] handled 2 passengers in that time. They did not open for other people, just sitting there and doing nothing.

“Then my customers were asked if they would like to go to the ‘express counter’ costs 100 baht per person they were told by a man in a brown uniform,” the person

The Immigration office at Phuket International Airport has dismissed reports that tourists have been suffering waits of up to two hours in the heavily congested Arrivals Hall at the airport. Photo: Supplied explained by email.

Lt Col Arom Kwannet, Deputy Chief of the Phuket Airport Immigration Office, last Thursday (Feb 13) dismissed the reports.

“It is impossible for the long queues of two hours.

Every morning, we open all 38 counters, which flow well at Phuket International Airport. It is enough to process tourists quickly because officers work quickly, taking only a few minutes to process each arrival,” she told The Phuket News.

“Even when we have fewer officials on duty because of staff rotation, it would not cause delays of as long as the complaint mentions,” she added.

“After passengers arrive, they pass Immigration then pick up their bags and proceed

to the Customs clearance. The checks by Customs officials might create long queues.

Or it could be the queues where the coronavirus checks are done before passengers reach Immigration because they have only a few officials there and they need to check some nationalities more than others,” Lt Col Arom said.

“It is normal for foreign passengers to misunderstand between Immigration and Customs officials at Phuket International Airport,” Lt Col Arom added.

However, an official at the Health Control Division at Phuket airport who asked not to be identified confirmed to The Phuket News last Thursday (Feb 13) that long queues do arise when several fully loaded flights land in quick succession.

“This mor ning, there were just three flights from Russia arriving at nearly the same time, which caused long queues,” the official said.

The official also dismissed that long delays are being caused by the health checks.

“It is nothing about COVID-19, or the coronavirus,” he explained.

“Our checks do not create any delays for tourists not directly affected by the special checking procedures.

“All tourists arriving from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan are separated. They do not even enter the terminal by a boarding gate. They are put on a bus on the tarmac and taken to Gate 15 to be scanned at the Arrivals Hall, then they go to the Immigration section,” the officer added.

Virus death fake news poster acknowledges Computer Crimes Act charge THE WOMAN WHO POSTED a photo of a foreigner being removed from Phuket International Airport by ambulance staff and claiming that the person had died of the Wuhan coronavirus has presented herself to police to acknowledge the charge against her under the Computer Crimes Act. The woman presented herself at Sakoo Police Station last Saturday (Feb 15) to acknowledge the charge and for questioning, confirmed Phuket Vice Governor Supoj Rotreuang Na Nongkhai, who was present at the police station.

Also present for the questioning were Sakoo Police Chief Col Kaken Nikrahatchai, Capt Sira Lertthaisong and Nirut Krabuanrat, the Legal and Human Resources Department Director for Airports

of Thailand’s management team at Phuket International Airport (AoT Phuket).

Vice Governor Supoj explained that Sakoo Police had issued a summons for the woman to present herself for questioning and to formally inform her of the charge.

The woman’s actual name was not identified in the report confirming the woman had presented herself, though the post in question was uploaded onto Facebook by “Konnika Jampaburee” on Jan 27.

The post showed a photo of a person covered with a white sheet being wheeled out of the airport and loaded into an ambulance along with the words in Thai, “One death at Phuket International Airport #Chinese”.

Dr Sutsinee Sakswut, the airport

doctor on duty that day confirmed to The Phuket News that nobody had died from the “Wuhan flu” at the airport. “The post is wrong,” she said.

A female tourist had suffered a “mini stroke” in the Arrival Hall at the International Terminal and had been taken to Bangkok Hospital Phuket, Dr Sutsinee explained, adding that the tourist was discharged from the hospital care the next day.

Vice Governor Supoj confirmed on (Jan 31) that AoT Phuket had filed a formal complaint with police to press charges under the Computer Crimes Act for the post.

Vice Governor Supoj pointed out that under Section 14 (1) of the Computer Crimes Act it is illegal to for any person to commit an act “that involves import to a computer

system of forged computer data, either in whole or in part, or false computer data, in a manner that is likely to cause damage to that third party or the public”.

If found guilty, perpetrators may face up to five years in prison or a fine of up to B100,000, or both, he added.

“Before posting any information on social media, please check and prove that the information is correct and think about the following impact. In this case, it damaged the image of Phuket a lot, so we will take serious action against those who post fake news and violate the laws,” Vice Governor Supoj said.

The woman told the Vice Governor last Saturday that she was sorry for what she did without checking if her post was true or not.

Vice Governor Supoj speaks with the woman at Sakoo Police Station last Saturday (Feb 15).

Photo: PR Dept She had already deleted the post, the woman confirmed.

The woman also said, “Before posting or sharing anything online, please check if it is true or not. I won’t do this again, and I will take this as a lesson.” The Phuket News thephuketnews

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Breaking the virus silence Phuket health chief reveals vague updates ordered by Bangkok The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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he Phuket Provincial Health Office (PPHO) Chief has defended the lack of information made available at the Phuket mandatory daily coronavirus situation updates, saying Phuket officials are under orders from Bangkok to restrict the information being made available to the public.

The explanation by PPHO Chief Thanit Sermkaew to The Phuket News on Monday (Feb 17) follows weeks of silence on how many people in Phuket have been put under observation on suspicion that they may be infected – or even what happened to the 10 people who were last reported on Jan 31 as under observation at hospitals in Phuket on suspection of being infected with virus.

Chief Thanit even declined to confirm which passengers are being screened at Phuket International Airport for elevated body temperature.

“I am not allowed to give any information to the press about coronavirus updates at all. There is only the public information through the Phuket office of the Public Relations Department [PR Phuket], which receives orders from Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana only,” he said.

stressed, “They are only suspected of being infected, and are under observation only.”

The six new cases brought to 29 the total number of people in Phuket held for observation since officials started scanning new arrivals for elevated body temperatures on Jan 5.

Of those, 19 had been discharged from hospitals, Dr Chalermpong said on Jan 31, adding that the remaining 10 were in hospital care: eight at Vachira Phuket Hospital, one at Patong Hospital and one at Thalang Hospital.

Meanwhile, while the daily update briefings have been held between Passengers wait to be screened for elevated body temperatures at 9am and 11am each day, the reports Phuket International Airport. Photo: AoT Phuket are not being made available on the PR Phuket official Facebook page “This is by order of the Ministry since Jan 31 to explain exactly who until late afternoon to early evening. of Health in Bangkok to not give out was being tested by whom. any information,” Chief Thanit added.

At that event, Phuket Governor THE AIRPORT Over the past three weeks, the Phakaphong Tavipatana confirmed The Health Control Division at Phuket daily virus-situation update brief- that there were still no confirmed airport on Monday also declined to ings in Phuket have degenerated into cases of people infected with the clarify which passengers arriving or nothing more than public relations coronavirus in Phuket. departing Phuket were being screened announcements by officials explaining The last report by officials recog- for elevated body temperatures. what basic actions action are being nising any persons as under observaPR Phuket reports have repeatedly taken in terms of public-awareness tion on suspicion of being infected claimed that all passengers inbound campaigns and cleaning exercises. came on Jan 31, when Vachira Phuket and outbound are being screened, The report last Friday (Feb 14) Hospital Director Dr Chalermpong with passengers arriving directly of passengers disembarking the announced that six more tourists in from Mainland China, Hong Kong Seabourne Ovation cruise liner which Phuket were under observation. and Macao not even allowed inside had arrived in Phuket was the first However, Dr Chaler mpong the terminal until they have been

Emergency water distribution points set up in Koh Kaew KOH K A EW TA M BON Administrative Organisation (OrBorTor) has set up several water distribution points for residents suffering from water shortages.

A total of three water distribution points were set up in Koh Kaew, the OrBorTor announced last Friday (Feb 14) via Facebook. The locations are as follows: On Soi Koh Kaew 3; Behind the OrBorTor Office; and near Masjid Kamaliah Laem Hin on Soi Laem Hin. Koh Kaew officials did not provide any information neither on the working hours of the distribution points, or on any possible limits on the volumes of water distributed per person or household.

Of note, on Jan 28 Interior Minister Gen Anupong Paochinda held a live video conference with all provincial governors in the country to order them to take active steps to prevent water shortages in their areas.

“I want officers to focus on the water for in-house use as a priority, followed by water needed for crops. To everyone, please save as much @thephuketnews

Koh Kaew OrBorTor set up three water-distribution points for people affected by the ‘no water shortage situation’ as the Phuket PR Department labeled it earlier. Photo: Koh Kaew OrBorTor water as you can. I believe in the cooperation of everyone that we will have water to use until the rainy season arrives in May,” Gen Anupong said.

At the meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall to receive the message were Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana along with Phuket Vice Governor Wongsakorn Nunchukan and a host of other high-ranking officials.

A following report by the Phuket office of the Public Relations Department of Thailand stated that there was no water shortage situation in Phuket at

that moment, but people were urged to monitor the water situation closely.

The report did not mention that only two weeks earlier Phuket Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) Chief Graisorn Mahamad clearly said that the island’s water resources were not enough.

“We don’t have enough water to produce in 2020 because the water levels at the three main reservoirs – Bang Wad, Bang Neow Dum and Khlong Kratha reservoirs – are so low,” Mr Graisorn said.

The Phuket News

screened for fever. However, The Phuket News has received multiple first hand reports of passengers arriving from a variety of locations confirming that they were not screened at all on landing at Phuket airport.

THE SILENCE Dr Sirilak Thaichareon, Director of the regional Disease Prevention and Control office has yet to reply to requests from The Phuket News for clarification of Phuket’s current situation regarding the virus outbreak.

Vague national updates are provided through Bangkok officials each day by the Ministry of Public Health’s Department of Disease Control (DDC).

As of Tuesday (Feb 18), the DDC reported that Thailand had 872 cases of people suspected of being infected, with 55 cases detected by airport screenings – though it has not been explained exactly at which airports these people were identified as infected.

The remaining 817 cases were people who had presented themselves at hospitals and sought medical service on their own at hospital, the DDC noted.

Of the 872 suspected infections, 790 have been cleared and the patients allowed to return home. (See page 7.)

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Camp dodges abuse claims GENERAL MANAGER Jason Beavan 086 479 7471

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

Officials fail to find evidence of baby elephant maltreatment The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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he Phuket Livestock Development Office has cleared an elephant camp in Rawai of allegations of animal abuse, but has given the camp owner 15 days to clean the area where a 2-yearold baby elephant is kept.

The news follows a disturbing report by a regular visitor to Phuket, documenting how the baby elephant has been mistreated and used as a tourist attraction.

“The baby ele is kept in a make-shift shack down a dirt road with no access to water or food. All four legs are chained so tightly together that he cannot even stretch his legs.

“The elephant is com-

The Phuket Livestock Development Office has cleared the Phuchada Safari camp in Rawai of allegations of abuse of a bay elephant. Photo: Phuket DLD pletely isolated and alone and shows clear signs of distress.

During the day, he is led by what seems to be one owner down the road to sell pictures

and bananas to tourists. The owner leads him with a bull hook everywhere he works.”

On receiving he complaint, Phuket DLD Chief

Manas Thepparuk led officers to inspect the Phuchada Safari camp, located in Rawai’s Saiyaun area, last Thursday afternoon (Feb 13).

“We found the baby elephant. Her name is Meena.

She is 2 years 11 months old, and was born at the camp where her parents still are.

She is legally registered,” Mr Manas said. “ M e e n a’s w e i g h t i s healthy, and we are sure she is not suffering from an infection or a digestive problem, and she did not have any chains on her legs. She did not appear to be abused.

“There was plenty of food and water for her, but the pen where she is kept was dirty with elephant dung and even some trash. I asked the camp owner to clean the pen within

15 days. I will come back to follow up on that,” Mr Manas added.

Mr Manas also confirmed that there was one mahout dedicated to watching over Meena, and that there were no other baby elephants at the camp.

Mr Manas said that the conditions encountered during the inspection gave him no cause to press any charges against the camp or the owner.

“The baby elephant is healthy and happy,” he said.

“She is not suffering from living conditions. She does not work. She just has her photo taken with tourists and eats. She just stays around there in the camp,” he added.

Mr Manas declined to name the owner of of the camp or the mahout.

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

SALES REPRESENTATIVE Katherine (Kat) Jones 081 841 3703

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Phuket readies for Heroines Festival THE ANNUAL HEROINES Festival, celebrating the defeat of Burmese marauders attempting to take Phuket in 1785, will take place this year from March 7-21.

People are invited to join the celebrations to be held in Thalang, Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana told a meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall last Thursday (Feb 13).

The Heroines Festival celebrates the two sisters, Chan and Mook, who led the Phuket contingent in repelling the Burmese invasion in 1785.

“The festival is held to honour Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Sri Soonthorn and the brave heroes of Thalang, and to increase the cultural tourism potential of Phuket,” Governor Phakaphong said.

A mass monk ordination of monks to bless the two Heroines will be held at Wat Thepwanaram (Wat Manik) on Mar 7. From Mar 8-21, the same novices will practice meditation.

On Mar 12, a ceremony for giving alms to monks in order to seek blessings from ancestors will be held at Wat Muang Komanraphat.

Gov Phakaphong announcing the festival. Photo: PR Dept On Mar 13, a ceremony will be held at the Heroines Monument to honour the two heroines and to lay wreaths at the statue.

From Mar 13 to 15, as is tradition, a light-and-sound show and historical play will be performed at Phuket Historical Park – for many years called Thalang Victory Field – in Baan Riang, Thalang, the reported site of the battle where the Burmese marauders were defeated.

Local food stalls and OTOP products will be on offer throughout the festival, Gov Phakaphong added.

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Kamala canal runs black despite wastewater plant Khunanya Wanchanwet reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

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he Deputy Chief of the Kamala Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor), Nopporn Karuna, claims that the black water in the Pak Bang Canal that runs through Kamala is clean after it has been passed through the wastewater-treatment plant that has now been installed across the canal.

The water that is being emptied onto Kamala Beach is clean, he says.

“Children can play in it,” Mr Nopporn assured.

“We have officers check the water quality after it has passed the wastewater plant often. The water is safe, Mr Nopporan said.

The new B58 million wastewatertreatment plant built across the canal came online last week, Mr Nopporn explained.

Construction of the plant began last year and was completed on schedule for its Feb 4 deadline this year, he noted.

However, Mr Nopporn admitted that a foul stench still emanates from the putrid black water in the canal before the wastewater-treatment plant.

“This began at the end of January and we had our officers investigate where the foul water was coming from. They found small businesses and homes further upstream emptying untreated wastewater

The national park chief urged care and caution when approaching the whale shark spotted off Koh Lanta last weekend. Photo: DNP

The Pak Bang Canal through Kamala is black again. Photo: Supplied into the canal,” he said.

“They were given a verbal warning and we will send a formal warning to them again. If they do not cease doing this they will face legal action,” Mr Nopporn warned.

The problem of the canal turning black and creating a foul stench from wastewater had returned this year, as it does each year, due to the lack of rain at this time of year, Mr Nopporn also explained.

“The lack of rain means there is not enough water flowing through the canal to dilute the wastewater, which turns the water black and algae starts to grow,” he said.

The annual problem prompted the Kamala OrBorTor to seek the funds to finally redress the problem with a small

wastewater-treatment plant dedicated to clearing the water in the canal, he added.

“The plant can treat around 1,000 cubic metres of water per day. This machine has been used for only about a week, but from our tests the water it passes is clear with no smell,” Mr Nopporn said.

“I have checked the machine again today, and I can confirm it is operating properly. The water in the canal has turned black because of the algae,” he said.

Officials will continue to conduct tests on the water in the canal to monitor how safe it is, he added.

Asked if it is safe to swim at Kamala Beach, Mr Nopporna again reassured, “I am sure that it is safe to swim, and I will inspect the canal again to confirm this.”

Over 200 couples wed on Valentine’s Day THE ISLAND’S THREE district off ices – Muang Phuket, Kathu and Thalang – were jammed on Feb 14 as couples queued to get married on Valentine’s Day. A total of 109 couples of various ages and backgrounds arrived at the Muang District Office on Mae Luan Rd in Phuket Town, where officials had special gifts for the newlyweds.

Present to serve as witnesses for those registering their nuptials were Phuket Vice Governor Phichet Panaphong and Deputy Muang Phuket

@thephuketnews

A total of 109 couples registered their marriage at the Muang District Office on Valentine’s Day with Phuket Vice Governor Phichet Panaphong present as a witness. Photo: PR Dept District Chief (Palad) Wichet Suyanan.

Mr Wichet explained that the project to encourage couples to marry on Valentine’s Day is aimed at promoting the importance of a registered marriage and the right of couples under the law.

Two of the couples married at Muang District Office were a Thai marrying a foreigner.

Kathu District Office and Thalang Disctrict Office were also crowded last Friday, with 50 couples registering their marriage at each.

The Phuket News

National park chief urges care, caution near whale shark THE CHIEF OF THE MU Koh Lanta National Park in Krabi has urged all divers, tourists and boat operators to exercise caution if approaching a whale shark spotted in the area.

The whale shark, some four metres in length, was spotted in park waters last Sunday (Feb 16), park chief Weerasak Srisatjang told The Phuket News.

The whale shark was spotted in the national park off Koh Ha (Island No 5), located off Koh Lanta, Mr Weersak noted.

“The whale shark sur-

faced near a tour boat, impressing many of the tourists on board. Many of the tourists leaned over the edge of the boat to take photos before the shark submerged out of sight and swam off,” he said.

Divers in the water also took photos of the animal, he added.

“Please do not use flash for taking photographs and do not get too close,” Chief Weerasak urged.

“Also, all boat drivers must be very careful when the whale shark comes close to the boat,” he added.

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EDITORIAL

Bangkok says so

huket Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO) Chief Thanit Sermkaew deserves some credit for going public with an explanation of why the mandatory daily updates on the Wuhan coronavirus situation in Phuket suddenly went silent on actual information last week.

“This is by order of the Ministry of Health in Bangkok to not give out any information,” he said.

No one is going to argue with that. Considering the mess of information that has came out of Bangkok in the past week, it is actually very believable.

But to understand the position local officials are in you have to understand that kriengjai dominates nearly every facet of social interaction. Kriengjai translates as “consideration”, but is also used to describe deference to the point a Thai will not challenge a superior’s authority just for the sake of

avoiding any conflict.

Kriengjai applies as a standard accepted behaviour more so in the realm of officialdom than on the streets. There are serious consequences for calling out your boss as the person responsible for what you are being blamed for, and Mr Thanit deserves support for at least letting us know.

However, we still hope that if there were something of such importance that people in Phuket should know, like any actual confirmed virus cases in Phuket, that Dr Thanit would tell us that too.

Yet it is the lack of information about the virus situation that is killing any hope that officials can be believed. Clear, accurate details of any persons being identified as even suspected of being infected must be known for public safety.

The lack of this information only allows the rumour mill to gain momentum, and in the age of mobile phones and social

media, rumours spread much faster than actual reports.

Just as an example, one unsubstantiated report circulating the island last week claimed that of the 10 people last reported as just under observation on suspicion of being infected with the virus were infected and were being held in isolation in hospital. This is how dangerous rumours can be – and worse, no one in the public sphere knows if it is true.

To cite one diplomatic figure speaking frankly to The Phuket News this week about this issue, even one confirmed case would not be terminal for Phuket. We just need to know exactly what is being done about it and that the action taken is appropriate .

That would build confidence among tourists that Phuket is likely to be a safe place to visit.

But so far, if you want to know who is doing the most damage to Phuket’s tourism image, it has to be officials in Bangkok.

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Phuket Opinion: They kill children Phuket tour bus operators’ crisis deepens amid virus fallout Officials assure virus screening of thousands of tourists as cruise liners come to Phuket Phuket health chief explains vague virus updates PHUKET XTRA: VIDEO: New virus case in Thailand! Cabbie stabs tourist? WANTED: English teachers! || February 17 Phuket street racers busted Cruise liner arrives in Phuket, bringing European tourists Tourism Ministry considers collecting tourism fees Phuket Airport Immigration denies long queues at Arrival Hall Speedboat capt ains charged

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HAVE YOUR SAY Transparency a must for trust

Re: Phuket health chief explains vague virus updates I was to travel to Phuket from Australia last Monday.

But due to the silence of the government about this matter I have cancelled my trip. They hide the truth of the situation for the tourist trade. One day soon the truth will be known and Phuket will be put on the blacklist by tourists for their silence. Good luck my Mayor and company.

Papa Paul This is scary. We all know that a lack of information makes speculations worse.

Corinna Graham Typical of the paranoid leadership of this country.

They are putting us all at risk and all just to save the tourism numbers Ron Stroop If we say nothing, it isn’t happening – classic smoke and mirrors. The public has the right to be fully informed in order to take counter-measures if appropriate. They are actu-

ally exacerbating the situation by staying silent. Typical denial.

Fascinated

Fake news

Re: Phuket virus death fake news poster acknowledges Computer Crimes Act charge Thailand has got it right!

Too many idiots putting out fake news and causing all kinds of problems. However, it is true that Miss Taylor Swift is madly in love with me and I am off to the moon on holiday.

Andy Tong Dee They will I'm sure bring charges under Section 14(2) which sates “import to a computer system of false computer data in a manner that is likely to damage the country's security or cause public panic.”

In the wake of the current hysteria caused by the Coronavirus outbreak in China, and with the serious falling off of tourists visiting the Kingdom, the government might just make an example of her so that others will be reluctant to post similar material.

Her defence surely would have to be just how long did

her post remain on social media and how many likes and shares did it receive? My guess, a fine will ensue but no prison sentence.

Richard Souter

Our heroes on the front line

Re: First Thai medical worker gets coronavirus from a patient To all the doctors and nurses… you're angels – the front line heroes, we need you!

Missnanah Patsa So sad that this has happened but we honour first responders who risk their own safety to help others.

Denae Dockery

High and dry

Re: Mains water supply outage to affect Kathu The Phuket water situation is deteriorating. Nothing is happening to handle it, only informing people to prepare for water shortages. When there is a crisis our officials say, “We are racing against time to secure water provisions” to keep them clear of complaints, or so they think.

Kurt Duerr

Give way

Re: Kusoldharm opens new rescue centre at northern tip of the island “The number of traffic accidents is still not good” Really? As long as there are untrained and undisciplined drivers behind the wheel nothing will change. seht1912 I hope general drivers get to aware of how important these ambulances are and give their way and no longer show off their ego in front of these ambulances.

Lines? What lines?

Re: Phuket airport adds virus checks on arrivals from Cambodia after Westerdam passengers allowed entry to Thailand Friend arrived on Finnair today – two hours to get through immigration.

Malcolm Wells I came into Phuket last night from Singapore and there were zero queues and no virus checks. It was the quickest entry ever. Singapore airport had heat sensing cameras set up thoughout the airport.

Quite the difference!

Bill Latham

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

THAILAND NEWS

7

Woman recovers from virus after ‘Thai cocktail’ Dr Hansa Raksakhom on Feb 18.

Photo: Chaiyot Pupattanapong

BANGKOK

All but one Wuhan returnee cleared of COVID-19 virus

Bangkok Post

A

n elderly Chinese woman who received a “Thai cocktail” of HIV and flu drugs to treat severe COVID-19-related pneumonia left hospital on Tuesday (Feb 18) after making a full recovery, a government official said.

Visiting the 74-year-old woman at Bangkok’s Rajvithi Hospital, Deputy Public Health Minister Sathit Pitutecha said she was suffering from severe pneumonia when she was transferred there from a private hospital in Hua Hin district of Prachuap Khiri Khan on Jan 29.

According to Mr Sathit, the woman was first treated with two HIV medications – lopinavir and ritonavir – for five days, but failed to recover.

Doctors at Rajvithi Hospital then added the flu drug oseltamivir to her prescription, leading to a marked improvement. Her severe pneumonia abated in eight to 12 hours, and after 48 hours she tested

@thephuketnews

CHON BURI

Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul gives the thumbs up to a patient at Rajvithi Hospital in Bangkok on Feb 3. Photo: Bangkok Post negative for COVID-19.

She was given the cocktail of drugs for the next 10 days, and no trace of the virus was found in four subsequent tests over 20 days.

“This shows she fully recovered from the disease and can leave the hospital,” Mr Sathit said. “She will undergo another physical check-up in a few weeks to find out if she is strong enough to board a plane back home.”

Dr Narong Aphikulvanich,

deputy director-general of the Department of Medical Services, said the woman was the first patient to receive the “Thai cocktail” of drugs now being administered to three other Chinese people and a Thai patient.

Dr Somsak Akksilp, director-general of the department, said the doctors who treated the Chinese woman were writing a research report for international publication.

The woman was one of

two Chinese patients allowed to leave hospital on Tuesday. The other, aged 69, was treated at the Central Chest Institute in Nonthaburi province.

The number of COVID-19 patients in Thailand to make a full recovery is now 17, while the number of confirmed cases remained unchanged at 35 on Tuesday. Since Jan 3, a total of 817 patients have been placed under investigation and 82 of them were hospitalised.

ONE OF THE 138 QUARantined Thai returnees from Wuhan showed a small presence of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), but the others were healthy and ready to be discharged from quarantine, a senior health official said Tuesday (Feb 18).

Dr Hansa Raksakhom, director of Office of Disease Prevention and Control 6 in Chon Buri, was speaking at the Sattahip naval base, where they are being kept in isolation.

One patient remained at Chon Buri Hospital, she said. An earlier test found a low level of the virus. The patient was being treated well and it was hoped they could be cleared and dis-

charged in due course.

“The last laboratory test found COVID-19. We are closely monitoring the case and hope that this Thai person can go home along with the other 137 people,” Dr Hansa said.

Four other returnees who were ill had already fully recovered and been discharged from hospital.

Dr Hansa confirmed the returnees had received the best treatment, in a hygienic environment, during their 14-day quarantine at the Sattahip naval base and some local hospitals since their arrival on Feb 4.

The retur nees were stranded in Wuhan city, the epicentre of the COVID-19 epidemic, when the Chinese government locked it down on Jan 23.

Bangkok Post

8

THAILAND NEWS

Thai schools seek English teachers BANGKOK THE EDUCATION MINistry is calling on foreign embassies to help find native speakers who can teach English at Thai schools.

Education Minister Nataphol Teepsuwan said last Friday (Feb 14) that he had met ambassadors from Englishspeaking countries and asked them to find teachers who can teach English and other subjects in English to Thai students, as part of governmentto-government cooperation programmes.

“The aim of the discussion was to seek cooperation from embassies. A large number of teachers are necessary as we are working on upgrading the entire education system,” Mr Nataphol said.

He said there are currently some 7,000 foreign teachers in Thai schools, but this is not enough, adding that another 10,000 are required. He said the ministry has earmarked funds for their recruitment.

The aim of the effort is to improve students’ proficiency in the English language, boost their confidence and equip

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

Cops warn ‘Skullbreaker’ craze will lead to deaths THAILAND Bangkok Post

Education Minister Nataphol Teepsuwan. Photo: Bangkok Post them to seek further knowledge, he said, adding that Thai teachers will also be able to learn and benefit from native English speakers.

The minister said he has also come up with a plan to upgrade English-language lessons from elementary to university levels, with the aim of cutting down on the number of foreign teachers in the next three years.

Mr Nataphol added that foreign teachers must have some professional training to qualify for the job, adding that a language-teaching certificate is preferred.

He also said the accent of English teachers does not matter as long as they can make the lessons fun.

Bangkok Post

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olice have warned teenagers against copying a dangerous fad known as Skullbreaker Challenge where participants can end up with spine and head injuries, or even dead.

The “game” – which has gone viral on social media – involves tricking a participant into jumping before friends sweep the player’s legs out causing him or her to fall heavily.

Police said those who cause severe injuries to people can face jail terms of two to 10 years.

Doctors described the game, which originated in South America, as “deadly – it can harm the skull, brain and neck bones.”

Police and doctors fear Thai children will be exposed to the fad through clips posted on social media.

The game involves three people, with one of them persuaded to stand in the middle. That player is then asked to jump, but the two standing on either side suddenly kick out that person’s legs to make him or her fall to the ground.

“If we find they intend to harm a person, they will receive punishments under the Criminal Code,” deputy police spokesman Kissana Phatanacharoen said.

Deputy police spokesman Kissana Phatanacharoen. Photo: Bangkok Post If a victim is seriously injured, his friends can be sentenced to up to 10 years in jail and pay a maximum fine of B200,000 under the Section 297 of the Criminal Code.

Col Kissana asked parents and teachers to help prevent kids from imitating the act as they tend to spend time on video-sharing platforms and social-networking sites.

Medical Services Department chief Somsak Akkslip said the Skullbreaker Challenge is “life-threatening” as the victim’s head can hit the ground. The consequences could be horrific.

“The victim’s skull will be broken and nerves will be damaged, with bleeding in the brain,” he said.

“The victim is also at risk of suffering severe spinal cord injuries.”

Nine-day Songkran under consideration THAILAND THE GOVERNMENT IS considering adding two more public holidays during the Songkran festival to bolster the sagging tourism sector, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Monday (Feb 17).

The Songkran holiday is from April 13-15 every year.

This year, it starts Monday through Wednesday. When taking into account Saturday and Sunday preceding them, the holiday is five days long.

Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak came up with

Revellers during Songkran.

Photo: AFP an idea of an extention to cover Thursday and Friday as well, making it a nine-day holiday (April 11-19). The long period will encourage more people to travel and spend money to give the tourism industry a boost after a sharp drop of tourist numbers from China, he said.

According to his plan, the

extra two days are not for free – two public holidays in the second half of the year might be cut to compensate them if the plan is approved.

The COVID-19 epidemic is taking its toll on Thai tourism as people avoid travelling. China has banned tour groups in a bid to contain the virus and the Chinese are Thailand’s largest tourist group.

Gen Prayut said the long holiday would help boost tourism although the idea was not tabled as a proposal for Cabinet to consider in the weekly Cabinet meeting on Tuesday (Feb 18).

Bangkok Post

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

BUSINESS NEWS

9

Industry unites in virus crisis Thai travel operators join efforts to overcome Wuhan flu impact TOURISM The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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ore than 500 members of the Thai travel and tourism industry attended a top-level brainstorming session organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports last Thursday (Feb 13) to discuss unified and well-coordinated strategies and actions to facilitate a recovery from the inbound tourism downturn caused by the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.

Presided over by Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the session was attended by the Tourism and Sports Permanent Secretary Chote Trachu, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Yuthasak Supasorn, Department of Tourism Director-General Taweesak Vanicharoen, Thai Chamber of Commerce Chairman Kalin Sarasin and tourism corporate leaders and senior executives from all around the country, explained a report by the TAT. The session began with opening remarks and a policy statement by Minister Phiphat, followed by a number of high-level academic lectures to understand the trends, directions

@thephuketnews

Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn speaks at the industry event in Bangkok on Feb 13. Photo: TAT and impact of the epidemic on the global and local Thai economy as well as the tourism industry.

In the afternoon session, the participants were divided into four groups to discuss more specific actions on 1) stimulating travel and tourism for both Thai and foreign tourists, 2) enhancing tourism standards, 3) building confidence among Thais and foreigners, and 4) setting recovery measures.

In his opening remarks, Minister Phiphat thanked all the participants for coming and said that it was time for the entire industry to unite and

harness its full creative potential in ensuring the earliest possible recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.

He said the results of the workshops of the four brainstorming groups will allow the agencies under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to more accurately define strategies and plans that are timely and able to handle a very rapidly-changing situation. It will also allow the private sector to take their own actions to rebuild their businesses.

“We now have to convert a crisis into an opportunity. It is important to get the private sector back on its

feet, which is considered the main mechanism to drive the country’s tourism industry. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports will present the results of the meeting to the Cabinet of Ministers.

“Tourists from all over the world have confidence in the tourism industry of Thailand. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is ready to lead the recovery effort, stand by the entrepreneurs and all Thai people and ensure that tourism can regain its rightful place as a contributor to stable, prosperous and sustainable national growth.”

TAT Governor Mr Yuthasak acknowledged that the entire industry had suffered but it was important for all sectors to unite and cooperate and help itself and to just wait for government assistance.

He also presented the range of TAT activities to communicate the facts and status updates in order to present accurate, reliable news and build confidence among both Thai and foreign tourists.

The TAT assistance measures include both immediate and longterm, divided into three categories: 1) Business-driven measures to help entrepreneurs by offering financial and tax relief; 2) marketing and confidence-

building measures to regain trust and stimulate tourism, and 3) restore and reform measures to improve sustainability and upgrade the importance of tourism safety as part of the national agenda.

Mr Yuthasak added that the effectiveness of the government’s efforts will be limited without the strong and critical support and power of the private sector, which has always been a major force.

“We will not let the COVID-19 crisis beat us. Through “Cooperation, Love, Unity” in the Thai tourism industry, I am confident that we will overcome the coronavirus crisis under the leadership of Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn.”

The Cabinet has already approved several short-term and long-term measures proposed by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, said the TAT report, including: 1) Extending the deadline for filing tax returns for fiscal 2019 to the end of June 2020; 2) Domestic seminars and tax measures to support hotel businesses; and 3) Establishing a steering committee to strengthen the supply chain, education and framework for expanding the operating hours of establishments in tourist areas, as well as supporting charter flights for high-spending tourists to emerging destinations.

10 BUSINESS NEWS

GM to drop Chevrolet from sale in Thailand AUTOMOTIVE GENERAL MOTORS (GM) has announced that it will cease the sale of Chevrolet vehicles in Thailand by the end of this year.

GM Strategic Markets, Alliances and Distributors President, Andy Dunstan, in an announcement issued on Monday (Feb 17) said the withdrawal of Chevrolet from the domestic new vehicle market followed GM’s decision to cease vehicle and powertrain production at its Rayong manufacturing facilities.

“GM acknowledges the impact this decision has on our people and our partners.

We are committed to treating our people, partners and stakeholders with dignity and respect throughout this transition,” Mr Dunstan said.

“GM explored a range of options to maintain Chevrolet in Thailand’s new vehicle sales market. Regrettably, without a domestic manufacturing footprint, it is not viable for Chevrolet to compete in the Thai market,” he added.

Mr Dunstan said GM had undertaken a detailed analysis of the business case to allocate a new vehicle program to the Rayong site. However, low plant utilisation, forecast domestic and export volumes impacted the business case significantly.

In a sign that economic recovery was still out of sight, with a higher unemployment rate and shrinking factory production looming large,

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

April roll-out for stimulus floated as growth stymied ECONOMY

General Motors will cease the sale of Chevrolet vehicles in Thailand by the end of 2020. widespread news on social media last August claimed that General Motors Thailand had cut a further 327 jobs at its Rayong plants.

GM Thailand affirmed the move as part of a plan to reduce costs and slim down the manufacturing facility. The company laid off both regular and contract workers by sending letters to employees.

As such, GM’s new-model Chevrolet Captiva SUV is being assembled at an Indonesia plant and not the Rayong plant, where the previous model was made in the past.

“Our decision to winddown manufacturing and sales operations in Thailand is consistent with GM’s global strategy and our internal capital allocation framework,” Mr Dunstan said in his statement.

“It does not ref lect the capability and talent of our Thailand team and our dealer partners, who I thank for their contribution to GM and the Thai automotive industry. I also want to thank the Thai Government for its long-standing support of our operations and for sustaining a highly competitive business environment in the market,” he added. The Phuket News

Chatrudee Theparat & Wichit Chantanusornsiri

T

he government looks poised to introduce a fresh economic stimulus package after the economy slipped to a five-year low in growth last year and a possible contraction in the first quarter of this year.

Finance Minister Uttama Savanayana, on a trade delegation to Japan chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, said the ministry is preparing a new round of economic stimulus covering tourism, consumption and investment to be proposed for the cabinet’s approval by the middle of March for implementation in April.

Mr Uttama said tourism spending needs to continue, particularly through the Taste, Shop, Spend scheme, to entice people to travel more in Thailand.

The tourism sector employs millions and has been ravaged by the coronavirus outbreak, he said.

“The fourth phase of the Taste, Shop, Spend scheme needs to be potent enough to lure consumers to spend more while travelling,” said Mr Uttama. “Similarly, investment stimulus measures need to be meaningful enough to draw investment.”

He said state investment and 2020 budget disbursement

Finance Minister Uttama Savanayana. need to be accelerated to help boost the country’s fragile economy.

On Monday (Feb 17), the government planning unit National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) reported GDP growth slipped to a five-year low in the fourth quarter, attributable largely to poor exports and slow government investments.

The economy grew 1.6% year-on-year in the fourth quarter, decelerating from a revised 2.6% growth in the third quarter of 2019.

For production, the agricultural sector decreased mainly because of a reduction in major crop yields. The non-agricultural sector also decelerated as a result of a drop in the industrial sector, while the services sector continued to increase.

For expenditure, private final consumption expenditure increased at a slower rate, while gross fixed capital formation decelerated thanks to a fall in

public investment. Government final consumption expenditure and exports and imports of goods and services declined, according to the NESDC. Seasonally adjusted GDP growth expanded by 0.2%, on level with the third quarter of 2019.

For the whole year, the economy grew 2.4%, the slowest rate since 2014.

“Key risk factors that weighed on the economy in the fourth quarter and the entire year were falling exports and a sharp drop in public investment because of the delay in the passage of the budget for the 2020 fiscal year,” said NESDC Ssecretary-General Thosaporn Sirisamphand.

“Natural disasters also affected production in the farm sector.”

Given the negative factors, including the latest outbreak of the deadly virus, the NESDC on Monday cut forecasts for 2020 economic growth to 1.52.5% from 2.7%-3.7% made on

Nov 18 last year, and export growth to 1.4% from 2.3%.

Wichayayuth Boonchit, deputy secretary-general of the NESDC, said the impact from the coronavirus outbreak and delayed 2020 fiscal budget could lead the country’s economy to contract in the first quarter, but the figures are likely to recover in the second quarter once these factors were addressed and improved.

Lavaron Sangsnit, directorgeneral of the Fiscal Policy Office, said the Finance Ministry is closely monitoring the economic situation and is ready to implement additional stimulus measures if needed.

The coronavirus outbreak is battering tourism, lowering the number of foreign visitors, particularly from China, for the January-to-March quarter, he said.

The Finance Ministry has already offered tax relief measures for tourism operators including a twofold tax deduction for expenses incurred from holding domestic seminars and training session along with a 1.5-times tax deduction for the renovation expenses of accommodation operators.

Cooperation from all parties is necessary to help Thailand overcome difficult times, said Mr Lavaron.

He said the economy’s fundamentals remains strong, as indicated by subdued inflation, the current account surplus and low public debt at 41.3% of GDP. Bangkok Post

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

Social structures in Phukets 19th Century

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

12

They have gone nuts in Phuket yet again

17

The Sarasin Bridge and lovers from the film adaptation. Photos: Saphan Rak Sarasin

THE SARASIN BRIDGE OF LOVE REMEMBERED

Lovers eternally bound remain in the heart of Phuket forever

E

Jíab Avarin

very day, people come and go from Phuket to Phang Nga, looking over at the old Sarasin Bridge, having no idea the significance it holds in Thai folklore. Live here for a substantial amount of time and the legend of “Saphan Rak Sarasin” will be as well known to you as it is among Thais.

Saphan Rak Sarasin, meaning the “Sarasin Bridge of Love”, is a story that can come right off the pages of any Shakespearean tragedy. From a time when social class and family name in Phuket was as strong as any Montesquieu and Capulet, the legend of the Sarasin Bridge is one that took place 42 years ago this very week.

The legend is well known to Thais throughout Thailand, immortalised in both film and folk songs, it is a tale of two young lovers who decided to bind their forbidden love endlessly together with reckless abandon.

Historically, the couple, refused permission to marry, tied themselves together with a traditional Pha Khao Ma cloth to symbolize their eternally bound love, and together in each other’s arms, jumped into the sea from halfway across the Sarasin bridge.

Enter stage left, our two star-crossed lovers, who were of different ancestry and socioeconomic status. The young man, a bus driver named Ko Dam Sae Tan, and the beautiful young university @thephuketnews

Lovers holding hands. Photo: AFP student in a respected teaching program named Kiw Kanchana Sae Ngo. Both lived in Tha Chatchai in Phuket and fell in love with each other despite their differences. Kiw would board Ko’s bus as part of her daily commute. The local route gave them plenty of time to talk and get to know one another and talk about life and their differences as well as the many similarities. The two found love in each other’s eyes and saw past the social norms of the day that society insisted made their love unacceptable, and decided to make a life together.

Though they loved each other greatly, their relationship was shamed in the eyes of those around them but they pressed on insisting love has no bounds.

Ko went to Kiw’s father to request his daughter’s hand in marriage, but he was swiftly refused. How could he let his daughter who had such potential, marry a man who lived hand to mouth.

Kiw’s father forbade her from seeing Ko again after this bold act of love.

Kiw’s father ruled the family with

Traditional Phuket bus. an authoritarian might, as was the custom of the day. He give his daughter no freedom to choose her own path, as he expected that Kiw would marry a wealthy man who could elevate the family status as well as provide a substantial dowry for his daughter’s hand in marriage.

As time passed, under her father’s watchful eye, Kiw grew up to have a successful career as a teacher, but her father would remain entrenched in every facet of her love life and continued to demand an end the forbidden love of his daughter.

The couple’s love was muddied by the waters of heredity and social status and though they put every effort to prove that the love they have for each other was strong and true and in no need for the trappings of social norms no matter what they did, Kiw’s father refused to accept Ko Dam. Kiw was repeatedly beaten by her father and was restrained because she continually would flee to met with Ko Dam. Kiw’s father attempted to force

her to marry wealthy suitors but she refused tooth and nail.

After seeing the persistent love of Ko Dam and Kiw, they eventually won the hearts of the people of Tha Chatchai at the time. Shamed and treated as unacceptable at first, later many people would try to persuade Kiw’s father to accept Ko Dam as a son-in-law, but nothing could change his mind.

With a growing despair, the couple decided to take their union into their own hands. They arranged to meet halfway across the Sarasin Bridge on Feb 22, 1978, which had been the symbol of their love as the apex of their commute, and bound themselves together with their Pha Khao Ma cloth, and jumped into the water, taking their own lives and ending their pain forever. By binding themselves together, they knew they would be together forever, never to separate, and would be forever bound in the minds of Thailand as well.

As William Penn once said, “For death is no more than a turning of us over from time eternity.” This is perhaps more true this week in Phuket history than in any other.

The Legend of Sarasin Bridge is another love lesson inscribed in the heart of Phuket and no matter how many years have passed, the story is told again and again and reminds us all that love has no norms, no class structure, no borders. Love is love and we must all take a leap to be with who we wish to be with.

12 HISTORY

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Local Phuket Muslims. Photo: Hisoty of Phuket

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

Women carving at the market. Photo: Historyof Phuket

The social fabric of early Phuket

Sex workers, childbirth and mixed ethnicities shaped the 19th century HISTORY OF PHUKET Colin Mackay

P

rostitution and the availability of slave women for sale meant that sex worker was never a thriving business in Phuket until later in the 19th century, when thousands of single Chinese male “coolies” arrived to work in the tin mines. Before that, concubinage served the purpose for many foreign sailors visiting the island. The Dutchman Admiral Van Neck, who visited Patani in 1604, explained the system at the time stating: “When foreigners come there from other lands… men come and ask them whether they do not desire a woman. These young women and girls themselves also come and present themselves, from whom they

may choose the one most agreeable to them, provided they agree what he shall pay for certain months. Once they agree about the money (which does not amount to much for so great a convenience) she comes to his house and serves him by day as his maidser­vant and by night as his wedded wife. He is then not able to consort with other women or he will be in the gravest trouble with his wife. She is, similarly, wholly forbidden to converse with other men, but the marriage lasts only as long as he keeps his residence there, in good peace and unity. When he wants to depart he gives her whatever is promised and so they leave each other in friendship and she may then look for another man as she wishes, in all propriety, without scandal.”

In the 18th century, Portuguese sailors in the peninsular West Coast ports also tell of women paddling out to their ships in boats to offer their temporary services. Alternatively, a visitor could buy and use a slave woman then simply sell her on when he left. Edmund Roberts, the American ambassador in the 1830s, noted, “Temporary marriages are so notorious, that to sell a daughter wholly to a stranger, or for a stipulated term of time, is as common among the middling and lower classes of people, as to sell any common commodity to be found in a bazaar.”

One British officer, Col Garnett Wolseley, wrote triumphantly back to his brother in England that in the East he had acquired a woman who “fulfilled all the purposes of a wife without giving any of the bother.” Captain Edmund Scott, in 1606, tells us the Chinese used this method, buying “women slaves… by whom they have many children, when they return to their own country… they sell their women but the children they carry with them.”

Straight prostitution in Siam was usually organised via a “farm” – a license for a monopoly purchased from the local lord or king. In 1680, for example, the king in Ayutthaya sold the prostitution farm rights for the city to one Chinese official, who used a stable of 600 enslaved women. The Frenchman De La Loubère, in 1688, however, felt that “the Siamese are naturally too proud easily to give themselves to foreigners or at least to invite them.” He thought that Mon, not Siamese women,

“do more highly esteem of foreigners”, and without their blackened teeth, were generally “of a more amourous complexion than Siamese.”

Children of mixed-ethnicity Ibn Majid, in 1462, was taken by the relaxed mores of the peninsula: “The infidel mar­ries Muslim women while Muslims take pagans to wife.” It was also official Portuguese colonial policy to encourage interbreeding and by the 17th century significant Portuguese Catholic mestizo communities existed in Tha Reua in Phuket and Takua Thung in Phang Nga. Most of the local women the Portuguese took as wives and their children were converted to Christianity. However as increasing numbers of European and Chinese arrived wanting women, often on a temporary basis, a sense of the impropriety of temporary marriages with foreigners grew among the Siamese. In the 17th century, King Prasat Thong forbade Siamese women to marry foreigners, and, always in need of manpower, strictly forbade the removal of any mixed-race offspring from the kingdom.

Medicine There was the normal range of diseases in Phuket as anywhere else, the worst being fevers, malaria, dengue, cholera, leprosy, smallpox, measles, tuberculosis, cholera, polio and of course sexually transmitted diseases, all of which could kill. Medicine was not very advanced, remedies were usually herbal and spiritual. The 17th century Persian envoy Al Ibrahim reported, “In general the science of spells and incantations is practiced to a great extent in Siam.” At the same time the French envoy Simon de la Loubère was particularly depreciative, stating, “medicine cannot merit the name of Science amongst the Siamese.

They are utterly ignorant of Anatomy, they know nothing of surgery.”

Monks and doctors studied remedies written in books or passed down orally.

One 19th century traveler in Siam tells us that, if patients were not cured, it was not thought to be the fault of the remedy, but due “to the want of sufficient goodness in the life and character of the doctor or the patient.” He also explained, “if a sick man dies, the doctor gets no remuneration for his services…”

(Continued on p13) thephuketnews

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HISTORY 13

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

Women of Phuket. Photo: History of Phuket The locals invested a great deal of faith in spells, incantations and talismans. Alfonso de Albuquerque, the Portuguese leader in the siege of Malacca in 1511, tells us of one Malay fighter who did not bleed from the many sword wounds they had inflicted on him, until a sacred bone amulet was removed from his arm. “When they took this off all his blood flowed away and he expired.”

Childbirth Commentators and historical evidence show that Malay and Siamese women tended to start giving birth earlier, had fewer babies and finished sooner than elsewhere in the world.

Pallegoix tells us in the 19th century

@thephuketnews

Ethnic diversity of Phuket . Photo: History of Phuket that, by tradition, Siamese “women do not suckle their children for six months, but for two and even three years, even while giving them rice and bananas to eat.” The Sejarah Melayu notes that abortion was not uncommon, being accomplished by herbs and massages. The prevalence of abortions may have had something to do with the extremely unpleasant ordeal of “roasting” pregnant mothers; one 18th century missionary in 1818 said that this frequently caused the women to emerge “scorched and blackened [with] severe blistering of the skin It is difficult to explain this singular custom in a country where it is so hot. Nevertheless everybody is convinced that it is indispensable and that one must go

through it.”

Dr Bradley, an American missionary doctor in 19th century Siam, similarly writes of witnessing one of these “cruelties of Siamese midwifer fiery ordeals. The poor woman was doomed to lie before a hot fire a full month on a narrow wooden bench without a cushion exposed to a fire about eighteen inches distant. The fire was sufficiently hot to have roasted a spare rib at half the distance she complained much of soreness.” In this case, as in many, the child died. Dr Bradley was unable to persuade the midwives “conceited and headstrong old women” to change their ways.

Many Siamese children died within a year or so of childbirth. The French

missionary Nicolas Gervaise in 1683 tells us, “As soon as the child comes into the world they go and wash it in the river, after which, without a single swaddling cloth, it is placed in a little bed where it remains until it is six months old many children cannot get accustomed, at so early an age, to this Spartan code of life and die within a few days or months after their birth.

It is by great luck, that of every 10 or 12 born, two or three are saved.”

Adapted with kind permission from the book ‘A History of Phuket and the Surrounding Region’ by Colin Mackay.

Available from good bookshops and Amazon.com. Order the softcover 2nd edition directly at: historyofphuket.com

14 ENTERTAINMENT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

Inhuman Kiss is a 2019 Thai horror film directed by Sitisiri Mongkolsiri. It was selected as the Thai entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards, but it was not nominated. Photo: Inhuman Kiss

Photo: Andrew H Walker Shutterstock

The Oscars were an Inhuman Miss

It is time to level the playing field and allow more international entries

T

he red carpets have been rolled away and the gowns are back on their hangers. The Academy Awards are won and done for anThere has other year, and while film journalists right around the world have dissected and disbeen a cussed every winner, every nomination there Best Foris something that has become crystal clear eign Language secin the wash up, this year might be the year where the Oscars finally see a change occur that is tion for awhile now long overdue. but that always felt On the surface it appears that change may have like a token award already occurred, but has it? Read most of the headbecause if you really lines the morning after this year’s Oscars and they all scratched under the labelled the fact that South Korean film Parasite won Best Picture as the dawn of a new time in Hollywood, surface you would a time when films from right around the world now find that filmmakers have more than a slight chance of walking away with the top Oscars on Academy Awards night. had to hurdle over But is that really the case? Let’s call it for what each other to even it is – the Oscars for a long time now have been a celebration of American films, not a celebration for earn a nomination. international films like many would have believed.

Yes there has been a Best Foreign Language section for awhile now but that always felt like a token award because if you really scratched under the surface you would find that filmmakers had to hurdle over each other to even earn a nomination. That award is now known as the Best International Feature Film Award which does make more sense given that even films from English speaking countries outside of America could also be nominated in the category, but that still doesn’t fix the biggest problem of all with the category.

Isn’t the fact that there is even a Best International Feature Film Award part of the problem? After all the Academy Awards are supposed to be a celebration of film – yet the mere fact that there is a Best International category means there is an instant separation from the American films also in the running for awards. That divide becomes even wider when you realise that in order for a film to be considered in the Best International Feature Film Award that film has to be submitted by the country where it originated.

That’s right if a country like Thailand makes two great movies in one year – tough luck only one can be selected. America on the other hand can have as many films nominated as they wish.

When you consider the great films that have come out of countries like France and Germany over the years, that ‘one film submission’ rule seems like a joke, but perhaps the biggest losers because of the rule this year were Thailand and Australia.

Thailand’s submission to the category this year was Sitisiri Mongolsiri’s Krasue: Inhuman Kiss while Australia’s submission was Buoyancy, a film shot in Thailand with all the actors coming from Cambodia and Thailand. Neither film ended Lifelong friends Noi, Sai and Jerd. Photo: Inhuman Kiss up making the short list of nominaDavid Griffith

Oscars. Photo: CulturedVultures tions for the actual Best International Award, but it is here where the murkiness of the Award is exposed.

To receive its submission Buoyancy defeated The Nightingale. There is nothing wrong with that but when you look at how both films were received by other Award ceremonies and by critics you see just how unfair it was that both films couldn’t be in the running for the major award.

Buoyancy explores the human rights issue of young Cambodians being forced to work as slaves in the Thai fishing industry which meant it was a powerful film that received a lot of praise.

The film won awards at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Awards (AACTA) as well as earning awards in Mumbai, Berlin and Oslo. On the other hand, The Nightingale looked at the harshness of living in colonial Tasmania including the brutal murders of the local Aboriginal people. Like Buoyancy, it also received a lot of five star reviews and found itself winning a plethora of awards including six AACTAs and eight Australian Film Critics Association Awards.

There is little argument that both were great films and should have equally had the right to be nominated for Best International Film yet somehow weren’t.

If you dig a little deeper the whole divide between how American cinema and International films at the Oscars became even wider. If Parasite was, in the end, considered such a great film by the Academy, then how come none of its cast found themselves nominated for

Best Actor or Best Actress? That point was also not lost on fans of the film Buoyancy who wondered why actors Sarm Heng and Thailand’s Thanawut Kasro didn’t receive nominations despite being praised world-wide for their intense roles in the film.

The host of popular film podcast The Popcorn Conspiracy, Kyle McGrath, recently talked about Kasro’s Oscar snub and said, “When you look at the performances in Buoyancy and you take the performance of Thanawut Kasro in the role of a Supporting Actor he was miles ahead of where Brad Pitt was in Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. That is not to say that Brad Pitt didn’t deserve it but if I was going to pick between those two actors who gave the better performance it would have been Thanawut Kasro over Brad Pitt, but with the way it works at the moment perhaps it needs a little bit more work on how the voting system works.”

Will that voting system ever change?

I guess the best answer to give to that question is – perhaps. Certainly Parasite doing so well may open up more opportunities for Asian cinema right around the world. Even in the past few months it has been interesting to see how many cinema lovers around the world have been eagerly anticipating the release of The Cave (another film that Thanawut Kasro appears in), but for international films to finally receive the recognition that they deserve it is time for the Oscars to place all films on a level playing field no matter what country they come from rather than it just be a celebration of American cinema like it is now. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

EDUCATION 15

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

A well rounded education is best

A less specialised curriculum can better equip students for the future EDUCATIONAL CORNER Casey Nolen Jackson & Jacqui Brelsford

A

s counsellors, we always receive questions from students on how to prepare for university and a career. In spite of compelling pitches to “be the explorer,” students are choosing to narrow their focus and to place emphasis on a possible career. While accurate vocabulary for the next generation of jobs is always evolving, employers are precise: employees who are the most agile are also the most valuable. The global workforce values people who can write and solve problems, who are creative, flexible and critical thinkers, who are multicultural, adaptable, technologically able and ethical, all in one.

Our observations, from many career fairs, is that success is rarely the result of a consistent trajectory or focus. Therefore, we suggest to study broadly, choose subjects that challenge and require different skills. Resist the temptation to skip the arts or the traditional humanities. Modern executives and engineers will approach problems by integrating domains and they will weather uncomfortable chal-

@thephuketnews

BISP graduating class asks “Where shall I go next?” Photo: BISP lenges to find new solutions. Creative innovators, able to draw from a wide array of knowledge and experience, will be the small and great leaders of our time.

It’s not just us! Recently, the McKinsey and Financial Times Book of the Year, ‘Range’ by British author, David Epstein, argues persuasively for breadth, and cautions against early, single-minded specialisation. Specialisation, he argues, is useful in rigid

situations where learners must master a narrow set of patterns, and feedback is quick and accurate. Generalists, research suggests, are better suited to work in more challenging environments where trends are more difficult to discern, and the feedback is unreliable or inaccurate. Many professionals credit a broad range of subjects in school and unusual life experiences for their ability to persist through challenges.

How does a student prepare for a dynamic future that requires agility?

Possibly, by not doing the obvious.

Doubling-down on a single preparation at the expense of Arts and Humanities is a missed opportunity to create a treasure chest of knowledge.

Students in Phuket are fortunate.

The location offers impressive, unique life experiences. Society needs people who can combine expertise, doctors of the ocean or physicians for socialjustice. Tourism, too, searches for new combinations. Soon, the carbon footprints of every traveller might be mapped and stored in databases. The conscientious vacationer might use a data engineer of geography to ask, ‘Where shall I go next?’

The most respected schools in the world aggregate the disciplines, requiring students to study multiple disciplines; science, language, literature, technology, the arts, the humanities, and maths. School curriculums, like the IGCSE, and the IB, provide for students to take advantage of this philosophy. Our advice is to explore and don’t leave anything out!

Casey Nolen Jackson and Jacqui Brelsford are the two University Counsellors at British International School, Phuket - BISP. For more information, visit them at www.bisphuket.ac.th

16 COMMUNITY

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Displays of aggression can come from fearful dogs. Photo: Franklin Medina

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

Two dogs fighting for dominance . Photo: Christoph Rosenberger/Getty Images

Pawsible dangers of dog vs. dog Understanding canine culture essential when encountering other dogs UNLEASHED Russell D Russell info@k9pointacademy.com

L

ast week we had a quick look at the common misunderstandings between canines and humans and how OUR responses can indeed be the triggers.

However, whilst it’s one thing to get you to change your behaviour, its quite another to get your dog to do the same. A better understanding of our canine friends can go a long way to making the difference between an enjoyable walk down the beach, and fearing to go in the first place!

Understand, the cold hearted truth, is that IF a dog is going to bite you, there is little you can do about it. You can’t run, because they’re faster. But the reality is that dogs actually biting people, or other dogs, is incredibly rare and unlikely, although there are mitigating factors here we need to explore.

First off, are we dealing with a genuine stray dog, born and bred on the streets or beach? Are we dealing with another ‘owned’ pet dog? Or, and this is usually the problematic group, the dogs that have been previously owned, and now dumped.

Poorly treated ‘pets’ will have low socialisation skills when encountered. Photo: ASPCA.org STRAY DOGS If we’re dealing with genuine stray dogs, you’re quite likely in a relatively safer situation. Stray dogs may not appear ‘friendly’ - what with all the barking and growling, etc - but they are usually pretty social, understand social structure and how to engage with it (at a dog level, not a human one). So if we and our dogs can be equally understanding, there’s no issue.

For our dogs, this means being able to control them and one of the best things to do when confronted with a

pack of stray dogs, is simply put your dog in a sit, or even a down. These are neutral and submissive behaviours respectively, and show to the other dogs there is zero threat here. With you, and now your dog, effectively disengaged, you almost completely remove any chance of an altercation. With the right training and some focus, your dog can do this too.

PET DOGS At the other end of the problem scale is our fellow humans and their dogs.

Owned, pet dogs are probably the largest contributor to altercations between dogs whilst out and about. My pet hate (pun intended) is when I see a dog charging towards me and my dog, whilst out walking. Some few hundred metres behind is an owner shouting “its OK, he’s friendly and just wants to play and say hi!”. Terrific. At this point, I immediately know I’m dealing with an untrained, out of control and crucially, unsocial dog. So what if my dog isn’t friendly, and doesn’t want to play or say hi?

The unsocial dog is likely to barnstorm in and be swiftly corrected by my dog - along the lines of a growl, snarl, lip curl, air snap or a warning snap.

And of course, this makes my dog look like the aggressor - but she’s not. It’s like a drunk guy walking up to a random girl at the bar, draping himself all

over her, and when he gets slapped everyone saying “Hey that’s unfair, he just wanted to play!” And what if that dog doesn’t like being corrected? What if that guy doesn’t like being slapped - you can see where this goes.

So what happens if you and your dog come across this situation? Firstly, understand you’re largely in management mode, rather than training mode, because you can’t control the other dog.

Try to remain as calm as possible, ensure you have a loose leash with your dog, so they can meet and engage with as little tension as possible. If the other dog indeed friendly and exuberant, try to engage them yourself, offer a treat, see if you can grab a collar and wait for their owner to arrive. Then feel free to let fly at the owner for being an idiot. If you can’t effectively call your dog back to you, and away from a distraction, they shouldn’t be off leash. Always be polite, ask the question first - “can our dogs meet,” and go from there.

DUMPED DOGS These dogs are often an issue to deal with because they invariably have less social skills than the classic ‘stray’, due to their human engaged upbringing, but all of the reward history for performing anti social behaviours. So whereas the average stray may bark and lunge towards you, they invariably keep their distance and will respond, if you’re able to disengage.

However, this often may not work with this group of dogs. And its a key marker to maybe tell the difference between whether the dog has been (or is) owned, verses being a stray. Again, understand this is now more about management than training but ultimately, if you’re able to keep your dog calm and in a neutral position, you’re far more likely to avoid confrontation.

If you would like some more information on canine training, or behavioural issues, then please to contact us on 091 654 1960, email info@k9pointacademy. com, or check our website www.k9pointacademy.com. CPA is accredited with the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), and as an American Kennel Club (AKC) Evaluator. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

COMMUNITY 17

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

Cycling with Coconuts The Coconut Men Cometh to Phuket BLAZING SADDLES Baz Daniel baz_gunner2000@yahoo.com

I

occasionally make the mistake of interrupting my tropical island idyll by tuning into BBC World Service over breakfast of a morning. It was on a cloudy day last week when I arose and, casting about for diversion, spotted my long-neglected TV brooding quietly in its corner. I approached it gingerly, dusted it off and flicked its waiting “on” switch, thereby allowing it to bring the outside world, also known as ‘reality’, into my living room.

The basic thrust of the day’s news seemed to be that the world was even more out of control than usual, with tales of economic disasters, rocketing fuel and food costs, Middle Eastern punch-ups, and impending environmental apocalypse.

Rather taken aback by all this, I set out on a calming bike ride around the quiet oasis of Land and Houses Park in Chalong where I live. Cycling along beside one of the reclaimed tin mining lakes which abound in the Park, I was literally brought back down to Earth by a series of heavy “thuds” as a salvo of projectiles pounded into the earth on the bank of the lake behind my rear wheel.

@thephuketnews

Looking about, I found myself confronted by the most extraordinary sight. High in the vaulting palm trees all around me, sat lithe, nut-brown men wielding glinting machetes in the morning sun. Another barrage of thudding coconuts hurtled to the ground below them from all directions, forcing me to jump off my bike and take cover.

The nuts plummeted to ground, then bounced and rolled thunderously, with alarming speed and an almost reptilian venomous intent, challenging anyone to confront their ferocious momentum.

I realised that once again Phuket’s coconut men had arrived and were setting about their death-defying business of culling the nuts. The harvesters hung terrifyingly amidst the fronds fifty feet above me, insouciantly puffing on hand-rolled ciggies while their young sons diligently collected the grounded nuts and loaded them into waiting motorcycle sidecars, while deftly dodging the hurtling green projectiles.

The nut-men and their sons appear every three months or so where I live, to neuter the exuberantly reproductive palm trees, then cart their aerial bounty off to the market to be sold. Their reward for this frankly terrifying work is whatever meager handful of baht the fresh nuts will fetch on market day, which seems scant recompense for risking life and limb.

To ascend to each tree’s nutty apex,

The culling of the nuts. Photo: Baz Daniel the nut-men knot a piece of old cloth from ankle to calloused ankle and use this as a brace upon which to shimmy up the slender, swaying trunks. It’s an amazing feat, which they execute with an air of supreme nonchalance all the while exchanging banter and jokes with their comrades and sons down below.

In our world of warp-speed connectivity and fragmentation, here around the Andaman region these nut-men’s sons are waiting to follow (literally) their papa’s bare footsteps, up into the coconut fronds, as generations have done before them.

Mention the question of their “carbon footprint” to these lads and they’ll think you mean the grubby black marks they had better not leave on Mama Coconut’s newly-polished wooden floor after they’ve been up in the trees all day.

Here as I sat upon my low-tech mode of transport, my trusty bicycle, I mused

upon this prime example of low tech. manual methods being deployed, not so that fat westerners could offset their carbon footprint while flying around the world to the latest Climate Change conference, but because that is the way it’s been done for generations.

While superficial change steams through the Andaman region like everywhere else on our beleaguered planet, there are still many examples of such underlying continuity of purpose and tradition in these parts.

As someone who has made this island his home and has had the enormous pleasure of writing this Blazing Saddles column for the past seven years, I can only say how reassuring this is to me, as without such charming anachronisms as our coconut-men, Phuket and the world would seem to be an even more insane place than it already is.

18 ISLAND SCENE

Mike, Jason W, Richard, Jason B

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

Mark, Liam, Wayne, Tom, Bill

GOLF FUNDRAISER BRINGS IN B120,000 FOR AUSTRALIAN DISASTER RELIEF

Joseph, Raghu, Heinz, Max

David, Andrew, Pim, Paul

Vladimir, Maxim, Alesya, Mark C, Mark B, Laong

Pol Col Yongyuth, Pol Col Witaya, Pol Col Tilert, Pol Capt Kob

Laguna Golf Phuket staged a charity fundraising golf event last Sunday (Feb 16) to help Aussies affected by the bushfires earlier this year. Many supporters came on board as Hole Sponsors, providing nibbles and refreshments on the course throughout the day: Captain Hook’s Smokehouse, Irish Times Pub in Jungceylon, Legends Sports Bar Patong, Expat Hotel Patong, Walkabout Bar in Kata, Captain’s Bar in Laguna and Nidas Bar in Patong. Proceeds from the event were presented to Phuket Australian Consul-General Matthew Barclay and Jason Beavan representing the Australian Chamber of Commerce for distribution to charities in Australia.

Tommy, Sam, Ronnie, Brede

Peter, Paul, Anthony, Rodney thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 19

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

The ‘Peace Like a River’ event starts early.

Students represented the international community.

Showing support for Korea.

Hello to all the children of the world.

QSI PHUKET INTERNATIONAL DAY GIVES THANKS TO THE COMMUNITY QSI Phuket International Day is a day for the entire school community to come together and celebrate the diversity of their students, teachers, staff and families. It gives them the opportunity to recognise, appreciate and learn about other cultures from around the world and to promote that diversity to Phuket and the local community.

International Day at QSI is a yearly event.

Traditional dress on show. @thephuketnews

Enjoying the international treats.

Cheerful faces ready to represent.

A sucessful day at QSI International.

20 EVENTS

FRI

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

21 FEB

pass around Cicchettis (Italian Tapas). L’Opera, L’Opera, Laguna Road, pnesi@loperagroup. com, 076 271 430, 095 468 2248.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

music from Annie Guzheng. Free for children under 12 years with complimentary day pass to fitness and swimming pool. RSVP +66 76 338 699. Ramada Plaza Chao Fah.

SUN

23 FEB

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. Indulge in All You Can Eat BBQ Pork Ribs, Chicken and Sides for ONLY 495 BAHT! Our BBQ is famous at Two Chefs! Come try us out and enjoy our mouthwatering pork ribs, flavour-bursting chicken and more! Join us for Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band!

Come for the FOOD - Stay for the Fun. www. twochefs.com Kata Beach 076-333-370 Karon 076-286-479.

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

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

Xana Sunday Brunch An extraordinary weekend with XANA Sunday Brunch at Angsana Laguna Phuket, spend quality time with friends and family, enjoying a one of a kind Sunday brunch on a perfect day of sunshine by the ocean at XANA Beach Club.

Every Sunday from 12.00 to 15.30 hrs. Call 076 358 500, E: fbreservation-lagunaphuket@ angsana.com

MON

24 FEB

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.

FRIDAY LUNCH Join The Boathouse Restaurant and celebrate the weekend before it starts. The best way to start your weekend is a 3-course set lunch with unlimited free flow from one of Thailand’s most extensive cellar. Time: 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM House pouring: 950++ Thai Baht per person Premium pouring: 1,450++ Thai Baht per person (free flow) The Boathouse Phuket, 182 Koktanode Road, Kata Beach, Phuket 83100, Thailand, info@ boathouse-phuket.com, +66 76 330 015-7, +66 76 330 561

SAT

SATURDAY DINE Wind down your weekend with stunning views of the sunset and free flow at The Boathouse Phuket. Join us for a 4-course set dinner and allow our culinary team to surprise you with a menu that changes every week. THB 1300++ food only THB 1500++ with 2-hour free flow house - from our extensive celler THB 1900++ with 2-hour free flow premium - from our extensive celler.

The Boathouse Phuket, 182 Koktanode Road, Kata Beach, Phuket 83100, Thailand, info@ boathouse-phuket.com, +66 76 330 015-7, +66 76 330 561

Sunday Roast All Day, All Night Come enjoy a Traditional Sunday Roast EVERY SUNDAY at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach. Indulge in our Traditional Sunday Roast ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT for ONLY 445 Baht! Enjoy a Large ALL YOU CAN EAT selection of your favorites! Featuring: Roast Aussie Beef, Pork Loin and Chicken. Roasted or Mashed Potatoes. Roasted Mixed Vegetables Flavoured with Thyme and Garlic. Yorkshire Pudding and Gravy. Enjoy Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the Fun. RESERVE Your Table Now Online at bit.ly/ TwoChefsReservations Check out more details on our website at bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents Reservations, Karon, Kata Beach, Kata Beach 076-333-370 Karon 076-286-479.

22 FEB

From 18.30 to 21.00 for Baht 490+. Free flow of Italian Sparking - red and white beverages with

TUE

25 FEB

An Overview of Thailand Taxes for Foreigners High Tea@ChaoFah served with free Day Pass to fitness and pool

L’Aperitivo Italiano

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.

HighTea @ChaoFah serves more than 10 options of selected teas, delightful cream sandwiches, home-made warm scones with all the trimmings and truly Peranakan specialties. in the surrounding décor of exquisite Sino-Portuguese architecture. Every Saturday and Sunday from 2-5pm and special on Sunday, nice

Phuket Street Food Buffet At Seedlings Restaurant Wednesday & Sunday l 18:30 – 21:00 Experience the culinary diversity of a Street Food Market and enjoy authentic local dishes representing the best of Phuket and Southern Thai cuisine. Price: THB 499 net per person. For more information please contact: 076 271 888.

Come join this Rotary Club of Patong Beach meeting to hear Khun Sirirat Chotivechkarn of Network Advisory Team provide the latest insights and explain recent changes to the Thai tax regulations. Topics - Ways to reduce your personal income tax - What are Corporate taxes and any ways to reduce them - What are real estate taxes. This is critical information for every Expat living in Thailand. Admission: 550 Baht which includes a full dinner. 7-9 PM. Location: Millennium Resort Patong Phuket.

For more info 081 894 0462.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

THU

EVENTS 21

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

27 FEB

TUE

3 MAR

Asia’s finest including teams from Thailand, Macau, Indonesia, Malaysia (reigning champions), Cambodia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Australia. Come for the footy. Stay for the fun! For details email: thailandtigers@gmail.com

SAT BACK TO THE 70’S & 80’S EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT Don’t miss out on our newest, exciting weekly event at Two Chefs. Come and join us for our special Cajun Grilled Chicken Breast served on a wooden plate with mashed potato, red wine sauce, and bearnaise sauce for ONLY 395 THB. Have a sweet tooth? Treat yourself to the Two Chefs banana flambé served with vanilla ice cream for ONLY 95 THB. Sit back and enjoy one of our drink specials as you listen to the famous Two Chefs band performing all your favorite retro hits and more! Live music starts from 8:30pm and goes late at all of our Two Chefs locations. Reservations are highly recommended. You can book either through our website at WWW.TWOCHEFS.COM or find us on Facebook at WWW.FACEBOOK/ TWOCHEFSTHAILAND. Come for the food, stay for the fun! For reservations, call us directly at Two Chefs: Kata Beach 076-333-370, Karon 076-286-479.

FRI

FRI

6 MAR

4th Annual Culinary Completion Don’t miss the 4th Annual Culinary Competition @ QSI Phuket on Saturday, March 14th from 10:30 – 16:00. Schools from around Phuket will compete in two divisions, junior and senior. They will compete in creating an original and chef replicated dish. These dishes will then be judged by our celebrity executive chef judges, who will decide this year’s Student Top Chefs.

29 FEB

The Grow Boating Networking Evening for March 2020 will be held at The Speakeasy Yacht Club, at The Royal Phuket Marina on Friday the 6th of March 2020 from 5pm onward. If you would like to be the drinks sponsor for the evening please let us know. There will be a light buffet sponsored

by The Speakeasy Yacht Club and special prices on your favourite beverages. Come and join in the fun, everyone is welcome. There is no entry fee, just drop your business card or register at the bar. We hope to see you there and if you know anyone you think would be interested in coming please invite them along. To join our mailing list please send an email to growboatingphuket@ gmail.com Grow Boating is kindly supported by our media partner The Phuket News, Live 89.5 radio and Phuket News TV. See www.thephuketnews.com The Grow Boating Networking Evening is organised by the Thai Yachting Business Association. Find us on Facebook at https://www. facebook.com/groups/491098897758155/ or our Website https://www.thaiyachtingbusinessassociation.com/grow-boating-networking-evening

SAT

The 5th annual Phuket Hospitality Challenge 2020

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

10 Years 10 Hands at Paresa Paresa is turning 10 years young. To celebrate this special occasion, we shall be hosting one of our renowned charity dinners on 20th March 2020. The money raised will go towards PHA’s Green Planet initiative, educational and environmental projects in Phuket. Join us for this unforgettable culinary experience when 5 top chefs will present a night of gastronomy accompanied by Thailand’s first and only pop-opera band Fivera.

Priced at THB 7,000/person. Reserve at pagm@ paresaresorts.com or call 076.302.000

SAT

Come support Phuket’s new AFL team in the 3rd annual Phuket AFL Masters football tournament at the ACG Cricket & Sports Facility Sat 7th March 2020. Watch “Phuket Power” battle

EVERY DAY

Enjoy live music by Eric Canham at Reflections

Muay Thai Under The Sky

AFL Master Event 2020

The 5th annual Phuket Hospitality Challenge 2020 is open for registration. The event brings together the Industry’s top professionals for an enjoyable day of golf and sampling of some of the finest food and beverage anywhere on a golf course. Once again the aim is to raise vital funds for the Children’s First Fund Charity, which looks after orphaned children all over Phuket with education and sustenance. Contact Mark at mark@ asean-events.com or Laguna Golf Phuket for further information.

21 MAR

7 MAR

PIWC Annual Fundraiser 2020

FRI

22 MAY

20 MAR

The Grow Boating Networking Evening March 2020

Join us to celebrate our 3 year anniversary, 50% off on all drinks with free tapas during 7-10pm.

Reservations 062 068 0068. the9thglass.com

@thephuketnews

Songkran The Happiest Wettest day of the year is upon us! On this day, scared ancestral rituals meet customary water play. Celebrate with us by preparing to be doused with water (and luck). End the day with a sumptuous Thai buffet dinner under the stars. Grand Thai buffet dinner at The Lawn, Monday 13th April, 6pm onwards.The Racha, +66 76 383 566

FRI

28 FEB

The 9th Glass 3 year anniversary

SAT

14 MAR

International Women’s Day 2020 Enjoy luncheon and beverages at InterContinental Phuket and hear from empowering speakers.

With welcome address from Matthew Barclay, Australia’s Consul-General to Phuket and inspiring speakers: ML. Laksasubha Kridakon, Vice President AustCham Thailand, Nicola Upham, Head: Global Humanitarian Surge, Save the Children and Andrea Edwards, The Digital Conversationalist. For a donation of 1,500 baht per guest.

Contact Donna at lunch@classactmedia.co.th or Tina at tina@phukethasbeengoodtous.org

MON

13 APR

JOIN US for a night of Muay Thai to support free English education for underprivileged Thai children. Phuket Has Been Good To Us and Sutai Muay Thai are joining forces to give thousands of disadvantaged children the chance of a better future. Amateur and Pro fighters will step in the ring at Blue Tree Amphitheater and battle it out for a good cause. Food and beverages will be available throughout the evening. Tickets will be available soon for purchase.

Come visit Reflections Bar for a few drinks before dinner with a stunning sunset view overlooking NaiHarn beach.Enjoy live music by Eric Canham, South African singer- songwriter who will be entertaining you daily between 5 and 8 pm (except Wednesdays and Thursdays).For more information please call +66(0)7638 0200.

DAILY EVENT UPDATES ON

22 TIME OUT

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York Across

1. Which animal has green-coloured fat?

2. Do snails have teeth?

3. What flower is the symbol of the sun and the symbol of Japan?

4. Which is the noisiest city in the world?

5. Between which two places did the first railway track in the UK run?

Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Medium

1. Conk 4. Country-club game 8. Refines, as ore 14. She married Mickey, Artie and Frank 15. Mickey Mouse adversary __ Eagle 16. Strait of Dover port 17. Over, for Keats 18. Kind of child 19. Turkish mountain 20. Smart one 23. “Let’s call it ___” 24. Mangrove palm 25. Former Czech kingdom 29. Organized 34. Best Latin/ Alternative Album Grammywinners 36. U.S space agency 37. University think tanks, perhaps 44. Sales pitch 45. Stimulating plant 46. Extremist 50. Dampens sound 55. Aztec comparable 57. Long in the chin 58. They use their minds creatively 63. Steak cuts 65. Squirrel nest 66. ___ Schwarz

scoreboards 32. Purpose 33. Father figures 35. N.C. State is in it 37. TV ET 38. Intel group 39. Mass. cape Down 40. Narc’s org.

1. Its fruit is monkey bread 41. Net alternative 2. Wear oneself out 42. Post-E.R. place 3. Outcast 43. Battle of Britain grp.

4. Earth sci.

47. Jot and ___ 5. Hotel chain 6. Oscar winner 48. Existing Kedrova 49. Half of D 7. Actor Errol 51. Winter viral disease 8. Shrimp dish 52. Flipped (through) 9. Robin Hood’s girl 10. Zest 53. Intertwine 11. Piecrust ingredient 54. “Already?”

12. Hispanic aunt 56. Cabinet wood, 13. Concorde or perhaps Tupolev?

21. Burning substance 58. “Okay if __ myself 22. “Shop ___ you out?” drop” 59.

Straight, at the bar 26. Madame, for short 60. Wit Bombeck 27. “I think, therefore __ __” Descartes 61. So-so grades 28. Cuckoo 62. Lebanon port 30. Abbr. in a business 63. Hi and sci letter 31. Mavericks’ city, on 64. Suffix with chlor67. Noble standards68.

Like some profs.

69. Prefix with sphere 70. Sofa 71. Demolish 72. Room with an easy chair

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 4) Hong Kong; 5) Stockton to Darlington

1) Crocodile; 2) Yes, a snail has 135 rows of teeth; 3) Chrysanthemum;

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

3

There are only three countries in the world that don’t officially use the metric system: the United States, Myanmar and Liberia.

10

A 10 year German psychology study from the 1980s found that men who kissed their wives before leaving for work lived, on average, five years longer than those who didn’t.

44

Drug-sniffing dogs are wrong more often than they are right.

They have a real-world accuracy rate of about 44%.

50

Blockbuster had the chance to buy Netflix for $50 million in 2000. They turned it down to go into business with Enron.

4,000

US dollars worth of coins are tossed into the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy, every day. Most of the money collected goes towards running a supermarket for the needy.

Source: Uberfacts

Naiharn Windmill Sunset. Photo: Michael Rafael Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket? Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

This week in history February 21, 1848 Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels publish The Communist Manifesto.

the top of Mount Suribachi on the island and are photographed raising the American flag.

February 26, 2012 Trayvon Martin was shot and killed at the age of 17 in Sanford, Florida.

February 22, 2006 Six men stage Britain’s biggest robbery, stealing £53m (about $92.5 million) from a Securitas depot in Tonbridge, Kent.

February 24, 1831 The Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek, the first removal treaty in accordance with the Indian Removal Act, is proclaimed. The Choctaws in Mississippi cede land east of the river in exchange for payment and land in the West. Tens of thousands of Choctaw walked the 800km journey to Oklahoma and many died.

February 27, 1933 Germany’s parliament building in Berlin, the Reichstag, is set on fire; Marinus van der Lubbe, a young Dutch Communist claims responsibility. The Nazis used the fire to solidify their power and eliminate the communists as political rivals.

Source: Wikipedia

February 23, 1945 During the Battle of Iwo Jima, a group of United States Marines and a US Navy hospital corpsman reach

Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima. Photo: AP February 25, 1986 President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos flees the nation after 20 years of rule; Corazon Aquino becomes the Philippines’ first woman president.

thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

Jobs

NT GE UR Good staff required

(Thai)

Staff required for popular hotel in Patong. We have several positions available. Great starting salary and lots of extras including commissions. Potential to grow and develop with the business. Must speak English. Great career oppurtunity. Tcooper8765@gmail.com

@thephuketnews

CLASSIFIEDS 23 The Phuket News @thephuketnews

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Admin assistant wanted - Part Time

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

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

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 25

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

Trades & Services

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

CLEANING SERVICES

CORPORATE SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

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26 CLASSIFIEDS

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Trades & Services

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

MARINE SERVICES

PERSONAL SERVICE

PERSONAL SERVICE

PERSONAL SERVICE

SERVICE

OTHER

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 27

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

Buy & Sell JOBS

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Restaurant for sale

Wanted: Social Media, Blogs

Thai food, Sea food restaurant at Karon beach for urgent sale. 1M, George, Karon Beach, georgio spolyno@gmail.com, George 081 088 1451. May 061 891 0243.

CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE

Reservations Assistant wanted

Skills - Mother tongue English & excellent written English. Excellent computer skills. Home based. Send CV. personalassistantphuket@gmail.com

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Oceanis 41 2015 as new

This boat is fully equipped for a world tour with electric platform, water maker, solar panel etc..... Very little used never rented B6,000,000, Jean Yves Fievet, 162/10 Danyd Road Moo 3 A Thalang 83100 PHUKET, jyfievet@gmail.com, 0894708926.

@thephuketnews

COMMUNITY Play Bridge

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

Didier, 080 142 8122.

MEMBERSHIPS Golf Memberships

Loch Palms and Phuket Country Club 200,000 baht plus transfer fee each.

Don Morris, discobamboo9309@hotmail.com, 081 597 7442

Family membership

Blue Canyon Country Club for sale B550,000 I will pay the transfer.

Lars 06-5758-2520 or email info@laliinvest.se

Loch Palm - Membership

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

Nissan X-Trail SUV 2012

TOP DEAL - XTRAIL 2.0 - Only 49000 km, Automatic gear, leather, Top condition, 2nd owner, electric chairs, 10/2012, petrol motor B549,000, 0867479292, claudstrey@ gmail.com

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Project would be eligible for Thailand Board Of Investment approval with 5 year tax breaks. Project calls for the importation / Thai Flagging-Registration of 2 fully operational Pelagic Tuna & Swordfish Longline Vessels currently operating successfully in the Indian Ocean Fishery. Thailand Domestic & Japan Fresh-Chilled Auction Floor Export Markets targeted. Thai Captains / Australian-NZ Pelagic Longline Fishing Masters-Crew Trainers on each vessel with minimum 50% Thailand National Crew. Writer is Australian National Fishing Vessel Manager / Pelagic Longline Fishing Master / Marine Engine Driver / Crew Trainer who has been catching & exporting sashimi grade fish killed by the Ikijimi method to the Japanese Auction Floor since 1978. Advertiser has previously been employed as Chief Engineer on 1 of the vessels to be purchased & been employed as Captain/Fishing Master on the other Vessel to be purchased. It is time to develop the totally undeveloped Thai Flagged Pelagic Longline Fishery. Qualified Investors Post Your Confidential Register Of Interest to; Capt. Brad Durkin - PESCADOR SEAWAY Co., Ltd - P.O. BOX 144, Phuket Post Office, Phuket 83000.

2017 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Only done 12,000kms, very clean inside out. 2017 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2.4GT, just registered and insured to August 2020.

Tinted with electric fronts seats and video screen for back passengers. No dealers!

Baht1.1M, Terry, 063 078 7808

BOATS, YACHTS FOR RENT

Investor With 90 million THB of Clean Funding to Invest In Deep Sea Fisheries Project Required

@thephuketnews

BUSINESSES FOR SALE

Must have excellent social media skills on all platforms. Also looking for blog writer - Email CV - personalassistantphuket@gmail.com

E U RG

The Phuket News

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Car rental @fair prices

Low season prices Monthly from 10,000 Baht. Daily from 400 BHT. High Season from 12,000 monthly. All our cars are in very good conditions at affordable prices.

From 10,000 BHT monthly, Stig Johansson, 110/78 Moo 2 T Pa­klok A Thalang 83110 Phuket, stigisaan@gmail.com, 0848474377.

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

Golf Membership

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

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

Loch Palm Memberships

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

Call 089 594 4067.

PROPERTY WANTED Allamanda 2 Bed Freehold

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

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

House Wanted in Chalong

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

28 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Buy & Sell PROPERTY FOR SALE

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Superb large Laguna Townhouse

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4 Rai land for sale in Pa Khlok

Beautiful, flat and all services available.

Situated on a side Soi just 400 metres from the main road to Cape Yamu/Ao Po Marina in 7 minutes and Heroines monument in 5 minutes and 10-15 minutes from the airport/ Blue Canyon/Laguna/Boat Lagoon and Royal Phuket Marina. An oasis of peace and quiet yet in a superb location.

Almost square piece, perfect for large villa and extensive grounds or quality development. ceopaulm@hotmail.com

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Unbelievable views over Cape Panwa from every room in this 4 Bed/6 Bath pool villa.

Truly a magnificent large property with superb pool deck and entertaining facilities.

Elevator installed and newly completely renovated. Must be viewed. 63MB, ceopaulm@hotmail.com, 0898737075.

Sea View Villa on East Coast

3,200 sqm land in a gated community, 4 bed, 4 bath, 1 maid room, European kitchen, office, gym, sauna, pool 4.5 x 10m, jacuzzi, laundry room, well water, carport for 3 cars. 39MB, konilion@hotmail.com, 083 633 1910.

Luxury Bangla Road

Freehold 60 SQM in Absolute Bangla Suites, very quiet. Rooftop swimming pool, bar, restaurant and panoramic view of Patong Bay. Bought 8.5MB, sell at 4.5MB. sfrkata37@gmail.com or 081 894 8446.

Secluded Rawai Pool Villa

Secluded Rawai Pool Villa on 1,600 sqm land plot. A good opportunity to buy a well constructed and maintained three bedroom, two bathroom pool villa in large mature gardens in a very quiet, peaceful cul de sac. This private home of 172 sqm sits on a large plot with a Chanote land title. It is within walking distance from a busy main road with numerous restaurants, bars and assorted retail outlets.

Enter through the remote controlled front gate up the 70m long picturesque drive to park in either the double sized covered car port, or double garage, which also has a remote controlled electric door. The teak front door opens into a spacious main living dining area of over 80 sqm. There are marble floors throughout the property. The master en suite bedroom is 27 sqm, the second bedroom is 15 sqm and the third bedroom is 14sqm. The modern, western style kitchen / utility room of 14sqm has a Hafele oven and extractor hood and Smeg electric/gas hob. The room includes a very large side by side fridge freezer, wine fridge, plus a front loading washer drier. At the front of the villa is a 10m x 4m salt water chlorinated swimming pool with LED lighting. One end of the pool is a Sala with a table and 4 chairs, while at the other end is an outdoor Jacuzzi complete with an ornamental water feature. The properly is conveniently located close to the following locations:- Saiyuan Road 2 minutes, Friendship Beach 5 minutes, Nai Harn Beach 10 minutes, Ya Nui Beach 10 minutes, Central Festival Mall 30 minutes. B23,900,000, Paul, ptd2505@yahoo.co.uk, 0848384607.

Beautiful Phuket condo with a view of the islands

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

Villa in Patong prime location

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

Seaview Condo for sale Karon

Luxury Condo for sale 300 m. from the beach.

100 sqm., furnished, parking, 4th floor, foreign freehold, 1 bedr. Long-term rent. Claudio, claudstrey@gmail.com, 0867479292

@thephuketnews

1 Bed Condo Sale Rawai

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

PROPERTY FOR SALE G UR

Superb sea views Cape Panwa

The Phuket News

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Beautiful and completely renovated villa, new windows, doors, plumbing, air conditioning and much more situated on a large plot of 910 sq. metres in the heart of Laguna in a quite cul-de-sac of just 8 properties and walking distance of 5 minutes to Boat Avenue, Central and all Laguna amenities and superb beaches of Bangtao and Layan. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, large office/5th bedroom, fully fitted European kitchen, large lounge and dining with high ceilings, pool, relaxation sala , outdoor dining and wonderful gardens. Fabulous example of a Laguna Home and includes free membership of Laguna Golf Club for 2 adults and 2 children and discounts on all F and B and services throughout Laguna Phuket. 23.5 million Baht, ceopaulm@hotmail.com, 0898737075.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

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PROPERTY FOR RENT 2-Bed Furnished Kathu 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) bggvirgo@gmail.com or 089 054 4354, 076 360 943.

1 Bedroom Condo Kata For Sale

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

Casa Lagoon Phuket House 4 Rent

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

House in Boat Lagoon for rent

Lovely condo at Utopia Kata for Sale. Completed in 2017 and close to Kata Beach. Fully furnished. Close to restaurants and amenities.

Great views. Rental programme. Full facilities.

Dimtry, 082 030 7199. B7,100,000

Boat Lagoon-Only 5 minutes from BIS, 3 bed/4bath. Great for families with kids.

Furnished. Longterm (12 months or longer) Available now. 50.000, Claudio, claudstrey@ gmail.com, 0867479292.

Super villa for sale

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

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

OCEAN FRONT VILLA

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

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.

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

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

PROPERTY FOR RENT Large Detached House

1 story building for rent

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

Detached House available April 1st to Oct 31st 2020. 3 en-suite bedrooms. Private Pool. Nice views. Contact Paul 0937934258 or email pwhittall@aol.com for details. 30000 pcm, PAUL WHITTALL, Phuket Private Lagoon, Moo 6, Chao Faa West Road. Chalong. pwhittall@ aol.com, 0937934258

New House for Long-Term Rent

Single house close to shopping mall, quiet area, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, furniture, 3 aircons, parking space, garden, shared pool.Wan, ไทย – English – Deutsch, Chalong, 0989724852

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, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

SPORT 29

Phuket Yacht Club youths setting sail for Sardinia SAILING Scott Duncanson

T

hree Phuket Yacht Club (PYC) youth sailors, Zac Duncanson, Luan Heitmann and Michael Beckett, have registered and will be competing in the 2020 O’pen Skiff World Championship, scheduled for July 12-18 in the Mediterranean waters of Sardinia, Italy.

The regatta has already attracted 209 entries from throughout Europe, USA, Australia, New Zealand, India and Thailand and is sanctioned by World Sailing, yacht racing’s governing body.

We’re of course very proud and excited to have three members of the PYC junior sailing program participating on the world stage in this new, junior sailing class called the O’pen Skiff.

These young sailors aged just 11 and 12 have acquired their sailing skills at the club in Chalong Bay and have been part of the unique O’pen Skiff sail-training philosophy aimed at engaging sailors primarily though fun and the learning of life skills on and off the water.

The 2020 World Championship is going to be a fantastic opportunity for them to make new friends and will be their first experience sailing at an international level.

The O’pen Skiff is a new generation junior sailing dinghy class for ages 7-17.

@thephuketnews

The motto reflects the ‘universal values’ and ‘unifying power of sport’. Photo: AFP

Tokyo 2020 Games ‘United by Emotion’ OLYMPICS Preparing for the 2020 O’pen Skiff World Championship. Photo: Phuket Yacht Club

Designed by Vitali, Italy and built in France, the skiffs are fast, wet, exhilarating and quickly becoming the first step on the pathway to high performance dinghies used at the Olympic games.

With well over 10,000 boats built to date, the boat is tough, very low maintenance and most importantly very well priced, making it ideal for schools and private ownership.

The PYC will be holding their inaugural Open Skiff Regatta as a warm-up event March 26-29 and all intermediate level youth sailors are invited to attend.

Entries have already been received from India, Phuket and, it is hoped, a special guest from the Thai National sailing team.

I see the PYC junior sailing program

becoming an increasingly vital and integral part of the club’s structure to ensure our future into this decade and beyond.

Although sailing and yacht racing remains relatively strong in the region, it is becoming more and more difficult to find capable crew which can be a detractor for those considering boat ownership.

I’m positive that developing our youth with a passion for sailing and the sea can not only lead to increased participation in the sport but also professional opportunities later in their lives both in Phuket and beyond.

Phuket Yacht Club offers learn to sail programs for ages seven and above is open to everybody with an interest in water sports and related activities.

TOKYO 2020 ORGANISers on Monday (Feb 17) rolled out the motto for this year’s Olympics, “United

by Emotion”, which they said reflected the “universal values” and “unifying power of sport”.

“Crowds of spectators who do not know each other prior to the Games will come together and learn that there is more that unites them than divides them,” Tokyo 2020 said as it unveiled the motto.

The official Olympic motto is “Citius, Altius, Fortius”, or “Faster, Higher, Stronger”, but each host city chooses its own motto to accompany that

edition of the Games.

London’s motto in 2012 was “Inspire a Generation”, whereas Athens in 2004 went for “Welcome Home”, a nod to the birthplace of the Games in Olympia.

Less well-received was Sochi, which plumped for “Hot. Cool. Yours”, sparking derision in some quarters.

Tokyo said the motto would be beamed onto the Skytree tower in the Japanese capital to raise awareness as it will be seen for miles around.

The opening ceremony will be on July 24 and organisers have stressed there is no discussion about changing this date despite the coronavirus crisis hitting global transport.

AFP

30 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

Tyson vows to unleash Fury

‘Gypsy King’ and Wilder face off in hugely anticipated rematch BOXING AFP

I’m gone, somebody comes along to replace me. That’s how the food chain works.”

ritain’s Tyson Fury vowed to deliver a career-best performance in his heavyweight title rematch with American Deontay Wilder, expecting a “war” in their showdown in Las Vegas tomorrow (Feb 22).

The 12-round battle of unbeaten fighters for Wilder’s World Boxing Council crown is a rematch of a thrilling 2018 draw in Los Angeles.

Fury was knocked down twice by Wilder in the first fight but the 31-year-old Englishman plans a more aggressive approach for the rematch.

“Never have I been as ready and focused for one fight as I am for this fight,” Fury said on Feb 13. “You’re going to see the best Tyson Fury that Tyson Fury can be.

“I’m match fit. I’m ready.

I’m confident. I’m injury free.

I’m ready for a war, one round or 12.”

Fury, the lineal champion, is 29-0 with one drawn and 20 knockouts while Wilder

‘Pillow fists’ Wilder had previously poured scorn on Fury’s threats of knockout, dismissing his opponent as having “pillows” for fists and claiming he had felt no soreness after the previous 12-round scrap.

“I can’t tell you any rounds where I felt like I was threatened by his power,” Wilder said.

“He has pillows as fists.

That’s how soft they were.

Sometimes after a fight you feel sore. But even after the fight I didn’t feel anything.

“I took all his punches, the ones he landed, and I walked right through them. So I don’t respect none of his power.

“He’s just a tall big man that can move around the ring.

And that’s about it. As far as power, there’s none there.”

Fury, who is arguably the most skillful defensive boxer in the heavyweight division and who outfoxed Wilder for long periods in the first fight, says he plans a more aggres-

B

Round 2! The WBC heavyweight title rematch tomorrow (Feb 22) between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury promises to be an explosive affair. Photo: AFP enters 42-0 with one drawn and 41 knockouts.

“If I beat Deontay Wilder, I’ll be the best heavyweight of my era, standing alone,” Fury said.

Fur y backed up prior comments saying he would knock out Wilder in the second round, saying he felt he needed a knockout to keep the outcome from the hands of the judges.

“Won’t have to wait long to find out, will we?” Fury said.

“We’ll see if I’m man enough to back it up.

“My own destiny lies within my own two fists. I’ll be letting them fly very aggressively.”

‘Heavyweight legends’ Fight promoter Bob Arum said victory would seal Fury’s place among such all-time heavyweight legends as Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield.

“Everybody would have to recognise him as one of the great heavyweight champions of all time,” Arum said. ‘He definitely will belong with those immortals.”

Fury dismissed any such notion. “I’m not really too concerned about the legacy,” he said. “The fact of the matter is I care about being active and I care about winning now.”

“What someone thinks about me when I’m gone doesn’t really matter. When

sive approach in the rematch.

Wilder is skeptical that the self-styled “Gypsy King” plans to go on the attack, and believes that he has already planted doubt in Fury’s mind after sending him to the canvas with a crushing combination in the 12th round last time.

Fury miraculously recovered his senses after that knockdown and somehow managed to hang on for the draw. Wilder, however, believes he has inflicted lasting damage on the Briton.

“If he brings the fight to me it’s going to make the fight that much more interesting,” Wilder said.

“Deep down in his heart, I really feel that he’s nervous from the first time. When you knock a person out and get a concussion, you never forget that.

“You never forget who did it to you. And when you’re going back in the ring with that person a second time it has to be stressful.”

The world waits with baited breath to see the outcome of what promises to be a blockbuster of an occasion.

Laguna Phuket to host obstacle trail run TRAIL RUN LAGUNA PHUKET WILL HOST “THE Singha Obstacle Trail Run” on May 2.

Dubbed “Keng” (“to excel”), the race will be Singha’s very first beach obstacle trail event and mark the beginning of the Singha Obstacle Trail Series 2020.

The course weaves through lagoon, beach, dirt and road trails, strategically dotted by purpose-built obstacles to create a unique race experience.

The nationwide series also includes an edition in Ratchaburi Province in September and Chiang Rai in December.

Each race comprises a 8km, 15km and 2km Fun Run in the solo category, and a

Singha Obstacle Trail run ‘Keng’. Photo: Laguna Phuket 24km team race.

Interested runners are advised to book their slots as soon as possible to enjoy early bird discounts, which are available until Feb 29.

Online registration is now open for all three races at www.sportsrepublicth.com The Phuket News

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

SPORT 31 English Premier League 2019 - 2020 Table correct as of Friday (Feb 21) Team

Man in the middle. The ongoing spat between Manchester United and Paul Pogba's agent Mino Raiola intensified this week.

Photo: AFP

Pogba feud getting red hot FOOTBALL The Phuket News editor3@classactmedia.co.th

T

alks surrounding the future of Paul Pogba at Manchester United have evolved into a feud between the club and the player’s agent, Mino Raiola, as interactions intensified this week.

Ahead of United’s 2-0 win at Chelsea on Monday (Feb 17) night, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer warned Raiola that it is the club who will decide the French World Cup winner’s future.

Pogba’s long-time representative has been at log-

gerheads with the United hierarchy in recent years and angered the Red Devils once more this week by casting fresh doubt on where Pogba will be next season.

Raiola recently revealed that he has already had discussions with Juventus sporting director Pavel Nedved about a possible return to the Italian champions from where Pogba re-joined United for an £89m (B3.6 tillion) fee in the summer of 2016.

And Raiola also made it clear that if United fail to qualify for the Champions League, Pogba will want to move to satisfy his ambitions.

Pogba, 27 next month, has made only eight ap-

Is a City shake up on the horizon?

THE IMMEDIATE FUture is uncertain for Manchester City after UEFA’s financial fair play compliance body banned them from the Champions League for two years and fined them 30 million euros (B1 trillion).

It was concluded the club had deceived in its submissions between 2012-16 that Etihad Airlines wholly funded its annual £67.5 million (B2.7 trn) sponsorship.

City are appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport but, if upheld, the European competition exodus would see them miss out on a minimum £150 million a season for qualifying.

Many City players have bonuses written in their contracts for Champions @thephuketnews

Star players like Kevin de Bruyne could be lured away.

Photo: AFP League qualification and performance and the club fears rivals could try to lure their prized assets with low bids and the promise of toptier European football.

Additionally, it could throw the future of manager Pep Guardiola into question although initial reports state he is willing to stay put regardless of the outcome.

The Phuket News

pearances for United in an injury-ravaged season.

But Solskjaer still sees Pogba, who has 18 months left on his contract, as a key part of his future plans.

“Paul is our player and not Mino’s,” the Old Trafford chief told AFP. ‘Culture of division’ In an interview with UK radio station talkSPORT on Tuesday (Feb 17), Raiola countered, “I’ve never said he is mine, but that doesn’t mean if I’m being asked something I cannot answer.

“The question was ‘would he like Italy?’ – what has that got to do with being Manchester United’s player.

And saying that you are Manchester United’s player – are you owned by the club?” he asked.

“Ole said he is owned by Manchester United and I have a principal problem with that; he is an employee, he is not owned by Manchester United.

And being an employee doesn’t mean I cannot have an opinion or say something I want to say.

“The only thing I’m interested in is my players and they are happy to be represented that way,” he added.

In the same interview, former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan accused Raiola of “creating a culture of division” by publicly speaking about his players and, in spe-

MP W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

1 Liverpool

26

25

1

0

61

15 +46

76

2 Manchester City

25

16

3

6

65

29 +36

51

3 Leicester City

26

15

5

6

54

26 +28

50

4 Chelsea

26

12

5

9

43

36

+7

41

5 Tottenham Hotspur 26 11

7

8

43

34

+9

40

6 Sheffield United

10

9

7

28

24

+4

39

7 Manchester United 26 10

8

8

38

29

+9

38

8 Wolverhampton

26

8

12

6

35

32

+3

36

9 Everton

26

10

6

10

34

38

-4

36

10 Arsenal

26

7

13

6

36

34

+2

34

11 Burnley

26

10

4

12

30

39

-9

34

12 Southampton

26

9

4

13

32

48 -16

31

13 Newcastle United

26

8

7

11

24

40 -16

31

14 Crystal Palace

26

7

9

10

23

32

-9

30

15 Brighton

26

6

9

11

31

38

-7

27

16 Bournemouth

26

7

5

14

26

40 -14

26

17 Aston Villa

26

7

4

15

34

50 -16

25

18 West Ham United

25

6

6

13

30

43 -13

24

19 Watford

26

5

9

12

24

40 -16

24

20 Norwich City

26

4

6

16

24

48 -24

18

26

cific regard to Pogba, added, “in the business of football he’s an asset. He’s a paid-for asset of the club.

“Man United have every right; if you pay for something you have a sense of entitlement over it and in that contract period, in the four years they have him, they are able to say he is theirs.

“If you create a culture, both you and the player, that a player doesn’t want to be at this club anymore then there is really only one transaction:

when he goes, how much you get paid and how much he gets paid.”

Jordan called for stricter regulation frameworks to be introduced by FIFA in respects to agents. Addressing Raiola directly he said, “you should be capped on your fees and you could contribute financially to the wellbeing of football, there’s a bigger picture here. It’s about the player and Man United. You’re incidental; you only work for the player.”

Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

Phuket youth sailors Italy bound > p29

ALL HAIL THE MISFITS Phuket Misfits stun previously undefeated KCC in epic Grand Final victory at the ACG CRICKET Michael Flowers

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ast Sunday (Feb 16) afternoon marked the culmination of the T20 9’s tournament at the ACG Phuket with the islands two best teams, Kashmiri Cricket Club (KCC) and the Phuket Misfits going head to head.

The Misfits won the toss and sent in-form Jeremy Bootsy in to bat with regular partner Stuart Hamilton to face the express pace of Waseem Manzoor.

After going for 10 in his first over, Manzoor responded in his second by trapping Hamilton for 6 runs (off 5 balls) LBW. Manish Sadarangani joined Bootsy 42 (22) and the two put on a steady 45-run partnership before the latter was caught behind to the

bowling of Ahsan in the 8th Over.

This brought the dangerous Ali Kahn to the crease and he didn’t disappoint as he treated onlookers in the Tipsy Cow clubhouse by belting the ball all over the ACG. With cameos from teammates Sadarangani 29 (27) and captain Mudasir Rehman 27 (14), Kahn 76 (43) smashed five 4s and six 6s, lifting the Misfits to 198-5 after 18.3 Overs The Misfits finished with an imposing total of 215-7 from their allotment of 20 Overs despite another impressive bowling performance from Manzoor (4 Overs, 27-2).

Despite the target of 216 presenting a big challenge for KCC, they have shown throughout the tournament that they are capable of posting huge scores thanks to their extremely talented top order.

The Misfits got off to a great start

in the 2nd Innings, removing 2018 ‘Crazy 8’s’ player of the tournament Arif Mushtaq 4 (2) and captain Imtiyaz Mushtaq 0 (2).

Manzoor and Zahoor Ahmed then put on a massive partnership at blazing speed, reaching 111 by drinks and a total of 125/2 leaving KCC with 91 to win from 60 balls.

Following the break, Misfits captain Rehman handed over the wicketkeeping gloves to Bootsy and was immediately rewarded by bowling Ahmed 37 (28) to break the big partnership.

Manzoor continued to play superbly, sending the ball flying in all directions, and was well supported

by Shad Wahid 28 (13) until he was bowled by Sadarangani in the 14th Over. KCC required just 35 runs from 38 balls with 4 wickets in hand.

Ahsan 2 (3) was the next to go, a tricky catch taken on the bound-

The victorious Phuket Misfits pose with the trophy after seeing off KCC in an epic Grand Final match last Sunday (Feb 16) at the ACG. Photo: Michael Flowers

ary by Rehman from the bowling of Kahn with the score at 185-5.

Manzoor began protecting the new batsman from the strike as he moved towards his second consecutive century. When Manzoor raised his bat for the magnificent hundred, KCC required just 20 runs off 27 balls for victory.

The very next ball however, Manzoor slashed into the offside sending a f loating ball into the hands of Mike Thomas, who took the match-defining catch, sending the Misfits into wild celebration!

Just three deliveries later the Misifts had taken the two remaining wickets for no additional runs and had suddenly won by 19 runs, a terrific all-around team performance.

Misfits star, Kahn was awarded the Man of the Match for his 76 (43) and 3 Overs, 29-1 with the ball, while the forlorn Manzoor

deservedly received the Player of the Tournament honours.

3rd Place Playoff Earlier in the day, the Patong Penguins comfortably defeated the Goan Panthers to finish the competition in third place. Opener Michael Flowers 60*(53) guided the Penguins in chasing 150 to win and was awarded the Man of the Match.

Thanks to everyone for their efforts in making this tournament the best in recent memory. Special thanks to PCG Umpire Steve Hackett who has put a lot of time and effort into the club since moving to the island and also to The Phuket News for their ongoing support.

We look forward to an upcoming island tournament over a longer format - please contact Phuket Cricket or ACG Phuket on Facebook to get involved!

Golfers dig deep for Aussie bushfire charity LAST SUNDAY (FEB 16) at Laguna Golf Phuket the expat and Thai communities rallied round to join the Aussie Disaster Relief Golf Fundraiser, where an amazing B120,000 was raised. Sixty golfers participated on a hot but fun-filled day, with plenty of on-course refreshments supplied courtesy of supporting Hole Sponsors.

The winning team, with a remarkable net score 55, was Vladimir Cascins, Maxim Sazonov, Alesya Sazonova and Mark Birkenshaw. In second

Laguna Golf Phuket’s Darren Robson, Class Act Media’s Jason Beavan, Phuket Australian Consul-General Matthew Barclay and Asean events’ Mark Cameron. Photo: Laguna Golf Phuket place were Wayne Klapko, Tom De Jongh and Liam Stewart, and in third and final place were visitors to the island Jesper Madsen, Jesper Martin, Craig

Jenkins and Simon Angove.

See more from the event on page 18 of this week’s “Life” section.

The Phuket News thephuketnews