The Phuket News June 21, 2019

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FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

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Fast & Furious cars to take on Phuket roads

LIFE One of the 15 tigers being kept at Phuket Zoo on display in a cage for tourists to see, on payment for entry. Photo: PR Dept

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OFFICIALS DECLARE PHUKET ZOO FREE OF ANIMAL CRUELTY, DESPITE INTERNATIONAL OUTCRY The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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huket wildlife officials have declared that Phuket Zoo has been cleared of any allegations of animal cruelty following an inspection of the aged tourism attraction on Monday (June 17).

Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana ordered inspection in response to National Geographic posting on its official Instagram account a photo of a tiger chained on a podium, pacing back and forth in only metres of space.

The National Geographic post on Instagram, without alleging that

Phuket Zoo had conducted the practice, also noted, “Tigers are often declawed and/or drugged to make them safer for interacting with tourists.”

The post, which has already gained more than 1 million Likes, also noted in direct reference to Phuket Zoo, “Photos here are 300 Baht (or about $9).”

Conducting the inspection were Natawon Jumlonggard, Chief of the Phuket office of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE); Manas Thepparuk, Chief of the Phuket Provincial Office of the Department of Livestock Development (DLD); and Pongchart Chouehorm, Chief of the Natural and Wildlife

Education Centre at the Khao Phra Thaew Non-Hunting Area in Thalang.

After the inspection, Mr Natawon declared to the press, “No evidence of animal cruelty has been found.”

“Officers from the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conversation (DNP) have inspected the zoo, given advice about how to treat animals, and cautioned the owner to do things correctly and make a good image of Phuket for tourists,” Mr Natawon said.

“The zoo’s owner agreed and said he understood,” he added.

Regarding complaints of animals being medicated so that they would be placid enough for tourists to have

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their photos taken with them, Mr Natawon said, “Animals that have been medicated are sleepy, drowsy, the animals here show no such effects. They are not likely to have been medicated.”

Regarding wild animals being chained to tight restrictions, Mr Natawon said his officers wanted to focus on safety.

“The province’s governing officers are aware of such issues and have spoken with staff at the zoo to strictly focus on the best care of all animals in terms of both safety measures and hygiene,” he said.

“In the past, there have been continual reports of animal cruelty...

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Phuket Zoo cleared of animal cruelty claims Continued from page 1 ...with people taking photos and (video) recordings of animals, but depending on the individual’s perspective it may or may not be regarded as animal cruelty,” Mr Natawon said.

“From the examining of the actual conditions here, we have found no evidence of animal cruelty here. The results of the inspection is that there are no sick or drowsy animals,” he said.

Phuket Zoo on Monday being cleared of allegations of animal cruelty follows the zoo being exonerated of any ill treatment of three-year-old baby elephant Jumbo dying from a digestive tract infection just last month despite an international campaign calling for him to be taken into care for better protection.

Jumbo was so weak that he collapsed under his own weight and broke both his back legs while trying to lift himself free from mud in a special area created for him where he could recover, Zoo Manager Pichai Sakunsorn told The Phuket News in explaining what had led to Jumbo’s death.

Zoo Manager Mr Pichai on Monday told the press that the zoo could not ban tourists from taking photos with animals, as that was one of the zoo’s key attractions. The zoo’s main revenue streams were charging for entry tickets, selling food to tourists to use to feed the animals, and charging tourists to have their photos taken with the animals, he explained.

However, he said the facility’s owners were reviewing

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

Thanathorn brings Future Forward focus to Phuket > p5

Tsunami evacuation drill to take place in Patong The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

An official appraises the welcome billboard at Phuket Zoo on Monday (June 17).

Photo: PR Dept whether they will continue the practice of allowing tourists to have their photos taken with specific animals.

“Most of the customers who come here want to take pictures with various animals.

Those who like to take pictures with animals, mostly do not consider chaining them as cruel, but instead as a safety measure for tourists, especially tigers, because tigers are untrustworthy, unstable, and unpredictable,” he said.

“It is a way to prevent the animal from hurting tourists. The animal can breath properly and it does not harm them,” he said.

“As for drugging the animals, we can confirm that we never do that because the owner created this zoo out of love for animals,” Mr Pichai added.

Mr Pichai said that the zoo had not had a single safety incident in its 30 years of operation, and that each animal was considered an asset of value, and hence any harm done to the animals directly contradicted the ide of the zoo making money from them.

He also pointed out that every zoo was required to observe strict conditions in keeping animals, especially tigers.

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mass tsunami-evacuation drill will be held in Patong next Tuesday (June 25), with the tsunami-warning sirens sounding the alarm at 1:30pm.

The drill is part of a series of mass tsunami-evacuation exercises being held throughout all six Andaman coast provinces under the banner of the Integrated Disaster Management Exercise (IDMEx 2019: TSUNAMI), explained an advisory from the Phuket Provincial office of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM-Phuket).

The evacuation exercise in Patong will last two hours, from 1:30pm to 3:30pm, the DDPM-Phuket advisory noted.

Similar tsunami-evacuation drills will be held in Baan Bang Baen in Ranong, at Baan Nam Khem in Takupa, Phang Nga, and at Haad Suu San Hoi (Fossil Shell Beach) in Ao Nang, Krabi from 10:30am to midday on Monday (June 24).

Tsunami-evacuation drills will be held in Trang and Satun from 1:30pm to 3:30pm, also on Monday (June 24).

This Friday (June 21), evacuation training for community leaders and local business owners will be held at the

Emergency responders take part in a full-scale tsunamievacuation drill in Phuket. Photo: The Phuket News / file Patong Municipality offices, starting at 1pm. Next Wednesday (June 26), a meeting will be held at the DDPM Region 18 Phuket office in Phuket Town to review the exercise and make any adjustments necessary, the advisory explained.

A further review and “Table Top Exercise” will be held at the Novotel Phuket Phokeethra hotel in Phuket Town from 9am to 4pm on June 28, followed by a “Functional Exercise” held at Phuket Provincial Hall from 9am to 4:30pm on July 1, the advisory added.

From July 4-6, evacuation drill exercises will be held at the Phuket Deep Sea Port at Ao Makham, Wichit, followed

by a review of the exercise at the Phuket Deep Sea Port on July 7.

The tsunami evacuation routes at popular tourist beaches in Patong, Kamala, Kata and Karon were to undergo a full review as of last September after a devastating earthquake and tsunami struck the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, leaving nearly 2,000 people dead, some 5,000 missing and more than 74,000 homeless. Experts feared that another tsunami could hit Indonesia after more than 200 people were killed at the southern end of Sumatra by a wave triggered by the eruption of a volcano known as the “child” of Krakatoa in December.

Free legal service project on hold THE PROJECT THAT WAS supposed to see volunteer lawyers provide free legal services at Phuket City Police Station and Patong Police Station starting last Sunday (June 9) is now on hold while the project organisers at the Lawyers Council of Thailand (LCT) wait for budget approval from the government.

The service was supposed to see volunteer lawyers with

English-speaking capabilities provide free legal assistance to Thais and foreigners, including tourists, in trouble with the law at the two main police stations as part of a nationwide project.

At last report, 32 lawyers had already signed up to provide the free legal aid in Phuket.

However, a member of the Phuket chapter of LCT, who declined to be named, has now told The Phuket News

this week that the project is on hold while the LCT waits for funding from the government.

“The volunteer lawyers, who are to provide the assistance at police stations, have been trained, but the program has been suspended until money is available to compensate the lawyers for their service. We have given the case to the Budget Bureau to consider, but there is no

The scheme to provide free legal services at police stations in Phuket is now on hold. Photo: Supplied government to consider the issue as yet,” said the official, declining to be named.

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FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

PHUKET NEWS

Fast & Furious 9 cars take on Phuket roads

Weerayut Phansarn, 27, appears to be under the influence of drugs as he is arrested by Chalong Police following an attack on a woman in Chalong.

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ilming for Fast & Furious 9 will take place in Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi and Surat Thani from July 1-27, it was announced this past week.

The news broke when the movie’s production manager, Piya Pestonji, met with Krabi Governor Lt Col ML Kitibadee Prawit at Krabi Provincial Hall last Wednesday (June 12) to discuss details of the production along with the Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Krabi Office, Apichai Aranyik.

The movie production will see more than B340 million invested in Thailand and create employment throughout the country, the governor said.

“This is a proud moment for Thai people and a chance to be good hosts and to promote the country’s tourist attractions, natural resources, culture and history globally.

“I am pleased to welcome the production crew and cast.

This opportunity will benefit locals greatly and I call on every sector to cooperate in being good, polite hosts,” he said.

“We are coordinating with

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Man arrested for attack on woman in Chalong

One of the cars being unloaded at an undisclosed site in Krabi on Monday (June 17).

Photo: Ohm Batteries Spare Parts Krabi relevant departments to help facilitate the establishment of a temporary office in Krabi for the preparation of the production,” the mayor added.

Excitement buzzed across Thai social media sites on Monday as photos of cars believed to be for use in the filming were transported into Krabi on trucks. Although they were mostly covered with tarpaulins, some angles gave fans a glimpse of what

the vehicles looked like.

Hardcore fans were treated to better views of the vehicles as they were unloaded at an undisclosed site, with local filming contacts saying they were not permitted to comment due to non-disclosure agreements.

The Phuket News asked the Phuket PR Department if a similar meeting was scheduled to take place with the Phuket Governor to discuss

details of filming in Phuket, to which they replied that no such meeting has been set up yet but any developments will be reported.

When called on Wednesday this week (June 19), Phuket Provincial Police said that they had no details of any requests for road closures to allow filming to take place.

More details would be announced if the public needed to be informed, they said.

A MAN HAS BEEN ARrested after he attacked a 21-year-old woman in her rented room in Chalong last Thursday morning (June 13), allegedly trying to choke her in the attack.

Chalong Police were called to the room at 8:10am after local residents heard the woman, who police asked to be publicly identified only as “Miss B”, screaming for help.

The officers arrived at the scene, on Soi Ta Kha Khao, in Moo 1, Chalong, and took into custody Weerayut Phansarn, 27, from Songkhla.

Weerayut was semi-incoherent and appeared to be under the influence of drugs, police noted, as they took him to Chalong Police Station for questioning.

While waiting in the police vehicle to be taken to the station, he asked officers for some kratom to chew in order to calm himself, police noted in their report.

The officers refused his request.

The 21-year-old woman told police that she was asleep in her room when she was woken by knocking on her door.

She got up and opened the door, thinking that relatives had arrived to see her, she said.

Instead, standing there was Weerayut, who pushed his way into the room.

Weerayut told her that he wanted to have children with her, she said.

He then tried to force himself on her, she explained.

The woman kept pushing him away and tried to escape but Weerayut grabbed her and pulled her back inside the room.

She screamed for help and he placed his hands on her neck and began choking her, the woman explained.

That’s when neighbours arrived to her rescue and pulled Weerayut away, she added.

Police took Weerayut for further questioning and have yet to confirm which charges he will face for the attack.

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Rawai targets criminals, rogue drivers with B17mn CCTV camera project RAWAI MAYOR AROON SOlos has revealed a B17 million plan to install new high quality CCTV cameras within the subdistrict this month, with the aim of making the area safer from criminals and road accidents.

Mayor Aroon also announced plans to install licence plate recognition (LPR) cameras later in the year.

“The 65 CCTV cameras are expected to be completely installed and the control room system up and

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running within this month, helping to monitor any incidents that might occur in the area and to track down criminals from nearby areas such as Chalong, Kata, Karon and others that may have escaped into Rawai District,” Mayor Aroon Solos told The Phuket News.

“The project has required a budget of B17mn to install the new cameras, replacing old cameras that have been used for more than 10 years.”

The mayor also urged people using the new Chalong Underpass to drive carefully and to comply with traffic regulations for their safety.

“The response from locals after opening the underpass has been positive as it helps to reduce traffic congestion,” he said.

“However, I want to stress the importance of driving carefully and following traffic laws strictly when using the tunnel due its length, the two opposing lanes, and the fact

that the tunnel is curved.

“Most importantly, the speed limit is only 50km/h.”

Mayor Aroon told The Phuket News that he has discussed plans to install cameras in and around the underpass with Chalong Police.

“To make the underpass safer, we have spoken with Chalong Police about installing cameras at Chalong Circle and in the underpass to monitor vehicle activity. The next step is to install LPR cameras. We

New CCT V and licence plate recognition (LPR) cameras will be installed in Rawai. Photo: AFP expect these to be installed within this year,” he added.

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Police found drugs hidden behind the fuel tank cover of a car used by the suspects.

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Two arrested in local hotel drug raids

POLICE R A IDS I N PAtong and Phuket Town on Tuesday (June 18) resulted in the arrests of a man and woman and the seizure of 121 methamphetamine pills (ya bah) and 68.7 grams of crystal meth (ya ice).

Acting on information from undercover sources, officers first raided a hotel room on Phoonpon Rd in Phuket Town at just after midnight on Tuesday where they caught 28-yearold Amonrat Sukcharoen and 23-year-old Ekkasit Rahem in illegal possession of drugs.

Further information led the officers to another hotel room on Phra Mettha Rd in Patong where more drugs and drug-using paraphernalia were found, as well as digital scales.

Drugs were also found behind the fuel tank cover of a car the suspects were using.

The pair were taken to Phuket Provincial Police Station where they were charged with possession of a Category 1 drug with intent to sell.

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Indian tourists in taxi as collision kills man Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

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Phuket taxi driver is being questioned by Thalang Police after a motorbike rider died after hitting the left side of the taxi while passing through a busy intersection on Thepkrasattri Rd on Monday night (June 17) Capt Kraisorn Boonprasop of the Thalang Police was notified of the accident, at the locally called Khao Lan intersection*, at 9:35pm.

Officers arrived at the scene to a black Honda Wave motorbike on the ground in the centre of the three southbound lanes and a silver Toyota Altis Phuket-registered “green plate” taxi stopped in the right hand lane.

The taxi had damage to one of the doors on its left side.

By the time police arrived, the motorbike rider, 45-year-old Somchit Phimmala, had been rushed unconscious to Thalang Hospital for serious injuries to his head and legs. He was later pronounced dead.

The 29-year-old taxi driver, Phrapan Chaipakdee, was waiting at the scene.

According to the police initial investigation report, Mr Phrapan told police that he was driving Indian tourists

The motorbike rider, 45-year-old Somchit Phimmala, was rushed unconscious to Thalang Hospital for serious injuries to his head and legs. He was later pronounced dead. from Phuket International Airport to Patong when the accident happened.

As he was passing through the intersection, Mr Somchit rode his motorbike from the left side of his car and carelessly changed the lane, Mr Phrapan said.

Mr Phrapan said that he tried but was unable to avoid the collision.

The bike hit his car and fell down, he added.

Mr Phrapan was taken to Thalang Police Station for further questioning, police

noted in their report.

Thalang Police took more than seven months to present to the Phuket Public Prosecutor’s Office a formal request to charge 29-year-old Phuket airport taxi driver Marut Puangsombat with reckless driving causing death after he wiped out six vehicles and killed a motorbike rider whilst driving a tourist from the airport during morning rush hour traffic in October last year.

The lead police investigator in that case, Capt Suporn Mueangkai of the Thalang

Police, took 217 days complete his investigation. He handed the case over to the Phuket Public Prosecutor’s Office to proceed with legal action on June 4. * The Khao Lan Intersection is the local name of the intersection on Thepkrasattri Rd in Srisoonthorn where Route 4015 (Ban Khao Lan – Ban Bangjo Rd) joins on the west side and the unnamed Rural Road Route 3028 joins on the east side. The intersection is continually busy and is controlled by traffic lights.

Russian man collapses, dies next to Patong Police Station POLICE SUSPECT THAT A RUSsian man who was found dead in front of the police officers’ accommodation building at Patong Police Station last Sunday morning (June 16) died from going into shock from alcohol poisoning.

Sen Sgt Maj Somkiet Phetkaew of the Patong Police explained to The Phuket News that Russian national Denis Timoshenkov, 38, was staying at the Patong Phuket Mirage Hotel.

“He had refused to leave the hotel after his checkout time, and so hotel staff called police,” Sen Sgt Maj Somkiet said.

The hotel manager explained to The Phuket News on Monday that Mr Timoshenkov was supposed to check out on Friday (June 14).

However, the Russian man was still in his room on Saturday. The manager told The Phuket News that

Police officers and Kusoldharm Patong rescue workers at the scene last Sunday (June 16). Photo: Kusoldharm Patong he tried to resolve the issue through talks, but said that Mr Timoshenkov was unintelligible.

“Hotel staff said he was always drunk, all the time,” Sen Sgt Maj Somkiet said.

Tired of the man not vacating his hotel room, staff at the hotel called Patong Police to the hotel the next

day (Sunday, June 16).

“Officers tried to talk with him, but they could not understand him.

He seemed very drunk,” Sen Sgt Maj Somkiet said.

Instead of creating a scene with officers taking him into custody, the officers cooperated with Kusoldharm rescue workers to bring him to Patong Police Station, Sen Sgt Maj Somkiet explained.

After Mr Timoshenkov arrived at Patong Police Station, the officers let him sleep in an open-access area of the station.

However, Mr Timoshenkov soon disappeared, only to be found by police officers in front of the police accommodation building located in the police station compound, Sen Sgt Maj Somkiet said.

“No one saw him leave the police station,” he added.

Other police officers who were going to the apartment building saw him on the ground, with his small black travel case still standing upright beside his body.

Mr Timoshenkov was unconscious, so the officers raised the alarm and the Kusoldharm rescue workers were called back to the police station to render assistance, Sen Sgt Maj Somkiet said.

“The rescue workers could not find any pulse, so they rushed him to Patong Hospital (not even 200 metres away across the intersection), but he was confirmed dead,” he explained.

“We have yet to receive confirmation of the cause of death, but at this stage police believe that Mr Timoshenkov died after going into shock from alcohol poisoning,” Sen Sgt Maj Somkiet said.

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Thanathorn hears local woes

Future Forward leader Thanathorn eyes critical island issues The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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hanathorn Juangroongruangkit, the leader of the Future Forward Party, and fellow party members from Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi visited Bang Tao Beach last week to hear firsthand how anti-IUU regulations being enforced by the EU are harshly affecting small fishermen.

The visit, last Thursday (June 13), came after the National Fisheries Association of Thailand on Wednesday (June 12) threatened to stage protests in Bangkok if the new government ignored its demand to revise strict rules and regulations on trawlers and their crews.

“If these laws aren’t changed, the fishermen will head to Bangkok and camp out in front of the Agriculture Ministry,” association president Mongkol Sukcharoenkhana told the Bangkok Post.

The rules were resulting in a shortage of workers in the fishing sector, forcing many operators out of business, he said.

The threats of protests in the capital came as fishing operators in Songkhla plan to meet on June 28 to discuss the problems that fishing operators have been putting up with

Future Forward Party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit visited Bang Tao Beach last week to hear firsthand the issues that were affecting people in Phuket. Photo: Future Forward Party / Facebook over the past five years since the government began implementing measures aimed at curbing illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices, he said.

On Jan 8 this year, the European Union (EU) announced the lifting of its yellow card warning in recognition of the substantial progress Thailand has made in tackling IUU fishing since 2015.

The yellow card prompted Thailand to overhaul its fishing industry to meet international standards so as to avoid a threatened EU ban on

Thai seafood imports.

Adisorn Phromthep, directorgeneral of the Department of Fisheries, said the reforms were necessary as they should bring sustainability to the country’s fishing sector.

They are also crucial to ensure transparency and traceability in every fishing process, he said.

Fut ure For ward leader Mr Thanathorn last Thursday heard from local fishermen in Phuket how they faced a slew of problems from the restrictions enforced on small fishing operators in order to

Concerns raised as sea turtle found washed ashore dead A DEAD SEA TURTLE was found washed up on Bang Tao Beach early Monday morning (June 17).

Two security guards at Angsana Laguna Phuket resort, Kasama Moonmee and Jinnawat Juntong-on, were patrolling the beach around the resort when they spotted what they initially thought was a children’s doll on the foreshore.

As they got closer, they realised it was a turtle so they pulled it out onto the sand before realising it was dead.

The men called their supervisor, who then contacted marine officials upon seeing the dead turtle.

The turtle was taken away to determine the cause of death.

It is believed to be an olive ridley sea turtle (Tao Ya). It weighed 30kg and was 70cm long. It was found with wounds on its head and shell, possibly from contact with rocks in the sea, officials reported.

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Security guards and a marine official with the dead sea turtle found on Bang Tao beach on Monday. turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), also known as the Pacific ridley sea turtle, is the second smallest and most abundant of all sea turtles found in the world, living in warm and tropical waters.

These turtles, along with the related Kemps ridley turtle, are best known for their unique mass nesting, called arribada, where thousands of females come together on the same beach to lay eggs. Most observations are typically within

15km of mainland shores in protected, relatively shallow marine waters (22-55m deep).

The olive ridley is predominantly carnivorous, especially in immature stages of the life cycle. Common prey items include jellyfish, sea urchins, snails, shrimp, crabs and rock lobsters.

Adults have relatively few known predators other than sharks and the occasional killer whale.

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comply with anti-IUU regulations, and the onerous bureaucratic hurdles they needed to comply with just to make a living.

Mr Thanathorn stressed that his party supported the anti-IUU regulations, but also conceded that several issues overly affected small fishing operators.

“The problems are different in different areas. Fishing operators in the Andaman and the Gulf of Thailand, such as those in Samut Sakhon, all face their own unique problems, so we will look at tackling the problems and coming up with solutions that are suitable for each area,” he said.

Among the problems detailed were that local fishermen were not allowed to fish more than three nautical miles offshore and that IUU regulations required that nets must not have mesh smaller than four-inches square in order to avoid catching small fish.

Simply registering fishing boats and fishing equipment was now overly complex and time-consuming, the fishermen explained.

“Government inefficiencies and the use of authority to call for benefits is resulting in a penalty that is too high,” Mr Thanathorn said.

The party will push for the

various laws to be amended in line with local fishermen’s traditional way of life.

“We will also look towards organising a forum for stakeholders between local fisheries and commercial fisheries to join in discussions at the area level in order to come up with suitable solutions to these problems,” he said.

Other issues in Phuket that were brought to Mr Thanathorn’s attention were transportation, tourism and waste management issues.

“The first thing that we have to fix is transportation and learn how to improve the transportation infrastructure to be more effective.

“The next thing is to focus on the tourism attractions. We have been focusing on promoting the same old beaches and the same old island for too long, that’s why the popularity of these has been declining. So we have to develop new places for tourists to come and enjoy,” he said.

“Another key issue is trash. We have to accept that more tourists means more trash. So we will try to solve that problem, too,” said Mr Thanathorn.

“A lot of these problems are already on our party’s agenda to change and fix,” he said.

Opinion 6

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EDITORIAL

Animal cruelty in the open

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fficials this week clearing Phuket Zoo of any allegations of animal cruelty hardly came as a surprise. They have been cleared before, and not just in the death of three-year-old baby elephant Jumbo just last month.

Phuket Zoo never faced any charges for the highlypublicised death of Milo the orangutan in 2016 – even though the zoo never had a permit for her and even dumped her in the jungle.

In fact, Phuket Zoo has never faced any harsh action for any impropriety whatsoever.

A key factor in the inspecting officials’ attitudes this week was probably best summed up by Natawon Jumlonggard, Chief of the Phuket office of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

“In the past, there have been continual reports of animal cruelty with people taking

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worthy of supporting or not, and send the message by not giving them any money.

For the likes of Phuket Zoo, the message has been loud and clear for English speakers for years – animal welfare must come first – but for Chinese, Russian, Middle Eastern and now Indian visitors, that battle is just beginning.

Worse, the truth is that the bus loads of tourists brought to the zoo have no idea what they will be shown until they arrive and see it for themselves. By that time the zoo has already reaped the fees for entry tickets paid as part of the tour – the deal is done before the tourists have even seen what lays behind Phuket Zoo’s walls.

More needs to be done to make sure all visitors know where their money is going when it comes to Phuket Zoo before they hand it over to a tour operator.

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Fast & Furious 9 to take on Phuket roads Dengue fever epidemic declared Australian in Patong hotel fall on heavy painkiller, likely suffering hallucinations Phuket Opinion: Bitter pill Doctor’s orders: Phuket Hospitals forced to reveal how much they charge for medicines Authorities discuss regulation of short-term accommodation in Phuket German tourist found dead in Ao Nang hotel room German man dies in motorbike accident Russian man collapses, dies next to Patong Police Station Phuket Town raid nets 500g of ya ice

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

photos and (video) recordings of animals, but depending on the individual’s perspective it may or may not be regarded as animal cruelty,” he said.

As Zoo Manager Pichai Sakunsorn pointed out, tourists having their photos taken with the animals is one of the zoo’s three main revenue streams. If visitors to the zoo objected so much, they simply wouldn’t pay to have their photos taken with them.

Here we hit the crossroads: many of the visitors to Phuket are not from Western countries, whether Western expats, tourists and animal welfare supporters like it or not.

National Geographic in concluding its special cover story for June, “Suffering unseen: The dark truth behind wildlife tourism”, hit the nail on the head. Use social media to spread the word about whether an animal tourism venue is

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

Phuket Drift

Re: Fast & Furious 9 to take on Phuket roads As if there aren’t enough fast and furious drivers already on the roads in Phuket, now to glorify it!

Malczx7r They don’t have to bring Vin for Fast & Furious in Phuket! That’s daily business here...

Luca Lombardi Fast & Furious 9: Minivan Edition! This moment is what all those minivan and tuk-tuk drivers have been practising their whole lives for.

Yiem Bontsema Traffic jams and furious?

Michael Georgiou Can Vin Diesel ride a bike in the opposite direction without a helmet? I don’t think so.

Haizzel Arif Alexander

Dengue bites

Re: Dengue fever epidemic declared Get rid of all the creeper plants around your house and in your garden. That’s where the mosquitos sit in the day-

time. It also helps to take a very low dose of doxycycline daily. If you can afford it, AC is your best friend in the house.

Let it run with the door open for 15 minutes and mozzies will flee into the next room – they hate the cold – then close the door.

Mark Kate I have to believe, due to the amount of people that get bitten vs. the number of cases, that the disease growth in a person is due, in part, to another factor. A gene or maybe an immune system weakness at the time, or what that mosquito fed on last. I know of one thing that kills all mosquitoes within a comfortable distance and that is those blue light bug zappers.

Hang them in your yard for a couple of nights and they won’t be around during the day or night, ever.

James Bahr Pot holes should be filled as shallow pools attract mosquitoes, and more needs to be done on research.

Dean Clayton Finally! When the Thai government admits that there

is a dengue epidemic it is really saying something. Solution: more fog spraying. Use full budgets, including the last 30% that’s usually seen as ‘commissions’. Care for your people!

Kurt

Doctor’s orders

Re: Phuket Hospitals forced to reveal how much they charge for medicines They’ll only publicly display prices until it’s all forgotten about.

Geoffrey Morris And what about pets’ medicine?

Marco Parlavecchia Especially at the dispensaries where one is ‘provided’ with a vast array of medications for even the slightest complaint, precise details should be provided to customers before they receive the medications so they can check 1: prices and 2: do they actually need these spurious pills and potions. We all know we’re being ripped off and can get these things cheaper elsewhere.

CaptainJack69

Re: Phuket Opinion: Bitter pill Foreign tourists hit by a motorcycle or in an overturned minibus will not be shopping for the best prices.

John OToole It’s a very good initiative taken by the government and will help people to get the best medical services at minimum cost.

Harry Narula

In plain sight

Re: No animal cruelty at Phuket Zoo, say officials This is similar to the police walking along Bangla Rd recently and reporting that “Nope, ain’t no prostitution going on around here”.

BenPendejo Herein lies the problem.

The officials that do the inspections are either paid for their favourable reports, or just plain incompetent. They are not the right people for the job.

How can anybody that visits the Phuket Zoo think that the animals are being well treated?

“No evidence of drugging”?

Did they do blood tests?

Timothy

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

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

Government reveals 10 Senate selectors BANGKOK Aekarach Sattaburuth

T

he National Council for Peace and Order ( NCPO) last week bowed to political pressure and revealed the names of 10 members of the Senate selection panel of whom six were eventually appointed senators.

The move came after seven parties in the anti-regime alliance led by the Pheu Thai Party on June 12 submitted a petition to the NCPO, which was constitutionally responsible for appointing the 250 senators.

They said they wanted the junta to disclose who appointed the 250 senators after the selection process was criticised for being plagued with nepotism. Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said the committee was originally made up of 10 members, but former National Legislative Assembly president, Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, a member, later quit. Mr Pornpetch is now the Senate speaker.

Besides Deputy Prime

Senate speaker Pornpetch Wichitcholchai was originally a member of the Senate selection panel. Photo: Bangkok Post Minister Prawit Wongsuwon and Mr Wissanu, the seven others were former deputy prime minister ACM Prajin Juntong; Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak; former deputy prime minister Gen Chatchai Sarikulya; former NCPO deputy chief Gen Tanasak Patimapragorn; former NCPO deputy chief Adm Narong Pipatanasai; NCPO member and current Interior Minister Gen Anupong Paojinda; and former NCPO

deputy chief and current Labour Minister Pol Gen Adul Sangsingkeo.

As for the six members of the panel appointed senators, Deputy PM Wissanu said they did not nominate themselves.

When the panel considered their qualifications, they were not allowed to stay in the meeting room. The six were ACM Prajin, Gen Chatchai, Gen Tanasak, Adm Narong, Pol Gen Adul and Mr Pornpetch.

De put y PM Wissa nu

Five suspects arrested after fatal motorcycle-taxi brawl BANGKOK FIVE MOTORCYCLE-TAXI drivers have been arrested so far for alleged murder during a violent brawl between two gangs of drivers using guns, knives and steel bars. Another suspect is still on the run.

Deputy Police Spokesman Col Krissana Pattanacharoen said last Sunday (June 16) Piya Puangkasorn and Rangsan Sornchaiyakorn were captured by Bang Na Police after the Phra Khanong Provincial Court approved a police request for the arrest warrants for three suspects.

The new warrants were approved by the Phra Khanong Provincial Court against Pramuk Wichian-dilokkun, Pa nsa k Palasap, Ma nop Mingmongkol and Jirapong Wiboonratchakit. According to police, Jirapong, an emergency response worker, used a gun during the brawl.

Wanchai Mongkolkhem, the third suspect, is still on the run. The three face five charges, including murder.

The drivers were involved in a fatal brawl last Satur@thephuketnews

Police officers arrive to break up a violent brawl between members of two rival motorcycle-taxi gangs on Sukhumvit Soi 103/1-2 in Bang Na District of Bangkok last Saturday (June 15). Photo: Bangkok Post day (June 15) in which two people died, including Weerawat Phuengkhut, a Kerry Express delivery man who was shot by a stray bullet in front of his house.

Col Krissana said the investigation could lead to more arrests. Police last Sunday searched five locations in Bang Na District, where the violence took place, for evidence.

Bang Na Police said the fighting erupted after one group of drivers providing services at the entrance of Sukhumvit Soi 103/1-2 became angered by a second group in front of a Siam Commercial

Bank branch nearby, to whom they claimed they were losing customers.

In addition to the two deaths, two people were injured during the clash.

Mr Weerawat’s mother and wife received his body at Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital for a religious ceremony at Wat Bang Na Nai. The mother, Daeng Jitkrasae, said her son was about to move his motorcycle into the house to prevent damage.

He was shot in the head as he stepped out of the house, she added.

Bangkok Post

claimed the names of the committee members were kept secret in the first place to prevent lobbying. He also said two lists of reserve senators, with 50 names each, were published in the Royal Gazette as is constitutionally required and they would be called upon to serve in the Upper House if “vacancies arise”.

“The lists are not interchangeable. Those who are called to fill vacant seats must meet the legal requirements,” he said.

Of the 250 senators, 50 were selected from a shortlist of 200 candidates chosen in an intra-group process by various social groups and professions. Another 194 were chosen by the NCPO, and six slots were reserved for the three armed forces leaders, the supreme commander, the defence permanent secretary and the national police chief.

Earlier, Pheu Thai on Wednesday asked the House to determine whether there was a conflict of interest in the selection process.

Bangkok Post

THAILAND NEWS

7

Chinese man ‘pushed pregnant wife off cliff’ UBON RATCHATHANI A CHINESE MAN, 33, was arrested for allegedly trying to kill his threemonths pregnant Chinese wife by pushing her off a famous cliff, Pha Team, in Kong Chiam district on June 9.

Local police said they apprehended the suspect, Yu Xiaodong, after his 32-yearold wife, Wang Nan, told them that her husband had attempted to murder her.

The woman told police she had been unable to tell her story earlier because her husband stayed by her side while she was receiving treatment for her serious injuries in hospital. He threatened to kill her if she exposed the attempted murder, she said, so they initially told police she passed out and fell.

The fall occurred on the morning of June 9 when a Thai tourist found Ms Wang lying severely injured on a trail in Pha Team National Park. She had tumbled 34 metres from the clifftop, but her fall was broken by trees.

Park rangers help the pregnant Chinese tourist Wang Nan, 32, on June 9.

Photo: Supplied She suffered fractures in her left thigh, left arm, left collar bone, hip bone and knees.

Her foetus miraculously survived.

Police arrested Mr Yu at Sapphasitthiprasong Hospital in Muang District when he visited his wife there on Monday (June 17).

The couple are from the Chinese province of Jiangsu and have been in Thailand for three years, reportedly making their living from trade with their homeland.

Police said the man was actually jobless and his family of origin was debt-ridden.

The wife was well-to-do but was not willing to fully clear his debts, and police suspected that money was the motive for the attempted murder.

Bangkok Post

8

THAILAND NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

Cabinet ‘image crisis’ BANGKOK

Bangkok Post

P

rime Minister Prayut Chano-cha is already feeling the heat over his proposed Cabinet line-up with questions being asked about the public image of some of the candidates.

The formal Cabinet line-up is still not settled, a source said, adding that some politicians earlier tipped to be made Cabinet ministers may let their family members take ministerial posts to act as their proxies.

One is the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society with Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) spokesman and former PM’s Office Minister Kobsak Pootrakul earlier expected to take the post. However, reports have emerged of Akkara Prompao now being tipped to for the role.

Mr Akkara, a former deputy chairman of the Phayao provincial administrative organisation, is a younger brother of Capt Thammanat Prompao, a PPRP MP for Phayao and chief of the PPRP’s strategic committee in the North.

Capt Thammanat, a former Pheu Thai party list-MP candidate in the Feb 2, 2014 election, is a controversial figure linked to late former army specialist Gen Trairong Intaratat,

Prayut Chan-o-cha arrives for a Cabinet meeting, before the royal endorsement ceremony officially appointing him as the new prime minister of Thailand, at Government House in Bangkok on June 11.

Photo: Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP better known as “Seh Ice”.

Capt Thammanat is said to be involved in several enterprises inluding one that is alleged to hold sway over lottery ticket distribution at Bangkok’s Klong Toey market.

He earlier told reporters that he would not join the new Cabinet but would let a family member take a ministerial post.

The source said Capt Thammanat was concerned about “a public image problem”, so he decided to let

his younger brother take the digital economy and society portfolio instead.

Similarly, the Bhumjaithai Party, which is expected to get seven Cabinet seats, previously proposed Uthai Thani MP Chada Thaiseth to be deputy interior minister but the source said that Gen Prayut disagreed out of concern for his reputation.

On July 23, 2015, police commandos raided a home of Mr Chada and 11 other residences of influential

figures in Uthai Thani province, as they hunted two murder suspects.

One police team raided and searched Mr Chada’s home in tambon Uthai Mai in Muang district. He was suspected of sheltering two suspects wanted for the murder of a senior police officer shot dead in 2011.

Mr Chada has reportedly proposed his younger sister Mananya to replace him as deputy agriculture minister in the next government and Bhumjaithai Party has agreed.

Also, Natee Rachakitprakan, a Bhumjaithai list MP, was earlier expected to be made sports and tourism minister in the next government, though she later decided to let her husband Pipat, owner of an oil trading and retailer company operating PT filling stations, take the post instead.

Seri Wongmontha, an academic and supporter of Gen Prayut, warned that infighting in the PPRP over cabinet seat allocation could make people lose faith in the party.

On his Facebook account, he wrote that PPRP members should “go easy” with their demands for cabinet posts while Gen Prayut should rise to the occasion and stand firm against some unreasonable demands from within the party.

“The PPRP MPs should be aware that they won the election because

voters wanted Gen Prayut back in as premier,” he said.

He insisted that if people lose confidence in the party, it will find it hard to win big in the next poll.

Gothom Arya, an adviser to the Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies of Mahidol University, said that the allocation of Cabinet seats was based on the number of House seats each political group won and this only benefits the parties involved and not the public.

Meanwhile, PPRP MP for Nakhon Sri Thammarat Rong Boonsuaykwan on Monday (June 17) said that a group of 13 PPRP MPs in the South wanted the prime minister to have a cabinet that represents people from all regions.

If the group remains unrepresented in the Cabinet, it will have a lot of explaining to do to the voters, Mr Rong said, adding that if they were not allocated a Cabinet seat, the PPRP will likely be swept aside in the South in a next election.

Pheu Thai spokeswoman Ladawan Wongsriwong said people with questionable backgrounds or without the right credentials for cabinet jobs should not be allowed to be ministers.

Anybody with a history of conf licts of interest should also be sidelined, she said.

Dengue fever epidemic declared BANGKOK THE DEPARTMENT OF Disease Control last Friday (June 14) announced a dengue haemorrhagic fever epidemic this year as there have been 28,785 patients nationwide, 43 of whom died.

Dr Preecha Prempree, deputy director-general of the department, said that the figures were from Jan 1 to June 11, when the number of patients doubled the fiveyear average.

The situation is the same in Thailand’s neighbouring countries thanks to a similar climate and conditions, he said. He attributed the epidemic to failure to control mosquito larvae.

On Friday, the Public Health Ministry signed an agreement with seven state agencies to seriously control mosquito larvae. They are the Defence Ministry, Tourism and Sports Ministry, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Interior Ministry, Culture Ministry, Education Ministry and Bangkok Met-

Officials announced that there have been 28,785 dengue fever patients so far this year, 43 of whom died. Photo: Wikimedia Commons ropolitan Administration.

Dr Sukhum Kanchanapimai, permanent secretary for public health, said the control would focus on communities, temples, schools and hospitals. “Communities and temples are major sources of mosquito larvae,” he said.

Contrary to the spike in infection rates elsewhere in the country, at last report dengue infection rates in Phuket had actually fallen.

Health officials recorded 169 cases of dengue infec-

tions during the first five months of the year with 25 registered in May and an average of 36 per four weeks between January and May (144 in total).

Last year Phuket had an average of approximately 71 cases per month between January and June, while the same period of 2013 saw an average of over 238 per month. During some weeks in June the number of recorded cases reached 120 a week.

Bangkok Post thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

BUSINESS NEWS

9

Fully charged for silent running

Electrical specification as follows: • Genset – 2 x 19kVA Cummins Onan • Inverters – 3 x 3kVA Victron • Charging – 310A Victron • Solar – 5,100W • Battery – 12 x 180Ah Lithium Ion Phosphate • Solar Controller – Victron MPPT 250v • Control Unit – Colour CGX Victron • Battery Management – Victron BMS

WIRED ON WATER

W

hen Octopus Electrical proposed running our 73ft charter catamaran on batteries and inverters, we were naturally skeptical. After all we operate an air-conditioned boat with 10 guests and seven crew in isolated areas of Indonesia and the Andaman Sea. Now, after six months we are more than happy with the results and the guests are enjoying the eco-friendly, quiet system.

As designed, the electrical powering configuration was running one of the two 19kVA generators for up to 24 hours a day, consuming around 90 litres diesel per day. Our custom-built aluminium catamaran was designed with natural ventilation throughout, so when weather permitted we could save on this with up to six hours quiet time per day without refrigerated goods being affected.

Now we have 18 hours quiet time and use about 35L per day.

Let us explain the system: A combination of solar, battery, inverter, battery charger and genset delivers seamless power day and night. We are running as follows: genset auto starts around dawn as the batteries are at 10% charge after running our seven AC units and lighting overnight.

Our crew are rising for the day and then make use of the genset power to

Feedback has been really positive from the guests who really only notice the silence and lack of diesel emissions, as the power is always on and available. Excluding the massive benefits gained from extended generator life and maintenance costs, we expect the system to pay for itself in diesel savings alone in less than five years!

– Octopus Electrical Marine The custom-built catamaran now runs with 18 hours quiet time and uses about 35 litres of diesel per day. operate the RO watermaker unit and within about three hours the batteries are at 100%, the genset auto stops and the solar power is taking over.

We will then manually manage our main power loads such as the AC and watermaker throughout the day to suit our power availability and guest comfort requirements. What we have found is that providing plenty of ventilation and portable 220v fans

throughout is often better than being shut up in air conditioning and not enjoying the tropical environment.

However, the option is always available should the guests want to sleep or enjoy watching movies in AC comfort during the day. At evening time, the air conditioning is started, the battery charge drops further, and then the genset is started at around 7:30pm. Once again we utilise the

Data map eyed to cap visitor numbers TOURISM THE TOURISM AND SPORTS MINISTRY is working with the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) to cap the number of visitors at natural destinations in a bid to promote more sustainable tourism.

The two bodies have signed a memorandum of understanding to apply science, technology and innovation to set national guidelines for tourism carrying capacity in three types of areas: mountains, seas and cultural/historical sites.

Initially, eight destinations will serve as pilot projects in important tourism areas such as the Andaman Sea, the Gulf of Thailand, the Mekong and Chao Phraya rivers and the Lanna region.

Setting the number of people visiting a tourist destination at the same time could help conserve natural destinations and help the tourism industry which has played a vital role in the economy, said Chote Trachu, the tourism permanent secretary.

“On the other hand, tourism also creates a negative impact on the environment and this is the most urgent issue to solve because the environment and the economy have to develop equally to create sustainability,” he said.

Under the cooperation, NSTDA staff will go on field trips and evaluate the ecological impact on each destination and designate the maximum number of tourists at each site.

It will take about one year to study the carrying capacity and draw up the costs for preservation of the sites.

President Narong Sirilertworakul said the NSTDA will apply the global standard framework of the World Tourism Organisation @thephuketnews

Creating a model of genuine sustainable tourism is high on the agenda for the Ministry of Tourism & Sports. Photo: Bangkok Post called Tourism Satellite Account-System of Environmental Economic Accounting when assessing each destination. This method helps promote sustainability in tourism and contribute to ecological development as stated by the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The four-year cooperation of the two organisations will run through the end of 2021. The finalised data will be updated on the Tourism and Sports Ministry’s online platforms, the Tourism Intelligence Centre and the Thailand Tourism Directory.

The plan to limit the number of visitors at natural sites has emerged as the second policy issued by Mr Chote, formerly the permanent secretary of the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry.

Last month he announced the hiring of Naresuan University to study the feasibility of collecting a tourism levy from foreign visitors and using the income for rehabilitation of natural destinations.

The move was initiated after the National Tourism Policy Act was enacted and published in the Royal Gazette on May 22.

Bangkok Post

genset charging time to use the RO watermaker. Genset stops after three hours and we enjoy peace and quiet throughout the night.

One of the impressive Victron features has been the remote system monitoring and back-up support that this has enabled. This has helped with efficiency optimisation and system support, even from remote locations as long as we have mobile signal.

See www.pulsesurfcharters.com.

This article is part of the Wired on Water series provided by Octopus Electrical Marine, based at Phuket Boat Lagoon, with more than 40 years combined experience working in the marine industry on the latest in marine technology. For more information, contact Octopus Electrical Marine at Phuket Boat Lagoon.

Tel/ Fax: +66 (0) 76 600143. Email: sales@octopusasia.com Visit www. octopusasia.com

10 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

Phuket condo supply hits high New condo supply launched this year to be highest since 2012 PROPERTY

N

ew condo supply launched in Phuket this year will be the highest since 2012 with more than 6,200 units, driven by the booming tourism industry and investment from the public and private sectors, according to property consultancy Colliers International Thailand.

Phattarachai Taweewong, the firm’s associate director, said new Phuket condo supply and demand picked up in the first five months of 2019, in line with increasing tourist arrivals.

During January-May, there were more than 10 new condo projects launched in Phuket with a total of 2,742 units; the most in the past five years. Colliers expects 3,500 units to be launched in the second half of 2019.

As of May, there were a total of 97 condo projects with 19,767 units worth more than B69 billion that remained for sale.

The highest number was in Thalang district with 7,220 units, accounting for 36.5% of the total.

It was followed by Kathu district with 6,525 units (33%) and Muang district with 6,022 units (30.5%).

The overall sales rate of total condo supply in Phuket as of May was 70.8% or 14,000 units sold, with the highest in Muang district (83%). Foreign buyers continued their interest in buying condos in big lots, including those from France, China and Ukraine.

Mr Phattarachai said the number of remaining condo units in Phuket

As of May, there were a total of 97 condo projects with 19,767 units worth more than B69 billion that remained for sale. Source: Colliers bottomed in 2016 when the market had 3,034 units. But more than 7,800 units were newly launched from January 2018 to May 2019, resulting in a slight increase in unsold supply.

“Phuket’s economy is driven by the rising number of foreign tourist arrivals and new investment from the government sector and private firms,” he said. “This also drives condo growth in the province.”

The most popular condo unit price was between B3 million and B5mn, followed by units priced between B1mn and B2mn, most of which are in the central city and launched during the past five years.

Units priced between B5mn and B7.5mn and those priced at over B10mn baht are other ranges with a

good sales rate. Prices of B80,000130,000 per square metre were the most popular in the past two years.

Locations with a good sales rate include Surin, Kamala Bang Tao, Nai Harn and Rawai beaches and areas surrounding Central Festival Phuket.

Most of the projects launched at these locations focused on a guaranteed rental yield of 5-7% for three years.

“These projects were popular among foreign buyers,” Mr Phattarachai said. “Some had a full foreign quota and tried to offer a long-term leasehold for foreign buyers in an exceeding quota.”

According to the report, in the first four months this year tourist arrivals to Phuket totalled more than 6.14mn, up 1.4% from the same period last

year. Of this number, foreign tourists totalled 4.46mn, up 1.4%.

Last year Phuket recorded over 14.38mn tourist arrivals, an increase of 2.6% from 2017. The province also generated more than B477.32bn from the tourism sector in 2018 and B187.72bn in the first four months of 2019.

There were new projects invested in by the private sector, including retail giant Central Pattana’s Central Festival Phuket Phase 3 with an investment of over B20bn and a total area of 400,000sqm on 136 rai, launched late last year.

Central Pattana is also developing a new lifestyle complex, Porto de Phuket, on 50 rai in Cherng Talay near Laguna Phuket with a total

area of more than 40,000sqm at an investment of B1bn.

Targeting free independent travellers, high-spending Western tourists and local people, the new complex will open by the end of 2019.

Another retail giant, The Mall Group, is investing B10bn to develop its Blu Pearl megamall with a total area of 650,000sqm on a plot of 150 rai.

Airports of Thailand is spending B14bn to expand Phuket airport to support a maximum of 25mn tourist arrivals a year. Other plans include the Phuket Smart City development, a light rail transit system to operate by 2020 and deep-sea port expansion, said the report.

Bangkok Post

Prayut orders illegal hotels brought into line HOSPITALITY PRIME MINISTER PRAyut Chan-o-cha has exercised the all-powerful Section 44 to bring more than 20,000 illegal hotels and accommodation

services nationwide under better state control and boost safety for guests.

The order, issued in his capacity as Chief of the National Council for Peace and Order, is aimed at making accommodation services which

have violated laws related to land use, city planning, building control and hotel businesses legal.

The order notes that many people lease their buildings, houses or apartments in the same manner as hotels without

permission or proper management.

There are thousands of such illegal hotels and accommodation businesses, scattered throughout more than 50 provinces, it says.

Hotel owners who are aware their businesses breach the law must notify local officials to set things right.

The order specifically stresses the need to have all hotels meet regulations in dealing with fires.

“A hotel must install a hand-held fire extinguisher per 200 square metre area,” it says.

“It should have at least two fire extinguishers on each floor.”

The installation must be done within 90 days of the order’s announcement in the Royal Gazette on June 12.

Local officials are also required to inspect hotels regularly to ensure they com-

Section 44 is being used to bring more than 20,000 illegal hotels and accommodation services nationwide under better state control and boost safety for visitors to Thailand. Photo: Bangkok Post / file ply with the order.

They have to make inspections within 30 days of being informed of infringements.

If any “irregularities” are found, they should give hotel owners 30 days to solve the problems, according to the order.

In case hotels face problems that bring them into conflict with the land use law, state agencies must report

the problems in detail and the issue will be discussed with the National Land Policy Commission.

Its suggestions to solve the problems will be forwarded to the Cabinet for a final decision.

“The suggestions must be also based on national policies and plans on land management and land resources,” the order stressed.

Bangkok Post thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

Egerton bedazzles in must-see Elton biopic

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

13

A reusable bottle with a difference in Phuket

ARTSEA TYPE

15

Artist transforms flotsam and jetsam from Phuket beaches into treasure

Art of the Sea by SAI. Amy Bryant editor1@classactmedia.co.th

T

he joy of art, for me, lies in an artist’s ability to capture something culturally familiar, something known, and present it in a new and unusual way.

There is endless perceptionchallenging fascination in discovering what they could see that I could not.

Damien Hirst is arguably the modern mind-bending master of this. Tiger sharks preserved in formaldehyde, an 18th-century human skull encrusted with diamonds and, most recently, artefacts from a fictional discovery of a 2,000-year-old shipwreck. Although the latter was ‘sunk’ by critics, the sight of a Mickey Mouse statue coated in barnacles and corals certainly captures the imagination as contemporary culture met ancient history on an imaginary seabed.

Perhaps that’s what draws me to the work of Duangnapha Nusen, or Sai, a Thai artist who creates seaside scenes from driftwood found on Phuket’s west coast beaches. Sai sees something in these knotted, woody remnants that others do not, or rather she sees what they have the potential to be, and she carefully transforms them into rustic homes, streets and villages – small, distant worlds suspended in flotsam and jetsam.

Best of all, Sai uses the proceeds from her art to purchase food for the stray dogs and cats that roam the beaches she collects the wood from.

I meet Sai in Kalim, where she puts her degree in tourism to work seven days a week as a tour guide, @thephuketnews

and she greets and jokes with me like an old friend. Perhaps this derives from spending each and every day in a customer-facing role, but her lighthearted, convivial character never feels forced or disingenuous.

Sai, originally from Songkhla, has called Phuket home for two years, but only began creating art – under the moniker ‘Art of the Sea by SAI’ – last month after finding herself between jobs and with free time for long walks on the beach. Initially a pastime, her art quickly picked up traction online, and overnight her inbox was busy with messages from interested buyers as far away as Hungary.

“I woke up and saw all the chats on my phone. My hands were shaking. I can’t explain the feeling. It’s deep in my heart,” explains Sai. There are factors that make keeping up with this demand challenging, such as Sai’s full-time job, the bespoke nature of each piece and changing weather conditions, but she finds time to collect materials from Surin, Bang Tao, Layan, Leypang and Kalim beaches when weather permits, and pieces them together when she can.

“It’s like a game,” says Sai, “When I walk on the beach, I see items of different shapes, sizes and beauty and I see what I can make. For example, a cylinder-shaped one could be a lighthouse, the seeds from a tree could be cut in half to make a boat.”

Asked how she then makes her art from these materials, Sai replies, “With love… That’s a beautiful answer isn’t it?!” and laughs. “With love and imagination.”

Sai (right) makes a sale.

Alongside love and imagination are glue guns, construction adhesive, poster and acrylic paint, basic hand tools, nails and screws that sit on a pleasingly chaotic, crowded desk in a small corner of her bedroom. A rolling stock of corks, string, seeds, pistachio shells, rusted metal fragments collected from secondhand shops and other paraphernalia sit in a bag nearby.

“It’s not always so easy when I work.

There’s lots of detail. For example, the window on a lighthouse can take 30 minutes to get straight and neat using hot glue. And it’s done by hand. No machines,” explains Sai. Sai’s coastal scenes are a far cry from those found in Thailand, easily passing as Scottish fishing villages or fjord towns in Norway, and she admits she isn’t sure exactly where the inspiration or vision for them originated.

What Sai is crystal clear on, however, is her inspiration for creating and selling her art.

Sai’s workspace.

“I want to help stray animals in Phuket. My old dog, Peanut, I rescued from outside a 7-Eleven a few years ago. She was shaking and had ticks on her body. After I moved house, she got lost and I can’t find her. I miss her. I connected with her,” Sai explains, “I can’t change what happened, but I can help animals like her in the future.”

Sai uses 50% of the money generated from the sale of her art to stock up on paint, tools and other supplies, and the other 50% to purchase food for animals in need, like Peanut, which she dishes out on her beach walks.

The joy of art, for Sai, lies in her ability to define what she cares about, what she loves, and positively impact it through her work. There is endless magic in taking from the beach whilst also giving back to the animals that call it home.

For more information, search ‘Art of the sea by SAI’ on Facebook.

12 PEOPLE

Paradise found THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

A meal with Scot Toon, Managing Director – Asia for The Pavilions A MEAL WITH...

Baz Daniel baz_gunner2000@yahoo.com

The Pavilions Phuket has a reputation for the ultimate in service and excellence which does indeed seem to manifest a vision of paradise.

T

he Pavilions group of exotic and highly individualistic hotels and resorts may appear at first blush to be a mish-mash of unconnected properties without much of a uniting theme or vision. Yet, when you delve a little deeper into these sensational properties, you find that in fact an almost mystically bold vision unites them… that of finding “paradise” here on earth.

Gordon Oldham is the entrepreneur, adventurer and philanthropist who created The Pavilions as a celebration of all the elements that reflect his love of design, life, nature, history, conservation, adventure and culture. He and his wife Danielle explain their mission this way: “Our travels as a couple left us yearning for something more. On every continent, we stayed at five-star grand dames and under-the-radar boutique properties, yet we constantly set out in search of paradise, then left feeling that something was missing.

“When we began to think we were chasing the impossible, we decided to do something about it. Inspired by the famous novel The Far Pavilions, an epic tale of two lovers who traverse the world to unite in an exquisite place where they can find true peace, we built a haven away from home, where we would be treated like VIPs, yet always feel utterly comfortable”.

Since its opening in 2008, The Pavilions Phuket, set in a verdant amphitheatre of tropical vegetation

Scot and Baz. high above the stunning west coast overlooking Bang Tao Beach, has established a reputation for the ultimate in service and excellence which does indeed seem to manifest a local version of Gordon and Danielle Oldham’s vision of paradise.

I was recently sitting on the glorious elevated platform of The Plantation Club, one of the resort’s signature restaurants, with Scot Toon, Managing Director – Asia for The Pavilions group, and I asked him whether the undoubted beauty and exclusivity of The Pavilions wasn’t just an oasis far away from the reality of Phuket itself.

“The Pavilions is serious about investing back into the local economic, social and environmental reality of Phuket. As an example, the sensation degustation menu we are experiencing is proudly 100% locally sourced. We believe in supporting our local farmers, sourcing fresh and ethically grown produce to serve rich and natural flavours so that we do our part in supporting the community along with delivering a superior culinary experience with a modern European presentation.

“We also continually strive to replace wasteful processes with sustainable alternatives. Our newly appointed garden and farm, with organically grown herbs, mushroom house, chickens and quail, supply our restaurants with fresh produce under the watchful eye of our gardener and farmer team.

“We also have strong ethical policies with our greatest asset – our team – plus strong community engagement with local suppliers and companies with which we do business. In these ways I believe we do our utmost to move Phuket in the direction of paradise.”

Scot studied Hotel Management at Waiariki Institute of Technology in Rotorua, New Zealand. His extensive career has taken him to such potential paradises as the Maldives, Sri Lanka and the Great Barrier Reef’s Hayman Island, plus he has plenty of hands-on

The Pavilions Phuket. experience as a flight attendant and then manager with Qantas and Ansett Australia airlines. He also garnered abundant Phuket-based experience opening Paresa Resort and Kata Rocks prior to joining The Pavilions in 2018.

I asked whether there was a tendency among the resort’s high-end, sophisticated customers to adopt a ‘fortress’ mentality and avoid leaving the highly seductive pleasures of The Pavilions’ extensive grounds.

“We do everything we can to stimulate engagement with the local community by offering a broad array of experiences to tempt our guests to play and explore. From island-hopping and elephant sanctuary visits, to night shows, to visits with farmers, fisherfolk, markets and even rubber tappers, we believe in maximising our guests’ exposure to these hand-on and sometimes secret adventures”.

So, can Phuket become a version of the paradise that Mary Kaye, the author of The Far Pavilions, had posited at the close of her novel?

“Clearly, that would require a continued shift in the intentions and actions of the government and tourist agencies which control the levers of power and funding of Phuket’s development, combined with private enterprise working with organisations like Phuket Hotels Association in support. But we believe that we should do all we can as private businesses lucky enough to operate here to make the island as close to a paradise as possible”.

A noble sentiment indeed. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

Lift off

ENTERTAINMENT 13

Elton John biopic Rocketman a triumph

Now showing in Phuket.

David Griffiths

M

ost music fans do not need an introduction to Elton John. He is the man responsible for some of the most iconic songs in rock history. From the catchy Don’t Go Breaking My Heart, the heart-wrenching Candle In The Wind through to the cinematic masterpiece Can You Feel The Love Tonight, Elton John has wowed music lovers with hit after hit since his first album was released to the public back in 1969.

Despite his popularity, it’s very rare that many people could tell you much about the life of Reginald Kenneth Dwight, the man behind the Elton John persona. Sure, there have been news headlines about his lavish lifestyle and his very public relationship with his husband David Furnish, but what the tabloids and John’s fans haven’t always been aware of is the pain felt by the man who always seemed to smile when on stage. The drug abuse and the fractured relationships were kept behind closed doors.

It’s for that reason that Rocketman becomes one of the most important films released this year.

From the creative mind of director Dexter Fletcher, who also recently directed a large chunk of the awardwinning Bohemian Rhapsody, comes a warts-and-all look at John. Nothing is hidden here at all. Screenwriter Lee Hall (who also wrote films such as Billy Elliott and War Horse) takes the audience on a journey through John’s life, showing them the cruel and almost non-existent relationship he had with his father (played here by Steven Mackintosh), the moment his life changed forever when he met his lifelong songwriting partner Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell) through to the excessive lifestyle and drug abuse that almost ended with John dying in a swimming pool in front of his family and friends.

To Fletcher’s credit, Rocketman does all of this with a very unique twist.

While the biggest weakness of Bohemian Rhapsody was the fact that the film seemed to just skirt over some of the issues in the life of the late, great Freddie Mercury, here Fletcher manages to delve @thephuketnews

deep into the emotional side of John’s life while keeping the film as flamboyant and loud as the man himself.

If you are expecting a dour drama as the more painful elements of John’s life are exposed for the audience to see – forget it! Instead Fletcher uses a little bit of creativity and has John pour out his life to a group of people in rehab, while moments of true drama and emotion are intercut with loud, colourful dreamscapes. The singer’s biggest hits are performed with theatrical sequences that wouldn’t be out of place during a big Broadway production.

In many ways, it’s a stroke of genius from Fletcher. Yes, some may criticise the film for taking on so many elements of a stage production, but given how entertaining and creative Fletcher is with the style aspect of the film, it ends up working remarkably well and mirrors the flamboyant actions of the man at the centre of the film.

What also makes Rocketman work so perfectly is, without a doubt, the casting. While some were sceptical, before even seeing the film, of the choice of young actor Taron Egerton to play the role of Elton John, his performance should easily silence those critics and shows Hollywood that he’s undoubtedly a star on the rise. While mainly known for his action performances in films like Robin Hood and of course the Kingsman franchise, here Egerton is asked to go out of his comfort zone and instead dance and sing while, at times, also delivering truly deep, emotional moments of intense acting when it’s called for him to do so.

Egerton is also well supported with some stellar performances by his costars. Bryce Dallas Howard is almost unrecognisable as John’s mother while Jamie Bell delivers some moments of true dramatic tension in his role as Bernie Taupin.

Game Of Thrones fans will not be disappointed by the work of Richard Madden who here plays the unlikable John Reid, Elton John’s former romantic partner. While watching Madden, it becomes very obvious that just like Egerton he is on the verge of becoming one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.

Rocketman is a truly sensational film. The mere fact that it can tell the story of an at times tortured artist

like Elton John while still managing to have its audience tap their feet and sing along to some of his most recognisable tunes is a feat in itself.

The film showcases why Dexter Fletcher needs to be considered one of the most interesting directors around at the moment while paying a true tribute to a man whose life, for the most part, has had its sadder moments kept well and truly in the shadows.

Creative in the way it is presented

on the big screen and with an amazing portrayal of Elton John by an actor that is likely to earn an Oscar nomination, Rocketman is the type of film you just sit back and savour.

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

14 COMMUNITY

Safe blood for all THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

Phuket marks World Blood Donor Day Chutharat Plerin thai@classactmedia.co.th

T

he Phuket chapter of the Red Cross together with the Phuket Regional Blood Centre (PRBC) and Vachira Phuket Hospital blood bank held an event to mark World Blood Donor Day last Friday (June 14).

The global day organised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) is marked worldwide every year to thank and honour blood donors, especially regular blood donors, to mark their sacrifice without expecting anything in return.

This year the global day was held under the slogan “Safe blood for all”, for both blood donors and the recipients. More than 100 people joined the event held at the Royal Phuket City Hotel in Phuket Town, which included an open area where people donated blood.

All donors were given a ‘Safe blood for all’ T-shirt, and Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana handed out souvenir baskets and honour pins to those who made donations. Also joining the event was Phuket Vice Governor Prakob Wongmanirung, members of the Phuket Red Cross, government agencies, blood donors and the media.

Gov Phakaphong expressed his honour to host and be a part of the event. During his speech, he commemorated Karl Landsteiner, the Austrian biologist, physician and immunologist who discovered the ABO blood grouping system.

“In order to promote the great work in the field of blood donation services, as well as the donors who expect no return from donations, this is a very good example for new blood donors to take part in donations, followed by regular blood donation every three months, resulting in a sufficient amount of blood regularly for patients in Phuket hospitals,” said the Governor.

Also present was Patong resort owner Arnold Wepfer, who has lived in Phuket more than six years and who is a member of the Rh Negative Club of Phuket.

Over 100 people donated blood at the event.

“Giving blood donations is not only giving blood.

It is giving life. It is also a way of connecting people from heart to heart within society,” Mr Wepfer, a Swiss national, told The Phuket News’ sister newspaper Khao Phuket.

Another benefit is that by making blood donations, donors will have their blood types recorded by Phuket hospitals, he said.

“And one day you might end up in hospital, who knows?” he said.

“You don’t have to know who will be your blood recipient. It is just important that we give to help others. That alone is enough,” Mr Wepfer added.

Panupong Limbuprasertkul, President of the ThaiNepalese Association in Phuket, was also present.

“Blood donations are very important. It helps people, and makes good merit. I have donated blood for 10 years, in total 39 times,” he said.

“I invite everyone who can donate blood to come together for a good cause.

“As I am a Nepalese-Thai person living in Phuket, our community continually holds blood-donation activities with the Phuket Red Cross on various important occasions, and each time more than 100 brothers and

Gov Phakaphong and Khao Phuket editor Um. sisters [turn up to give blood],” said Mr Panupong.

Earlier this month, the Phuket community saw how vital blood donation is after a plea for A- and O- blood was shared widely online following a serious road accident that left Phuket resident Christian Nygaard Sørensen in intensive care. Scores of people flocked to hospitals in response, and their donated blood saved his life.

Mr Christian voiced his gratitude online, stating, “Thank you so much for your help and support. I’m in tears, speechless and deeply humbled by the amount of attention and effort so many people have put into helping me the last couple of days.

“A special thanks to all the people who were able and willing to donate the needed blood for my surgery; had it not been for you, the outcome would have been very different!”

Gov Phakaphong presented a certificate to Khao Phuket in recognition of the newspaper’s history of promoting blood drives, encouraging donations and sharing messages such as Mr Christian’s.

The Phuket Regional Blood Centre has appealed to Thais and foreigners to donate blood at various locations across Krabi, Phang Nga and Phuket throughout June. The Phuket schedule for the remainder of the month is as follows: June 26: 10am to 3pm – Banyan Tree Phuket June 28: 10am to 3pm – Royal Paragon Phuket June 28: 1pm to 4pm – Siam Makro, Rawai Blood can also be donated at: The blood bank, 4th floor, Vachira Phuket Hospital Monday to Friday – 8.30am to 8pm Weekends and holidays – 8.30am to 3pm Telephone: 076-361234 Thai Red Cross Phuket Regional Blood Centre, Phuket Town Monday, Wednesday, Friday – 8:30am to 4:30pm Tuesday, Thursday – 8:30am to 8pm Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays – 9am to 3pm Telephone: 076-251178 or 081-9588854 thephuketnews

Time to WA CUP THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

ENVIRONMENT 15

The sleek, silver, stainless steel WA Cup bottle.

Phuket non-profit turning the tide on plastic with reusable bottles and youth education Amy Bryant editor1@classactmedia.co.th

M

any of us will remember the moment we ‘woke up’ to plastic pollution. For millions of viewers of BBC documentary mini-series Blue Planet II, it was an albatross unwittingly feeding plastic to its young. For others, it was the powerful viral image of a seahorse off the coast of Indonesia carrying a cotton ear bud, its tail wrapped tightly around the plastic tube.

For Clare Thomson, expat, teacher and founder of UK-registered charity WA CUP, that moment came in 2017 in the coastal Vietnamese city of Phan Thiet, her home before moving to Phuket in 2018. A keen surfer, Clare would regularly head to nearby Mui Ne Beach after school, joining a host of kitesurfers and kayakers taking advantage of the white sands and strong winds. But as the tides changed, waves of plastic rolled in, spilling monumental amounts of debris across the beach.

These waves brought Clare something else too: the uncomfortable reali-

@thephuketnews

sation that her single-use plastics were headed for the same aquatic fate. Subsequent research into solutions highlighted a gap in the market for a reusable bottle but with an educational movement at work behind it. And so WA CUP – a play on words of ‘wake up’ – was born.

As a not-for-profit organisation and a solo venture, the early stages of WA CUP were a steep but ultimately rewarding learning curve for Clare as she tested different materials in a Goldilocks-style process. BPA-free plastic, despite being reusable, is still, well, plastic. Aluminium has an environmentally unfriendly production process and is prone to dents.

But stainless steel? Just right.

The most recent bottle design is sleek and silver, keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold and is decorated with the WA CUP logo, a sea turtle drawn by Clare and digitised by her graphic designer brother. The sea turtle holds particular significance as it’s often regarded as the animal most deeply impacted by plastic pollution, mistaking plastic bags for its favoured food source of jellyfish, an often fatal attraction.

More than a line of bottles – and reusable cotton tote bags – WA CUP is a

grassroots movement, and all proceeds go towards educating children across Southeast Asia about the harms of single-use plastics through educational resources designed, using her teaching experience, to be not only informative but engaging and interactive too.

On a global scale, just five countries make up 50% of the globe’s mismanaged plastic waste (China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand), and WA CUP bottles have reached schools across each of these countries – with the exception of Indonesia – as well as the UK and Spain. Bottles have lined the desks of her students in Vietnam and Thailand, who have jumped on board, even setting up their own eco projects and, in some cases, working towards making their schools single-use plastic free.

Clare also encourages students to map out local refill stations, which dispense drinking water for as little as B1 a litre, and is lobbying for more reverse osmosis machines on the island to avoid the paradoxical outcome of WA CUP-ers filling their stainless steel bottles with water from single-use plastic bottles.

Her efforts have been recognised and endorsed by Eco Thailand, a founda-

Clare’s students, pictured cleaning a Phuket beach, have jumped on board the WA CUP movement. tion that brings together and promotes eco-conscious enterprises, and WA CUP sits proudly alongside a number of other chosen resorts, animal welfare organisations and community groups.

Waking up to plastic pollution is one thing, but using your spare time and resources to instigate change in your adoptive country and beyond? That certainly is something to be commended.

For more information, visit www.wacup. org. To purchase a WA CUP bottle (sold at B300) or a tote bag (sold at B100), contact Clare through the Facebook page or on 0660587584. www.facebook.com/wacupmovement www.instagram.com/wacupmovement

16 ENTERTAINMENT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Ahead of the game News and reveals from 2019’s Electronic Entertainment Expo Chris Brown

T

he Electronic Entertainment Expo (or E3 for short) is a yearly event which sees the biggest names in gaming come together to showcase upcoming games to the press and lucky members of the public who managed to get their hands on tickets. E3 is perhaps the most important event in the gaming calendar for news and reveals, and the 2019 iteration provided the usual bittersweet mix of excitement, hype, awkward stage presentations and slight disappointment that the expo has become notorious for.

This year’s event was historical in that it did not feature Sony PlayStation for the first time since the very first E3 in 1995 – on account of a switch in Sony’s marketing strategy – so the spotlight was firmly fixed on Microsoft and Nintendo. Here we bring their biggest announcements and let you know when you can get your hands on each upcoming game in Phuket.

MICROSOFT Halo Infinite Halo is Microsoft’s most important exclusive gaming franchise, and as it’s been four years since the last mainline entry in the series, the announcement of Halo Infinite was huge.

Although the trailer was a cinematic and showed no actual gameplay, expect the usual high-stakes sci-fi shooter action revamped with stunning visuals provided by Microsoft’s newly revealed Project Scarlett console, which will replace the Xbox One next year.

Cyberpunk 2077. Screengrab: E3 Trailer

Start saving your baht for Christmas 2020 now, as Microsoft are aiming to release Halo Infinite as a Project Scarlett launch title in the holiday period.

Cyberpunk 2077 As you can imagine from the title, Cyberpunk 2077 will be set in a gritty, neon-lit city in a dystopian future. Think Blade Runner but with more mohawks.

Polish developer CD Projekt Red are famous for their massively popular Witcher games, all of which had a fantasy setting based on medieval Europe. Fans are therefore intrigued to see the developer leaving their comfort zone and trying their hands at sci-fi.

The new trailer reveal was accompanied by one of the most memorable moments of this year’s E3: Keanu Reeves, who currently seems to be revered by a cultlike fanbase as some kind of demigod, took to the stage to rapturous applause and announced that he will be voicing and appearing in the game via motion capture. Anyone who has seen the John Wick movies will tell you that Keanu will be a perfect fit for a gritty action game, and the news has sent hype for the game to dizzying heights.

Although shown at the Microsoft conference, Cyberpunk 2077 will be released on PlayStation 4 as well as Xbox One and Microsoft Windows PCs, and be available in Phuket games stores on April 16, 2020.

Elden Ring Whatever your feelings on the final season of Game of Thrones, its ending has left many of us yearning for more dragons, swords and northern accents. Fear

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2. Screengrab: E3 Trailer

not: in a collaboration that seems almost too perfect to be real, it was announced that George R.R. Martin (who wrote the books on which Game of Thrones is based) is teaming up with FromSoftware, the developer behind the deliciously difficult Dark Souls fantasy action games.

Although bookworms will be furious to hear that Martin has once again put off finishing the Thrones books to pursue other projects, gamers will be frothing at the mouth at the prospect of a game written by such a renowned fantasy writer.

Elden Ring will release on PlayStation 4 as well as Xbox One and Microsoft Windows PCs, but the release date is unconfirmed at the time of writing.

NINTENDO Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 (tentative title) The biggest and most exciting surprise from Nintendo at this year’s E3 was the news that they are working on a direct sequel to 2017’s hugely successful Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The original Breath of the Wild was a hit both in terms of sales and critical reception and is considered by many to be one of the greatest games of all time, so Nintendo will be feeling the pressure as they attempt to deliver a game on par with its predecessor.

The reveal clip plays almost like a horror movie trailer as Link and Zelda venture into underground caverns and discover an evil aura emanating from a desiccated corpse which seems to have been imprisoned in the caves for centuries. This horror vibe is in stark contrast to the original Breath of the Wild, which featured a warm and colourful aesthetic.

Many fans are delighted to see Nintendo drawing inspiration from darker entries in the series’ history, and social media is abuzz with theories of who the evil corpse is, how it ended up there and what will happen when it inevitably wakes up.

No release date was given, but since Nintendo is smartly reusing the game engine and assets from the original, we could get our hands on this Nintendo Switch game as early as 2021.

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield E3 2019 saw the first full gameplay demonstration of the next pair of Nintendo Switch Pokémon games, Sword and Shield. It was confirmed that the childhood dream of many a ’90s kid has been realised: for the first time, these Pokémon games will feature a fully 3D open world, as opposed to the top-down fixed camera setup of previous games.

While Pokémon hid in grass and appeared randomly in older games, Sword and Shield features a ‘Wild Area’ full of Pokémon crawling, swimming and flying in their natural environments, ready for you to battle and catch as you traverse the most detailed world ever seen in a Pokémon game.

A bizarre new battle mechanic called ‘Dynamax’ allows trainers to temporarily supersize their Pokémon and have battles as they tower over the crowds below, which looks just as mental as it sounds.

Pick up Pokémon Sword and Shield at your local Phuket games store on November 15, 2019.

Chris Brown is a perpetual manchild attempting to pass off playing video games as a real hobby.

Originally from England, Chris has been living and working in Phuket for four years. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

EDUCATION 17

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

High school is over!

BISP graduates prepare to take their next steps Dale Ford

O

n May 25, 53 students graduated from British International School, Phuket – BISP. Nearly all are now preparing to move on to university, the latest step in a process that began as far back as kindergarten.

While it’s the teachers who annually write over 100 letters of recommendation, teach the concepts that later show up on the IGCSE, SAT or IB and provide support for all kinds of extracurricular activities, there were many other people – especially parents – who contributed to our graduates’ success.

There is always a tendency to ask, “How did the class do?” At a place like BISP, there is not one university admission story for the class; it is a tapestry of 53 different stories as students choose to go in a variety of different directions after graduation.

BISP graduates are an incredibly diverse group.

Members of this class hold passports from 18 different countries, with 36% holding dual citizenship.

Their plans for life after BISP are as varied as their passports, with graduates choosing to attend universities in 13 different countries around the world. For this class, the US is the most popular university destination, with one-quarter choosing to continue their education there. The United Kingdom and Australia are the other top destinations.

At BISP, the university counsellors work with each student as they take the next steps toward achieving

@thephuketnews

BISP Class of 2019. their dreams. For most, that means finding a university that is a best fit for their unique strengths, interests, achievements, priorities, financial needs and preferences. For others, it could be training for the Olympics, pursuing a music career or taking a gap year and learning more about the world around them.

About 15% of the class will be taking a gap year or completing required military service before they begin university. Graduates going to Australian universities will enjoy a mini gap year before their university term begins in February. Traditionally, all gap year students and almost all of the athletes pursuing a sports career will ultimately go to university.

Where a student goes to university is a reflection of their own understanding of who they are, the overall success of BISP as a school, and counsellors’ abilities to communicate these stories to admission officers

Graduates are set to fly higher than their caps. who will benefit by having BISP students at their institutions. With representatives from 110 colleges and universities from 24 different countries coming to our campus in 2018-19, it is clear that BISP is recognised as a top international school with outstanding students. Congratulations to the Class of 2019.

Dale Ford is one of two University Counsellors at British International School, Phuket. For more information, visit them at www.bisphuket.ac.th

18 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

Clever mathematicians made the competition look easy as Pi...

Teamwork.

Two heads are better than one.

CRUNCHING NUMBERS AT PHUKET ISLAND MATHEMATICS CHALLENGE On June 11, British International School, Phuket – BISP hosted the annual Phuket Island Mathematics Challenge. Students from HeadStart International School, UWC Thailand and Kajonkiet International School also participated in the event. It was a pulsating day with four exciting rounds of mathematical challenges. Congratulations to all those that took part.

Patong Mayor, Phuket Deputy Governor, Indian Ambassador, Ex Ambassador and Senior Diplomat of India.

INDIAN EMBASSY AND WELFARE ASSOCIATION MEET AMBASSADOR The Embassy of India, Bangkok and the Phuket Indian Community Welfare Association held a meet-and-greet with H. E. Mrs Suchitra Durai, Ambassador of India to Thailand on June 14 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket Banthai Resort in Patong.

The celebrity couple thanked staff for the eye-opening experience.

PHUKET ELEPHANT SANCTUARY WELCOMES KEVIN & ENIKO HART

H.E Ms Suchitra Durai, Mr Divan Mydeen, Mr Vijay Tiwari and Mr Firoz.

American stand-up comedian, actor and producer Kevin Hart and his wife Eniko paid a visit to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, a final home for retired working elephants, on the afternoon of June 13. “The people there are really amazing. Good job on doing right by these animals. We left with a new perspective… thank you for making us aware,” Kevin wrote on his Instagram after the visit. The couple, who stayed at Ani Villa on Koh Yao Noi, also shared photographs of themselves exploring Wat Chalong, where they lit candles and incense, made merit and said prayers.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

Nattha, Michael and Kat.

Poon and Mild.

ISLAND SCENE 19

Dan and Gren.

Patrick, James and David.

GOOD VIBES AT BCCT MULTI-CHAMBERS BRIEFING & NETWORKING EVENT Attendees at the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) Multi-Chambers Phuket Briefing & Networking event at the X2 Vibe Phuket Patong on June 13 were treated to a superb presentation by guest speaker Chris Cracknell, Chairman of leading business advisory firm Grant Thornton. The networking event that followed saw a wide cross-section of Phuket businesses represented, from international hospitals, property services, financial advisers to media, events organisers and marketing and public relations experts – everything you need to successfully run a business. The Phuket News and Window on Phuket are proud Media Partners of BCCT events.

Joe, Fred, Roland, Laura and Kaylee.

Alan, Gren and Brian.

Alan, Brian, Jason, Gren and James.

Mark, Mark, Toine, JP and Rico.

PHUKET BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENT CONTINUES WITH JUNE EDITION A little Phuket low-season rain couldn’t dampen spirits at the Phuket Business Networking event at Grizzly’s Sports Bar on June 14. As always, a fine assortment of Phuket characters – and players – in a diverse range of industries were well represented. A big thank you to Dave for putting a good spread of tasty munchies for attendees. @thephuketnews

20 EVENTS

FRI

21 JUN

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

SAT

22 JUN

SUN

23 JUN

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

TUE

25 JUN

Sunday Roast All Day, All Night

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.

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.

Come enjoy a Traditional Sunday Roast EVERY SUNDAY at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in our Traditional Sunday Roast ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT for ONLY 445 Baht! Enjoy a Large ALL YOU CAN EAT selection of your favorites! Featuring: Roast Aussie Beef, Pork Loin and Chicken.

Roasted or Mashed Potatoes. Roasted Mixed Vegetables Flavored with Thyme and Garlic.

Yorkshire Pudding and Gravy. Enjoy Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the Fun. RESERVE Your Table Now Online at bit. ly/TwoChefsReservations Check out more details on our website at bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents Reservations, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong., Kata Beach 076-333-370 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344-914.

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

Sala Phuket.

ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ RIBS Come join us for our WEEKLY BBQ EVERY FRIDAY served ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in All You Can Eat BBQ Pork Ribs, Chicken and Sides for ONLY 495 BAHT! Our BBQ is famous at Two Chefs! Come try us out and enjoy our mouthwatering pork ribs, flavor-bursting chicken and more! Join us for Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the Fun. www.twochefs.com Kata Beach 076-333-370 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076344-914.

Light and Fresh Buffet The Watercourt is presenting a line of tasty Italian Cold Cut, Gourmet Salads, Hearty Soup, Flavourful Desserts and Seasonal Fruit. From THB 1,200 net per guest (Choice of Meat & Seafood grilled - Additional). Banyan Tree, The Watercourt, fb-phuket@banyantree.com, 076 372 400.

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.

MON

24 JUN

Two Chefs Midsummer Party 2019 It’s the time of the year again! Come & join the fun on our Two Chefs Midsummer Party 2019!

On Friday, 21st of June 2019 at Two Chefs Bar & Grill Kata Beach. Midsummer Plate: Pickled Herring, Dill Boiled Prawns, Boiled Egg with Mayonnaise, Cured Cheddar Cheese, Grilled “Gravad” Salmon, Swedish Meatballs, Grilled Ribeye Steak, Mashed Potatoes or Dill Boiled Potatoes and more.. FOR JUST THB595. Live Music, games and prizes awaits! Hurry! Book your table NOW! For inquiries and bookings you may visit our Facebook page www.facebook.com/twochefsthailand or contact us at 076 333 370.

DAILY EVENT UPDATES ON

Saturday Brunch & Bar From Grilled Seafood - Premium Meats - Sushi Corner - Salad Bar Appetizers and Delectable Desserts to all time favorite Free-Flow Beverages. Treat your Saturday to the fullest. Let’s Brunch! *THB 2.399++ per person (including free-flow beverages) *THB 1,699++ per person (including soft drinks). *50& off for children aged from 6-12 years old. Reservation, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, dtlpfb@dusit.com, 076 362 999 ext.7310

Thai Night Buffet Experience Authentic Thai Food. Let’s take a tasteful journey through Thai cuisine, Baan Talay is feature a tempting selections of traditional Thai food and local Phuket delicacies.

Enjoy with a variety of live station; Thai papaya salad, spicy soup and much more to give a true taste of Thailand. THB 950++ per person.

Every Tuesday from 6 pm to 10 pm. Reservation, Angsana Laguna Phuket, fbreservationlagunaphuket@angsana.com, 076 358 500.

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.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

EVENTS 21

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

TUE

25 JUN

SAT

29 JUN

with the option of Map testing at the end of the camp. Each student receives 2 Tee shirts and a cap as well as daily snacks and lunch. Sign up today at phuket@qsi.org or call 076 304 312.

FRI

MON

15 JUL

5 JUL

JOHN LYNN IN PHUKET Do not miss JOHN LYNN (Ireland) with special guest KAVIN JAY (Malaysia) and host SAM SEE (Singapore) at Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Merlin Beach on Monday, 15th July. Tickets are on sale now for 350 THB (early bird), 650 THB (show only), 950 THB (burger, two selected beverages & show), 1200 THB (hotel buffet & show), or 1450 THB for VIP tickets, which include free-flow drinks from 7-10 PM and meet & greet with the comedians. Tickets are available for purchase at: www.phuketticketmaster.com Magic Rock, Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach, Phuket

On Saturday we Brunch!

Licker Pastry Invasion June 25-28, 2019. Jason Licker, celebrity pastry chef, comes to Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach for a week of pop-up internationally-acclaimed desserts. Jason Licker’s win at Iron Chef Thailand makes him one of the most elite pastry chefs in the global desserts scene. Chef Licker reached the highest honor with a James Beard nomination with Asianaccented desserts in the category of “Cooking from a Professional Point of View,” a self-published book based on his culinary adventures.

Reservation, Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach, narattiya.phochanahan@marriott.com, 076 335 300.

WED

The island’s most anticipated brunch is back with culinary highlights as mouthwatering as ever! The brunch starts from 12:00 noon featuring culinary delights ranging. THB 2,600++ per person for food only. Reservation is essential: +66 (0) 76 316 40 The Surin Phuket, Pansea Beach, 118 Moo 3, Cherngtalay Phuket 83110, hotel@thesurinphuket.com, +66 (0) 76 316 400, +66 (0) 76 621 590.

SUN

30 JUN

26 JUN 2 Major Freshwater Fishing Events June 30th and July 6th. 2 Major Freshwater Fishing Events at the amazing Exotic Fishing Thailand. Huge prizes valued at 1 million Thai Baht. Free entry for spectators, great afternoon out for the family. Exotic Fishing Thailand, Exotic Fishing Thailand, Phang Nga, exoticfishingthailand@gmail.com, English 088 379 9377 and Thai 081 199 5922.

TUE

Grow Boating Networking Evening - Jul 2019 The Grow Boating Networking Evening for July 2019 will be held at The Lagoon Saloon, at The Phuket Boat Lagoon Marina from 5pm onward.

Please contact us if you would like to be our drinks sponsors. Sponsorship is available from 10,000 baht and includes a generous advertising package from The Phuket News. Lagoon Saloon will fire up the BBQ serving their famous Friday night burger free to all attendees and there will be 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.

To join our mailing list please send an email to growboatingphuket@gmail.com The Grow Boating Networking Evening is organised by the Thai Yachting Business Association. Find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ groups/491098897758155/ or our Website https://www.thaiyachtingbusinessassociation. com/

WED

12 JUL

FRI

9 AUG

PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards 2019 Celebrate Thailand’s finest developers by nominating them for the industry’s most prestigious awards. With a professionally run judging system supervised by the award-winning team of BDO, one of the world’s largest auditing and accountancy firms, the Asia Property Awards is the gold standard in real estate. Gala Dinner & Awards on 9 August 2019 at The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok.

EVERY DAY

2 JUL Phuket Sundowners – July 2019

Ribs, beats, brews Wednesday Devour our succulent pork rib set complete with sweet corn chowder, blue cheese salad, moist cornbread and finished off with a bread and butter pudding. DJ Q will keep the soul flowing and your toes tapping as you wash down those tender ribs with a bucket of craft brews.

Full Rack set 1,400 Baht, half Rack set 1,100 Baht. Reservations, SALA Phuket, events@ salaphuket.com, 076-338-888

@thephuketnews

QSI Summer Camp 2019 Open to all children from 5 - 12 years of age.

American curriculum intensive. English course

Joint Phuket Sundowners hosted by AustCham. This will be an opportunity for the Phuket business community to meet the new Australian Ambassador to Thailand, H.E. Mr. Allan McKinnon, who will be in attendance.

Plus say farewell to Mr. Craig Ferguson as the Member Briefing will feature a personal interview with the outgoing Australian Consul-General to Phuket. Time: 17.00 - 21.00 (Last drink served at 20.30). Cost: Baht 500 for AustCham members, partner Chambers’ members, and Australian Alumni Members. Baht 900 for nonmembers.

Prime at Rock Salt Prime at Rock Salt is the home of smoke and fire at Naiharn Beach. An exclusive eatery, Prime offers a collection of roasted, smoked and chargrilled creations from its customdesigned kitchen. The al fresco dining experience is completed with panoramic ocean views across Naiharn Beach. Open Daily 6.00 – 10.00 pm at Naiharn Beach For more information and bookings, please call +66 76 380 200 or rocksalt@thenaiharn.com

22 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York 1. “Generation Alpha” is defined as people born after which year?

2. How long is the outside lane of a 400-metre running track?

3. What number is the only runway at Phuket International Airport designated as?

4. What was Eleanor Roosevelt’s maiden name?

5. An ‘ostentation’ is a group of which animal?

Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Hard

Across 1. Barely existed 5. Breezing through a test 10. Potpie ingredients 14. Puente known as “The Mambo King” 15. Sing like Bing 16. Writer 17. Clash of clans 18. Reef denizen 19. Site of Paris runways 20. Roses are red followers 23. Enzyme suffix 24. Muumuu accessory 25. Full speed ahead 29. Drench 32. Wood strips 36. Disheveled 38. Race measurement, abbr.

40. “I’m impressed!”

41. Like the Queen’s son 45. “… ___ quit!”

46. Cobbler 47. Tickled pink 48. Tyson milieus 51. Young fellow 53. Bottomless pit 54. Thor Heyerdahl craft 56. Street of horrors 58. Seed-eating migratory birds 66. Autos 67. Frock

68. Rainless 70. Exasperatingly exacting 71. Tex. ballplayer 72. Small child 73. Like Cheerios 74. Foot rest 75. Government safety org.

Famer ___ Wee Reese 33. ___-turvy 34. Fox dwellings 35. Outbuildings 37. Econ. figure 39. Finance expert 42. Up to that time, poetically Down 43. Taste that’s not 1. Spider is one sweet, sour, bitter 2. Chicken ___ or salty 3. Sewing case 4. Flightless bird of the 44. Massage past 49. Gruesome 5. Tops 50. Temporary 6. Jalopies downturn 7. They have their 52. “Cape Fear” villain pluses and 55. Specks minuses 8. “___ chance” 57. Maj.’s superior 9. Tree knot 58. World flying 10. Fear association 11. Titled Brit 59. Zola heroine 12. Legal rights org.

60. “Fiddlesticks!”

13. Hebrides isle 21. Hawaiian veranda 61. 23 in blackjack 22. Moray 62. “Do ___ others 25. Shelter as...”

26. People of New 63. Treaty org.

Zealand 64. Cubism pioneer 27. Smiling Juan 28. BBC rival 65. Punjabi believer 30. Hollywood’s Milo 31. Baseball Hall-of69. Raiding grp.

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) 2010; 2) 453 metres; 3) 09; 4) Roosevelt; 5) Peacock.

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

6

minutes is how long it takes for the brain to react to alcohol.

12

minutes is how long it would take a Bugatti Veyron, travelling at top speed, to empty its 26-gallon tank.

80

percent of the toilets in Hong Kong are flushed using seawater to conserve the city’s freshwater resources.

7,641

islands make up the Philippines.

It was thought to be 7,107 until the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority discovered more in 2016.

2 million

US dollars is how much GPS costs a day. It’s free for the entire world except for Americans.

Taxpayers in the US fund it.

Source: Uberfacts

Windy sunset at Nai Harn Beach. Photo: Patrizio Forci Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket? Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

This week in history June 21, 1982 John Hinckley is found not guilty by reason of insanity for the attempted assassination of U.S. President Ronald Reagan.

June 22, 1986 The famous Hand of God goal, scored by Diego Maradona in the quarter-finals of the 1986 FIFA World Cup match between Argentina and England, ignites controversy, later followed by the Goal of the Century.

June 23, 2016 The United Kingdom votes in a referendum to leave the European Union, by 52% to 48%.

June 24, 1374 A sudden outbreak of St. John’s Dance – a dancing mania and social phenomenon – causes people in the streets of Aachen, Germany, to experience hallucinations and begin to jump and twitch uncontrollably until they collapse from exhaustion.

time during the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade.

June 26, 1906 The first Grand Prix motor racing event is held.

Maradona’s Hand of God goal.

June 25, 1978 The rainbow flag representing gay pride is flown for the first

June 27, 1898 The first solo circumnavigation of the globe is completed by Joshua Slocum from Brier Island, Nova Scotia, later writing the best-seller, Sailing Alone Around the World.

Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 23

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

Jobs

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Personal Assistant

For retired UK/CAD businessman in high end resort. Good English, some driving, shopping etc. Part Time OK. Brian 089 054 4354. @thephuketnews

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

ART HOUSE DEVELOPMENT

Looking for Russian speaking marketing representative with good communication skills high motivated and confident training will be provided. info@arthouse.asia, 089 594 6888

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SECRETARY

Wanted part or full time Secretary for foreign couple residence of Boat Lagoon. christine, boat lagoon park residence 2, koh kaew, a.muang,Phuket

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 25

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

Trades & Services

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

ADVERTISING SERVICES

CLEANING SERVICES

CORPORATE SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

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26 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Trades & Services

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

OTHER

PROPERTY SERVICES

TRAINING

ADVERTISE HERE

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 27

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

Buy & Sell BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE

250,000THB incl VAT. For boat up to 32 feet / 9.5 metres. Contact: Asia Yacht Agency Co., Ltd. Contact@AsiaYachtAgency.com, 081894 -3234 (French/English), 086-269-0808 (Thai/English).

Car For Sale

Ford Fiesta 2012 For sale English 095 420 9662 Thai 082 629 1419 Janthisa Jaikwang, 199/14 หม ู ่ 5 ตำ�บลศร สี นุ ทร อำ�เภอถลาง จังหวัดภ เู กต็ , B 250,000 info@lifestyleinthailand.com, 0826291419

BUSINESSES FOR SALE GE

Refurbished Restaurant & Bar

Recently refurbished restaurant & bar for sale in Karon, Phuket, with accom located above. CCTV fitted throughout the building. The business is up for sale for 1.9MB or near offer and includes all fixtures, fittings and stock at point of sale. 062 210 1368. newconceptbars.thailand@gmail.com

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Golden Business Opportunity

Brand new two story massage shop for sale with high end furniture. 10 Beds, 6 chairs and nail Salon. Great opportunity for high season. B900,000 ono, Lek, Soi Post Office, Patong Beach Road, sweet_lek55@hotmail.com, 099 362 7979

CARS, TRUCKS FOR RENT UR

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Car rental @fair prices

We offer car rentals at affordable prices. Monthly from 10,000 Baht. Daily from 400 Baht. Call us to find out what we offer.

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

@thephuketnews

House Wanted in Chalong

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

Car for sale

Chevrolet Trailblazer LTZ 2.8 CC. 4X4 For sale English 095 420 9662 Thai 082 629 1419 janthisa jaikwang, 199/14 หม ู ่ 5 ตำ�บลศร สี นุ ทร อำ�เภอ ถลาง จังหวัดภ เู ก ็ต, info@lifestyleinthailand.com, B 725,000

FOR SALE AIR BERTH M320

UR

PROPERTY WANTED

Car for sale

Bought 30th Dec 2015 we paid baht 1,500,000 sell for 890,000 or nearest offer. 062 956 5777.

Monterey 415SY. Perfect condition. 1 owner.

Regular maintenance in authorised centers.

Twin Volvo IPS600 435hp, joystick control, Engine Hours: 670. Furuno radar. GPS. B6,900,000. 0878970501.

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@thephuketnews

CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE

42ft Sport Yacht, Reduced Price

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The Phuket News

MEMBERSHIPS

BLUE CANYON GOLF MEMBERSHIP

425,000 THB and Seller pays the transfer fee. For more information call 098 946 0709. Rob George.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

BABY GRAND w/ DISC PLAYER

“Classic” Baby Grand Piano with “Disc Player”. In perfect condition. 7 years old. Original price 428,000 THB. 170,000, Phuket Town, daryldavies9@gmail. com, 080 159 5239

PROPERTY WANTED The Chava Surin - Freehold

Hi, Am looking for a Freehold Condominium Unit at The Chava in Surin. Please email details to mick11468@@gmail.com . Many thanks! Michael

Allamanda 2 Bed Freehold

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

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

Mandala Condo Freehold Wanted

Foreign Freehold Wanted for Mandala Condominium in Kamala. Please email details to mick11468@gmail.com.

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3 Bedroom Condo Wanted

Looking for 3 Bed Condo/Apartment any area of Phuket for 3million Thai Baht or thereabouts. Please email mick11468@gmail.com. Thanks! B3,000,000, Mike

SPORTING GOODS, EXERCISE GYM EQUIPMENT TREADMILL

LIFE FITNESS F1 TREADMILL - FOLDABLE Brand new: THB 35,000+(VAT) from retail price of 188,000 Compact foldable treadmill. 35000, carolinelaleta@gmail.com, +66869504961

PROPERTY FOR SALE 1 story building for rent

150m2 Located in Allamanda 1 Laguna Phuket is available for rent. The building has its own drive in, at this time only short term rental available. 096 646 6287

28 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Buy & Sell PROPERTY FOR SALE Beach Front Land

* 128 meter of white sand beach frontage * amazing views * 9 Rai , Secure Nor Sor 3 Kor tittle * located on Koh Yao Yai * 20 minutes boat drive from Phuket * public road with water and electricity * ideal for high end development * ready to build * sale direct by owner *ONLY 11.9 Mill. Baht / Rai montha_phuket@yahoo.com, 095 014 7888

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE UR

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RPM by owner

Unique luxury condo 2 bed, 2 bath, 155sqm. Foreign FREE HOLD. Architect remodel in tropical white. Jacuzzi. All round beautiful views. Completely furnished to a high standard. Very motivated owner leaving Thailand. Available to agents. Priced just REDUCED to 15MB or offers. Contact Brian (Owner) 089 054 4354, 076 360 943. bggvirgo@gmail.com

Apartment Block in Soi Ta-Eiad

Amazing residential block for sale comprising of 5 x 190sqm fully furnished 3 Bedroom Units. Highest quality fixtures and finishing’s with exceptional build quality. All units have internal surround sound systems and wireless internet routed in the walls. Full Western kitchen in all units. Rooftop Salt Water Swimming Pool with 8 person Jacuzzi and bar. Spectacular panoramic views. Units currently being rented out with almost 100% occupancy, so fantastic investment opportunity. Potential returns of 9% per annum. B61,500,000, Tina, phuket@thairesidential.com

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1 Bed Condo in Kamala

Great 1 Bed Condo just 200m fromKamala Beach. Comes with pool and on- site restaurant. Fantastic location and not to be missed. Fully furnished with appliances. Homestay or investment. B5,417,000. Call Andy. 083 800 1888

OCEAN FRONT VILLA

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

OCEAN FRONT LAND

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

Karon 1 Bed Condo for Sale

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

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Paul MOORHOUSE

‘Frontline’ sea view villa overlooking G Ao Yon Bay and the southern islands.

UR Magnificent property with private elevator, 4 bedroom suites/6 bathrooms as well as 2 living areas, European design kitchen, games room, bar, sauna, steam room and wonderful pool deck with in-ground jacuzzi, infinity pool and waterfall. Fabulous property reduced to 65 million Baht for quick sale. 0898737075.

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Phuket Town 1 Bed Condo

Wonderful 1 Bedroom Condo near Central Festival area. Just 10 minutes to Panwa Beach. A must see!!! Fully furnished and conveniently located.

Amenities close by as well as tourist attractions. Full condo facilities.

B2,500,000, Tina, phuket@thairesidential.com, 0948411918.

2 Bed Condo Bangtao Phuket

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

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 English/German. Email: picharly@gmail.com, B4.9mill.

2-Bed Furnished Kathu House for Rent

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

PROPERTY FOR RENT

1 Bed Condo Sale Rawai

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

1 Bed Condo in Kamala

MontAzure Twinpalms Residence-Great condo located in Kamala. The ultimate in luxury.

Has got to be seen to be believed. Fantastic facilities in this resort condo. B15,800,000, Tina, 0872699206.

PASAK LAND 3.9MB 510 sq.m. Chanote

PASAK LAND 3.9MB 510 sq.m.

Chanote

Property for rent YAMU

Very big house. 400sqm, Land 4400sqm. Available 1st May. 4 bedrooms- 4 bathrooms , swimming pool. Close BIS, UWCT. Must see. Long term lease 110,000 baht/month including pool+ garden service. Khun DIDIER, aouichedidier@ hotmail.com, 093 717 9343 (English+French)/ 089 552 9303 (Thai).

Shop for rent at Amari Phuket, Patong Beach

Fantastic seaviews. Fully furnished. Condo facilities including pool and gym. Close to amenities. This 53sqm condo at Babylon Sky Garden is a great buy. B4,297,277, Andy, phuket@ thairesidential.com

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

Mai Khao beach condo. Great new condohotel. 470 meters from the sea. 36 sqm.

Wonderful place in Phuket. B3.5mn, +66812958526, Victoria.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Rawai 1 Bed Seaview Condo Sale

1 Bedroom Condo Kata Sale

Mai Khao 1 bed condo for sale

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

Located at Amari Phuket's lobby building. Size: 33 sqm. Partly furnished: shelves, counter, airconditioner and telephone line. 40,000 THB/ month (negotiation available). Khun Mallika, mallika.t@amari.com, 076 340106 #8006

PROPERTY FOR RENT

COMMUNITY

Renovated 3bed Home Boat Lagoon

AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY: Beautifully renovated & decorated 3bed+mezzanine, 250 sqm contemporary house featuring: boat berth, rooftop jacuzzi, open kitchen, wine cooler, 2 parkings, storage & laundry area. B 75,000 per month, Henry Cumberlege, hcumberlege@gmail.com

Private location in prestige area.

Outstanding Value. Call owner (Alan): 084 0657590.

Villa in Patong prime location

One of the last Villas available in Patong. in top condition. 24 hour security. 3 bed, 3 bath, 160sqm living. Fully furnished, garden.

Ms. Manatchanok, 0800409411.

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

Villa Mission Heights Big Pool

3bed, 3 1/2 bath, 330sqm living, 900 sqm land, very quiet area, 2 km mission hill golf, 6km UWC, 8 km airport. owner finance. 0870608400 engl/ german 12.9MB, picharly@gmail. com

Royal Phuket Marina 2 Bed

2-Bedroom Royal Phuket Marina Condo. Seen to be believed. 195m2 Stylish, Tastefully-Decorated Condominium Fully Furnished Overlooking Yacht Marina an absolute bargain @ 13.5 Million BahtTina, phuket@thairesidential.com, 948411918.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

SPORT 29

Has Formula 1 broken Vettel?

Ferrari driver disheartened by interferences from F1 officials BOX OF NEUTRALS Michael Lamonato michael@boxofneutrals.com

T

he days since the Canadian Grand Prix have been dominated by ferocious debate over the controversial penalising of Sebastian Vettel, taking from the German of what could have been Ferrari’s first win of the year and handing it to championship leader Lewis Hamilton.

Even with the F1 circus decamped from Montreal and on its way to Circuit Paul Ricard, near Marseille, for this weekend’s French Grand Prix, argument has been allowed to rage online, where increasingly polarised opinion has continued to fester, virtually guaranteeing the five-second punishment will be a central talking point for a second successive race.

But the controversial event is of limited importance in the championship fight, which even Vettel defeatedly admitted in the aftermath has as good as

Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari walks in to parc ferme to swap the 1st and 2nd place boards after the F1 Grand Prix of Canada on June 9. Photo: Dan Istitene / AFP slipped away; its effect on the four-time world champion for the remainder of what seems destined to be a dead-rubber season, however, is of potentially greater significance.

“Ultimately it’s not the sport that I fell in love with when I was watching,” Vettel

lamented post-race in a rare bearing of his emotions. The German had been set off his lost victory, and the anguish that came forth gave a fleeting but fascinating insight into his psyche in his fifth fruitless year with Ferrari.

“I was just thinking that

Platini released from custody FOOTBALL

T H E BA N N ED EX-U EFA chief Michel Platini was released from custody on Wednesday (June 19) after hours of questioning in connection with a criminal investigation into the awarding of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar.

The French football legend who led European football’s governing body from 2007 to 2015 was held Tuesday by French anti-corruption police investigating alleged corruption in the 2010 vote to award the competition to the gas-rich Gulf state.

He denied wrongdoing and a statement from his representatives said the facts of the case were “unknown to him.”

In the early hours of Wednesday, Platini’s lawyer William Bourdon said he had been released without charge, adding that there has been “a lot of fuss over nothing”.

Platini, 63, looked drawn as he left the police anticorruption office in Nanterre in the western Paris suburbs.

“It was long but considering the number of questions, it could only be long, since I was asked about Euro 2016, @thephuketnews

Ex-UEFA chief Michel Platini talks to the media after being questioned as part of a criminal investigation on the awarding of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar. Photo: AFP the World Cup in Russia, the World Cup in Qatar, Fifa,” he told reporters.

The decision to name Qatar as 2022 World Cup hosts triggered allegations of corruption that ultimately sparked FIFA’s worst ever scandal.

France’s Office of the Financial Crimes Prosecutor (PNF) opened a preliminary investigation in 2016 into allegations of corruption, conspiracy and influence peddling surrounding the Qatar vote and also the awarding of the 2018 World Cup to Russia.

According to Sepp Blatter, the FIFA president at the time, Qatar won hosting rights as a result of a deal with France, derailing FIFA’s own “diplomatic arrangement”

whereby hosting rights would have gone to Russia in 2018 and then to the United States four years later.

The French investigation centres on alleged French intervention linked to Platini and former French president Nicolas Sarkozy.

According to France Football magazine, a “secret meeting” took place on November 23, 2010, at the Elysee Palace in Paris between Sarkozy, Qatar’s then-Prince (now Emir) Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, and Platini, who at that time was both UEFA president and vice-president of FIFA. Just over a week later, FIFA voted to award Qatar hosting rights for the 2022 tournament.

The decision to award Qatar football’s highest-profile tournament ultimately sparked a wider fraud probe that led to the overthrow of Blatter and Platini and the arrest of a series of senior FIFA figures.

Platini led UEFA until 2015 when he was banned from football for four years for ethics violations including receiving a two-million Swiss francs (B62.6mn) payment from Blatter, who was suspended for six years.

AFP

I really love my racing,” he continued. “I’m a purist, I love going back and looking at the old times, the old cars, the old drivers… they’re heroes in a way.

“I really love that, but I just wish I was maybe as good doing what I do but being in

their time rather than today.”

That Vettel, a keen student of F1 history, is a staunch motor racing traditionalist is no surprise, but the depth of his dissatisfaction with the modern sport, now a global brand that some argue is sanitising itself in pursuit of a corporate identity, had never been laid so barely.

“I think it’s not just about that decision today, there’s other decisions,” he continued.

“Just hear the wording when people come on the radio that we have now – we have an official language.

“You have all this wording – ‘I gained an advantage, I didn’t gain an advantage, I avoided a collision’ – I just think it’s wrong, you know, it’s not really what we’re doing in the car.

“I think we should be able to say what we think, but we’re not, so in this regard I disagree with where the sport is now.”

The outpouring of emotion was contextualised by the events of the Canadian Grand Prix, but they were given an edge by the rumours that Vettel was considering

hanging up his helmet at the end of the season.

Reports during the preceding Monaco Grand Prix suggested the German was thinking about ending his F1 career after 13 seasons in the sport, leaving his Ferrari championship ambitions unfulfilled – though he was quick to dismiss the speculation upon arrival in Canada.

“I never said anything like that,” he protested. “I am very hungry and I have a mission here to win – that is the only thing that really matters to me, to win with Ferrari, and that is what I am working for.”

But his post-race monologue has allowed the rumour to smoulder, as has his answer on Sunday night when asked point blank if he was considering his future after his loss.

“I don’t know,” he said.

“I’m not ready for this kind of question.”

Unfounded rumour or not, there’s no question Vettel’s suffering after eight difficult races for Ferrari. How he responds from this weekend’s French Grand Prix onwards will be telling.

30 SPORT

Japan’s Akira Nishino has his sights set on the Thai national squad. Photo: AFP

Nishino wants to coach the War Elephants

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

Tee for three

Breaking new ground with Faldo Series Thailand trilogy GOLF The Phuket News editor3@classactmedia.co.th

T

he 2019-20 Faldo Series Asia season will break FOOTBALL new ground with the inclusion of an innovative FORMER JAPAN COACH qualifying process in Thailand.

Akira Nishino has expressed In addition to the stanhis interest in taking over the dalone Faldo Series Thailand reins of the Thai national team. Championship, a series of The Football Association three other qualifying events of Thailand (FAT) on Tues- will be staged across the counday (June 18) confirmed that it try, in conjunction with interhas received Nishino’s profile. national schools in Thailand.

Nishino served as the Combined performances of coach of the Japanese team players in those tournaments at the FIFA World Cup in in Phuket, Hua Hin and PatRussia last year after Vahid taya will be reflected in an Halilhodzic was sacked shortly Order of Merit from which five before the tournament. age-group category winners He helped the Blue Samu- will progress to the 14th Faldo rai qualify for the last 16 round Series Asia Grand Final, to be where they lost 3-2 to Belgium. hosted by Sir Nick Faldo at So far, two foreign coaches Vietnam’s Laguna Lăng Cô have submitted their profiles in March, 2020. to the Thai national governThe 36-hole opening leg ing body. of the Thailand series will The other coach to apply take place at Laguna Golf for the job is South Korea’s Phuket on September 28-29 Yoon Jong-Hwan, who re- while Banyan Golf Club will cently got the chop at Thai host the second leg in Hua League 1 side SCG Muang Hin (December 6-7).

Thong United after a spate Dates and venue for the of lacklustre results. concluding leg in Pattaya will Yoon, a former South Ko- be confirmed shortly. rea international who has The trio of Faldo Secoached Cerezo Osaka in ries Thailand Championthe J-League, is more keen ship qualifiers will be run in serving as the Thai U23 by Golf Development Asia team coach.

(GDA) and Fore Management The War Elephants are Group – both Bangkok-based without a coach since their companies that specialise in caretaker manager Sirisak organising junior tournaments.

Yodyardthai resigned last Each of the three events week following a poor run will allocate 100 spots to inat the King’s Cup earlier this ternational schools in Thailand and 40 for other entries. Inmonth.

The Thai U23 team are ternational schools teams also without a coach as Alex- that are part of the existing andre Gama left to join Muang International Schools’ Golf Tour (ISGT) will also be Thong last week.

Bangkok Post able to win team Order of

Sir Nick Faldo says he’s delighted to see the Faldo Series Asia expand in Thailand. Photo: Supplied Merit points towards the ISGT season.

Six-time Major champion Faldo, Britain’s most successful golfer, said: “Thailand has been a mainstay of the Faldo Series Asia since our launch.

As such, I’m delighted that we’ll be further expanding our reach in the country this season.

“I know that there’s a wealth of young golfing tal-

ent in Thailand. My hope is that our three new events that make up the Order of Merit will serve to further raise the profile of golf in the country and be instrumental in identifying a new generation of golfing stars.”

Fredrik Edmunds, Golf Development Asia’s Founder and CEO, said: “At GDA, we have one simple goal – increase golf participation

and enthusiasm within junior golfers. Through GDA we strive to provide juniors with opportunities to develop transferable life skills and values that can be learnt through golf.

We wish to inspire a passion for sport that will continue to give joy and health throughout students’ lives.”

Chris Watson, Managing Director, Fore Management Group, added: “Our team at

Fore has experience ranging from high level PGA and Asian Tour events, right through to junior and grassroots charity events. We very much look forward to contributing to the continued success of the Faldo Series Asia.”

The 2019-20 Faldo Series Asia season is supported by The R&A and endorsed by the Asian Tour and the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation.

The International Junior Golf Academy is a partner of the Faldo Series.

As well as the Thailand qualifiers, there are two events in China and championships in Australia, Bangladesh, Chinese-Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam over the next 12 months.

Recognised as the only global amateur series for boys and girls, the Faldo Series was established in 1996, expanding to Asia in 2006.

Today, 40 Faldo Series tournaments take place in 30-plus countries worldwide, touching more than 7,000 golfers each year. Past champions include Tseng Ya-ni and Rory McIlroy, both multiple Major winners, while recent LPGA Tour winners include Thidapa Suwannapura (2010 Faldo Series Asia Grand Final Girls’ champion) and Nasa Hataoka (2016 Faldo Series Asia Grand Final Girls’ champion) who claimed her third LPGA Tour title in March.

17-year-old Phuket student Napat “Toy” Paramacharoenroj won the 12th Faldo Series Asia Grand Final in 2017 and scored a runaway victory in the third edition of the Faldo Series Thailand Championship – South in 2018.

Dutch too strong for Thais VOLLEYBALL

THE THAI WOMEN’S team lost to the Netherlands in the first Pool 19 match of the FIVB Nations League in Yekaterinburg, Russia, on Tuesday (June 18).

The Dutch proved too strong for the Thais, winning at Team Sports Palace 25-18, 25-20, 25-16 for their fifth win of the tournament

in the fifth and final week of the preliminary round.

It was Thailand’s ninth loss in 13 matches in this year’s campaign.

Onuma Sittirak was Thailand’s top scorer with 10 points, followed by Pleumjit Thinkaow with eight.

Lonneke Sloetjes led the Netherlands with 15 points while Celeste Plak added 12.

Thailand will play hosts Russia on Wednesday (June

26) at 9pm. The match will be shown live on Channel 3 HD. The Netherlands will meet the United States at 6pm.

In Ningbo, China, the home team blanked Germany 3-0 (25-19, 25-16, 25-15) for their 10th win in 13 matches in Pool 18 action at Beilun Gymnasium.

The top six teams qualify for the final round in Nanjing, China, next month.

Bangkok Post

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

SPORT 31

Sarri leaves Chelsea for Juve

Juventus move ends Sarri’s unhappy marriage with Chelsea FOOTBALL Kieran Canning

M

aurizio Sarri is set to return to Italy to take the vacant managerial role at Juventus and bring the curtain down on a fretful one-year stay at Chelsea.

Sarri met his targets by returning Chelsea to the Champions League via a third-placed finish in the Premier League and winning the Europa League, claiming his first major trophy as a coach in the process.

However, a failure to connect with the Chelsea support, public criticism of his players and a refusal to adapt his style of play meant Sarri was always unlikely to hang around for a second season at Stamford Bridge.

The 60-year-old former banker becomes the ninth fulltime manager to leave Chelsea since Roman Abramovich took charge of the club in 2003.

Yet, for once the Russian

The 60-year-old former banker becomes the ninth full-time manager to leave Chelsea since Roman Abramovich took charge of the club in 2003. Photo: AFP didn’t wield the axe and waited instead until Juventus agreed to pay the compensation to free Sarri from the final two years of his contract, according to reports in England and Italy.

The Italian champions are keen on the brand of football Sarri imposed during three years at Napoli when only

Juventus’ remarkable consistency prevented the Neapolitans a first league title since the days when Diego Maradona graced the San Paolo pitch.

However, Sarri failed to transport that free-flowing football to Chelsea, despite making midfield playmaker Jorginho his first signing.

After a brilliant start to the season that saw Sarri’s men keep pace with Premier League champions Manchester City and Champions League winners Liverpool, Chelsea fans soon rebelled at a ponderous possession game with little cutting edge.

After a 2-0 defeat at Arse-

Man City to begin title defence at West Ham FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS MANCHESter City begin the defence of their Premier League title away at West Ham, while Manchester United will host Chelsea in a blockbuster meeting to start the campaign after next season’s fixtures were revealed last Thursday.

City will be confident of a fruitful start after scoring four times in each of their last three visits to the London Stadium, but face a tougher clash when Champions League finalists Tottenham Hotspur visit the Etihad on the second weekend

of the season.

Runners-up and Champions League winners Liverpool begin with a home game to newly-promoted Norwich.

Last season’s top two meet at Anfield on November 9 with the return at the Etihad

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS

scheduled for April 4, subject to TV confirmation.

Chelsea will begin life without the influential Eden Hazard at Old Trafford with United in need of a fast start after a dismal end to last season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

On their return to the topflight, Aston Villa host Spurs, whilst Sheffield United are away at Bournemouth.

City only edged Liverpool by a point in last season’s thrilling duel but would appear to have the easier run-in this time round should the title go down to the wire once more.

Pep Guardiola’s men do not

Run #1742: Saturday Jun 22 Run Start Time: 4pm Hares: Not Long Enough, Fungus Location: Cherngtalay behind the new Kajonkiet school Directions: Soi Cherngtalay is now a mud-pit, so the laager will be just up the road in the back of the soi behind the new Kajonkiet school.

Drive past the police station in Cherngtalay 1.4 km turning RIGHT (HHH) just before passing under the red Chinese gateway with gold dragons. Continue 500 m to the laager.

From Heroines monument drive nearly into Cherngtalay turning LEFT (HHH) just meters beyond the red Chinese gateway. Follow as above. **Please note this “new” Kajonkiet school is not the other “new” Kajonkiet school near Heroine’s monument.

Bus pick-up: Patong @ Expat Hotel: 14:45 | Kamala @ Aussie Pub: 15:15 | Chalong More info: phuket-hhh.com

@thephuketnews

face any teams who finished in the top half last season in their final six matches, following the visit of Liverpool.

In contrast, the European champions travel to Arsenal and host Chelsea before a visit to Newcastle in their final three games of the campaign.

For the first time in Premier League history, the clubs will get a short mid-season break in February. Over a two-week period, there will be only five matches on one weekend, with the other five games taking place the following weekend, ensuring that each team gets one week off.

AFP

nal in January, Sarri labelled his players “very difficult to motivate”.

Worse was to come as a 4-0 thrashing at Bournemouth was followed by a 6-0 demolition

by Manchester City – Chelsea’s heaviest defeat in 28 years.

The players soon started rebelling too. Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga refused to be substituted towards the end of the League Cup final to stay on the field for a penalty shootout, which Chelsea lost to City in February.

Supporters also voiced their frustration, calling for Sarri’s sacking, during a controversial 2-1 win at relegated Cardiff a month later.

Sarri, though, did manage to end on a high as Chelsea lost just one of their last eight Premier League games while the other contenders stumbled towards the end of the season.

Eden Hazard then bade farewell in fitting fashion by scoring twice in a 4-1 rout of Arsenal in the Europa League final to ensure Chelsea again ended the season with a trophy

despite the turmoil.

Yet, that will be an even tougher test for Sarri’s successor without Hazard, who joined Real Madrid earlier this week for a fee in excess of 100 million euros (B3.5 billion).

Chelsea currently cannot recruit a replacement with the club serving a two-window transfer ban handed down

by FIFA. The club’s record goalscorer Frank Lampard is the favourite to return to Stamford Bridge after just one season in management at Derby County.

Lampard, 40, led the Rams to the Championship playoff final where they fell just short of a return to the Premier League.

The former England midfielder will not suffer any of the hostility encountered by Sarri in the Chelsea fan base.

But it represents a huge gamble both for Lampard so early in his managerial career to take the huge step up to a top-six job, and for a club in transition to back a rookie manager.

AFP

Live Sports TV Schedule *Times may be subject to change

SPORT START STOP Friday 21st June Rugby Union 14:30 16:30

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO

Super XV – QF1

Crusaders v. Highlanders

Rugby League 15:00

17:00

NRL

Dragons v. Cowboys

17:00

19:00

NRL

Roosters v. Storm

Aussie Rules 16:50

19:50

AFL

Sydney v. Hawthorn

Cricket 16:20 00:30 WC 2019 – Headingley Saturday 22nd June Rugby Union 14:30 16:30 Super XV – QF2 17:00 19:00 Super XV – QF4 05:05 07:00 Super XV – QF3 Rugby League 14:30 16:30 NRL 16:30 18:30 NRL Aussie Rules 13:30 16:30 AFL 16:40 19:40 AFL Motor Racing 19:50 21:15 Formula 1 Cricket 16:30 00:30 WC 2019 – Southampton 19:30 03:30 WC 2019 –Old Trafford Sunday 23rd June Aussie Rules 12:20 15:20 AFL Rugby League 17:00 19:00 State of Origin – Match 2 Motor Racing 19:30 20:00 Formula 1 20:00 22:30 Formula 1 Cricket 16:20 00:30 WC 2019 – Lords

England v. Sri Lanka Hurricanes v. Bulls Brumbies v. Sharks Jaguares v. Chiefs Knights v. Broncos Eels v. Raiders St Kilda v. Brisbane Port Adelaide v. Geelong Qualifying, Le Castellet India v. Afghanistan West Indies v. New Zealand Bulldogs v. Collingwood Queensland v. NSW, Perth Raceday, Le Castellet France Grand Prix Pakistan v. South Africa

Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

Faldo Series breaks new ground > p30

WORLD CHAMP

Cajaiba takes WBC crown in Lumpinee war of Phuketians MUAY THAI Poria Mermand editor3@thephuketnews.com

B

razilian fighter Luis Cajaiba was crowned WBC Muaythai welterweight world champion on Tuesday night after defeating Australia’s Chadd Collins by unanimous decision in front of an enlivened crowd in Bangkok’s famous Lumpinee Stadium.

The only foreign fighters billed on the card, Cajaiba and Collins drew the limelight in the run-up to the world title bout with Thai media eagerly assessing the two fighters whose styles are very familiar among Thai fight fans given their presence on the big stage in recent years.

The event, broadcast live on Thai national television Channel 5, was put on through a collaboration between French promoter Prestige Fight and Phuket’s Petchnumnoi Promotions.

Both Cajaiba and Collins live and train in Phuket, albeit on opposite ends of the island with Cajaiba representing Phuket Fight Club in Chalong down south, and Collins fighting out of Revolution Muay Thai in Bang Tao up in the north.

The Lumpinee Stadium welterweight title was initially at stake when the fight was announced but was withdrawn and replaced with the WBC Muaythai strap.

With dreams at stake, and the likes of pound-for-pound boxing king, Vasiliy Lomachenko, in the stands, the fighters went about the first two rounds meticulously, sizing each other up, testing ranges and reactions. Collins, nonetheless, put on a show as expected, wiggling his hips, smiling and making gestures

Phuket fighter Luis Cajaiba becomes WBC Muaythai welterweight world champion in Lumpinee Stadium, Bangkok. Photos: WBC Muaythai to entice the reserved Brazilian.

However, Cajaiba stood firm, hands high and defences tight throughout the bout. Mutual respect between the two was evident.

Towards the end of the second round, the fighters engaged, showing hints of aggression as they locked

into a fierce clinch that only the bell could separate. The agenda was set for the third.

As the bell rang for round three, Collins, known to be a front-footed fighter, went straight forward on the attack forcing Cajaiba to clinch.

Knees were flying in before stalemate

forced the referee to break them up. Clinches dominated the round with the odd exchange of kicks and punches, and both fighters were wary of each other’s power and accuracy, not to mention what was on the line.

The fourth round saw Collins press forward on the bell, finding

success in the clinch before Cajaiba, visibly the bigger man, wrestled him down. Elbows were thrown from all angles but both fighters managed to avoid a clean hit. Collins worked his way inside as Cajaiba kept a tight guard and countered, and at times the Brazilian pushed forward, forcing Collins back.

As the intense round approached the bell, relative calm ensued.

With only one round remaining, very little separated the two.

Collins landed body shots early and Cajaiba was determined to tie him up. Knees were thrown from left and right heating up the crowd. Still little separated the two. As Cajaiba began to retreat to the ropes halfway through the round, Collins walked to the other side of the ring, hands in the air, smiling.

Cajaiba looked over to his corner and went forward but neither looked keen to engage, assuming victory. The remaining 90 seconds saw very little exchanged as both fighters seemed confident they had done enough to win, hands in the air, parading around the ring.

When the final bell rang, both fighters looked confident. Both celebrated despite a truly close battle.

A long wait preceded the decision as the belt was taken up to the ring and the award ceremony was prepared.

All three judges scored the bout 49-48 in favour of the Brazilian, thus crowning him the new WBC Muaythai welterweight world champion.

In the end, it came down to the execution of game plans between two very technical, world-class fighters.

As Collins wrote after the fight, it was a “chess match”; one in which Cajaiba’s strength in the clinch may have proved pivotal.

Golf prodigy Landgraf heads to Vegas championships GOLF L O U I S E L A N D G R A F, Phuket’s 10-year-old golf prodigy, is heading to the US to compete in three junior world championship tournaments in July.

Landgraf recently finished in second place at the US Kids Thailand Golf Championships at Watermill

Golf Club in Nakon Nayok (June 1-2), and second place at the Thailand Golf Association (TGA) Junior Championships at Kabinburi Sport Club (June 15-16).

In March, she finished in second place at the TGA Junior Qualifier and qualified for the IMG Academy Junior World Championships, which will be held from July 9-11 in San Diego.

Landgraf’s US endeavours will

start in San Marcos, California, where she will compete in the FCG International Golf Junior Championships at St Mark Executive Golf Course from July 3-5.

Next, she moves on to San Diego for the IMG Academy Junior World Championships at Singing Hills Golf Resort.

Landgraf will then travel to Las Vegas to compete in the IJGA World

Star of Junior Golf tournament at Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort.

The 10-year-old, who is a year six student at Headstart International School and is a member of Phuket’s Loch Palm Golf Club and Laguna Golf Phuket, will compete in the age 9-10 category as she looks to add to her already long list of golfing achievements.

The Phuket News

Louise Landgraf at the US Kids Thailand Golf Championships at Watermill Golf Club in Nakon Nayok. thephuketnews