FREE PASS
HEALTH
INSURANCE
REQUIREMENT FOR RETIREES FALLS FLAT AS ‘NON-IMM O’ VISA LOOPHOLE EXPOSED
Phuket Immigration this week finally confirmed that the mandatory health insurance requirement for people staying in the country on permits to stay under “Non-Immigrant O-A” visa status do not apply to those staying under the general “Non-Immigrant O” visa –which foreign retirees can choose to use instead of the O-A visa to continue their stay in Thailand.
The admission renders enforcing the mandatory health insurance requirement pointless as Phuket Immigration this week also confirmed that foreigners can change the visa conditions under which they are ap
plying for a one-year permit to stay.
Hence, any foreigners staying on a “Non-Immigrant O-A” visa can change their permit-to-stay status to “Non-Immigrant O” and avoid the mandatory health insurance requirement.
The loophole is expected to greatly affect expat retirees staying in Thailand on such so-called “retirement” visas.
The mandatory health insurance requirement is to come into effect this coming Thursday (Oct 31).
Under the new regulation, all foreigners applying for a one-year permit to stay on an O-A visa must have health insurance coverage for up to B40,000 for outpatient services and up to B400,000 for inpatient services.
The Immigration Bureau posted
on its website an announcement on Oct 8, stating that the change in the Immigration regulations follows the Cabinet resolution made on April 2 this year. The order, issued by Royal Thai Police Commissioner-General Chakthip Chaijinda on Sept 27, specifically states that the new rule is to come into effect on Oct 31.
However, Phuket Immigration Chief Col Kathathorn Kumthieng confirmed to The Phuket News this week, “People applying under the Non-Immigrant O visa do not need health insurance, but people applying for permits to stay under different visas will get the different benefits of the visa they are applying under.
“For example, a foreigner who has Non-Immigrant O-A visa will get a
one-year year extension,” he said.
Yet Col Kathathorn would not confirm that one-year permits to stay would no longer be approved for those applying under “Non-Immigrant O” visa status. Under immigration regulations, that option is still available.
The Phuket News understands that Phuket Immigration is likely to be under considerable pressure to abide by and uphold the new health insurance rule instituted by officials in Bangkok, but yet cannot deny applicants the right to change their visa status as already permitted under Immigration regulations.
To that end, Col Kathathorn this week also denied a rumour that Phuket Immigration had submitted an official request to postpone the...
An officer at holds up an application for an extension stay at the Phuket Immigration Office earlier this year. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot
Korean tourist, instructor drown on Racha dive tour
POLICE HAVE YET TO reveal any details about the circumstances leading to the death of a South Korean tourist who drowned while on a dive tour at Koh Racha Ya, south of Phuket, last Saturday (Oct 19).
Sunghyun Cho, 37, was on a dive tour to see coral reefs at Ao Lah, the northernmost bay on the east side of the island, when he began moving frantically underwater as if experiencing breathing difficulties, according to initial reports.
Pongsathorn Madnui, the 34-year-old Thai dive instructor leading Mr Cho on his dive, went to Mr Cho’s assistance, but both men “collapsed” before reaching the surface.
The dive was reportedly to a depth of no more than seven metres.
The men were pulled onto the boat, which took them to shore at Chalong Pier before they were taken to the Accident & Emergency unit of the yet-to-open Chalong Hospital, where doctors tried unsuccessfully to revive them.
Capt Somkiat Sarasit of the Chalong Police, the officer investigating the deaths, told The Phuket News that he had confirmed that Mr Pongsathorn was a qualified dive instructor.
He also confirmed that Mr Pongsathorn was hired as a
Family members wait outside the morgue at Vachira Phuket Hospital.
freelance dive instructor to join the dive tour.
Capt Somkiat would not confirm which company had hired Mr Pongsathorn to join the dive tour to Racha Yai last Saturday, though initial reports identified the company as Island Wonders Co Ltd.
Of the circumstances directly related to the two drowning deaths on the dive tour, Capt Somkiat said, “In the trip, each instructor was responsible to take care of two tourists.”
Including Mr Cho, there were 40 tourists on the boat on the day.
Capt Somkiat declined to answer further questions.
“My investigation is not finished yet. There will be no charge against the company until the investigation is finished. Now I need to investigate the cause of death and learn more details. I need to talk with witnesses,” was all he would say.
The Phuket News
Mandatory health insurance flops on ‘O’ visa loophole
The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th
Continued from page 1
...health insurance requirement until the rules had been “made more clear”.
The claim was presented to The Phuket News from a reliable source and cited a high-ranking officer at Phuket Immigration claiming that in total eight major Immigration offices in the country – Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani, Nong Khai, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Petchaburi, Chonburi, Rayong and Phuket – had all submitted such requests.
Regardless, when asked about the rumor, Col Kathathorn said, “It is not true. The health insurance requirement for Non-Immigrant O-A visas will start on Oct 31. Nothing has changed. If we receive any updates, we will share that information.”
Regarding foreigners exercising the option to change their visa status, Col Kathathorn said, “I don’t want to point out which one is good for any particular foreigners. It is their choice whether they apply under a Non-Immigrant O-A visa or a Non-Immigrant O visa – those are the options. Foreigners can choose which to apply for to stay in the Kingdom of Thailand.”
Col Kathathorn declined to answer any further questions on the issue, and instead referred other officers to give further explanations.
Lt Col Worapol Panpetch, who holds the position of Inspector at Phuket Immigration, also confirmed, “It is correct. Non-Immigrant O visa holders
do not require health insurance. Phuket Immigration officers will not ask for it.”
Lt Col Worapol also confirmed the option for foreigners to change their visa status from within Thailand.
“For example a foreigner on a tourist visa can apply to be under a NonImmigrant visa, such as a Non-Imm O, Non-Imm B (Business), Non-Imm Ed (education), or other (type of visa). They can come to apply for the visa type that the foreigner is qualified for.”
However, like Phuket Immigration Chief Col Kathatorn, Lt Col Worapol also avoided expressly confirming that foreigners can change their visa status from Non-Immigrant O-A to NonImmigrant O.
The confusion over the options open to retirees to be granted one-year permits to stay – along with the Non-Immigrant O visa loophole – comes amid much
oblique and confusing explanations of visa requirements available through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).
The main MFA website in Thailand makes no mention of any health insurance required for foreigners to be issued a Non-Immigrant O-A visa, which allows the foreigner to be permitted to stay for one year from the date of first entry – but it does state that the mandatory health insurance is required in order for NonImmigrant O-A visa holders to be granted an extension to stay in the country.
Oddly, the website also no longer lists the requirements for a Non-Immigrant O visa.
Meanwhile, directly contradicting the main MFA website, the website for Royal Thai Embassy in London plainly states that the health insurance is required in order to be issued a Non-Immgrant O-A visa.
Patong Police hunting for foreigner wanted for $30k theft from exchange booth
PATONG POLICE HAVE yet to develop any leads in tracking down a foreign man who made off with US$30,000 in cash from a currency exchange booth in Kalim Tuesday last week (Oct 15).
The man is about 168cm tall, has grey hair and is estimated to be about 60 years old, Patong Police Deputy Chief Lt Col Nikorn Chuthong explained to The Phuket News last Thursday (Oct 17).
“We have no clue what nationality he is,” Col Nikorn said.
The man was last seen at the currency exchange booth wearing a purple polo shirt, blue jeans and black cap.
Police have checked hotels in the area and
contacted police stations across the island, and Phuket Immigration, but have yet to develop any leads in determining the man’s whereabouts, Col Nikorn said.
“Investigators have checked CCTV in the area and collected what evidence we have, and filed a request for an arrest warrant to be issued by the Phuket Provincial Court, but we still do not know the man’s name or where he was staying.
“We have distributed photos and a description of the man to hotels around Phuket, and we have asked for coordination from hotel operators and money exchange counters in Patong to inform us if they have any information about this
Police have yet to learn anything about the man who walked away from a currency-exchange
man, but so far we have had no replies to our request,” he added.
The man had visited the booth several times before Tuesday, when he disappeared with the $30,000 dollars cash in US banknotes, Col Nikorn explained.
“He exchanged Thai baht
to US dollars at the exchange booth on Oct 12 and Oct 13 (last Saturday and Sunday),” Col Nikorn said.
It was always small amounts, he added, noting that the amounts did not prompt staff at the exchange booth to obtain a copy of the man’s passport in order to make the exchange.
“This might have led the exchange counter staff to trust this man,” Col Nikorn noted.
The man arrived at the booth again at about 1pm on Tuesday, saying that he had B900,000 cash to exchange.
“He said he wanted to check that the booth had enough US banknotes to exchange for the Thai baht,” Col Nikorn said.
The staff at the counter allowed the man to count US banknotes himself, he added.
“After he finished counting the money, he put the US banknotes into a white envelope, which he then put into a satchel he was carrying, which the staff then placed behind the counter,” Col Nikorn explained.
“The man left saying that
he was going back to his hotel to get the Thai baht to be exchanged, but he never returned,” he said.
“The staff waited until 3pm, and starting to suspect something was wrong, they checked the envelope in the satchel to find that it contained only pieces of white paper and two US$100 banknotes.
“The US$30,000 was gone, and they quickly called the Patong Police,” he added.
“We believe that the man is still in Phuket. All other police stations on the island, as well as the Tourist Police and Immigration officers, have all been notified to find him in order to prevent him from fleeing the country,” Col Nikorn said.
Tanyaluk Sakoot
A foreigner fills in an application for an extension to stay in Thailand at the Phuket Immigration Office earlier this year. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot
booth in Kalim with US$30,000 in cash. Photos: Patong Police
Airport taxi driver in deadly wipeout to finally hear judgment Justice in the slow lane
Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th
The Phuket airport taxi driver who a year ago wiped out six vehicles and killed a motorbike rider in morning peak-hour traffic on Thepkrasattri Rd – with a tourist he picked up from Phuket International Airport still in the taxi – is scheduled to finally have the verdict in the charges against him handed down next month.
In a stunning development, Capt Suporn Mueangkai of the Thalang Police, who led the investigation into the accident that took 217 days to complete, has now confirmed to The Phuket News that the taxi driver charged with reckless driving causing death is Marut Puangbanjong – not Marut Puangsombat, as consistently confirmed by Capt Suporn for the past year.
“I am sorry. I confused the wrong family name with another case,” Capt Sporn told The Phuket News
The case has taken so long to bring to court that
Capt Suporn has since been transferred to Sakoo Police Station, a post he took up on on Aug 1 this year.
the Criminal code; and another charge reckless operation of a vehicle causing death levied under the Traffic Act.
“Mr Marut is scheduled to appear in court at 10am on November 12 to hear the judgment against him,” an official at Phuket Provincial Court confirmed to The Phuket News
The official noted that no other details were available in the court registry.
The accident happened while Marut was driving his airport taxi southbound along Thepkrasattri Rd near HomePro Thalang at about 8am on Oct 30 last year.
Marut lost control of the vehicle and wiped out six cars and a motorbike. One of the cars struck by the taxi was rammed through a roadside sign.
taxi when the accident happened, but escaped unharmed, and immediately returned to the airport to leave.
Marut was 23-years old at the time. The Phuket News has not been able to confirm when he turned 24.
Praprai Sounkul, Chief Policy Specialist at the Phuket Land Transportation office (PLTO), the government department responsible for issuing general and commercial driver’s licences, has already confirmed to The Phuket News that his office is powerless to take any action over the incident until the court has handed down its verdict.
“In a criminal case like this, the PLTO will revoke the taxi driver’s license, but only after we conduct our own review of the incident – and that will not happen unless the court finds him guilty,” Mr Praprai said.
However, Capt Suporn confirmed, “Even though I am no longer responsible for the case, I am still required to testify in court. I have to be informed when I am to do that.”
Now furnished with
Governor inspects sites for proposed convention centre, sports complex
PHUKET GOVERNOR
Phakaphong Tavipatana last week led an inspection tour of two sites in Phuket, one where the provincial government hopes to build an “international convention centre”, the other where the provincial government hopes to build a sports complex.
Joining Governor Phakaphong for the inspection last Friday (Oct 18) was Vice Governor Supoj Rotreuang Na Nongkhai, Phuket Provincial Office Chief Thalerngsak Nuchprahan and other officials.
The two sites inspected were both in Moo 5, Baan Tha Chatchai, Mai Khao, at the very northern reaches of Phuket near the bridges off the island.
The land earmarked for an “international convention hall” measures in 141 rai 2 ngan and 63.7 square wah, or 56 acres, offering a total of 226,654.8 square metres on which to build the centre.
The site marked for the sports complex measures 238 rai 1 ngan 25 square wah, or 94.22 acres, offering 381,300sqm for the complex.
During the visit Governor
Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana led an inspection tour of the two sites last Friday (Oct 18). Photo: PR Dept
Phakaphong examined the sites for appropriateness of each location and took photos to help support a formal request for the budget to build both centres, noted a report by the Phuket office of the Public Relations Department of Thailand.
Of note, the northern reaches of Phuket have long been a target site for a “Phuket International Convention and Exhibition Centre (ICEC)”, with quick access to the airport and the bridges on and off the island. The concept was first raised nearly 20 years ago, but fell into disfavour during the reign of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
A national government loan from the World Bank deployed
under the “Thai Khem Kaeng” fiscal stimulus policy to fund development projects later saw the funds for the Phuket ICEC redirected to build a convention centre in Chiang Mai.
Phuket MP at the time
Democrat Anchalee Tephabutra directly challenged Yingluck Shinawatra during parliamentary question time over the reallocation of the funds.
Thaksin’s younger sister refused to answer the question on public record.
Meanwhile, the northern end of the island has become a haven for major sports events, including the annual Mai Khao Marine Turtle Fun Run, Half Marathon held last Sunday (Oct 20).
The Phuket News
Marut’s correct family name, The Phuket News has confirmed with Phuket Provincial Court that Marut faces two charges: one charge of negligence causing death under
The resulting collisions left the taxi upside down in the middle of the road and killing the motorbike driver, 40-yearold Phuket resident Anuson Rattanadilok Na Phuket, who worked at Thalang Hospital.
A tourist was in Marut’s
With the PLTO powerless to take action, Marut has been free to drive his taxi, picking up and dropping off tourists at Phuket airport, for the past year.
The scene of the wipeout accident on Oct 30 last year. Photos: Seang Prachachon Kon Phuket / Facebook
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Flight of the hooligans
Phuket authorities unable to confirm ‘Flight from Hell’ arrests
The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th
Phuket authorities this week were unable to confirm whether any of the three men reportedly handed over to police on landing at Phuket International Airport on Saturday were taken into custody after being hauled off the “Flight from Hell” to Phuket, as dubbed by international media.
Two of the men were forcibly separated amid a drunken “blazing row” on board a Nordwinds charter flight from Moscow to Phuket, while the third was allegedly caught smoking a cigarette in one of the toilet cubicles mid-flight on board the aircraft, reported the Daily Mail
The flight was reportedly a no-alcohol flight led, the Daily Mail noted.
No leading officers at Phuket Immigration, the Immigration office at Phuket International Airport, Phuket Tourist Police, Sakoo Police Station, which is the police station responsible for making standard arrests at the airport, or even the Tourist Assistance
Centre at Phuket airport, which is often involved in or receives reports of arrests made at the terminal, on Monday (Oct 21) were able to confirm whether any of the three men had been taken into custody.
The flight was dubbed the “Flight from Hell” as headlines such as “Terror at 33,000 feet” screamed across the internet after one man attempted to open the emergency exit mid-flight.
Passengers tackled the man to prevent him from opening the exit, and seven people were
needed to restrain the “wild hooligan”, who was eventually bound by cling film until the plane made an emergency landing in Uzbekistan, said the Daily Mail report.
The man, who was also accused of abusing female flight attendants during the flight, was hauled off the Nordwind Airline Boeing 777 by local law enforcement on landing in Uzbeksitan, the report added.
“Trouble started several hours after takeoff from Moscow when terrified passengers
Police arrest murder suspect
POLICE HAVE ARRESTED
a man for the murder of a 52-year-old Nai Yang hotel security guard whose body was found in his rented room Wednesday night last week (Oct 16).
Sakoo Police Chief Col Kittipong Kaikaew on Monday (Oct 21) identified the suspect arrested as Somkiet Sala, 33. Somkiet was taken into custody near Sakoo Police Station at 11:50am last Saturday (Oct 19). The arrest came just hours after a warrant was issued by Phuket Provincial Court on Saturday. Somkiet has denied the charge against him, confirmed Col Kittipong.
Police asked the court to deny Somkiet bail. However, Col Kittipong said that he did not know whether the court upheld their request.
“An investigation by Sakoo Police and Phuket Provincial Police investigators revealed that Somkiet was involved in a personal dispute,” Col Kittipong told The Phuket News
However, Col Kittipong declined to explain any other details of why police believe Somkiet murdered Mr Yingyod and offered no explanations of physical evidence that sup -
ported their claim.
Mr Yingyod, originally from Maha Sarakham, was found dead in his rowhouse unit in Soi Nai Yang, Sakoo, at 7:50pm last Wednesday.
He had suffered a wound two centimetres deep on his left eyebrow, and another wound 1cm long and 0.5cm deep on his chin, and a bruised left eye. The Phuket News
watched in horror as an intoxicated man in his 30s tried to open an emergency door at 33,000 ft,” said the report.
Elena Demidova, a TV reporter on the tourist flight, said in a video filmed on board, “The first half of the flight was normal, but then I noticed strange activity among stewardesses. People in the cabin were whispering to each other that a doctor was called for somebody.
“Then on the intercom they asked if anybody had plastic food wrap. This was
found and used to subdue the unnamed passenger.
The reporter said, “Suddenly the sign ‘fasten your seat belts’ began to flash. Why? Minutes later the captain explained a passenger in the rear of the plane was drunk and rowdy.
“A doctor tried to calm him. Then tougher measures were taken. They tried to use plastic food wrap to tie him. Seven people were holding him, but nothing helped.” Russian transport police confirmed the “air hooligan” was handed to Uzbek police in Tashkent, noted the Daily Mail News agency Rosbalt reported Elena Markovskaya, an official with the Moscow Multi-Regional Transport Investigative Department, as saying that the man had “abused the stewardesses and made the flight really uncomfortable for other passengers”, the Daily Mail added.
After a four hour delay in Tashkent, the flight continued, then the two dunken men had to be forcibly separated and the third man was caught smoking in the toilet.
Man found dead at busy Phuket Town fresh market
POLICE HAVE YET TO identify the body of a man found dead on a bench right in front at Phuket City Municipality Public Fresh Market on Ranong Rd in Phuket Town last Sunday morning (Oct 20).
Capt Udom Petcharat of the Phuket City Police was called to the scene at 9:30am.
When Capt Udom and fellow officer Capt Songchai Phuangrod and local rescue workers arrived, a large crowed had already gathered around the man’s body, which was laying down on a concrete bench in front of the market, beside the busy main road.
Capt Udom noted that the man, dressed in a yellow shirt, black pants and a pair of sneakers, was about 55-60 years old.
No marks or bruises were
A crowd looks on as police investigate the scene.
found on his body, and while B320 cash was found in the man’s pants’ pocket, no form of identification was found on his person, Capt Udom noted in his report.
Market vendor Wandee Kuekaew, 27, told police that she had often seen the man walking around the market.
“At 3am, I saw him and asked him where he was going. He said he was going to buy some water. Later I am found him dead on the bench,” Ms Wandee told police. Eakkapop Thongtub
Two of the men had to be forcibly separated amid a drunken ‘blazing row’, the Daily Mail reported. Image: Anna Liesowska /east2west news via the Daily Mail
Somkiet Sala, 33, was taken into custody near Sakoo Police Station at 11:50am on Saturday (Oct 19).
Photo: Sakoo Police
Dangerous antics end in fines
Jet-ski operators, riders warned after Chinese tourists ‘buzzed’
The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th
he Phuket Marine Office
Thas issued a warning for all jet-ski rental operators on the island to ensure their jet-skis are operated safely after one operator and his staffer were charged and fined for the unlicensed staffer driving an illegal, unregistered, and hence uninsured, jet-ski dangerously close to tourists swimming at a beach at Koh Khai Nok, east of Phuket.
The incident came to public knowledge only after a video of the jet-ski approaching the tourists at speed then circling them several times was posted online. The video, posted on October 10, subsequently went viral on Thai social media sites.
Phang Nga Marine Office Chief Nachapong Pranit told The Phuket News that the jet-ski owner, Sompong Hasat, and his staffer riding the jet-ski, Kiattiwat Srinuan, presented themselves at Phang Nga Marine Office on Oct 15
to be held accountable for their role in the incident.
Also called to hear the warning was Sommai Prukmaidee, Deputy Mayor of Tambon Phru Nai, which encompasses the Koh Khai islands east of Phuket. Although the Koh Khai islands are some 7.6 kilometres off Phuket’s east coast, they are within the ambit of Koh Yao District of Phang Nga Province.
“Kiattiwat explained that he had a Chinese tourist as
passenger while riding the jetski around Koh Khai Nok. The Chinese tourist asked him to ride to where her friends were swimming in order to take photos,” Mr Nachapong said.
“He rode close to her friends and around other tourists twice then came ashore,” he added.
“Kiattiwat said he was sorry and that felt guilty for what he did. He just wanted to impress the tourist. Now he understands that what he did
Cosplay Beach Run to raise funds for Patong Hospital equipment
PROCEEDS FROM
“Patong Cosplay Beach Run” – one of the highlights of this year’s Phuket Carnival – will be used to buy medical equipment for Patong Hospital, Patong Hotel Association President Salisa Limsakul announced last Friday (Oct 18).
Ms Salisa made the announcement at a recent press conference on Patong Beach where she joined Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsup, President of the Thai Hotels Association, Southern Chapter Kongsak Koopongsakorn, Advisor of the Phuket Tourism Association Krissada Tansaku, Patong Deputy Mayors Bunjong Kebsup and Boonma Aeapsap.
Talking to the press, organisers confirmed that the 33rd Patong Carnival will be held Nov 1-5 under the concept “Cheerful Beach Variety Phuket”.
The event is aimed at promoting Patong as a travel destination to Thai and foreign tourists, as well as an-
nouncing the beginning of the high season and strengthening coordination between officials and private sector.
Patong Hotel Association is responsible for setting up the main stage for performances and Patong Cosplay Beach Run 2019, while the Southern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Association and other involved partners will organise a beach sculpture contest, a grand Batik painting and other activities.
The schedule of the annual festivities is as follows:
Nov 1 – Opening ceremony attended by many of Phuket’s key officials;
traditional parade; many live music and dance performances live on stage.
Nov 2 – Annual underwater cleanup off Patong Beach, usually joined by many of Phuket’s leading dive tour operators; activities including making fashion items from marine trash.
Nov 3 – Patong Cosplay Beach Run 2019.
Nov 4 – Cooking demonstration by chefs from restaurants recommended in the Michelin Guide Thailand.
On Nov 5, will be a photo exhibition under the theme “Patong where I love”. The Phuket News
was dangerous and may harm other tourists,” Mr Nachapong said.
Mr Nachapong confirmed that his office fined Kiattiwat B2,000 for working as a helmsman whose licence has expired.
“He also will be prosecuted for riding the jet-ski without a licence. The punishment is six months imprisonment or a fine not more than B10,000, or both,” Mr Nachapong added.
Mr Nachapong said that details for Kiattiwat to be
prosecuted for operating the jet-ski without a licence will be handed over to Phang Nga Town Police for further action.
Of note, under Thai law, a person – including tourists –must have a valid Helmsman Class 2 licence in order to legally operate a jet-ski.
The jet-ski owner, Sompong, was fined B10,000 for using an unlicensed vessel, Mr Nachapong also confirmed.
However, Mr Nachapong did not elaborate on whether
the illegal jet-ski was seized pending its legal registration.
Following the dangerous incident involving tourists at the small islands off Phuket’s east coast, Phuket Marine Office Director Wiwat Chitchertwong told The Phuket News last Wednesday (Oct 16) that he has issued a warning to all jet-ski operators in Phuket to make sure the same dangerous antics do not happen here.
“I have coordinated with the heads of the jet-ski clubs (sic) in Phuket to urge them that all 286 jet-ski owners in Phuket must obey the rules, drive jet-skis safely and not operate them near people,” Mr Wiwat said.
He also warned that operators of any unregistered jet-skis may be fined up to B10,000 fine or be imprisoned up to six months, or both.
“We will give only this one warning. If any jet-ski operators – even those who do have a licence – are caught doing such dangerous behavior, they will be fined and we will revoke their jet-ski license,” Mr Wiwat said.
The warning follows a video showing a jet-ski staffer riding dangerously close to Chinese tourists at Koh Khai Nok island, east of Phuket, went viral online. Screengrabs: Couresty of the Phang Nga Marine Office
The 33rd Patong Carnival will be held during Nov 1-5 under the concept ‘Cheerful Beach Variety Phuket’. Photo: Patong PR
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Fifteen years working in news and covering local issues and events in Phuket, with 18-month hiatus spent working for the Brunei Times on Borneo. From Queensland, Australia; 10 years living in the UK before moving to Phuket in 2000. Degree in business management. Spare time spent sailing or with family.
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Retirement in Thailand… Too naive?
With my friend, the ambassador, I enjoyed talking about our many visits to Thailand and the work with economists associated with trade unions during the past 35 years and many Thai leaders from different walks of life I had the opportunity to greet, namely at conferences. That exchange inspired the decision at the age of 75 to move to Phuket nine years ago. My wife and I brought, as many others have done, most of our home, including our furniture, a multitude of books and a piano plus smaller things of importance to our lives.
My wife and I have improved our health living in the tropics and for sure also with the help of the good doctors and nurses we have met here. When June 2020 comes we will literally be thrown out at the age of 85 because we are
Immigration rules
Re: Retirement in Thailand… Too naive?
Again… it is ONLY holders on Non-Imm O-A visas that are affected. Extensions on this visa ONLY need health insurance.
Sir Burr
If this is true I’ve just wasted a fortune on not-needed insurance. Are you sure?
SueYu2
How sad. The Thai government is heartless, cruel, and inhumane. (Not the Thai people.) All expats should leave Thailand now and take all of their money and investments with them, because Thailand does not practice reciprocity. Over 300,000 Thais have an American green card with full civil and property rights. They don’t have to “renew” anything.
DavidM
I don’t need the useless expensive insurance, I have annual travel insurance that covers 60 day trips with amounts multi times the Thai rubbish and all for under £200 a year, 10% of the Thai insurance. I can self fund the amounts 40,000 and 400,000. 400,000 won't go
unable to pay for health insurance costing B300,000 a year.
The health insurance may, however, not deliver and pay for a hospitalisation since no health insurance will cover the risks that follow from our health history – and how shall Immigration be able to decide whether or not to accept even obvious non-functioning insurance policies until it is proven that the insurance company will not pay for hospitalisations.
When we moved here we were for four years covered by the public health insurance coverage in Belgium, where we previously lived for 35 years. That insurance covered us each year for hospitalisations of up to 90 consecutive days and for outpatient treatment, but was taken away from us in 2014 when the EU introduced the regulation of hospital care for EU citizens wherever they lived in Europe.
far if one has a big problem. I also have NHS cover as I am UK resident and tax payer so I can merely return to the UK if need be.
Andy
Driven to justice
Re: Phuket airport taxi driver in deadly wipeout to finally hear judgment
“Stunning” that the lead investigating officer would lie about this taxi drivers’ identity, while waiting almost a year to press charges and allowing this (clearly guilty) party to continue risking innocent peoples lives and carry on driving as if he hadn’t done anything at all? No, nothing “stunning” about the Thai police protecting a Thai taxi driver. Good to finally see some progress though.
CaptainJack69
Crack the whip
Re: Celebrate the Melbourne Cup in style at the Angsana Ballroom
ABC Australia has just aired an expose on the horrific cruelties and slaughter pipeline that horse racing depends upon for profits. If what is done to horses every day was done to dogs ever, these ladies of leisure
However, during the past nine years we have paid several hundred thousand baht for doctors, operations and the physical therapy my wife has received at Vachira and Chalong Hospital. That has kept my wife fit enough to enjoy life after a stroke 15 years ago.
We have a housekeeper that has said no to double the pay from others. She promised from the beginning to stay with us until the end of our lives. We will have to leave things behind and return to Europe. There is no way we can manage a house of our own at this time in life anywhere in Europe, if we now can find a new home. I don’t think we can even afford to take all our things back to Europe.
I just want to put the question to your readers. Was I naive to think I could have a peaceful retirement in Thailand?
Bo Jonsson, Rawai
would be up in arms about it, and not helping to celebrate with a fancy hat party. Please, TPN, do not accept ads for this fundraiser.
Christy Sweet
Paying the price
Re: Phuket hotels slash prices, brace for rare slump
Greed has ruined this island.
goldwing
Don’t think the Indian market will save use. They might come, but they don’t spend anything when they’re here. They’re even cheaper than the Chinese. They just walk around looking at things and eating out of 7-Eleven. When they actually do buy something they want to haggle and pay half price for everything. Their average daily spend is probably less than 500 baht each.
CaptainJack69
This has been here for years. And, it’s going to get much worse.
Foot
Coming soon
Re: Phuket authorities unable to confirm ‘Flight from Hell’ arrests
Governor orders
Patong
Phuket jet-ski operators warned after Chinese tourists dangerously ‘buzzed’ Retirement in Thailand… Too naive?
Phuket weather warning re-issued Korean and diving instructor drown in
Immigration confirms bank balance, income ‘combo’ for O-A permit to stay still available
Phuket History: Why Penang was colonised but Phuket was not
Multi-tier prices at state hospitals now in effect
And Phuket really wants to keep these sort of people coming?
Mr Richie
Site for sore eyes
Re: Phuket Governor inspects sites for proposed convention centre, sports complex
Ha!...“the northern end of the island [is] a haven for major sports events”...get serious. Virtually everywhere in Phuket has a “Fun Run”. Guarantee, these are both boondoggle projects and a waste of money. The funds should be spent on desperately needed public works projects like sewage treatment, reservoir/water works expansion, and solid waste processing.
BenPendejo
No happy returns
Re: Phuket Opinion: Failing to take out the trash
When you get a lot of rubbish around the tourist hotspots you will find that the majority of them make comment and don’t visit again - and it’s a big loss for local vendors. Come on guys, pick up your game. Keep Thailand beautiful. Mr Richie 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
PURIYA
Travel hubs across nation set for facial recognition
THAILAND
Bangkok Post
The Transport Ministry is planning to use a facial recognition system in five upcountry airports as part of its ambitious “smart airport” project to reduce overcrowding, increase safety and boost tourism.
The technology is expected to replace inspections of passports and national identity cards, which becomes an increasingly time-consuming procedure as the number of air passengers rises.
“Currently, travellers may be required to show their ID cards or passports up to three times in one trip through an airport,” said Deputy Transport Minister Thaworn Senneam.
But these repetitive tasks can be reduced to save time, if airports are equipped with the technology to identify and verify people’s faces.
“They can have their faces scanned just once at check-in counters and then board a plane without the need to show their ID cards, passports or boarding passes,” said Mr Thaworn.
The deputy minister even envisages that tourists can have their bags tagged at hotels or other check-in points prior to their air travel.
“The travellers will no longer
experience congestion at terminals,” Mr Thaworn said.
“The new facility not only benefits Thai nationals who travel within the country, but can also be used by foreign visitors taking domestic trips,” he said.
His ministry first wants to install the technology at regional airports currently struggling to handle the large number of air passengers. Those include Krabi and Surat Thani airports in the South, and Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani and Khon Kaen airports in the Northeast.
A working panel, consisting of representatives from the Department
of Airports, the Royal Thai Police and the Interior Ministry will be set up to study this new identification system. They need to discuss ways to sync their databases, which store information on Thai and foreign travellers, in order to support the technology.
The facial recognition system is part of the smart airport project aimed at modernising the five airports to give passengers more convenient and comfortable trips. Officials are also considering building sleeping quarters as well as co-working spaces for travellers, said Mr Thaworn.
‘Billionaire’ groom arrested at airport
BANGKOK
THE SELF-PROFESSED
billionaire groom who left his Buri Ram bride with a huge wedding party debt was arrested at Bangkok’s Don Mueang airport last Thursday (Oct 17) after returning from Hong Kong, police said.
Pol Col Cherngron Rimphadee, deputy commander of Immigration Division 2, said Thananat Siripiyaporn, 49, was taken into custody around 9.30pm after his arrival.
Mr Thananat was wanted under an arrest warrant approved by the Bangkok North Municipal Court on a fraudulent cheque case, police said.
Mr Thananat, aka Sia Top, left for Hong Kong on Oct 6, after his marriage to a 30-yearold product presenter and lavish wedding party in Buri Ram province made news.
However, Surapol Sinthunava, Mr Thananat’s lawyer, said the arrest was related to a fraudulent cheque case in 2016 in which Mr Thananat was sentenced to six months in prison.
According to Mr Surapol, his client Mr Thananat failed
to show up to hear a court ruling on Nov 14, 2016.
The court found him guilty in absentia and handed down a one-year jail term, reduced to six months. A warrant was issued and because he did not appeal within the stipulated time frame, the case was considered final.
Mr Thananat came under the public spotlight over the wedding party scandal in which the bride’s family complained that he organised a B3.5 million ceremony. However, after the party, he left without paying the bill.
The bride’s family also alleged that the large dowry-cheque disappeared with him.
The family said they did not know much about him but the bride had told them he was a wealthy businessman.
Over time, officials say the biometric recognition system will allow a traveller’s face to eliminate the need for a boarding pass. Photo: AFP
Bangkok Post
Police detain “billionaire” Thananat Siripiyaporn, last week. Photo: Bangkok Post
Royal barge procession to take place December
HIS MAJESTY THE King has postponed the royal barge procession from this week to Dec 12, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam announced last week.
Mr Wissanu said His Majesty made the decision after the organisers concluded that water levels and currents in the Chao Phraya River, and weather conditions, could pose a problem for the procession, and agreed to forward their concern to His Majesty for a decision.
The procession was planned to start at 3:30pm yesterday (Oct 24). The King decided to postpone it to the same time on Dec 12, he said.
A full rehearsal was held last Thursday (Oct 17), before organisers decided to consult the King.
The procession is an extension of the King’s coronation ceremonies that began in early May.
The postponement was formally announced at a news conference on Monday (Oct 21), the deputy minister said.
Bangkok Post
Changes to VAT refund for tourists hiked to B30,000
revealing when the new rules would be applied.
The Revenue Department is set to raise the ceiling for value-added tax (VAT) refunds for tourists at downtown agents to B30,000 per traveller from the current limit of B12,000 per traveller.
The tax-collecting agency plans to expand cash payment services for VAT refunds to tourists at 10 international airports nationwide instead of just Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, Pinsai Suraswadi, principal adviser on strategic tax administration, said without
The additional eight airports are Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Hat Yai, Krabi, Samui, U-tapao and Surat Thani.
The Revenue Department will also soon allow foreign tourists to claim VAT refunds by cash at downtown agents across the country, Mr Pinsai said.
The amended regulations will comply with economic ministers’ intention to provide more convenience for foreign visitors.
Ekniti Nitithanprapas, the Director-General of the Revenue Department, said
recently that the department might open applications for permanent downtown VAT refund agents after satisfactory outcomes during a trial run, with 10% higher sales from VAT-free shops to tourists.
During the one-year trial, which ended last month, each of the five agents (which include Counter Service, VAT Refund Centre Thailand and Thai VAT Refund) was allowed to open up to five locations in Bangkok for the service. Chinese, Singaporean and Taiwanese tourists were found to be the top three nationalities using downtown VAT refund services.
Claimants must depart from Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang airports within 14 days of the downtown VAT refund claim. Goods must be taken out of the country within 60 days of the date of purchase.
Before the trial run for VAT refund agents, some 2 million foreign tourists reclaimed sales tax of B2-3 billion a year.
To be eligible to claim a VAT refund, foreign tourists must spend at least B2,000 per store per day and are required to present expensive
items such as watches, pens, smartphones, jewellery, bags, belts and laptops to revenue officials after clearing immigration to ensure that these products are taken out of Thailand.
Mr Pinsai said claimants who buy goods in Thailand worth up to B5,000 will no longer have to show the purchased products at customs checkpoint in airports.
“The cash payment for VAT refunds at downtown agents not only facilitates convenience for tourists, but also boosts the tourism sector, as they are expected to use money incurred from VAT refunds to purchase additional goods and this will result in a multiplier effect in the economic system,” Mr Pinsai said.
The Revenue Department will adopt blockchain technology for online VAT refunds to tourists, he said, adding that the service will send refunds to travellers within three business days.
With the use of blockchain technology, there will be no need for tourists to receive cash when departing from Thailand, and paper use is expected to be cut by up to 10 million pages each year.
A 7-Eleven advertises VAT refunds for tourists in downtown Bangkok. After a year under trial, Counter Service VAT refunds are expected to incentivise tourist spending.
Photo: Bangkok Post
Bangkok Post
BANGKOK
BANGKOK
The principal royal barge, Suphannahong, graces the Chao Phraya River during the first full rehearsal of the royal barge procession. Photo: Bangkok Post
Foreign tourists queue for VAT refunds at Suvarnabhumi airport. Photo: Bangkok Post
Oarsmen during the rehearsal of the procession. Photo: Bangkok Post
Earning short-term rentals
THE PHUKET PROPERTY GUIDE
Thai Residential phuket@thairesidential.com
Investors in Phuket property are drawn to the rental yields, which can be enhanced when a professional management company is involved. Due to legal restrictions on short-term rentals by private individuals, any rental program which allows owners to capitalise on shortterm holiday rentals, while offering capital appreciation for freehold ownership, is doubly attractive.
Condotel and Hotel-Licensed Condominiums
A condotel combines the services of a hotel and a condominium. This hybrid concept permits individual units to be privately purchased, and then rented as though they were hotel accommodation.
Condotels are almost exclusively intended for investment purposes, so this is not necessarily right for you if you’re looking for holiday home. As investments, the track record for rental income is very attractive. Developments will typically offer investors either guaranteed return for the first few years, followed by entry into a “rental pool,” whereby the rental income is “pooled” together and the profits shared by all of the
participating owners.
In most developments, a hotel management company will be engaged for the day-to-day running of the resort, and because these companies can typically leverage their international reputation their rental programs are very attractive to investors. And because the developments are hotel licensed, units may be rented out on a monthly, weekly or even daily basis.
And because they are also condominium licensed, they may be sold freehold to foreigners in Thailand. And while they are generally investment properties, the owners may make personal use
of their unit for a set number of days per year – sometimes up to one month.
This is an excellent way to capitalise on Thailand’s buoyant real estate sector, while at the same time taking advantage of Phuket’s flourishing tourism industry. And as an owner/investor, you may also enjoy a few weeks of “free Phuket accommodation” every year.
A condominium juristic person (CJP) could theoretically allow (or at the very least, condone) the practice of short-term rentals, but the development requires a hotel license to fully comply with laws governing short-term rentals.
Branded Residences
Branded residences are one of the fastest growing sectors of the luxury property market, and while they could be simplistically described as “luxury condotels” they are really much more than that.
Like condotels, branded residences are hybrids of a hotel and condominium, which can be owned freehold by foreigners, but their management by luxury hotel brands makes them appealing to high-net-worth individuals. (As with condotels, however, ownership is almost exclusively for investment purposes.)
The price positioning of branded
residences is one or two notches above condotels, but for that owners can expect a rental property which will be in high demand as a result of their luxury hotel affiliation. The quality standards that come with the name also mean the units can demand premium prices on rentals. This is one of the newest sectors on the island, and the concept is already catching on quickly, not in small part due to existing developments being very popular with wealthy Thai investors.
Conclusion
Condotels and branded residences offer foreigners freehold ownership of investment properties in Phuket. The hotel licenses mean a consistent income stream may be earned from shortterm rentals, something otherwise denied to most condominium owners. At the same time, the professional management services are being offered by established hotel groups with the international reach needed to ensure the highest levels of occupancy.
This article is taken from the 2018/2019 Phuket Property Guide. To view the complete 2019/2020 Thai Residential Phuket Property Guide online, visit thairesidential. com/phuket-property-guide. You can also contact Thai Residential directly on Tel: +66 9484 11918, Email: phuket@thairesidential.com
Get the most out of your rental property. Photo: Gerd Altmanna
Pattaya Boat Show blooms
Lots to see and do at Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show, November 21-24
The eighth Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show will return to Ocean Marina Yacht Club in Pattaya on Nov 21-24 and it’s free for everyone to attend. Celebrating all things marine and much more, the waterfront show has become a must-attend event with organisers expecting to welcome more than 6,000 visitors this year.
An expanded inwater display zone will accommodate up to 40 boats including leading international brands and brokers such as Princess, Sunseeker, Monte Carlo, Azimut, Fareast Yachts, Simpson Marine, Boat Lagoon Yachting, Advance Yachting, MGC Marine and many more, as well as boats from Thailand’s local boat builders.
A major change to this year’s onshore zone is that a single marquee will home most of the onshore booths and displays. This provides a large undercover space and convenience for visitors browsing the variety of displays, and is complemented by outdoor spaces, food and beverage pop-ups and a beer garden that opens until 9pm in the evening. Exhibitors include a wide range of marine products and accessories, boat toys and gadgets, luxury properties, super cars and more.
disabilities, a fleet of these sailing dinghies are available for trial at the show. For any person with disabilities who has never sailed before but wants to try, it is free and a support team will be on hand to help.
close-up of the latest boat toys and water sports equipment. These are complemented by lots of fun activities and things to see and do for all the family onshore. A fashion show is also being planned for the event.
two-hour sunset cruise which people can book in advance or at the show.
A new edition to the inwater line-up this year is the S\ V14. Designed for people with
The show’s visitor activity programme is bigger and busier than ever before. The popular in-water demonstrations return allowing visitors a
Other highlights include helicopter rides and in addition to the always-popular yacht cruises that depart every hour, organisers have introduced a
“I encourage anyone with an interest in boating and anyone who loves the coastal lifestyle and wanting a fun day out, to come and join us at the Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show from 21st to 24th November. Entry is free and there’s lots for everyone to do,” said Scott
Finsten, Harbour Master, Ocean Marina Yacht Club, organisers of the Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show.
Open daily from 11am to 7pm, and closing at 6pm on Sunday Nov 24, entry is free to all. For further information, visit OceanMarina PattayaBoatShow.com or Facebook: Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show
The Pavilions Phuket 5-time winner at 2019 Haute Grandeur Awards
HOSPITALITY
THE PAVILIONS PHUKET HAS WON five awards at the prestigious 2019 Haute Grandeur Awards, leading the country in all nominated segments: Best Hideaway Resort in Thailand, Best Pool Villa Resort in Thailand, Best Villa Resort in Thailand, Best Boutique Spa in Thailand, Best Luxury Spa in Thailand.
“These wins are a testament to the resort’s desire in delivering experiences beyond expectations for guests. Being crowned Thailand’s Best Hideaway Resort resonates with the Phuket resorts’ honeymooners along with Best Pool Villa and Best Luxury Spa for special romantic and relaxing moments,” noted a release announcing the awards haul.
Conor O’Leary, General Manager at The Pavilions Phuket said, “We are thrilled to be recognised over five different categories, especially Thailand’s Best Pool Villa. Our Ocean View Pool Villa offers amazing views of the Layan area and the Andaman Sea overlooking its infinity pool, the villa also comes with unlimited massages each day making it the ideal choice for couples looking for an indulgent getaway.”
Marinique de Wet, Haute Grandeur Founder and President, noted, “Haute Grandeur Global Awards raise standards of excellence in hospitality globally, inspiring establishments to outperform past achievements.”
The Haute Grandeur Global Awards are among the world’s most respected luxury hospitality Awards initiative, honouring es-
tablishments that continuously excel through hospitality experiences. The Awards recognise exceptional contributions by hotels, lodges, resorts, retreats, spas and restaurants worldwide.
With the corporate office headquartered in Hong Kong, The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts is one of the fastest growing boutique hotel groups in the region, with over six acquisitions within a 12-month span and a new headquarter office location since October 2016. The Pavilions properties are located in some of the most desirable spots in the world. Every Pavilions Hotel is a sophisticated, private haven in which to relax or play, highlighting the arts, culture, romance or adventure, explained the release.
The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts portfolio currently comprises: The Pavilions Phuket, The Pavilions Bali, The Pavilions Himalayas The Farm, The Pavilions Himalayas Lakeview and The Pavilions Mongolia in Asia, as well as The First Roma Arte, The First Roma Dolce, The Toren Amsterdam and The Pavilions Madrid in Europe.
The Phuket News
Organisers are expecting to welcome more than 6,000 visitors to the Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show to be held at the Ocean Marina Yacht Club in Pattaya on Nov 21-24.
The Pavilions Phuket ‘Ocean View Pool Villa’ Bedroom and Lounge.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019
THE BUDDHIST PILGRIMAGE
How ghosts of the past drive the believers of today
ALL ABOUT BUDDHISM
Today, ardent devotees to Buddhism come from just about every corner of the world. Yet they often make a pilgrimage to India and Nepal, and it could be argued that one possible motivation for doing so is to seek out memories from the religion’s early days (ghosts of the past, so to speak).
You see, India and Nepal hold the ruins of four of the most sacred Buddhist locations on Earth. These sacred locations are where the Buddha was born, where the Buddha found enlightenment, where the Buddha preached his first sermon and where he died.
The Buddha was born in a place that is today called Lumbini, although several variations of the name can be found. Ancient Buddhist monks began the tradition of making a pilgrimage there.
Lumbini Grove was a pleasure garden that was reserved for the peoples of the Koliya and Sakya clans. The Buddha was a prince in the Sakya community before he left the royal palace at the age of 29 to discover the outside world and find enlightenment.
Legend holds that Lumbini Grove was created through the hand of divine intervention after being seen by a deva but, even if the truth is more mundane, all evidence strongly attests to the Buddha being born there.
The area was located between two important towns. Some scholars strongly suspect that the area bustled with commerce. However, this all would be destroyed by an invasion in the 12th century, so it is difficult to precisely know.
King Asoka (who brought Buddhism to ancient Siam after the Buddha passed away) eventually marked the area with one of his famous pillars. Today, Lumbini is a World Heritage Site, readily recognised by many Buddhists and home to the Buddha’s exact birthplace.
The Buddha attained enlightenment at a place that is today known as Budhgaya (aka Bodh Gaya). Its original name roughly translates to “the land beneath the Bodhi tree”, and it bears this name because the Buddha found enlightenment under this Bodhi tree.
Some records suggest that the area lacked a formal temple until long after the Buddha died. By the 12th century, a travelling Tibetan Buddhist monk noted that only four Buddhist
monks were left to tend to the area. Burmese soldiers eventually attempted to intervene, but the area ultimately fell into the hands of other religions until a small group of Buddhist monks returned in 1891 and undertook breathtaking repairs that nearly defy logic.
The small group of monks wanted to install a Buddhist image donated from Japan. In 1906, they entered into a protracted legal contest with nonBuddhists which would last nearly 45 years. In the end, devoted believers would leave the Mahabodhi Temple [Great Awakening Temple] as an opulent and enduring landmark.
The Bodhi tree in the rear of the temple is sometimes called “the navel of the Earth”. Over the centuries, this tree has actually been felled numerous times. Yet kind-hearted people kept nursing it back to life.
Today, Thailand, Burma (now Myanmar) and nearly a dozen other countries have established temples in the area, but the Mahabodhi Temple is one of very few brick structures to have withstood the passage of so much time in India.
The Buddha gave his first sermon in a deer park which we call Sarnath. It is important not only because of the Buddha’s first sermon but also because Sarnath is the birthplace of the Buddhist monkhood.
Today, Sarnath is a beautiful, welltended area that has many gardens and relics. Sarnath hosted the Buddha on many occasions, and awe-inspiring structures were hoisted by a host of kings as the centuries went along. In 520 AD, the Huns passed through and did considerable destruction to the area. Fortunately, several Buddhist kings and queens mended the area afterward.
However, the area was eventually deserted after a different religion swept the area in the 13th century. Some 600 years later, many buildings were plundered for their stones, and many precious relics were thrown into the Ganges River. Counter-intuitively, it was British nationals who initiated a recovery act which would restore the area for all of us to enjoy today.
Finally, the Buddha died at a place which is today known as Kusinara. Whilst the records are somewhat ambiguous, it would be fair to say that Kusinara was just a little city carved out of the jungle-side. The huts and houses were quite mundane and inauspicious.
The Buddha personally made his last conversion here to a disciple named Subhadda while he was dying. A number of enduring Buddhist texts were recorded in Kusinara before the Buddha died. After the Buddha passed, legend holds that mandarava flowers
fell from the Heavens until the entire town was knee-deep in them.
Kusinara became an ancient mecca for Buddhists but was not able to cope very well with its new world status. By the 8th century, Chinese Buddhist monks found the entire area had fallen into ruin but recorded elaborate records in fine detail. Like the other three sacred sites that we’ve discussed, Kusinara was completely deserted during the 12th century.
Kusinara then laid relatively undisturbed until the British colonial authorities started to identify the significance of the site in the 1850s1890s. The British colonial authorities did some good excavating, and Buddhist monks moved in again in the very early 20th century. In 1994, Thailand built Wat Thai in Kusinara. It is widely regarded to be one of Thailand’s more memorable temples abroad.
Lumbini Grove, Budhgaya, Sarnath and Kusinara are very sacred sites in the Buddhist world. Buddhist pilgrimages there evoke ghosts of another time, so to speak. These memories of the dawn of Buddhism have spurred millions of Buddhists to travel vast distances and endure great hardships. The Buddhist practitioners of today arguably are driven by wonderful memories of Buddhism’s dawn.
How wonderful it can sometimes be to feel haunted.
South Thailand hits big screen in Krabi, 2562
Jason A. Jellison mitnoy@live.com
Photo: nhan thai / Pexels
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
15 practical ways to break the plastic habit
Palmer Owyoung
Just a few decades ago, plastic was touted as a miracle material. It’s strong, waterproof, lightweight and easy to mould. But exactly 150 years since its creation it has become a scourge on the planet and is responsible for the deaths of an estimated one million birds and 100,000 marine mammals annually. It takes approximately 500 years for a single piece of plastic to degrade, which means that every single plastic bag, bottle, cup, straw or toothbrush that you have ever used in your life is sitting in landfill, on a beach or at the bottom of the ocean.
Scientists are finding microplastics in the food we eat, the water we drink and even in the air we breathe. According to a study by the University of Newcastle, Australia, the average human consumes about a credit card’s (5 grams) worth of plastic every week. Unfortunately, there haven’t been any long-term studies done to tell us what this is doing to our health.
Recycling isn’t always the answer because plastic is downcycled, meaning that it can only be reused six times before it becomes unusable. Even when it is “recycled”, it’s turned into things like board shorts, which shed microfibres when you wash them.
Biodegradable plastic isn’t an ideal solution either. It perpetuates a “buy-and-throw-away” mentality and requires sunlight to breakdown. Those made from corn or potato starch contribute to an increase in food prices, land use, pesticides and fertilisers.
So, what can you do? Here are 15 ways that you can reduce your plastic footprint.
Just say no
The best waste is the waste that we never create. Everything that you use has a footprint, whether it comes from the CO2 during the transportation and manufacturing it or the pesticides and fertilisers from growing it. If you don’t need a bag, bottle, stir stick or straw, don’t take one. To say “I don’t want plastic” in Thai, say “My ow plas-teek.”
Sign petitions
Go to thepetitionsite.com and search for “Join the fight against plastic pollution” sponsored by the WWF. You can also search under “Coca-Cola, your plastic waste is choking us.” Then go to change.org and search for #NoFreePlastic – this is directed at Thailand’s Minister of Natural Resources and asks the government to charge for plastic bags.
Eat less fish
A survey conducted by NGO The Ocean Cleanup found that 46% of the plastic in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch was discarded fishing nets. These “ghost nets” can continue to kill marine mammals for years to come. Until a solution is found, reducing your consumption of fish or not eating it all are the only options. If that doesn’t convince you, understand that fish can also be contaminated with microplastics, antibiotics, mercury and other toxins.
Carry a backpack or reusable bags everywhere
Get about a dozen and leave a handful in your car and some by the door of your house as a reminder. In addition to buying reusable bags for groceries, buy some smaller ones for produce. If you want to say “I don’t want a bag” in Thai, it’s “My ow toong.”
Stop buying bottled water
Instead, carry a reusable water bottle or cup everywhere. There are water machines in every town centre around Phuket that filter using UV light and only cost B1 per litre. You can also buy an inexpensive water filter for less than B850 at lazada.co.th. For restaurants, bars, hotels and offices, Generation Water sells a machine that creates drinking water out of thin air.
Boycott companies that are the worst offenders
A 2018 survey conducted by Greenpeace found that Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Nestlé were the worst plastic polluters in the world. Send a message to them by not buying their products (this includes all of their brands and subsidiaries as well).
Reuse when you can
Plastic bottles and glass jars make great places to store coins, stationery, plants, soap, shampoo, cleansers and general knick-knacks.
Recycle when you can’t
Even though recycling plastic isn’t ideal, sometimes it’s unavoidable. You can take plastic to several recycling facilities around the island. For a list of them, go to asialifemagazine.com/thailand and search for the article What happens to our household rubbish in Phuket and scroll to the bottom. In addition to plastic, they will also take glass, metal, cardboard and paper.
Volunteer
There are beach clean-ups almost every week. Two that you can join are Trash Hero Phuket and Clean The Beach Bootcamp. Search for them on Facebook to find out when the next clean-up is.
Shop at zero-waste stores
Zero Waste Phuket and Zero Waste Shop Phuket are both located in Thalang. They sell an assortment of household cleaners and toiletries as well as plastic substitutes. Bring containers to refill and you are charged by weight.
Support businesses that are trying to go plastic-free
Two large hotel chains that have banned straws and toiletry bottles at their properties are Marriott and Hilton. Some local businesses that are doing it right include Gallery Café, Wilson’s Cafe, Project Artisan, Vegan Booty Burger and Sea Bees Diving, to name a few. Research businesses before using their services.
Say no to plastic wrap
SuperBee wax wraps are an eco-friendly alternative, and it pays women in Chiang Mai a living wage
to make them. They work great with anything you would use with plastic wrap. You can find them at the Zero Waste Shop Phuket or online at superbee.me
If you are a restaurant/café/bar/hotel owner/ manager, move to biodegradable or reusable cutlery and packaging
You can purchase these at dplasticthailand.com. Gracz.co.th also sells a big selection of non-toxic containers and, of course, you can go to lazada.co.th and search under “bio-degradable”.
Repair rather than replace
We throw out a lot of things that can simply be repaired. For example, you can fix the broken zip on a backpack with a paper clip and some Sugru. Many plastic products can be fixed with duct tape or super glue, and you can replace the insoles of your shoes rather than buying new ones. There are plenty of YouTube videos with instructions on how to fix household items.
Download the Eevie app
This is an eco-habit tracker that will remind you to reuse your cups, bottles and bags and make you more aware of your daily habits.
Innovations in science and technology may eventually help rid us of the scourge of plastic. In Ecuador, they’ve discovered a mushroom that can digest it, and in the United States, two students have engineered a bacteria that breaks it down into CO2 and water.
However, none of these solutions is a foregone conclusion. If we want the future to have less trash, we have to work towards it, which means making conscientious choices every day.
Reduce, reuse, recycle needs to become our mantra. Yes, it is inconvenient having to carry your own bags, bottles and containers, but it’s a small price to pay for clean air to breathe, water to drink and food to eat.
So don’t forget to say “My ow plas-teek.”
Palmer Owyoung is an environmental activist working with the Kamala Green Club and the Asia Pacific Environmental Network (APEN) to keep Phuket beautiful and clean.
Carrying your own bags, bottles and containers might be inconvenient, but it’s a small price to pay for clean air to breathe, water to drink and food to eat.
Photo: Mladen Antonov / AFP
Hands off!
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary to launch observation-only experience
The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th
Since 2016, Phuket Elephant Sanctuary has been pioneering the ethical elephant tourism movement in southern Thailand by offering a new and final home to elephants who have worked their entire lives in the logging and tourism industries.
In addition to its existing programmes which includes a short, non-intrusive feeding interaction, the sanctuary is launching a new, 100% hands-off programme for elephant enthusiasts who are happy to simply observe the animals in their natural habitat.
“My ultimate dream is for our rescued elephants to live together as a herd in an environment that truly resembles their natural habitat and way of life – an environment where visitors are merely observers and learn about the elephants’ history and important role within our ecosystem,” explains Montri Todtane, founder of Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. “While we will continue to offer programmes that include a short, non-intrusive feeding interaction for the time being, the new
hands-off experience gets us one step closer to realising this dream.”
The hands-off experience starts with a scenic drive to the Tree Top Lounge, where visitors are shown an educational documentary to prepare them for their visit and to understand why Asian elephants need to be protected. They then meet Madee and Kannika, the sanctuary’s first two elephants, before helping the team to prepare supplementary elephant food khao tom mat (sticky rice, mashed bananas, coconut meat, salt and sugar wrapped in banana leaf).
While the nutritious snacks are steamed, visitors explore the sanctuary with an experienced tour guide and observe the elephants as they roam around, forage and bathe freely. The delicious khao tom mat packets are then delivered into the jungle, where visitors can sit quietly and observe the elephants as they devour their nutritious food. The visit ends with a sumptuous, Thai vegetarian dinner buffet for visitors back at the Tree Top Lounge.
A proud history
The sanctuary has rescued and rehabilitated 12 elephants back into a tropical, 30-acre jungle where they can
Soi Dog Foundation continues fight to end dog
meat trade in Hanoi
Soi Dog Foundation, one of the leading organisations battling the dog meat trade in Asia, is continuing to call for a concerted effort in Vietnam to end the eating of dogs and cats.
The call comes with just over six months to go before the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Hanoi in April 2020.
“The Mayor of Hanoi is marketing the city as a desirable destination for tourism and business investment. The upcoming Grand Prix being a major part of this plan. This puts Formula 1 in a unique position with the Vietnamese authorities,” says co-founder of Soi Dog Foundation John Dalley in a petition letter to Chase Carey, CEO of the Formula One Group.
“Although we cannot expect you to demand an end to this inhumane trade, being as it is completely unregulated, you are in a powerful position to exert influence.
“We know from local discussions that the Mayor would like to see an end to the business, but just needs a firm message of support from someone with international influence for him to ban it totally. Will you be that person?”
An estimated five million dogs and cats are slaughtered and eaten in Vietnam every year. Most of them are snatched street animals or pets
roam around, socialise and bathe freely in fresh water lagoons while visitors observe them from a respectful distance and learn about their stories from passionate tour guides.
The sanctuary currently also offers a short feeding interaction as part of its half-day and full-day programmes. Only elephants that are happy to engage in a short encounter take part in the feeding activity.
Many of the elephants living at the sanctuary do not have any interaction with visitors. These include Gaew Ta, a lovable 58-year-old blind elephant, and Sroy Fah, a 45-year-old elephant who previously suffered from abuse in riding camps and has not fully regained her trust in humans.
“It has always been our mission to give the elephants the freedom and space they deserve after decades of hard work in logging camps, shows and riding camps,” says Montri. “Since our opening, interaction with the elephants has been limited to a short feeding moment as part of every tour.
We do not offer bathing or any other form of interaction with the elephants in order to respect their freedom and to offer visitors an opportunity to observe elephants engage in their beautiful, natural behaviour.”
kidnapped from owners’ gardens.
The animals are transported across the country jammed in cages so tightly they cannot move, often without food or water, before being force-fed rice or even cement to increase their weight, then bludgeoned, knifed or burned alive in filthy illegal abattoirs.
Aside from the obvious cruelty involved, the trade in dog flesh is a serious risk to health too.
But the foundation is hopeful that, if it can get Hanoi to implement the ban, more cities will follow, causing a ripple effect that could save millions of dogs.
The petition has close to 880,000 signatures. The target is 1,250,000. To sign the petition, visit www.soidog.org/savethedogs/sign
Madee and Kannika, the first two elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary.
Visitors observing Kannika from a respectful distance.
Photo: Soi Dog Foundation
Thailand Health & Fitness Expo
JAND Events set to energise Phuket with four-day wellness extravaganza
The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th
Health and fitness enthusiasts and professionals from all over Asia will descend on Royal Phuket Marina in early 2020 for the inaugural Thailand Health & Fitness Expo.
If you are in the health, fitness or wellness industry, don’t miss out on this great opportunity to be part of the first integrated Thailand Health, Fitness and Wellness Expo taking place from January 30 to February 2, 2020.
For the first time in Thailand, the Thailand Health & Fitness Expo will gather many of the top brands in the industry at one venue, from gym equipment manufacturers to wellness resorts as well as healthy food, bicycle brands, nutrition and protein, sportswear brands and much more.
The Expo will incorporate various activities and entertainment for visitors, such as sportswear fashion shows, healthy cooking workshops, group classes, dancing, DJs and live bands. The programme will also include healthy lifestyle seminars, workshops, masterclasses and much more.
Organised by JAND Group Co., Ltd. in association with JAND Events, Thailand Health & Fitness Expo 2020
shines the spotlight on one of the fastest-growing industries in Asia.
Consumers from across a wide variety of demographics are increasingly concerned about health and seek ways to live healthier lifestyles, be it participating in fitness classes, taking steps to improve their diets and nutrition, or using apps, products and gadgets to monitor health and fitness levels.
With its wide range of products and services on display and an engaging programme of activities, workshops and networking, Thailand Health & Fitness Expo is targeting not only health
and fitness professionals but also the general public. Held at Royal Phuket Marina, the event is also a manifestation of Phuket’s unique position as one of the health and lifestyle hubs of Asia, attracting a large population of young and resourceful individuals seeking a healthy lifestyle in the tropics.
This four-day extravaganza will have an engaging seminar schedule which will be designed to foster discussion and learning in the health, fitness and wellness industry and will tackle specific topics such as youth fitness and athletic programming, training clients with dia-
betes, veganism for fitness and athletic performance, and empowering clients to make lifestyle changes. So hurry and book your space today.
For information about being an exhibitor and/or a sponsor, please contact Munlika Boonyawong on +66 (0) 76 600 225 or at munlika.b@jandevents.com or info@ thailandhealthandfitnessexpo.com. For general information about the expo, visit www.thailandhealthandfitnessexpo.com
The Phuket News & Window on Phuket are proud partners of this event
Everyone’s an actor
The inner thespian as told by Shakespeare’s Seven Ages of Man
English speakers worldwide have heard the expression “All the world’s a stage”, whether they know it’s from William Shakespeare or not, whether or not they know it’s from As You Like It, Act II, Scene VII. It’s a nice image. The whole world is similar to the stage with lots of drama, comedy and tragedy, and we all play our part, but I think Shakespeare was actually saying something else as well. I think he was saying “Everyone’s an actor”, because he goes on to say that we play many roles in a lifetime, and if you examine the truth of that statement in your life, you will see it holds water.
One judge of the law once said that his job would be much, much easier if people were not such great actors. When you think about it, we act every day, and Shakespeare, after saying the whole world’s a stage, goes on to name seven roles someone might play in his lifetime. I think there are more, but the seven will suffice us for today. And when he said they play a role, he meant just that – we play multiple roles to achieve our aims in life.
What are these seven ages/roles we play according to the Bard?
1. At first the infant, Mewling and puking in the nurse’s arms... A baby acting? A baby learns very early to act out his/her need for food rather dramatically and loudly. Have you ever seen the video of the baby crying for its mother whenever it gets a glimpse of her? Whenever the mother goes out of view, the baby returns to her play happily until the mother appears again, and the very convincing crying resumes. Oscar-quality acting even before having acquired the gift of speech.
2. And then the whining schoolboy… Creeping like snail Unwillingly to school…
Let’s be honest. Don’t we all remember feigning sickness to get out of going to school or church? And sometimes it worked. Congratulations on the good acting job.
3. And then the lover, Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad Made to his mistress’ eyebrow… When a young man’s fancies turn to
thoughts of love, he suddenly is willing to play almost any role he thinks will attract a young lady’s attention, even writing a poem about her beautiful eyebrows, which a month before he hadn’t even noticed.
4. Then a soldier…
Seeking the bubble reputation Even in the Cannon’s mouth…
We don’t all go off to actual war, but the roles we play in young adulthood are very real struggles to achieve fame and notoriety, or worldly success, thereby gaining attention and admiration. And if you don’t think that’s acting, just recall how you rehearsed to ace those job interviews or even to ask a girl out on a date.
5. And then the justice, In fair round belly…
Full of wise saws and modern instances…
A middle-aged spread, respectable gentleman, always dropping words of wisdom, acting as if he really has the answers. We also learn to smile and seem to enjoy things and people that bore us if that is what is expected. Acting again.
6. The sixth age shifts
Into the lean and slipper’d pantaloon, With spectacles on nose…
His big manly voice, Turning again toward childish treble…
As we shift into senior citizenship, we are forced to play a role that feels very foreign indeed, a role that of all the roles we’ve played we feel least prepared for. How many times I look in the mirror and wonder who that guy is and where the years went!
7. Last scene of all… Is second childishness…
And there you have it, acting from the cradle to the grave.
None of this necessarily means we are lying or being false; it just means we are adapting our behaviour and acting to suit the particular situation we find ourselves in.
And with that said, I want to add that, whether you ever go on the stage or not, learning a bit of or a lot of the skill of acting can be a great help in life. And, hey, if you take the time to learn it, why not get up on the stage every once in a while and use it that way, besides using it in your everyday life to:
• live a richer life by developing vivid personal awareness, higher com-
munication skills and a strong dose of compassion for others;
• learn how to relax and focus, get to know your mind, body and voice in a deeper way and how they affect others;
• gain insight regarding others, observing them more carefully and interacting with them in greater sensitivity;
• understand connections between you and others, how to make those connections, sensing hidden agendas and nuances; and
• “play” your own life better.
So why not try joining an acting class or a group of actors? In a place like Phuket, we have the rare opportunity to reinvent ourselves in a new and unexpected way. Try it! You might like it!
Joel Adams is building a vibrant theatre community right here in Phuket. You can contact him at theatrixphuket@gmail.com or by phone on 093 6490066. Facebook: Theatrix Group
Joel Adams
THE PLAY’S THE THING!
The Seven Ages of Man in the State Library of New South Wales.
Karst and crew
Behind the scenes of award-nominated film Krabi, 2562
The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th
The two directors of Thai film Krabi, 2562, Anocha Suwichakornpong and Ben Rivers, have been nominated for the prestigious Achievement in Directing award for the 13th Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA), to be presented in Brisbane on November 21.
Some 37 films from 22 countries and areas of Asia Pacific achieved nominations for the prestigious awards, drawn from the 289 films in the APSA competition. The nomination means Anocha and Ben, both known for their experimental approach to their work, are now recognised in a field which includes some of the region’s top auteurs.
Their creative documentary Krabi, 2562 explores the landscape and stories within the community of Krabi. A major tourist destination, the filmmakers want to capture the town in this specific moment where the prehistoric, the more recent past and the contemporary world collide, sometimes uneasily. Here, the duo speak collaboratively about the process of creating the film.
What brought you together to make this collaborative work?
We have been friends for many years – since [Anocha’s film] Mundane History premiered in Rotterdam in 2009. After an invitation to Ben to participate in [visual art project] Thailand Biennale, we decided to collaborate.
It’s exciting to work with someone else after a period of working alone – it opens up new ideas and different ways of working. While our filmmaking practices are quite different, we both have an interest in the fluidity of fiction and nonfiction. It was a very easy process, of discussion, writing, raising funds through shared means, then directing and editing.
What led you to shoot in Krabi?
The Thailand Biennale was taking
place in Krabi, and they were keen on new commissions responding to that particular place and landscape. We spent time there scouting locations and meeting people, and the film grew naturally from being in that area.
Are the myths and legends in the film subtracted from local culture?
The main one we used was the legend of Phra Nang Cave – this is ex-
plained twice in the film by the tour guide, firstly in Thai to a fictional character, then in English to two tourists. The story involves turning characters into parts of the landscape that we spend time in, which seemed like an appropriate and direct way to think about the relationship between storytelling, geology and time.
Mythology is a practice; it’s less of an artwork and more of an art form, one that is transmitted across generations. In the Thai context, mythology is an oral tradition. Our local coordinator, who was born and grew up in Krabi, told us that the fertility shrine shown in the film did not exist when she was a kid in the 1980s. Nonetheless, it is an immensely popular site now. This was interesting for us as it inadvertently raised some questions about local culture and authenticity, and by extension, the notion of locality itself.
How does the documentary approach work in your cinematic practice?
It’s nothing particularly new; it goes all the way back to early documentary, which was considered the creative use of reality. We have always liked the idea that a film can move between fiction and nonfiction fairly seamlessly, and that the two ways of working both involve considerable construction.
With this film we deliberately move between different ways of storytelling, from observational filmmaking, f ictional scenes and stories being told in both interview form and within a scene from one character to another. What is “real” is not really important because in the end it is all cinema.
Why did you choose to shoot the film on super 16mm?
We did discuss the format from the beginning as we both wanted to try new ways of working for ourselves. But as we were spending time in Krabi it became evident that film would capture the light in a better way. There is a softer quality to film, and the hardness of digital didn’t quite match with what we were discovering in Krabi and how we developed the film in the writing stage.
The film features different animal statues around the province. Sheep, tigers, elephants... What was your intention here?
There’s also quite a few shots of live animals too. These animals are very much a part of the landscape that humans interact with, both their alive selves and their representations. During our research trip, we met a man who made all these animal sculptures, and he seemed to be one of the busiest people in Krabi. These animal statues are prevalent in public and private spaces throughout Krabi. In the past, some of the living animals that these statues represent, such as tigers and elephants, were commonly found in the area. As the city became more developed, the animals started to disappear.
What is the social reflection behind the juxtaposition of Neanderthals, the commercial crew and tourists?
Krabi is an ever-shifting zone which is certainly moving more towards heavy tourism. We were interested in this while not wanting to be judgmental about these changes. Krabi is the site of some of the earliest traces of prehistoric humans in Southeast Asia, and this is now used as part of the lure to the area.
We wanted to somehow bring this ancient world, extinct for some 40,000 years, into relation to the current one. So we have a commercial being shot on a small remote island, almost completely untouched by modern humans, where there is an encounter – we don’t know whether it’s real, or if it’s some strange rift in time – but the notion is that there is an infiltration. The same could be said of tourism.
The Thailand Biennale, for example, and other really great artworks (some of which you see and hear in the film), could be seen quite cynically as a way of increasing tourism. So while the curatorial team have very good notions of working with the community, the government body that funds it maybe has different preoccupations in terms of its purpose.
Krabi, 2562 explores the landscape and stories of the province.
Anocha Suwichakornpong.
Ben Rivers.
A cup of history
At the island’s original coffee roaster Hock Hoe Lee
CAFE SOCIETY
Amy Bensema bensema.amy@gmail.com
Cheng Long started selling fresh roasted coffee to workers of the tin mining industry. Word about his “magic coffee bean” soon spread.
Acharming coffee shop located on Wiset Road heading south to Rawai, Hock Hoe Lee is a popular favourite amongst expats and locals in the neighbourhood as well as with tourists. Well known for its robust coffee drinks, the brand has a long, interesting history.
Hock Hoe Lee was founded in 1958 by Cheng Long, a Chinese immigrant to the island. The original store was located next to Phuket Town’s fresh market. Cheng Long first started selling fresh roasted coffee to workers of the tin mining industry, but word about his “magic coffee bean” soon spread, and the coffee quickly became a favourite amongst Phuketians.
Flash forward a decade to the late 1960s when Ko Boon, the eldest son of the family, began producing tea using Ceylon tea leaves. Much like the coffee, the tea rapidly became popular with the local people. The development of the Hock Hoe Lee brand continued, and 40 years later, Ja Ea, the eldest daughter of Ko Boon, started roasting espresso coffee. Her efforts evolved into a modern-day coffee business. Today, the legacy of Cheng Long lives on in the full-bodied coffee that is served at Hock Hoe Lee.
The shop has been a favourite of mine for a very long time. The ambience is nice, the staff are welcoming and friendly, and the coffee is rich and strong. There are a variety of coffee drinks available on the menu, including the normal favourites such as Americano and espresso, as well as bottled cold brew coffee. Whole beans and grounded coffee are available to buy on-site, and I must say that the packaged organic coffee is some of the best that I have ever had.
Hock Hoe Lee recently revamped their menu, and it includes many all-day breakfast favourites such as omelettes, eggs Benedict, baked egg skillets, muesli bowls and a variety of sandwiches. For those with a sweet tooth, there are a wide variety of baked pancakes to choose from. If coffee isn’t your drink, make sure to try the cold-pressed juices which are made fresh daily with local fruits and vegetables.
Innovation drives the team behind Hock Hoe Lee, and they are always striving to find better ways of doing things, whether it be reducing plastic within their shop, roasting unique coffee beans together for distinct flavours or serving up an array of interestingly crafted coffee drinks. The shop will soon start selling biograde aluminium foil coffee capsules with their signature coffee inside, which is sure to please those who adore the convenience of coffee capsules and pods but without the unnecessary plastic waste.
Hock Hoe Lee features indoor seating as well as a cozy outdoor terrace surrounded by lush greenery. It truly is a great place to sit and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee. The shop is open daily from 8am until 5:30pm.
To learn more about the history of Hock Hoe Lee, visit www.hockhoelee.com where it’s also possible to buy coffee online at their webstore. Follow along on
Facebook at www.facebook.com/HockHoeLee/ for the latest updates in the shop, including specials and new products.
Written by Amy Bensema, Cafe Society is a monthly column which chronicles one girl’s search for the perfect cup of coffee. Have a cafe to recommend? Contact Amy via email at bensema.amy@gmail.com or follow her caffeinated adventures as @ phukestagram on Instagram.
Ja Ea and her husband P’Oh.
AMATARA MAKES PIWC MONTHLY LUNCH MEET A WELLNESS TREAT
Amatara Wellness Resort were excellent hosts for the Phuket International Women’s Club (PIWC) monthly lunch get-together on October 6, serving up refreshing welcome drinks in The Library followed by a stunning three-course meal in The Restaurant. The club had the eatery all to themselves and soaked in the panoramic sea views it had to offer. Until next month, ladies!
Renate, Sally, Pen, Suzi and Valerie.
Diane and Liliane.
Wipa and Sue.
Missy and Lena.
More than 4,000 runners from across the country and overseas took part in the 15 th Mai Khao Marine Turtle Fun Run and Half Marathon 2019 last Sunday morning (Oct 21), starting from the Phuket Gateway. But it was not all about crossing the finish line first – it was also about having fun, getting out and enjoying a run and supporting a great cause. Congratulations and well done to everyone who helped organise this year’s event and, of course, everyone who took part.
FRI 25 OCT SAT 26 OCT
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
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.
INDONESIAN FOOD FESTIVAL
WITH GUEST CHEFS IGEDE AND PARTAMADANA FROM LE MERIDIEN BALI, JIMBARAN. The exotic tastes and colours of Indonesian cuisine awaits! Explore regional Balinese and Indonesian specials including Bebek Betutu, Sate, Babi Guling, Jimbaran Seafood, and Otak Otak, coupled with live entertainment and shows at these venues: BUFFET DINNER AND BALINESE SHOW - 24 & 26 Oct at Pakarang Restaurant. THB 1,275++ Per Adult. BBQ BUFFET DINNER WITH FIRESHOW AND DJ MUSIC. 25 Oct at Beach BBQ. THB 1,500++ Per Adult. ‘AU SOLEIL’ BRUNCH BUFFET: BALINESE-STYLE SEAFOOD, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT. 27 Oct at Beach BBQ. THB 850++ Per Adult. *Prices are subject to 17.7% government tax and service charge. Reservation, Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, Restaurant.Phuketbeach@lemeridien.com, 076 370 100 ext. 5307.
Speakeasy Yacht Club
Indian Night
Do you want to try authentic exclusively Indian food? The best Indian chef in Phuket is inviting you to enjoy it on 25th of October at The Speakeasy Yacht Club, Royal Phuket Marina! RSVP call: 081 971 2082, Email: catherinem@ royalphuketmarina.com
High Tea@ChaoFah serves with free Day Pass to fitness and pool
High Tea @ChaoFah serves more than 10 options of selected teas, delightful cream sandwiches, home-made warm scones with all the trimmings and truly Peranakan specialties. in the surrounding décor of exquisite Sino-Portuguese architecture. Every Saturday and Sunday from 2-5pm and special on Sunday, nice music from Annie Guzheng. Free for children under 12yrs with complimentary day pass to fitness and swimming pool. RSVP +66 76 338 699. Ramada Plaza Chao Fah.
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.
L’Aperitivo Italiano
From 18.30 to 21.00 for Bath 490+. Free flow of Italian Sparking - red and white beverages with pass around Cicchettis (Italian Tapas). L’Opera, Laguna Road, pnesi@loperagroup. com, 076 271 430/095 468 2248.
Poolside Night Market At Angsana Laguna Phuket
Experience a traditional Phuket Night Market every Saturday from 17:00 – 22:00 hrs. The Angsana night market is a bustling gathering of vibrant food and beverage stalls comprised of local vendors and hotel catered stalls, providing a unique blend of Thai street food, BBQ and classic dishes from the resort’s restaurants with live entertainment. Enjoy yourself in the natural setting of the resort gardens every Saturday night. Starting from THB 150 net per item. Reservation, Angsana Laguna Phuket, fbreservation-lagunaphuket@angsana.com, +66 (0) 7635 8500.
SUN 27 OCT
All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet Beef, Pork and Lamb – Cauliflower,
Sunday Roast All Day, All Night
Come enjoy a Traditional Sunday Roast EVERY SUNDAY at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in our Traditional Sunday Roast ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT for ONLY 445 Baht! Enjoy a Large ALL YOU CAN EAT selection of your favorites! Featuring: Roast Aussie Beef, Pork Loin and Chicken. Roasted or Mashed Potatoes. Roasted Mixed Vegetables Flavored with Thyme and Garlic. Yorkshire Pudding and Gravy. Enjoy Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the Fun. RESERVE Your Table Now Online at bit. ly/TwoChefsReservations Check out more details on our website at bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents Reservations, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong., Kata Beach 076-333-370 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344-914.
MON
28 OCT
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.
XANA BAREFOOT BBQ
Experience barefoot dining with freshest seafood from the Andaman Sea while watching a fire performance and listening music from our DJ. Every Monday and Thursday from 18:00 – 22:00 hrs at XANA Beach Club. Price THB 1,450++ fbreservation-lagunaphuket@angsana.com +66 (0) 7635 8500.
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. 18.3022.00 www.salaphuket.com Advance bookings are recommended - 076 33 8888. *Subject to 10% service charge and 7% value added tax. Sala Phuket.
Ribs, beats, brews Devour our succulent pork rib set complete with sweet corn chowder, blue cheese salad, moist cornbread and finished off with a bread and butter pudding. DJ Q will keep the soul flowing and your toes tapping
Halloween Eve Texas Smokehouse
Make this year’s Halloween one to the remember at Firefly Pool & Restaurant. Fest on delicious Texas-style brisket, buffalo wings, smoked pork ribs, creole styke chicken, Halloween themed desserts and much more! From 6-9 pm and priced at THB 890++. Reservations are advised. Reservation, Firefly Pool & Restaurant at The Pavilions Phuket, restaurants. phuket@pavilionshotels.com, 076 317 600.
ANDAMAN CATCH TUESDAY
Every Tuesday our culinary team prepare a special Andaman Catch menu featuring our TUE 29 OCT
1 NOV The Exotic Fishing Thailand 1.5 Million Baht Tagged Fish Challenge From Nov 1st to March 1st. Test your fishing skills Phuket and Catch a Monster fish and Monster Prize.
Grow Boating Networking Evening - November 2019
The Grow Boating Networking Evening for November 2019 will be held at the d’deck Bar, at the Ao Po Grand Marina on Friday the 1st of November from 5pm. We are pleased to announce that Yacht Shop at Yacht Haven marina have agreed to be our drinks sponsor. See https://www.facebook.com/YachtShopPhuket/ There will be a light buffet sponsored by the d’deck bar and special prices on your favourite beverages. Come and join in the fun, everyone is welcome. There is no entry fee, just drop your business card or register at the bar. We hope to see you there and if you know anyone you think would be interested in coming please invite them along. To join our mailing list please send an email to growboatingphuket@gmail.com Grow Boating is kindly supported by our media partner The Phuket News, Live 89.5 radio and Phuket News TV. See www.thephuketnews. com The Grow Boating Networking Evening is organised by the Thai Yachting Business Association. Find us on Facebook at https://www. facebook.com/groups/491098897758155/ or our Website https://www.thaiyachtingbusinessassociation.com/
Saints & Sinners at 360 Bar
Saturday night Sinner or Sunday morning
Saint? Find out at 360 Bar this year with creepy mixology concoctions, and spooky sweet and savoury snacks, prizes for best dressed and entertainment by resident DJ Gary. From 6 pm, entrance is costume and receive a complimentary’s creepy concoction welcome drink! Reservations are advised. Reservation, 360 Bar at The Pavilions Phuket, restaurants.phuket@ pavilionshotels.com, 076 317 600.
Melbourne Cup Brunch 2019
Ladies and Gentleman of Phuket, The Good Shepherd, Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation and Angsana Laguna Phuket are thrilled to be hosting the Melbourne Cup 2019 here on the island, Tuesday 5th November from 9 am to 2 pm. Dress code: At the Races Venue: Angsana Laguna Phuket FREE FLOW FOOD & BEVERAGES Donation: 3,000 Baht Reserve your ticket at tina@phukethasbeengoodtous.org
WED 6 NOV
Phuket Community Screening
Shines the Light on Anxiety with Must-See indieFlix Documentary, “ANGST: RAISING AWARENESS AROUND ANXIETY” UWCT Campus 19:15 - 21:00. RSVP: www.uwcthailand.ac.th/angst UWC Thailand.
Phuket Business Networking - Nov 2019
Make sure to bring lots of business cards, as getting to know each other is what PBN is all about. A small entry fee, THB 500 per person, that includes the first 3 drinks and a light buffet. Location - Ramada Plaza Phuket Chao Fah. Register your attendance here - https://www. facebook.com/phuketbusinesnetworking or call Jason - 086 479 7471.
THU 14 NOV
BCCT Multi-Chamber Phuket Briefing & Networking
BCCT in cooperation with Australian, Canadian, EABC, French, German, Netherlands and Singapore Chambers of Commerce invites you to a Multi-Chamber Phuket Briefing & Networking. Victor Smith, Chair of The Commission on Arbitration & ADR for the International Chamber of Commerce Thailand and Chair of the Thailand Branch of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, will speak about Avoiding Court Disputes with Arbitration in Phuket. After the briefing, join us for business networking. Time: Briefing 5.00 - 6.00 pm/ Networking 6.30 - 9.00 pm Cost: -The briefing is free to attend but pre-registration is required. Please state briefing when making a booking -The networking is THB 500 for BCCT members and participating chambers and THB 900 for non-members payable at the door. Booking: please email banthita@bccthai.com
THU 21 NOV
Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show 2019
Don’t miss the biggest boat show exhibition in Thailand! Taking place at Ocean Marina Yacht Club, South East Asia’s largest marina complex. Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show represents many of the world’s leading boating, marine, water toys, properties, and luxury goods. Making the 2019 show a must-attend event for everyone.
FRI 22 NOV
BISP’s 18th Annual Soccer 7s Tournament
The much-awaited BISP Soccer Sevens, hosted by British International School, Phuket - BISP, will take place on November 22nd-23rd 2019. This exhilarating football tournament will feature over 1500 players, 152 teams and 37 international schools! For details, email sportsadmin@bisphuket.ac.th and visit www.bisp7s. com
SAT 23 NOV
Great Wines of Italy @ The Nai Harn
James Suckling will bring his successful event for a third time to Phuket’s iconic The Nai Harn Resort. More than 40 of the top Italian wine producers and winemakers of world-renowned estates will personally be present at the event. Guests will be treated to a multi-course live cooking dining experience at the casual openair setting of Reflections rooftop terrace. For more information and bookings, please call +66 76 380 200 or fbsec@thenaiharn.com or check out https://www.thenaiharn.com/dining/ james-suckling/ ALCOHOL MAY BE A HEALTH HAZARD.
WED 4 DEC
family day in celebra-
tion of “The Season for Giving”. The 2019 Fair will host A Christmas Wishing Tree - come select a child profile and help fill Santa’s Sleigh for Charity, Christmas Themed Student Performance, a Santa’s Grotto with family photo opportunities, Retails, Sustainability and Ecco Friendly focused Gift and Services Stalls, a fantastic array of Festive Stalls, and Games for all to play. 2:30 - 6:30 Free Entry. UWC Thailand.
THU 30 JAN
Thailand Health & Fitness Expo 2020
The inaugural Thailand Health & Fitness Expo from 30th January to 2nd February 2020 will showcase brands and services related to the health, fitness and wellness industry. A four-day extravaganza featuring an exhibition as well as workshops and networking events. Among scheduled events are a sportswear fashion show, healthy lifestyle seminars, healthy cooking workshops, group classes, dancing, DJs and live music. For more information please contact Munlika Boonyawong on +66 (0) 76 600 225 or email munlika.b@jandevents.com or info@thailandhealthandfitnessexpo.com
Come and visit Two Chefs between 20 September until 2 November during the World Cup Rugby 2019! For only 295 Baht Two Chefs will prepare a delicious deep-fried chicken burger or a beautiful chicken parmigiana for you, while you watching the exciting World Cup Rugby Games all day and night! And if you do need some hydration, just order an ice-cold drink for just 99 Baht! Book your table now at twochefs. com/twochefsreservations or call our branch in Kata (076-333-370, opens 8am until 12am) Karon (076-286-479, opens 5pm until 12am) or Patong (076-344-914, opens 12pm until 12am. And of course our Houseband will entertain you with some amazing live music starts from 8pm every day! Come for the FOOD, stay for the FUN!
Christmas Fair 2019
We invite you to join UWCT and the Phuket community in a fun filled
1. Where on the human body do you find deltoids?
2. Doing so in 2011, what is the most recent country to join the United Nations?
3. What is the length of Thailand in kilometres?
4. Who plays Judy Garland in Judy, the upcoming biopic about the singer and actress?
5. How many attempts were made to assassinate Fidel Castro, according to his security team?
Answers below, centre
SUDOKU
Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York
Across 1. Alleges 5. Package of papers 10. Charon’s river 14. Touch 15. Kind of dish 16. “Excuse me …” 17. “I don’t think so!” 18. Dine in the kitchen 19. Jazzman Saunders 20. Batman 23. Drivel 24. Rock group from the 70s 25. Several periods 28. Drink made from a packet 29. The Simpsons’ daughter 33. Encourages 35. Little finger 37. Sci. course 38. A Professor 43. Vestments, e.g. 44. Many of the Marshall Islands 45. Bully, often 48. Single time 49. It’s all around us 52. Tax form ID 53. Et ___ (footnote abbr.) 55. Remind 57. Superhero 62. Chemistry
Nobelist Otto 64. Bamboozled
65. Snap from a fish 66. Middle-east city
67. Color the walls 68. “Be that ___ may . . .” 69. Bank deposit 70. Cousins of ospreys 71. Screens
Down 1. Safe places 2. All ___!
3. Affluent citydweller
4. Expensive
5. Work detail
6. Try, as a case
7. Accusatory question
8. Spring up 9. Ending 10. Unaltered 11. “___ Business Like . . . “ 12. “___ out!”
13. Programming language
21. Lunch counters
22. Player with the least chance of winning
26. Den din
27. Jack-up the pot
30. Gary’s loc. 31. Bonxie
32. “We ___ please”
34. Wanders about 35. Bars
36. Black in color
38. “What ___!” (“Groovy”)
Places for experiments
Corporation type
“Mefistofele” soprano
Clairvoyant’s gift
Shoot over
Counsel
“Aha!”
Lets anew
Persian Gulf nation
Keith of country fame
First name among famous diarists
Hasn’t left
Hawaiian goose
Floor protectors
Murderous spaceship computer
Hoo-ha
Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz:
ISLAND VIEW
ISLAND VIEW
2
Grammys have been awarded to former President Barack Obama for his spoken word albums.
34 percent of American parents say their favourite child is… their pet.
4,000 gallons of fuel are used by jumbo jets during take-off.
197,274
US dollars is the average annual salary for a Google employee.
4 billion people – more than half the world’s population – are thought to be football/soccer fans.
Source: Uberfacts
October 25, 1945
Fifty years of Japanese administration of Taiwan formally ends when the Republic of China assumes control.
October 26, 1977
Ali Maow Maalin, the last natural case of smallpox, develops a rash in Somalia. The World Health Organization considers this to be the anniversary of the eradication of smallpox.
October 27, 2014
Britain withdraws from Afghanistan at the end of Operation Herrick, after 12 years four months and seven days.
October 28, 1726
The novel Gulliver’s Travels by Anglo-Irish author Jonathan Swift is published and is hailed as “a satirical masterpiece”.
October 29, 2015
After 35 years, China announces the end of one-child policy, a birth planning programme designed to control the size of its population.
October 30, 1974
The Rumble in the Jungle boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman takes place in Zaire (now Democratic Republic of the Congo). Ali wins by knockout.
October 31, 2011
The global population of humans reaches seven billion. This day is now recognised by the United Nations as the Day of Seven Billion.
Source: Wikipedia
Photo by Chris Yoon, QSI Phuket’s Student Photo of the Year winner
A poster for the Foreman vs Ali fight.
Looking out from Big Buddha viewpoint. Photo by Cabbie Rein.
Buy & Sell
BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE
CARS, TRUCKS FOR RENT
Toyota Fortuner 2007 for sale
200,000 km. Two owners. Smart TRD 3.0 Good condition! Great deal! Call now!! 590,000 THB, Nony, Kathu, Phuket, Thailand, Nony_ntp@hotmail.com, (Eng/Thai) 099 2650808.
7 seater for rent We have a New top-model Sienta 7 seater for rent. Has reverse camera, mag wheels, leather and automatic sliding doors. Available from Sept 7. Price daily or per month. 0848474377. stigisaan@gmail.com
4067.
INSTRUMENTS
PERSONAL SERVICES
Buy & Sell
SERVICES
Credit and investment in private section
With honesty, we are offering credit and investment in private section with excellent condition. Please feel free to contact us for more information. Georgette, GEORGESVALLER@ financier.com
White sand beach
29 Rai with breathtaking views and 128 meter of white sand beach frontage on Koh Yao Yai , just 20 minutes from Phuket away , secure Chanote tittle , public concrete road , water, electricity and ready to build for sale direct from owner for only 5.5 mln per Rai. Montha, montha_phuket@yahoo.com, 095 0147888.
OCEAN FRONT LAND
7 Rai with 185meter of ocean frontage, 800 meter from Yacht Haven Marina on Phangnga side, water, electricity, concrete road on the back of property, building permission for 12 two story pool villas. For sale direct by owner for only 6 mln Baht per Rai. + 66 95 0147888.
OCEAN FRONT VILLA
3 Bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 10 meter infinity swimming pool , maid quarter ..., fully furnished and ready to move in .., usable area of over 330 sqm ....., very convenient located in a gated community at the south end of Aopor, 50 meter from the ocean , 150 meter from the new Sheraton Grand Bay Resort , 3 minutes from Grand Aopor Marina , 20 minutes from Airport and shopping centers..., for sale directly by owner 22.9 mln. + 66 95 0147888.
Sale by owners! A secure 4-bed 4-bath with a swimming pool and beautiful garden in Baan Suan Loch Palm. 5 mins to BIS, 12 to 15 mins to Central, Patong and Phuket Town. 0873800065. jenjiramountford@gmail.com
Shophouse near Boat Lagoon
MUST SELL Nice shophouse near Boat Lagoon 30% below market. Bank financing optional. Buyer pays transfer fees. https:// bit.ly/31621Pb 30/12 Moo2 Thepkrasattri Rd, Koh-Khao, Phuket THA 83000, 0922537251, info@remxep.com
Seaview land
Nai Harn Beach
2.5 rai of superb seaview land overlooking Nai Harn bay & the Andaman Sea, ideal for deluxe villa (s) or resort. Walking distance to beach. Email development@amsasean. com Henri.
Dream Village Phuket house
2bed 2bath 295sqm land 100sqm living + veranda, compl. renovated.: new water, electric., tiles, paint in/out, windows, 3A/C, built in kitchen. 0870608400 engl/deutsch, price is negotiable picharly@gmail.com, 66870608400
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
Villa in Patong prime location
Villa in center Patong , top condition. Can generate 1.3 MB tourist rental income p.a. 3 bed, 3 bath, 160sqm living. Furnished, garden. Ms. Manatchanok, 0800409411.
Villa Mission Heights Big Pool
3bed, 3 1/2 bath, 330sqm living, 900 sqm land, very quite aera, 2 km mission hill golf, 6km UWC, 8 km airport. owner finance. 0870608400 engl/ deutsch, price is negotiable. 10.9MB, picharly@gmail.com
Casa Lagoon
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
RPM by owner Unique luxury condo 2 bed, 2 bath, 155sqm. Foreign FREE HOLD. Architect remodel in tropical white. Jacuzzi. All round beautiful views. Completely furnished to a high standard. Very motivated owner leaving Thailand. Available to agents. Priced just REDUCED to 15MB or offers. Contact Brian (Owner) 089 054 4354, 076 360 943. bggvirgo@gmail.com
1 Bedroom Condo Kata For Sale
Lovely condo at Utopia Kata for Sale. Completed in 2017 and close to Kata Beach. Fully furnished. Close to restaurants and amenities. Great views. Rental programme. Full facilities. Dimtry, 082 030 7199. B7,100,000
2 Bed Condo Bangtao Phuket
Mandala Condominium - Wonderful spacious condo. Great location near Bangtao beach and Laguna. 184sqm with private pool and tropical gardens. B15,900,000, Andy, 083 800 1888
Karon
Dmitry , phuket@thairesidential.com
Thalang House for RENT
2 Bedrooms, semi-furnished with next door gym and smiming pool. 199/167 Moo 9 Thepkasattri Rd. Thalang Phuket, 089 882 9246 sawasdeeka84@hotmail.com
Ocean Views!
Nuengrutai first woman to coach Thai League 1 side
FOOTBALL
Bangkok Post
Nuengrutai Srathongvian has made history by becoming the first woman to coach a Thai League 1 team after being named boss of Ratchaburi Mitr Phol.
The Dragons have been without a permanent coach for several months since Marco Simone quit the club.
Ratchaburi vice-chairman Tanawat Natikanchana confirmed on Monday (Oct 21) that the team had appointed former Thai women’s national team boss Nuengrutai as head coach for the squad.
“Before the game with Bangkok United on Sunday (Oct 20), we decided to appoint Nuengrutai as our new coach,” Tanawat said.
However, Nuengrutai is to only serve as an adviser to caretaker coach Somchai Maiwilai during the club’s final two games of the season.
Ratchaburi will travel to PT Prachuap for a meaningless last game of the Thai League 1 season this Saturday (Oct 26).
Ratchaburi are eighth in the league standings while Prachuap are spotted in ninth place.
The Dragons will then face Port in the FA Cup final on Nov 2.
The 47-year-old has guided the Thai women’s team to the World Cup finals twice in 2015 and 2019.
At Canada 2015, Thailand defeated Ivory Coast for their first ever World Cup win.
However, the Chaba Kaew were clueless at France 2019 where they suffered three losses including a record 13-0 defeat against the US who went on to win the title.
Nuengrutai, along with manager Nualphan Lamsam, quit the team after the tournament.
Murray rise continues after Belgian triumph
TENNIS FOOTBALL
FORMER WORLD
number one Andy Murray was rewarded for his victory in Antwerp at the weekend, with another dramatic rise in the ATP rankings which were released on Monday (Oct 21.
The Scotsman, who is on the comeback trail after careersaving hip surgery, climbed 116 places to 127 following his 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 win over Stan Wawrinka - his first title in two years.
Murray, who has won three Grand Slam titles and spent 41 weeks at number one from November 2016 to August 2017, saw his ranking slip as low as
839 in July 2018 as his injured hip threatened to end his career.
At the end of September he was ranked down at 503, meaning he has climbed 376 places in three weeks.
He is now expected to take a break as his wife waits for the birth of their third child.
Novak Djokovic remains at number one, the 273rd week in his career that he holds the top spot, with Rafael Nadal just 320 points behind.
The only change in the top 10 sees the Japanese Kei Nishikori climbing one place from nine to eight with the Russian Karen Khachanov slipping down in the other direction.
AFP
Rapinoe named but Modric, Neymar miss out on Ballon D’Or shortlist
WHILE MEGAN RAPINOE is the leading candidate for the second ever women’s Ballon D’Or, the holder of the men’s award, Luka
Modric, and the world’s most expensive player, Neymar, missed out as France Football unveiled the nominees on Monday (Oct 21).
Rapinoe dominated the Women’s World Cup, on and
off the field, in the summer.
She was joint top scorer and was voted player of the tournament as she led the United States to victory in France in July.
The 34-year-old Reign FC playmaker, made headlines during the tournament by publicly taking on US President Donald Trump.
Lionel Messi, who are both included, stranglehold on the award.
In the men’s category, last year Modric, fresh from guiding Croatia to a World Cup final, broke the 11year Cristiano Ronaldo-
Messi has just collected the FIFA Best award, as did Rapinoe, which split from the Ballon D’Or in 2016. AFP
Andy Murray of Britain poses with the trophy after winning the European Open final. Photo: AFP
Nuengrutai Srathongvian. Photo: Bangkok Post
Megan Rapinoe with the Women’s World Cup title and Golden Boot. Photo: AFP
Thai driver’s got wings
Albon’s performance in Mexico may decide full-time Red Bull seat
BOX OF NEUTRALS
Michael Lamonato michael@boxofneutrals.com
Thai driver Alex Albon’s future at Red Bull Racing is set to be decided after this weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix, but the 23-year-old is already in the box seat to retain his drive at the racewinning team for 2020.
Albon has had just five races with the senior team since promotion from development squad Toro Rosso during the August midseason break, but the F1 rookie hasn’t missed a beat, scoring a pair of sixth and fifth-place finishes culminating in a career-best fourth place in Japan last weekend.
But while his results have belied his inexperience, his consistency and development potential have most impressed. Albon’s form under pressure has also been promising – his recovery from a pit-lane start to finish fifth at the Russian Grand Prix was particularly noteworthy.
Already he’s just nine points behind the man he replaced in a straight swap, Pierre Gasly, in the championship standings.
The team has boiled down the decision to a straight fight between him and the Frenchman, but Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner told British broadcaster Channel 4 that Albon’s future
was in his own hands.
“He’s certainly making a really good play for it,” he said. “It’s his seat to lose in many respects, and I think everything he’s done so far he’s done a super job.
“I’m very pleased with what he’s done so far.”
The team’s backing and a strong fourth place in Japan will have Albon enter the
Mexican Grand Prix riding on a high.
“After getting my best result of the season in Japan last week, I’ve got good confidence and direction heading to Mexico,” he said. “Japan felt like my best weekend with the team and we’re gelling more and more, so I look forward to carrying that momentum into Mexico.”
Boks braced for ‘slippery’ Wales in World Cup semi
PARTY-POOPERS SOUTH
Africa will need to be at their very best to overturn recent history against Wales in this weekend’s World Cup semifinal, scrum-half Faf de Klerk warned on Wednesday this week (Oct 23).
Warren Gatland’s side represent a clear and present danger to South Africa’s title hopes, the Welsh having beaten the two-time world champions in five of their previous six meetings following years of Springboks dominance.
To avoid slipping on a potential banana skin, de Klerk promised the Boks would come out firing in Yokohama on Sunday (Oct 27) after ending the fairytale run of hosts Japan with a 26-3 mauling of the tournament darlings last weekend.
“It’s definitely going to be a slippery one,” said the pint-sized scrum-half with the flowing blonde locks.
“But as a team we’re more in tune with how they want to play. Whoever you play in a
World Cup semi-final, they’re going to pose threats – not just Wales. Any team could be a bogey team on the day. We’re just going to have to be up for it.”
De Klerk added: “It’s going to be a massive battle in the air. It’s going to come down to three or four moments.”
South Africa, who have failed to reach the World Cup final since lifting the Webb Ellis Cup in 2007, finished behind defending champions New Zealand in Pool B after
But the Mexican Grand Prix will present a stern final test before Albon’s potential confirmation. The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is a unique racing challenge, taking place at 2.2 kilometres above sea level where car aerodynamics are far less effective and engine cooling has a disproportionate effect on performance.
Their characteristics that have suited Red Bull Racing and its naturally high-downforce cars in the past, with Max Verstappen the victor of the previous two events, but the team has slipped backwards relative to Mercedes and Ferrari in the aerodynamics stakes. Ferrari will also present a renewed threat thanks to its class-leading engine, which appears powerful enough to outgun all comers even in the unique Mexico City conditions.
“I expect it to be a little bit more difficult this year because of the Ferrari pace but I think we can still have a very good race,” Verstappen said, the Dutchman pessimistic about
his chances of adding to his two 2019 victories to date.
But all eyes will be on newly crowned constructors champion Mercedes, where Lewis Hamilton has the chance to claim his sixth drivers title this weekend if the German marque can overcome its recent high-altitude struggles.
Mercedes’s problem with altitude is twofold: the lack of air density means it can’t access the highest engine power modes required to take on Ferrari and it cannot adequately cool the car, necessitating severe performance management. The same issue was evident in Austria, where the team finished third and fifth as the slowest of the three frontrunning teams.
Hamilton leads teammate Bottas by 64 points and needs to outscore the Finn by at least 14 points to claim the championship this weekend. Bottas can guarantee one more round for his negligible title hopes, to the United States Grand Prix on the following weekend, by finishing on the podium.
losing 23-13 to the All Blacks in their opening game.
But assistant coach Mzwandile Stick insisted the Springboks were coming to the boil nicely after that early wake-up call.
“We were guilty in that New Zealand game of not converting our opportunities into points,” he said, promising a more clinical performance against Wales, who edged 14-man France 20-19 in their quarter-final.
AFP
(From L to R) South Africa’s flanker Siya Kolisi, prop Tendai Mtawarira, hooker Bongi Mbonambi and prop Frans Malherbe sing the national anthem before the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup quarter-final match against Japan in Tokyo last Sunday (Oct 20).
Photo: AFP
Alexander Albon of Thailand and Red Bull Racing prepares to drive before the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at the Suzuka Circuit in Japan on Oct 13. Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
Stubborn Man Utd hold frustrated Liverpool
FOOTBALL
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp bemoaned Manchester United’s defensive tactics and a controversial VAR call as the European champions' 17-game winning run in the Premier League came to an end in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
Marcus Rashford’s controversial goal handed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s struggling Red Devils a 1-0 half-time lead, but they could not hold out for a much-needed victory as substitute Adam Lallana levelled five minutes from time.
Liverpool move six points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table, but Klopp still felt his side missed an opportunity to inflict more pain on a United side sitting
13th in the Premier League.
“Pretty much everything went against us. Our own performance in the first half as well,” said Klopp, who was left baffled by the VAR decision not to rule out Rashford’s goal for a foul on Divock Origi by Victor Lindelof in the build-up.
“I was 100 percent sure VAR will overrule it,” he added. “The ref let the game run because he has VAR but then VAR says then ‘it is not clear’ so we could say it is not a foul. It’s a clear VAR issue in how we deal with it in the moment.”
The two most successful sides in English football could not have come into the game in more contrasting form.
However, United answered Solskjaer’s calls to rise to the occasion as his switch to a 3-5-2 formation restricted the league leaders to precious few chances.
“When we come here this year, last year and the year before they just defend. It’s not criticism, it’s just a fact,” added Klopp.
“The quality they have, (when they) set up like that, it’s really difficult. It's no excuse, we needed to do better.
“We are a good team and it's normal people think about how they stop us.”
‘It's not basketball’
United had not scored in their two previous matches prior to the international break, but finally produced a moment of quality going forward to take the lead, even if fortune was also on their side for the goal to stand.
After Lindelof and Origi’s coming together, Daniel James’s cross perfectly picked out Rashford to prod past Alisson.
“No chance,” said Solskjaer
when asked if he thought it was a foul by Lindelof.
“It’s not basketball, he touched him but it’s not a clear and obvious error. I don’t think it’s a foul.”
United are now off to their worst league start in 33 years as a point leaves them still just two points above the relegation zone, but Solskjaer is hopeful holding the league leaders proves to be a turning point.
“I’m disappointed I can’t sit here and talk about a win, but the performance is very positive,” said Solskjaer. “One point today is the start of something. We need to start winning games.”
Liverpool’s frustration only grew before half-time when Sadio Mane outmuscled Lindelof to turn in what he thought was an equaliser, only for VAR to this time rule the goal out for a handball by the Senegalese.
@ Aussie Pub: 14:30 More info: phuket-hhh.com
Klopp sprinted down the touchline at the half-time whistle, but was unable to change the pattern of the game after the interval as Liverpool continued to dominate possession without creating many chances.
Their lack of a cutting edge was not helped by the absence of Mohamed Salah who was
missing with an ankle injury. However, Lallana, who had played just 10 minutes in the Premier League this season prior to coming off the bench 20 minutes from time, was in the right place at the right time to make a telling contribution in the title race as he tapped home at the back post from Andy Robertson's cross.
Manchester United’s Welsh midfielder Daniel James (L) vies with Liverpool’s Senegalese striker Sadio Mane during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford in Manchester. Photo: AFP
Marcus Rashford opened the scoring. Photo: AFP
Sport
FAMILY TRIES
England’s Youngs eyes another win over All Blacks
Scrum-half Ben Youngs is hoping to add to his family’s impressive record against the All Blacks when England take on New Zealand in a World Cup semifinal on Saturday.
England have won just seven of their 41 Tests against the reigning world champions but two of those victories have featured various generations of the Youngs family.
Back in 1983 Nick Youngs, Ben’s father and also a scrumhalf, played in England’s 15-9
victory at Twickenham.
And seven years ago at Twickenham, both Ben and his brother Tom, a prop, starred in a 38-21 success – England’s last win over the All Blacks.
Asked if beating New Zealand was in his DNA, Youngs told reporters at England’s hotel on Wednesday: “The old man did it. Maybe, I don’t know, we will see.”
However, the 2012 win remains the only victory the 30-year-old Youngs has enjoyed in eight Tests against New Zealand.
And the memory of a 1615 loss the last time England
played them, at Twickenham in November, is still fresh in the mind of the Leicester number nine.
On that occasion, the hosts let slip an early 15-0 lead while flanker Sam Underhill had a try controversially disallowed for a marginal offside involving Courtney Lawes.
“I’ve had a fair few opportunities against New Zealand. I suppose the most relevant one is the most recent one in the autumn,” said Youngs, a veteran of 93 Tests for England.
“I just felt probably we were in control a little bit
in those first 25, 30 minutes but they kept coming back,” added Youngs.
New Zealand showed in their impressive 46-14 quarterfinal win against Ireland the importance of remaining ”error-free,” said Youngs.
“A couple of Ireland mistakes and they are down at the other end scoring off the back of it. The mental bit comes from staying engaged and never clocking off,” he said.
“For me they (New Zealand) are the most dangerous team in the world at punishing you,” added Youngs, also stressing the physicality of the
defending world champions.
‘Electric atmosphere’ Meanwhile, Youngs said he would be relishing his latest contest with the New Zealand scrum-half, whether that be Aaron Smith or TJ Perenara.
England would have to be alert to the threat they bring around the rucks, he stressed.
Saturday’s semi-final will be only the second time England have played the All Blacks since Eddie Jones took over as boss following the 2015 World Cup.
“For me the best atmospheres I’ve ever played in is always when New Zealand
come to town at Twickenham and I suspect it’ll be no different,” said Youngs.
“You add the fact that it’s a semi-final and we are anticipating an electric atmosphere on Saturday,” he added.
New Zealand, bidding for a third successive World Cup title and fourth in total, head into this match as favourites to win.
But Youngs said England would take belief from their 40-16 hammering of Australia in their quarter-final.
“Come Saturday we will be in a position where we have complete confidence in how we want to play.” AFP
Over 4,000 runners at the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Fun Run, Half Marathon RUNNING
OVER 4,000
RUNNERS
chased the sunrise in the northern tip of Phuket in last Sunday’s (Oct 20) 15th Mai Khao Marine Turtle Fun Run and Half Marahton 2019.
The Phuket Gateway was the starting point for the annual event run by the JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa along with the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, and has become one of the highlights in the island’s ever-growing running calendar.
The whole event is in support of the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, which helps protect the marine and coastal
environment and ecosystems for the wellbeing of the sea turtles that nest in the Mai Khao beach and the surrounding areas. The foundation also helps to raise funds for the Phuket Marine Biological Center’s Injured Turtle Rehabilitation Program and The Third Naval Area Command’s Turtle Hatchery Program.
Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana was in attendance, horn in-hand, to cheer and kick-off each run, which consisted of the Half Marathon (21.1 km), Mini Marathon (10.5 km), and Fun Run (5 km).
“We are here yet again, another year, another successful 15th year of the Turtle Fun Run, an
amazing event. We are in a very special place in Phuket, very close to the Sarasin bridge, it’s been so popular that, year on year it goes from strength to strength,” said George Varughese, General Manager of JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa.
One of the major factors in the popularity of the event is the chance to run across Thepkassatri Bridge into Phang Nga province, and then back across via the Sarasin Bridge towards the Phuket Gateway, giving runners a tremendously scenic route.
With the Halloween inspiration of an October Sunday, colourful runners donned costumes and pound the pavement with the
wonderful and frightening.
“I’ve seen them, it’s amazing that they’ve been able to run at all,” said Varughese with a laugh. “Well done to them!”
Half Marathon 21.1km, Overall category 1st Men: Anuwat Bunmak (record 01:20:20.625) 1st Women: Dutchanee Dardsadachan (01:40:01.992)
10.5km Mini Marathon, Overall category 1st Men Chinnawat Changlek (00:39:40.001) 1st Women: Surakarn Wanna (00:47:47.169)
The Phuket News
Participants run across the Sarasin Bridge during the 15th Mai Khao Marine Turtle Fun Run last Sunday (Oct 21). Photo: Supplied
England’s scrum-half Ben Youngs kicks the ball during the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup Pool C match between England and Argentina at the Tokyo Stadium in Tokyo on October 5, 2019. William WEST / AFP
RUGBY
Julian Guyer