The Phuket News September 27, 2019

INTERPOL NOTICE ISSUED FOR BRIT KILLER FUGITIVE >

PAGE 2

IN THE WIND

PHUKET HEALTH CHIEF CAUTIONS HAZE MAY RETURN, URGES PRUDENCE

Tanyaluk Sakoot

The Chief of the Phuket Provincial Health Office, Chief Thanit Sermkaew, has cautioned that although the haze from Indonesian plantation burn-offs that blanketed the island earlier this week has since cleared, the harmful air may return if the fickle wind swings again.

“Please have face masks handy and keep watch for at least another week,” Chief Thanit told The Phuket News this week.

“If the air changes and becomes hazy again, please do not wait for a

health warning to be issued. Start using a mask and see a doctor if you start experiencing breathing difficulties.

“This is especially important for children and the elderly, and people who already suffer an illness that affects their breathing, Try to make sure they stay indoors,” Chief Thanit urged.

The haze that arrived last Sunday (Sept 22) dissipated after the wind moved to blow from the east on Wednesday, but Mr Thanit said he was unsure how long that might last.

“We need to keep an eye on it for at least another week. We don’t know which direction the wind will

blow from next, so the haze from Indonesian forest fires might come back,” he said.

According to the Air Quality Data web portal provided by the Division of Air Quality Data, Air Quality and Noise Management Bureau (aqmthai) of the Pollution Control Department (PCD), the PM2.5 count (2.5 microgrammes of particle matter per cubic metre) for haze that Phuket last Sunday peaked at code-red “Unhealthy” reading of 170.

The readings throughout the day averaged around the 150 mark, though some reports in the media gave “Unhealthy” readings as high 184.

Phuket Health Chief Thanit issued a health advisory early Monday (Sept 23), urging people with breathing difficulties, as well as children and the elderly, to stay indoors.

“People with heart or lung conditions are urged to please be careful. If your chest begins to hurt, or if you develop a headache or it becomes difficult to breath, please see a doctor,” he said.

“I have issued repeated announcements to every government hospital and health centre in Phuket that they must provide free masks to people,” Chief Thanit explained.

He also called on people to report…

A woman covers her nose and mouth with a mask during the haze in Phuket earlier this week. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

Vegetarian Festival 2019 takes to the streets > p5

Officials spray water into the air at Patong Beach in the hope of removing air particles.

Be vigilant on haze, warns health chief

Continued from page 1 ...any official who refused to support or help people having trouble breathing.

By that time, however, the PM2.5 reading provided by aqmthai had fallen to 158, but still within the “Unhealthy” zone, described as, “General public is not likely to be affected. Some at-risk individuals who are usually sensitive may experience symptoms such as sore eyes, cough, sore throat or breathing difficulty, and should consider reducing strenuous physical activity outdoors.

“At-risk individuals: Children, elderly, pregnant women and individuals with lung problems, or heart problems.”

Regional Environmental Office 15 (Phuket office) Chief Yongyut Panitaungkul urged,

“People should wear masks when they go outside or do any activity. The best mask is the N95 type. If you do not have one of those, then please use something as a mask – that is better than nothing.”

Despite the high levels harmful air contamination, no schools in Phuket were closed during the haze.

By Tuesday, the haze had eased, but Mr Thanit re-issued his air-quality warning. The PM2.5 readings of 142, an orange-code “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups”.

“Although I have not received any reports of people suffering serious health effects arriving at hospitals I have ordered all main government hospitals to have the appropriate equipment prepared to help people,” he said.

Norwegian fugitive wanted by Interpol

News

The Phuket

editor@classactmedia.co.th

An Interpol Red Notice has been issued for Norwegian national Roger Bullman, who has absconded without warning from police in Phuket after failing to present himself in court to face a manslaughter charge for the death of British tourist Amiptal Bajaj at a Phuket resort late last month.

Karon Chief Police Col Prawit Sutthirueangarun told The Phuket News last Friday (Sept 20), “I sent the request on Tuesday (Sept 17), and I received confirmation that the Red Notice had been issued this afternoon.”

“We have already issued a wanted notice to every police station in the country. At this stage we do not know his whereabouts.

“We have checked with Immigration, and there are no records that he has left the country through an official checkpoint, but we asked for the Red Notice as we are now concerned that he may have left the country illegally,” Col Prawit said.

“Any persons who believe they have seen him can contact me directly eat 080-890 6785,” Col Prawit added.

Col Prawit has yet to explain why his officers ignored serving an arrest warrant for Bullman after he failed to

manslaughter over the death of Mr Bajaj at the Centara Grand Resort on Aug 21.

Now an international fugitive, Bullman, 53, admitted to choking Mr Bajaj with a restraint hold amid a fight that started over Bullman making too much noise at his hotel room, but he maintained that killing Mr Bajaj was accidental.

present himself in court on Sept 2.

“We are looking for him.

We are doing our job now,” was all Col Prawit would say when speaking with The Phuket News last Friday (Sept 13).

Bullman faces charges of

Bullmam was released on bail by the Phuket Provincial Court after he was arraigned, despite a formal request by Karon Police to deny him the opportunity to be freed on bail.

At the time of his disappearance, Bullman faced a charge of trespass by an act of violence, which if he is found guilty of will incur a sentence of up to five years in jail or a fine of up to B10,000, or both. He had also been charged with manslaughter, defined under the Thai Criminal Code as causing the death of a person by inflicting injury upon the body of such person without intent to cause death.

If apprehended, and guilty of manslaughter, Mr Bullman is to face a punishment of three to 15 years imprisonment.

Myanmar boy, 5, dies from injuries in U-turn collision

THE 5-YEAR-OLD MYanmar boy seriously injured when the motorbike he was sitting on with his mother and father slammed into the side of a pickup truck making a U-turn in Chalong has died.

The boy, nicknamed “Pla”, suffered serious injuries to his head and both legs in the accident on Chao Fa West Rd near Chalong Circle on the night of Sunday, Sept 15.

His father, Thein Zaw, 39, suffered head injuries and a broken left leg while his mother, Poehnin Phyu, 35, suffered severe neck and head injuries in the impact and was pronounced dead soon after the crash.

Pla and Mr Thein were both rushed to Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town, where they were admitted to the intensive care unit.

“Pla’s condition continued

15.

to deteriorate and he passed away at 6am yesterday morning,” Lt Col Prasit Ra-ob of the Chalong Police confirmed last Friday (Sept 20), “It is very sad news,” Col Prasit said.

“His father is still alive, recovering from his injuries. He was released from hospital yesterday,” he added.

The pickup driver Adit Phusuwan, 39, faces a charge of reckless driving causing death, Col Prasit confirmed. The Phuket News

Photo: Patong Municipality

Norwegian Roger Bullman, 53, now an international fugitive wanted on an Interpol Red Notice, as photographed by Karon Police on Aug 21 this year. Photo: Karon Police

The scene of the accident on Sept

Photo: Supawatkan Kulnaraksana

Save water, urges Governor

The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana has called on people across Phuket to conserve water as the rains this southwest monsoon have yet to replenish the island’s main reservoirs.

The call to save water came during an aerial inspection of the Bang Neow Dum reservoir in Srisoonthorn, the Bang Wad reservoir in Kathu and the Khlong Kratha reservoir in Chalong last Saturday (Sept 21). Joining the Governor were Atchariya Chantnrawong, Chief of the Agricultural and Cooperatives Phuket branch, and Taentai Ponhan, Acting Director of the Royal Rainmaking Operations Southern Center in Surat Thani.

Gov Phakaphong noted that the Bang Neow Dum Reservoir was only 10% full, while the other two main reservoirs also had only a small amount of water flowing into their catchment areas.

As of last Saturday, the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) reported that Bang Wad reservoir in Kathu contained 1.51 million cubic metres (m3) of water, about 14.78% of its 10.2m m 3 capacity. Of that only 1.24m m 3 was usable water, the ONWR noted.

Bang Neow Dum reservoir in Srisoonthorn contained 0.74mn

m 3 of water, about 10.26% of its 7.2mn m 3 capacity. Only 0.63mn m 3 of that was usable water, the ONWR reported.

The ONWR does not report the volume of water stored in the Khlong Kratha reservoir in Chalong.

“Officials will continue to assess the situation, and will proceed to replenish the water levels at all three reservoirs as much as possible,”

Governor Phakaphong said.

“And we request that people use water as economically as possible,” he added.

“In this regard, government agencies will take the best care and

solve the problem so that the people will not be affected by this.

“We ask for cooperation from people to use water economically,” he repeated.

The Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation will continue their efforts to help replenish Phuket’s main reservoirs despite the ongoing campaign resulting in “little to moderate” rainfall landing in the key catchment areas.

The Royal Rainmaking team began the Phuket campaign on Sept 5, using a CN 235 plane to seed clouds in the hope to replenishing the reservoirs

Immigration to scrap arrival cards, launch TM30, 90-day reporting apps

FOREIGNERS

ARRIV-

ing in Thailand will soon no longer have to fill out the TM6 arrival cards, and the Immigration Bureau is to launch a new mobile phone app to make TM30 reporting easier, reports Khaosod English.

Another app is also being developed to allow long-stay foreigners to complete their 90-day reporting through a smart phone, the report added.

Kobsak Pootrakool, Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister, broke the news last Tuesday (Sept 17), said the Khaosod English report.

Both changes are designed to attract more visitors and accommodate those already living in the kingdom, Mr Kobsak explained.

“We made the decision last Friday. Within two to three months, life will be much easier [for foreign tourists and expats],” Mr Kobsak said.

Mr Kobsak was speaking at a hotel gala dinner in Bangkok to celebrate the

fifth anniversary of Elite Plus Magazine, where audience members included ambassadors from 10 or so countries, said the report.

“[The immigration police] have to have a huge warehouse to store these papers,” Mr Kobsak said, adding that the police rarely look at the information in the forms, which are only stored “just in case”.

He also said the government and the immigration police agreed last Friday to streamline other procedures.

Foreigners will be able to report their whereabouts with just “four clicks” on a smartphone to fulfill regulations that require them to report to immigration authorities every 90 days, the report added. Khaosod English

However, it was reported last Saturday that the result so far had been “little to moderate rainfall in Phuket”, with an estimated total of more than 300,000 cubic meters flowing into all three reservoirs.

The major obstacle in the operation has been strong wind speeds causing the cloud development in Phuket to move out of the catchment area of the three reservoirs, Mr Tan explained.

“However, the Royal Rainmaking Operations Center will continue its rainmaking operations to help,” he added.

The aerial inspection of Phuket’s

reservoirs followed the news on Sept 17 that Cabinet had approved the B3.5 billion proposal to build a water-supply pipeline from Phang Nga dedicated to serving Phuket. Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) Phuket branch Manager Graisorn Mahamad told The Phuket News, “It is really good news that the government has approved this project. People will have water supply in the future.

“The budget will be a little bit more than B3.5 billion, because the costs in the proposal will now be a little out of date,” he said.

However, Mr Graisorn admitted that there is still a long way to go before the project will see water actually delivered to Phuket from Phang Nga.

“I will know more details next week,” he said.

The news also follows Phuket earlier this year suffering its worst water-supply shortages for decades. The Army was called in to deploy emergency water supplies to areas across the island and local municipalities were ordered to make household water available free to any residents in need.

Regardless, the Governor continually repeated that the situation was not a “disaster”, an official declaration that would have allowed him to use the provincial disaster-emergencyrelief fund to resolve the crisis.

An immigration officer holds up a TM6 form. Photo: Khaosod English

The Bang Neow Dum reservoir in Srisoonthorn pictured last Saturday (Sept 21). Photo: PR Dept

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Sia Auan jailed for life

Patong bar owner dodges death sentence for double murder

The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

Panya ‘Sia Auan’ Yingdang, the former owner of the Pum Pui Bar on Patong’s Bangla Rd, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the double murder of a young woman who refused his advances and her male friend in Chonburi in July last year.

The Pattaya Court last Wednesday (Sept 18) initially sentenced Panya to death, but commuted the sentence to life imprisonment as he had co-operated with the court.

Panya and five other suspects – Sayan Srisuk, Kiattisak Surangsaengmeeboon, Jirasak Unaiban, Krissana Srisuk and Narong Warinthorawet – were found guilty by the court for their roles in the murder of Pawina “Spy” Namuangrak, 20, and Anantachai “Fos” Jaritram, 21, on July 29 last year. Pawina and Anantachai

were shot dead while sitting in a car in a parking lot at the popular Khao Chee Chan (Buddha Mountain) in Sattahip District, Chonburi.

Panya was found guilty of organising and ordering the murder. He was sentenced to death, but his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment for co-operating with

the court, reported Royal Thai Police radio broadcaster FM91bkk.

Kiattisak was found guilty of driving the car to the scene with Narong as passenger.

Narong was found guilty of firing the gun that killed the couple, said the report.

Narong was also found guilty of bringing the gun and

bullets from Phuket.

Kiattisak and Narong were initially sentenced to death, but both also had their sentences commuted to life for co-operating with the court.

Jirasak was found guilty as an accomplice by driving the car with Panya as passenger to follow the couple to the scene where they were murdered.

He was sentenced to 16 years’ imprisonment.

Sayan, who was found guilty of his role of pretending to be the couple’s friend and passing on information to Panya, was sentenced to life imprisonment, but his sentence was reduced to 50 years’ imprisonment.

Krissana was sentenced to 16 years’ imprisonment for his role in assisting Jirasak.

The court also ordered the six suspects to jointly pay compensation to the families of the dead couple.

Pawina’s family were awarded B7,314,000 in compensation along with 7.5% interest per year from July 29, 2018 until the full compensation has been paid..

Anantachai’s family were awarded B7,320,000 in compensation with 7.5% interest per year from Nov 12, 2018 until the full compensation has been paid.

Russian injured in mysterious tunnel crash Police net 17-year-old with 10k meth pills

A RUSSIAN WOMAN IS IN A SERIOUS condition at Vachira Phuket Hospital after a motorbike accident inside the Chalong Underpass last Friday evening (Sept 20).

Capt Thanakrit Amchonkham of the Chalong Traffic Police told The Phuket News on Monday (Sept 23) that he was informed of the accident at about 5:50pm last Friday.

“I think she was riding the motorbike northbound when she misjudged the curve inside the underpass and hit the kerb on the opposite side of the road,” he said.

“When we arrived she was lying on the road. There was a lot of blood. She was still alive and still conscious. She said she was in a lot of pain… Her condition is very serious. She suffered three distinct wounds to her head and forehead. She also suffered a broken pelvis, seven broken ribs and a broken arm.”

Lt Col Prasit Ra-ob of the Chalong Police, who identified the woman as 35-year-old Russian national Olesia Mailian, from Leningrad (currently Saint Petersburg), said that he had asked Ms Mailian what had happened in the tunnel, but noted, “I asked, but she is unable to talk at length about anything at the scene. I went to the hospital with a Russian translator, but she really could not to talk about or explain the accident… I am waiting for her to get better before asking her more in-depth questions.”

Lt Col Prasit said that he was not even sure whether Ms Mailian was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, He did note that he had asked doctors to confirm Ms Mailian’s blood-alcohol levels, but said that he had yet

Police

to receive the results of the tests.

At the time The Phuket News called on Monday, officers had not even checked any CCTV footage available, with Col Prasit admitting that he had not asked officers to check until that day.

Col Prasit also noted that police had yet to identify any witnesses to the accident, which occurred during Friday evening rush hour.

The underpass took more than three years and 11 months to build at a cost of B546 million specifically to alleviate traffic congestion in the area.

“There were no witnesses at the scene. Traffic Police were the only ones there when they arrived,” Lt Col Prasit said.

Once recovered from her injuries, Ms Mailian will be charged for reckless driving, damaging government property and with riding a motorbike through the underpass, Col Prasit confirmed.

The Phuket News

POLICE HAVE ANnounced the arrests of seven drug suspects, including a 17-year-old found in possession of 10,000 ya bah (methamphetamine) pills, in raids over four days last week. A total of 21.79g of ya ice (crystal meth), 6kg of kratom leaves and a 9mm handgun were also seized in the raids.

According to a report issued last Saturday (Sept 21), Suwarat Bootudom, 25, was arrested at a hut beside Soi Tiumpracha-uthit, off Thepprathan Rd on Koh Siray, last Saturday after police found him in possession of 4.16g of ya ice and a 9mm gun with 18 bullets.

Last Friday (Sept 20) at the same locale, officers arrested a 17-year-old male who was found with 10,000 pills of ya bah, the report added.

That same day a 19-yearold male was arrested in front of Koh Siray Temple after he was found with 5.15g of crystal meth and one 9mm bullet. Police also seized his Honda Scoopy-i motorbike.

The big catch was a 17-yearold found in possession of 10,000 meth pills.

Photo: Phuket City Police

On the Thursday (Sept 19), Attiya Seakui, 23, was arrested at a house in Soi 9 Anuphas-Phuketkarn in Phuket Town after she was caught with 6.09g of crystal meth. At the same place, on the same day, police also arrested Thanongsak Boonrod, 26, with 300mg of crystal meth.

Last Wednesday (Sept 18), La-ong Chukaew, 57, and Siriporn Chukaew, 49, were both arrested in front of a gold shop on Ranong Rd in Phuket Town after they were found with 6kg of kratom leaves.

All the suspects were taken to Phuket City Police Station and charged accordingly, said the report.

Eakkapop Thongtub

Rescue workers attend to 35-year-old Russian national Olesia Mailian as police look on. Photo: Chalong

Panya ‘Sia Auan’ Yingdang during questioning by police last year. Photo: Bangkok Post / file

Phuket Vegetarian Festival

Purification rituals return, Parade of the Gods begin Monday

The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival will get underway at sunset this Sunday (Sept 29) with participating Chinese shrines across the island raising Go Teng poles so that the Jade Emperor and the Nine Emperor Gods can descend from the heavens to take part in this year’s festival.

The first street procession for this year’s nine-day festival will begin next Monday (Sept 30) with the first “Yew Keng” procession held at the Choor Su Gong Shrine, better known as the Naka Shrine, in Wichit.

On Monday, devotees and Mah Song spirit mediums will lead the procession from the Choor Su Gong Shrine while many local residents and tourists are expected to line the streets to observe the procession. Devotees observing and taking part will be wearing white to represent the purification of taking part in the festival.

20:00 Lim Hu Tai Su Shrine

Monday, Oct 7

20:00 Jen Ong Shrine

The street processions scheduled to be held after Monday are as follows: Tuesday, Oct 1

6:30am – Bang Koo Shrine

6:45am – Sheng Leng Tong Shrine

8:00am – Sapam Shrine

Wednesday, Oct 2

7:00am – Tae Gun Shrine

7:09am – Lim Hu Tai Su Shrine (Samkong)

7:45am – Tai Houd Tong Shrine (Surin Beach)

6:45pm – Sapam Shrine

Friday, Oct 4

6:00am – Bang Neow Shrine

6:30am – Gim Su Ong Shrine (Baan Don)

7:00am – Cherng Talay Shrine

7:09am – Jong Nghi Tong Shrine (Ton Sai waterfall)

3:00pm – Tai Houd Tong Shrine (Surin Beach)

Saturday, Oct 5

6:30am – Gim Su Ong Shrine (Ban Don)

8:09am – Jui Tui Shrine

Sunday, Oct 6

7:00am – Hai Yian Geng Shrine (Mai Khao)

The fire-walking purification ceremonies will be held as follows:

Friday, Oct 4

20:09 Jui Tui Shrine

20:09 Jen Ong Shrine

20:30 Ban Tha Rue Shrine

20:45 Sapam Shrine

20:45 Yok Ke Keng Shrine

21:00 Sui Boon Tong Shrine

Among the many festivities to be observed are the bladed-ladder climbing and fire-walking purification ceremonies.

21:00 Tae Gun Shrine

21:00 Hai Yian Geng Shrine

Saturday, Oct 5

21:00 Tai Houd Tong Shrine

21:00 Bu Seng Tong Shrine

Sunday, Oct 6

14:00 Gim Su Ong Shrine

20:00 Bang Liao Shrine

20:00 Tae Gun Tai Tae Shrine

20:09 Lim Hu Tai Su Shrine

20:30 Tai Seng Pud Jor Shrine

20:30 Cherng Talay Shrine

Two tons of marine trash collected on Patong Beach

TWO TONS OF MARINE trash were collected from Patong Beach in just two hours, the Patong Municipality Chief of Sanitation has confirmed.

The stunning volume of trash was cleared from the sand by more than 100 municipal officials and staffers on Monday morning (Sept 23), explained Thinnakorn Khuntaseema, Head of the Sanitation Division of the Public Health and Environment Department at Patong Municipality.

“In just two hours yesterday morning, we collected more than 2,000kg while more trash was still being washed onto the beach,” he told The Phuket News on Tuesday (Sept 24).

“The trash just kept washing ashore, and officers had to keep on collecting it,” he added.

The mass cleanup focused only on the area of the beach south of the Police Box at the end of Bangla Rd, Mr Thinnakorn explained.

“Most of the garbage

was glass bottles and plastic bags,” he said.

“There was not a lot of marine trash along other parts of the beach,” he added.

Mr Thinnakorn explained that a lot of waste from the sea had been washing ashore, a fact not unusual during the southwest monsoon from May through October each year.

“So we have officers out cleaning the beach every

day, but yesterday there was a lot more than usual,” he said.

Some of the trash on the sand was people dumping rubbish along the beach front, he added.

“Please people don’t leave bottles and trash lying around after having a party on the beach. It is not good for the beach. We have garbage bins beside the beach,” Mr Thinnakorn said. The Phuket News

20:15 Sheng Long Tong Shrine

20:09 Jong Nghi Tong Shrine

20:30 Choor Su Gong Shrine

Monday, Oct 7

15:00 Kathu Shrine

19:30 Bang Koo Shrine

The bladed-ladder climbing ceremonies will be held as follows:

Sunday, Oct 6

20:00 Bang Neow Shrine

8:30am – Bu Seng Tong Shrine (Baan Kian)

Thursday, Oct 3

6:00am – Tai Seng Pud Jor Shrine (Chalong)

6:30am – Jeng Ong Shrine (opposite Vachira Hospital)

6:45am – Sheng Leng Tong Shrine (Baan Mueng Mai)

7:00am – Ban Tha Rue Shrine

7:15am – Tae Gun Tai Tae

Shrine (Baan Pasak)

4:45pm – Choor Su Gong Naka Shrine

9:00am – Yok ke Keng Shrine (Soi Pha Niang)

Monday, Oct 7

6:45am – Ngor Hian Tai Tae Shrine (Baan Khian)

7:00am – Sui Boon Tong Shrine (Lo Rong)

8:00am – Bang Koo Shrine

To download the official Phuket Vegetarian Festival schedule, visit the official TAT e-magaizine website at Phuketemagazine.com

The two tons of marine waste were cleared from Patong Beach in just two hours on Monday (Sept 23). Photo: Patong Municipality

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival street processions begin on Monday (Sept 30). Photo: PR Dept

TBEAVAN Editor

CHRIS HUSTED

Executive Editor

084 307 7408 execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

Fifteen years working in news and covering local issues and events in Phuket, with 18-month hiatus spent working for the Brunei Times on Borneo. From Queensland, Australia; 10 years living in the UK before moving to Phuket in 2000. Degree in business management. Spare time spent sailing or with family.

AMY BRYANT

Lifestyle Editor editor1@classactmedia.co.th

Former freelance writer and editor for a music

and reviews

in the UK. Now turning her hobby into a

and broadening

SAKOOT

Chief Reporter

091 165 0260 reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

KIATTIKUL ‘JOM’ CHUMANEE

Translator 082 729 0270 translate@classactmedia.co.th

Forest fires up the Asean

he haze smothering Phuket earlier this week was not the first, and likely will not be the last time we suffer from Indonesian forest fires. Thankfully the winds soon changed for our island and we were blessed with some rain to clear the skies within a few days, but Songkhla and Hat Yai had already suffered heavily.

What did come as great irony this week was Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha standing in front of the United Nations Climate Action Summit 2019 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Monday – literally while all Southern Thailand provinces from Phuket and Surat Thani to the Malaysian border were choking on forest fire haze – saying, “Asean stands ready to advance partnership with the global community on climate action to ensure

Going digital

Re: Immigration to scrap arrival cards, launch new TM30, 90-day reporting apps

Too many farangs were underhanded and lied about their addresses and employment, using jobs and fake employment/ addresses to travel around as a partying or lazy tourist. Sadly, we are paying the price for those who were trying to play the system.

Beth Juanita Young

Has never been a problem for my 20 years here – why suddenly a problem now? Is the general IQ in decline?

Sigur

Syvertsen

Re: Europe trade body wants end to TM30

B1.2 million for a pickup. B20k per month for rent. B20k per month on food/entertainment. B30k per month everything else. Overall average monthly spend here around B100k. These reporting requirements are because a civil servant wants to “make a name” for himself. I want no part of it. I’ve too much self-respect to report in like a criminal.

Daren Jenner

sustainability for present and future generations.”

That’s a tough sell when the annual Indonesian inferno – entirely man-made to burn off plantations – is an event so great that it is easier to track its effects from space.

Worse, literally while PM Prayut was uttering those words, the UN’s own Unicef arm announced that 10 million children were at risk from the smoke caused by the fires.

Making it even harder to swallow is that Asean was founded on the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of any member state. If Asean are going to stand by that while Rohingya are being hunted to the Bangladesh border, it is very unlikely they are going to take any action over Indonesia’s annual bonfire gone bad.

The response from the

local health office in Phuket was quick and appropriate, but what we can do better is try to give people a little more warning. Regional alerts for Songkhla and Hat Yai were being issued up to a week before the haze hit Phuket, and a haze warning for Satun came a couple of days before it arrived on the island.

Those who were watching its progress northward would have been little surprised, but most people in Phuket are either unfamiliar with annual weather patterns or tourists who wouldn’t have had a clue until they woke up last Sunday morning.

Weather warnings for storms are issued at the drop of a hat, and we are most certainly not suggesting anything as alarming, but an advisory that haze might arrive sooner than expected – if it arrives at all – would benefit everyone.

YOUR SAY

These forms only help after a crime and even then maybe. It can prevent nothing at a cost of millions of forms being filled out and processed. Seems like overburdening an already beleaguered immigration system hell bent on keeping physical paper copies of hundreds of pointless forms and stamps just for employment numbers or something. I don’t understand but will continue to follow the law.

James Bahr

Water relief

Re: Phuket water-supply pipeline from Phang Nga approved by Cabinet Is this the same pipeline that was approved more than a decade ago? If so, I guess it’ll be several more before work starts!

Geoffrey Morris

Looking like more poor planning here… just robbing Peter to pay Paul, while doing little to address unbridled growth and development which eliminates groundwater recharge and increases surface runoff to the sea. Seems like what is most important to Thai officials is to get a lucrative

contract and start pilfering funds as soon as possible.

BenPendejo

It took four years to build a (half) underpass at the airport road. Even if they do start phase 1 next year, the whole project will take several years to complete, even if there aren’t the usual problems like running out of budget etc. It will be at least five years before this is finished. The reservoirs are empty now. Nothing like planning ahead!

Timothy

Monkey business

Re: Concerns raised again over Phuket wild monkey populations

Just don’t go [to the sites in Rassada] and you are safe.

Wiesel

Well, we have the proof now that last year’s mass sterilisation didn’t work despite officials trying to make us believe that. The danger warning signs and all monkey photos are showing that people’s safety is completely out of the hands of officials. Remember, these are wild animals! Feeding points? Utter nonsense.

Kurt

On the cheap

Re: Thoughts on “begpacking”

Praying on the kindness of locals, who can barely afford to live themselves. I always believed it was illegal in Thailand. Deport them and black stamp their passports.

Peter Brady

These are the only people who should be harassed about having a return ticket, enough money, and constant reporting of where they are staying. Jon Sutton

There must be people out there that are giving to these type of beggars otherwise it wouldn’t be a “thing”. Stop donating and they will be wasting their time and go home.

Tracy Friend

An embarrassing portrait of Western disrespectful self-engrossed narcissistic behaviour. When you think what an average person in Thailand earns a day – these spoilt people laugh in the face of hardworking deprived people…

Dee Moore 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PURIYA

Patong bar owner ‘Sia Auan’ gets life for double murder Phuket cleanup unveils tale of two beaches

Interpol Red Notice issued for Norwegian fugitive Roger Bullman Russian woman seriously injured in Chalong Underpass motorbike accident

Probe of gold heist zeroes in on school

SONGKHLA

Police are investigating a school in Chana district, which is suspected of serving as a hideout for insurgent suspects, including those involved in a multi-million-baht gold heist in late August.

Officers conducted a search on Sept 14 at Thamwithya Foundation Songkhla School, which is known to be a local “religious school”, after they nabbed two suspects seen leaving the school in a car.

The arrest was made after police received a tip-off that one suspect in the gold robbery in Na Thawi district, Sinuabase Sulongsen, was hiding in a house in tambon Sakom belonging to a female teacher at the school, Col Thanawee Suwannarat, deputy spokesman of the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Forward Command, said on Tuesday (Sept 24).

The investigators have yet to locate Mr Sinuabase.

However, Col Thanawee said that while police were preparing to ask the court to grant a warrant to search the school, they received a report that the suspicious car left the venue for Thepha district in Songkhla.

The officers decided to follow the car which later stopped at a convenience store in Thepha.

Four men were seen getting out but ran away when they spotted the police.

The officers could catch only two of them, identified as Dewae Awae and Sakariya Awaelate, who are both residents in Songkhla, Col Thanawee said.

An inspection of the vehicle found 90 rounds of ammunition, clothes and “equipment to live in a forest”, he said.

Mr Dewae is suspected of involve -

ment in a gun attack at Chamao Buddhist monastery in Pattani’s Khok Pho district while Mr Sakariya allegedly helped a militant group launch bomb attacks on power poles in Khuan Niang and Bang Klam in Songkhla. Both incidents occurred last year.

As for the other two, they were identified as Abdulloh Baheng and Hafis Towaema. The pair, wanted on arrest warrants, are believed to be members of Runda Kumpulan Kecil guerrilla group, Col Thanawee said.

Prayut hails Thai health system at UN

THAILAND

PRIME MINISTER PRayut Chan-o-cha highlighted the achievements of Thailand’s universal health coverage at the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 74) in New York on Tuesday (Sept 24).

Gen Prayut said the government has promoted equality in access to public health services in all areas, including health promotion, disease prevention and treatment of chronic and costly diseases.

“From Oct 1, Thailand will expand health benefits by offering pre-exposure anti-HIV drugs to vulnerable groups. It will further the successful initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsawali Krom Muen Suddhanarinatha, UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for HIV Prevention for Asia Pacific,” he said during a high-level meeting on universal health coverage.

The premier said the government is also boosting the efficiency of universal healthcare coverage.

“We have allocated 15% of the national health security fund to health promotion and supporting the establishment of a local health fund,” he said.

“Patients, especially vulnerable and marginal groups, should have equal access to healthcare services. Moreover, we will adopt technology for increased efficiency, and also promote public-private partnerships,” he added.

Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said the session marked the first time in 74 years that the UN has underscored the importance of universal health coverage.

The Thai universal health system is ranked sixth best in the world, he said.

“Thailand is among countries which have pushed the agenda. We raised the issue of global health until it gained traction among UN member countries,” he told the Bangkok Post after co-chairing a panel on universal health coverage.

In related news, VOA Thai reported that Thaidemocracynow.org billboards reading “United Nations General Assembly: Don’t let democracy die in Thailand” had appeared a block away from UN headquarters. Bangkok Post

Stricter measures on big bikes looms

THAILAND

BIG BIKE DRIVERS will be banned from driving between traffic lanes and subjected to more stringent procedures in applying for driver’s licences, according to the Transport Ministry.

The new regulations are part of a package of measures decided on at the ministry’s meeting on road safety rules that should be enforced for motorcycle drivers, said deputy transport permanent secretary Chirute Visalachitra on Tuesday (Sept 24).

He said a working panel will be formed to draft an outline for the implementation of the measures to be proposed to the cabinet for approval within 30 days.

The measures, however, require amending related laws before the measures can be enforced. Mr Chirute said the traffic law will be rewritten to ban drivers from driving big bikes between traffic lanes.

They will have to follow behind the vehicle in front of them, unless they are overtaking that vehicle.

The maximum big bike speed will also be capped at 80 kilometres per hour in city zones. Mr Chirute added that the ministry will introduce separate motorcycle licences; one for drivers of small motorcycles and another for drivers of big bikes with 300cc engines or larger.

Big bike drivers will also be required to sit through a simulator to test their skills in handling critical situations.

Bangkok Post

Bangkok Post

Police believe the Suthada gold shop heist was part of a wider attempt to finance insurgent plots in the deep south. Photo: Bangkok Post

Premier Prayut Chan-o-cha represents Asean members while addressing the United Nations Climate Action Summit 2019 in New York. Photo: Government House

Accident increases point to stricter regulations.

Photo: Bangkok Post

Putting the pieces together

Last man seen with dead model Lunlabelle arrested in Bangkok

BANGKOK

Bangkok Post

Police have arrested Rachadech “Nam Oun” Wongtabutr on three charges relating to the death of product presenter Thitima Noraphanpiphat, better known as Lunlabelle.

The 25-year-old was taken into custody at a petrol station in Thon Buri district at about 1am on Wednesday (Sept 25) when he stopped to refuel his vehicle, in which his parents were also travelling.

Mr Radachech was the last person seen with Lunlabelle, in security camera footage, before her body was found on a sofa in the lobby of a condominium building where he lives, in the early hours of Sept 17.

He had earlier refused to open the door to police when they went to his room at the condo on Ratchadaphisek-Tha Phra Road to show him a warrant for his arrest.

He was taken to Metropolitan Police Division 8 and then to Bukkhalo Police Station for interrogation that continued well into Wednesday morning. He was then charged with detaining Lunlabelle in a way that caused her death, molestation and committing an indecency.

Metropolitan Police Chief Pol

Lt Gen Suthipong Wongpin said at the Bukkhalo Police Station that Mr Rachadech admitted to being the man seen in the surveillance camera footage carrying the unconscious Thitima, 25, into the condominium in Thon Buri on the evening of Sept 16, and later carrying her to a sofa in the lobby in the early hours of the next morning.

She was found dead on the sofa by a security guard.

Mr Rachadech claimed that he and Thitima met at a party at a house in Nonthaburi’s Bang Bua Thong district.

They had some drinks but she became quite drunk, so he decided to take her back to his condo, he said. It is important to at least rule whether Thitima died between 3pm

and 5pm or after that, said Pol Maj Gen Samrit Tongtao, commander of Metropolitan Police Division 8.

However, Mr Rachadech denied all the charges and insisted he did not know the woman would die, believing that she was only drunk and unconscious, Pol Lt Gen Suthipong said.

The Bangkok police chief said investigators would look into whether

any other person at the party-house in Bang Bua Thong district of Nonthaburi where Thitima was hired to serve drinks should also be charged.

According to police, an autopsy found that Thitima died of extreme alcoholic intoxication, with a blood alcohol concentration of 418 milligrammes per 100 millilitres – a level that causes unconsciousness and death.

Investigators have yet to receive any report back from the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) on the examination of a smartwatch worn by Thitima, which investigators hoped would hold crucial information about when her vital signs stopped, he said. Investigators were also unsure of whether the watch was reliable in terms of determining the exact time of death of its wearer, Pl Maj Gen Samrit said.

In another development, Bang Khu Rat municipality officials on Tuesday (Sept 24) reported their findings to Bang Bua Thong Police following their inspection of the house where the party took place. They said an extension to the house had been built without permission, so it will be sealed off until its owner can prove within 30 days that the extension was legal, or else it could be demolished.

Pheu Thai MP jailed for murder plot

KHON KAEN

PHEU THAI MP NAWAT Tohcharoensuk on Monday (Sept 23) received the death sentence and lost his seat in parliament after the Khon Kaen Criminal Court found him guilty of masterminding the murder of a local administrative official six years ago.

Pol Maj Gen Pairote Kujiraphan, investigative commander of Provincial Police Region 4, said the court found Nawat, 52, guilty of hiring fellow defendants, including two former policemen, to shoot dead Suchart Khotethum, then assistant chief of the Khon Kaen provincial administration organisation.

The victim was shot dead in front of his home in Khon Kaen’s Muang district on May 3, 2013, as he was about to leave for work. The court found Nawat guilty as charged and sentenced him to death.

It also ordered him to pay B300,000 for the funeral costs of the murdered man, said Pol Maj Gen Pairote, who had handled interrogation during the case. The ruling was based on witnesses’ testimony, forensic evidence and phone calls, he said.

murder. In January 2017, the Appeal Court commuted all penalties to life imprisonment, except for that of Pol Lt Col Somjit, citing the men’s useful statements.

Nawat surrendered to police on April 23 last year before being released on bail of B2 million.

Nawat’s request for bail pending an appeal was turned down, meaning he was jailed immediately. Once bail was denied, he lost his status as an MP as per Sections 101 and 98 (6) of the Constitution, said Sorasak Pienvej, secretary-general of the House of Representatives.

Five other suspects – Pol Snr Sgt Maj Veerasak Channanpol, former head of a crime suppression squad at Nong Rua Police Station in Khon Kaen; Pol Lt Col Somjit Kaewprom, former deputy superintendent of Nong Rua Police; Prapan Sripilai; Boonchuay Jungklang; and Piyapong Meekampang – were earlier sentenced to death for colluding in the

The Khon Kaen provincial court found that Nawat ordered the murder because the victim was having an affair with his wife. On the eve of the crime, Pol Snr Sgt Maj Veerasak, Pol Lt Col Somjit and Prapan met Nawat at his home in Khon Kaen’s Muang district. The trio then drove past the victim’s home before Prapan was sent back to Nawat’s house.

The court found that Nawat and Pol Lt Col Somjit spoke to each other by phone several times on the day of the murder and afterwards.

Nawat once ran a construction business in Khon Kaen’s Nong Rua district and was an executive of the provincial administrative organisation. He is also accused of ordering an assault on fellow Pheu Thai MP Yutthapong Charassathien on Sept 10.

Bangkok Post

Pheu Thai MP for Khon Kaen Nawat Tohcharoensuk.

Photo: Bangkok Post

Thitima Noraphanphiphat, 25, alias Nong Lunlabelle, was found dead in a Bangkok condo building.

Photo: Bangkok Post

Police escort Rachadech Wongtabutr, 25, at Metropolitan Police Division 8 in Bangkok on Wednesday (Sept 25) Photo: Bangkok Post

Phuket officials forge Vietnam tourism links

TOURISM

The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) offices from Phuket and Ho Chi Minh City have joined forces to help promote travel between Phuket and Vietnam.

A five-day familiarisation trip to Andaman coast provinces by representatives from 20 travel agencies from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh wrapped up last Sunday (Sept 22).

The “Mega Fam Trip” saw the delegation from Vietnam travel to Phang Nga, Krabi, and Phuket in order to appraise tourist attractions, local cuisine and cultures, and experience new tourist attractions.

The Vietnamese delegation last Saturday (Sept 21) had the chance to talk and broker deals with 55 travel operators at the Angsana Laguna Phuket resort on Phuket’s west coast with the “Table Top Sales: Vietnam Mega Fam Trip 2019” event.

Among the key announcement during the fam trip was that Vietnam Airlines will

start operating direct flights to Phuket on Oct 27. The airline will operate three flights a week: on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

“There are more than 280 flights from Vietnam to Thailand every week,” explained Napasorn Kakai, chief of the TAT office in Ho Chi Minh.

“VietJet Air already operates a direct flight from Vietnam to Phuket every day,”

Ms Napasorn explained.

Last year, more than 1 million Vietnamese tourists of the country’s population of around 97 million visited Thailand, Ms Napasorn said, pointing out that the flights from Vietnam to Bangkok take about 90 minutes.

“A lot of international investors are coming to set up businesses in Vietnam because the national economy

Angsana Laguna Phuket wins Best Sustainable Hotel in MICE awards

MICE

ANGSANA LAGUNA

Phuket has been named winner of the Best Sustainable Hotel category at the M&C Asia Stella Awards 2019 in Singapore. The award recognises best practices in sustainability, respect for the environment, and social positioning.

The M&C Asia Stella Awards aim to honour the very best in the MICE industry.

“It’s a proud moment for Angsana Laguna Phuket to be recognized as the Best Sustainable Hotel. The true reflection of our commitment and dedication towards the environment,” said Michal Zitek, Area General Manager of Angsana Laguna Phuket.

“Being awarded is a great opportunity for us to showcase our sustainable resources and behaviors that truly exemplifies our team’s spirit.

“I would like to extend my appreciation and gratitude towards all associates and partners who have continued working hard to make Angsana Laguna Phuket as the best sustainable hotel,” he added.

A release from the re -

sort announcing the news explained, “As stewards of responsible tourism, we have conceptualised our values in our ‘Brand for Good’ framework to go beyond the precautionary approach and inspire exceptional experiences among our guests to ‘embrace the environment and empower people’ at each of our locations.”

“We are very committed to providing the most environment-friendly and sustainable establishment for our guests, and we are very passionate about training and educating our associates to maintain our sustainable practices throughout the hotel. It is our goal to ensure that our guests are satisfied and their needs meet through our envi-

ronmental practices and the values we strive to achieve,”

Mr Zitek noted.

Another Phuket-based company, Destination Asia, also won an award, for Best Destination Management Company (Asia).

To see the full list of award winners, click visit: MCASsiastellaawards.com The Phuket News

Investor focus moves to resort property

PROPERTY

RESORT

PROPERTIES

have sprung back to popularity, according to leading international property consultant CBRE. Sales performance of resort properties has risen, deriving from the pent-up demand for projects in the luxury and super-luxury segments.

is getting better. The number of the middle-class people with high purchasing power has also been increasing rapidly,” Ms Napasorn said.

“Also, Vietnamese families like to travel abroad during the school break, from June to August,” she added.

However, Ms Napasorn did recognise that high-income earners in Vietnam preferred to travel to Europe.

Over the past few years, developers have been focusing on new housing and condominium supply in downtown Bangkok, with around 30,000 units in downtown Bangkok from condo projects launched between 2016 and 2018, CBRE said on Tuesday (Sept 24).

However, news broke this week that Bangkok land prices are expected to stay flat or drop this year for the first time in

over a decade, largely because of the economic slowdown and the Land and Buildings Tax set to take effect early next year. That news came as CBRE noted in a release that pent-up demand for resort properties in top resort destinations was now being sought, and that buyers were ready to make purchases for own-use and long-term investment.

“Although prices are higher, if projects are on the beachfront or with ocean views; with fivestar hotel management; or with attractive rental guarantees, buyer response and sales performance have been positive for luxury and super-luxury projects launched in 2019,” said Prakaipeth Meechoosarn, Director – Head of Resort Property Sales, CBRE Thailand. The Phuket News

The delegation of 20 representatives of tour operators from Vietnam had the chance to discuss deals to 55 local tour operators in Phuket. Photo: PR Dept

Angsana Laguna Phuket aims to generate sustainable wealth in the local environment in the hospitality industry.

Angsana Laguna Phuket Area GM Michal Zitek (right) receives the award.

MGallery Residences, MontAzure Lakeside are among the beachfront properties benefitting from the shift.

Sustainability scores big Phuket PHIST sees 1,000 join cry on climate change

ECO-TOURISM

PHIST 2019, Asia’s largest travel and tourism sustainability event, was held in Phuket on Monday (Sept 23), as Southeast Asia’s hospitality industry came together in a spirit of collaboration to tackle the critical environmental issues facing resort destinations across the region.

A year on from the inaugural edition of PHIST, the event is catching fire. A record attendance of 1,000 delegates attended this year’s full-day event, which is being held Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa. PHIST is the brainchild of the Phuket Hotels Association, C9 Hotelworks and Greenview.

Dedicated to generating fresh ideas and fostering a spirit of cooperation, the action-packed forum included a series of expert panels and discussions covering a range of vital topics, including destination management, development, ocean health, over-tourism, hotel operations and community tourism. There were also a series of practical workshops for green champions, hotel developers and social enterprises and

more, plus an exhibition area showcasing green solutions, allowing hoteliers to interact with eco-suppliers. Speakers included local and international experts, including Raini Hamdi, Asia Editor, Skift; Sharry Sun, Global Head of Brand, Travelzoo; Jesper Palmqvist, STR’s Area Director for Asia Pacific; Ang Choo Pin, Expedia’s Senior Director of Government & Corporate Affairs; Guy Heywood, Chief Operating Officer, Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas; and Franck Droin, Hotel Manager, Mandarin

Oriental, Bangkok.

This year’s PHIST also celebrated the launch of the Great Big Green Hotel Guide, an important collaboration between the 74 members of the Phuket Hotels Association. Featuring real-life examples of environmental best practices and case studies, this guide serves as a practical user manual for hotels in resort destinations all across Asia. (Download the guide at www. phukethotelsassociation.com/ great-big-green-hotel-guide) Ideas remain the biggest single challenge to the sustain-

ability journey, and by sharing success stories, the Great Big Green Hotel Guide can help hotels take their first steps towards a greener tomorrow, noted a release announcing the event.

This is not just about sowing the seeds of change; it is about reaping the benefits of a unified approach. While the road ahead is long, if every hotel and resort can adopt proven measures to ease the pressure on their destination, Southeast Asia’s island communities will be able to breathe more freely and move forward

Chinese comeback awaited in October

TOURISM

with renewed confidence, the release added.

“PHIST is becoming one of the most important events on the tourism calendar. Climate change, plastic pollution, environmental degradation; these are issues that affect us all, and they are felt even more profoundly in island communities like Phuket,” said Anthony Lark, President of the Phuket Hotels Association.

“The only way to tackle these problems is through a collective approach; by working together we can make a difference. The release of the Great Big Green Hotel Guide is one of the ways the industry is crafting long-term, workable solutions to the world’s most pressing problems.”

Guy Heywood, Chief Operating Officer at Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, also noted, “Global tourism is growing at an unprecedented pace, and this is putting unprecedented pressure on resources, communities and the environment.

“At Six Senses, we’ve pushing the environmental agenda for many years, but it’s fantastic to see the hotel industry now taking a proactive approach to these critical issues. We all want the world to visit and experience our beautiful region, but something needs to change.

By joining PHIST 2019, we want to create a viable future for Southeast Asia’s tourism industry,” he added PHIST has already shown that it can make a real difference; at last year’s inaugural edition, more than Phuket Hotels Association’s 74 member hotels agreed to remove plastic water bottles from their properties. In the 12 months since that pledge was made, member hotels experienced a 51% reduction, which equates to over 4.4 million bottles not ending up in landfill sites, or worse, the ocean.

PHIST 2019 also aimed to inspire the next generation, with a series of children’s workshops and activities. The forum featured the final of Green Beat 60, a filmmaking contest that invites eco-warriors of all ages to have their say on critical issues, won by Thai rappers Rattanachot Srikhongmuang and Kanthep Srikhongmuang for “Refill Not Landfill”. By engaging with all stakeholders and members of society, from proven industry experts to the brightest young minds, PHIST 2019 is taking a blue sky approach to the sustainability agenda. In doing so, it will strive to ensure a bright future for many generations to come, explained the release.

MORE THAN 250,000 CHInese visitors are expected to travel to Thailand during China’s Golden Week, up about 20% from the same period last year when the industry was reeling from the Phoenix tour-boat disaster off Phuket.

Chinese tourists.

The festival falls on Oct 1-7. Vichit Prakobgosol, President of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), said Thailand could enjoy a windfall from the prolonged protests in Hong Kong, which used to be a top destination for

“Continued riots in the territory are likely to shift the travel plans of mainlanders during the week to other countries,” Mr Vichit said.

He is uncertain whether Thailand can benefit as the baht remains strong against the yuan, resulting in more

expensive travel costs.

Mr Vichit estimated tourism receipts during Golden Week at 13 billion baht, based on average spending of B50,000 a day, similar to last year, with average stays of six to seven days per trip.

He said about half of arrivals will be young independent travellers from lower-tier cities. This segment has grown rapidly from only 20% of total travellers three years ago.

As of Aug 20, ATTA reported 2.04 million of Chinese arrivals used it members’ services. The volume dropped by 11.3% from the same period last year.

But Mr Vichit is confident the number of Chinese visitors will rebound in the coming high season, reaching 11mn this year, compared with 10.5mn in 2018.

Agoda, an online travel booking platform, reports Thailand is the No.2 preferred destination, behind Japan, for Golden Week, one of China’s

More than 250,000 Chinese visitors are expected to travel to Thailand during China’s Golden Week, this year from Oct 1-7. Photo: Bangkok Post

busiest travel periods. Thailand has become a favourite of Chinese nationals over the past decade thanks to bustling cities, restful beaches and shopping.

One of the main factors influencing Chinese visits to Thailand is the country’s relatively low costs. The Thai government has resolved to extend the period for free visas on arrival for Chinese nationals until the end of April 2020.

Bangkok has retained its position as the No.1 Thai destination for the third consecutive

year, with Phuket and Chiang Mai taking second and third, respectively.

Suksit Suvundikul, VicePresident of Thai Hotels Association, southern chapter, said the occupancy rate in Patong has increased by 10% for Golden Week. The rate is moderate because the festival is held during the off-peak season for hotels in the area. Chinese tourists visiting Phuket hotels fell by 50%, with shorter stays per booking.

Bangkok Post

The panel at PHIST 2019 not only raised critical environmental issues, but explained what people – and businesses – can do about them.

Sufficiency Economy in a transformed district 13

GOING GREEN

15 ways to reduce your carbon footprint

Palmer Owyoung

The Amazon is on fire, Hurricane Dorian, one of the most powerful in history, just devastated the Bahamas, and there are regular droughts and wildfires in California. Likewise, in Phuket, we are suffering from haze, water shortages, floods and the spread of diseases like dengue. These are all at least partially attributable to climate change.

In October 2018, the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a report that says we have until 2030 to act before the effects of climate change become permanent. The picture of the future that it paints is not bright. According to the report, increases in hurricanes, floods, fires and droughts, which we are already seeing, will lead to massive migrations, food shortages and animal extinctions.

The scope of the problem seems so big that it can leave you feeling hopeless, helpless, anxious and depressed. However, the problem of climate change is not intractable and there are solutions.

The good news is that promising new technologies such as direct air capture, which removes CO2 from the ambient air, combined with renewable energy make it possible to avoid the harshest effects of climate change. The bad news is that there is so much political infighting that many of the worst offenders, such as the United States and China, are doing little to truly address the issues.

You might think that climate change is somebody else’s problem, but if you eat food, use electricity, drive a car or fly in an aeroplane, then you are as much a

part of the problem as anybody else. Fortunately, you can also be part of the solution.

The latest IPCC report is a wake-up call and the message is clear. We all need to change our behaviour. Here are 15 things that you can do in your daily life to help prevent climate change from getting worse.

Write to your government representative and demand change

Although personal responsibility is important, systemic change is the only way that we will successfully solve this problem, which means holding our governments accountable. If you are from the US, you can go to www.citizensclimatelobby.org and click on “Write Your Representative.” After entering your address, you will find pre-written letters to send to your representative. If you are not from the US, you can go to www. global-greenhouse-warming.com/climate-change-letter. html and use their pre-written letters to send to the government representative in your country.

Support companies that are actively fighting climate change

Unilever is one of the largest consumer products companies in the world and owns brands like Ben & Jerry’s and Dove. To reduce their CO2 footprint, they are purchasing more renewable energy and working with farmers to ensure their practices are more sustainable. Other companies that are doing the same include Apple, Facebook, Google, Ikea, Microsoft, Tesla and Patagonia. HowGood.com has a database with over a million food products that can help users make more sustainable choices.

Sign a petition

If you go to Change.org and search for “Declare Climate Emergency and make Thailand use 100% renewable energy by 2040,” you can sign an existing petition. While petitions alone won’t work, when combined with other tools such as direct protest, conscientious consumerism, social media and rallies, they can be an effective tool as they raise awareness of the issue.

Have one child or even opt to have no children

While this is likely to be met with controversy, according to a 2009 study published in the Journal of Global Environmental Change, if you reduce your family size by just one child, you are saving 58.6 tons of CO2 per year. This is calculated by using the carbon output of your child as well as your child’s children. Consider whether you want to have children or not. If you are on the fence at all, realise that most studies show that children don’t generally lead to higher levels of happiness. If you do decide to have children or wish to have more than one child, consider adoption as an option rather than having your own.

Buy carbon offsets

This works by donating to organisations that are working on projects to reduce carbon emissions. This could mean planting trees, putting up solar panels and wind farms or installing equipment to reduce methane gas in landfills. Most sites even have a carbon calculator to help you figure out how big your footprint is. To find out more, go to sustainabletravel.org, terrapass. com, nativeenergy.com or conservationfund.org

Paradise lost at Freedom Beach. Single-use plastics leave a large carbon footprint. Photo: Patrizio Forci

Fly less

Flying is one of the worst contributors to climate change; one return long haul flight can emit as much CO2 as some people do in an entire year. Some solutions are to take holidays closer to home rather than going abroad, drive or take the bus or train when possible. If you must fly, book direct flights rather than multiple flights since the majority of the fuel is used during takeoff, and make sure to buy carbon offsets to reduce your footprint. To offset a round trip flight from Phuket to London costs around B2,700.

Drive less

In Phuket where public transportation isn’t great, this isn’t always an option. But you can reduce the amount of driving by carpooling. You can also make sure to keep your car or motorbike tuned up and buy a fuel-efficient car rather than a gas-guzzling SUV. As mentioned above, you can also buy carbon offsets to balance out the kilometres you drive. Go to CarbonFootPrint.com to calculate your annual emissions and fund projects to offset them.

Eat less meat and dairy

In addition to creating CO2 gases, meat production uses a lot of water and pollutes the ocean, and consuming too much meat can lead to the three main killers: heart disease, cancer and diabetes. While you don’t have to go 100% vegan, going meat- and dairy-free a few days per week can make a huge impact. Not only is it good for the planet but eating a plant-based diet is better for your health and will reduce animal cruelty.

Compost your organic waste

You might think that throwing your waste into a bin is enough, but this will end up in a landfill where it slowly releases CO2 and methane into the air. If you have a garden or grow herbs and plants, this will save you from having to buy fertiliser. For classes on composting, you can go to Phuket Farmers Club or there are plenty of videos on YouTube on how to set up a compost bin for your house or apartment.

Reduce your consumption

Everything that you buy has a carbon footprint, whether it’s your car, your computer, your clothes, your TV or your tennis racket. If we’re honest with ourselves, many of these things we can do without. Other things we can buy used and be just as happy with while saving money and reducing our carbon footprint. There are several secondhand shops in Phuket, including Good Shepherd Phuket’s Second Hand Store & Crafts Shop, Second Hand Shop Phuket and Japan 2hand Phuket.

Buy your fruits and vegetables locally

If you go to certain supermarkets, you will notice that some of the fruits and vegetables come from Chile, the US, Australia and New Zealand, not to mention that they are wrapped in copious amounts of plastic. The costs to buy these may not be high in terms of baht, but in terms of carbon footprint, they are sky high. When you can, buy your fruits and vegetables from the night markets, Phuket Farmers Club or from another local source.

Volunteer

There are lots of ways to volunteer online or locally with organisations that are working toward a cleaner environment. One is globalgoals.org which has 17 goals for a sustainable future and several projects that you can help with. Another is Earth5r.org which

works toward building zero waste communities. There are also plenty of beach clean-ups organised around the island, including by Trash Hero Phuket and Clean The Beach Bootcamp. Search for them on Facebook to find out when the next clean-up is.

Build or remodel your home with renewable energy

Renewable energy is in growing demand around Thailand, especially hydroelectric. The current goal is for the country to get 30% of its energy from renewable sources by 2036. If you would like to speed things up, you can buy solar or wind energy systems at Solaris.co.th

Donate to non-profits who are trying to save the rainforests

These are the lungs of our planet but are being destroyed in favour of palm oil, cattle and soybeans. My favourite group is the Rainforest Action Network (www.ran.org).

Use Ecosia.org as your search engine

This company plants a tree for every 45 searches you make on the internet. It works the same way that Google does, but when they get paid for their ads they use the money to plant trees in deforested areas of the world. They claim to respect user privacy by not selling your data and don’t use trackers. To use Ecosia, go to their website and add their extension on Chrome or download their mobile app.

Even though climate change may seem impossible to solve, it’s not. New technology, combined with systemic changes, renewable energy and collective action, can stave off the worst effects of it. None of us is powerless. You can make a difference daily with a few changes to your lifestyle and mindset.

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.

The Racha Resort comes to the rescue of injured sea turtle

At 12:15am on Monday, September 16, security staff at The Racha Resort found a sea turtle who was washed ashore and struggling on Batok Bay, which fronts the The Racha Resort on Racha Yai Island, south of Phuket.

Upon closer examination, staff noticed that the turtle was tangled in a pile of discarded fishing net and rope that had been dumped in the ocean.

The net and rope were wrapped tightly around the turtle’s right hind leg, almost tearing it. Thankfully, the staff were able to carefully cut the turtle free using a knife and guide it to safety. The rescued turtle was later taken to the Phuket Marine Biological Centre (PMBC) in Cape Panwa for treatment.

There is a lesson to be learned here. Let’s take care of our marine life. If you visit the beach, take your

rubbish with you so that innocent sea turtles do not swim into it.

About The Racha

The Racha is Thailand’s premier ecoluxe island resort.

Located on Racha Yai, one of the Andaman Sea’s most beautiful and pristine islands, the resort offers ultra-luxurious accommodations for guests who wish to “get away from it all” without taking anything away from the environment.

The resort practices the highest standards of eco-responsible tourism and is a recognised, award-winning leader in the field.

For more information about The Racha’s environmental sustainability programmes, visit www.theracha. com/environment

The Racha

Rescued and off to the PMBC.

Tangled on Batok Bay.

Thai climate activists are calling on their government for change. Photo: Jewel Samad / AFP

Community in action

The merits of the Sufficiency Economy philosophy: Part 2

ALL ABOUT BUDDHISM

Jason A. Jellison mitnoy@live.com

Imagine for a moment that you are running for your life from a huge predator. Imagine that you are being chased down a seemingly endless corridor by a mortal foe who is hot on your fleeing heels. Finally, you come to the end of this hall of doom only to discover that the path to salvation comes amidst a foreboding ladder which goes straight up an exhausting tunnel, and no end to the tunnel is anywhere in sight.

Could you survive? How sure are you that you could stay two steps ahead of razor-sharp teeth and red-hot breaths of fire? Would you fall? And when would this pointless chase ever come to a restful end?

Well, such is a fitting description of a life based on high-risk financial speculation. As we discussed in the first part of this article last month, this is precisely the life that modern capitalism has thrust many of us into (whether we like it or not).

But now let us consider a very different vision. Now let us picture in our minds a perfect, peaceful village where the skies are always blue and the grass is always green. The orange and palm trees sway. Children play contentedly in haystacks. A babbling brook winds its way towards pristine great lakes where one can find endless oceans of pure, drinkable water.

Fish frolic, and luscious, affordable fruit is for sale amidst Thai-style longboat markets which cheerfully float atop this babbling brook. Along the shores, one can see dozens of relaxed vendors cooking enough food to last all the day long.

The aroma of charcoal cooking fires and fresh-baked bread wafts through clean, unpolluted air. Neatly planted rows of fresh vegetables green a mountainous countryside as far as the eye can see. Hearty livestock graze away the day after providing produce for all.

Labour is relaxed in this land of surplus, and nobody is “just another brick in the wall”. The children are happy and well cared for. The elderly live a happy but active retirement, and the sickly never walk alone.

Artisan crafts are preserved, and nobody is in debt. There is little stress, and nobody worries about diving stock markets.

This may sound like a work of idyllic fiction, but life really is something like this in Bangkok’s Bang Khun Tien District. Prof. Suntipaap Sungprakul is a local scholar who lectures on the Sufficiency Economy philosophy at Thongsook College, and he took us for a stroll through both the district itself, as well as down memory lane.

Prof Sungprakul holds a Master’s degree in English literature from Swansea University in Wales but also

lectures on local Thai knowledge. He explained that, much like the City of London, Bangkok has long been divided into three zones: economic, cultural and agricultural-industrial. Bang Khun Tien District is part of Bangkok’s agricultural/industrial zone and it is unique because it is the only part of Bangkok which touches the sea. Straddling the Gulf of Thailand, this district is the sole water gateway into Bangkok.

Historically, it has always had the most luscious fruit and also the best seafood in the city. Prof Sungprakul recalled that most people in Bangkok lived agriculturally prior to the end of World War II, “but Bang Khun Tien District has still retained their old way of life. Many residents are still fishermen”.

In this district, people live sustainably by navigating the canals every day on Thai-style longboats, and there are a vast array of local restaurants. Prof Sungprakul explained that the Sufficiency Economy philosophy made its way into the district back in the ’70s and ’80s but became wildly popular after the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis.

Today, the entire district runs on the Sufficiency Economy philosophy and its effects are evident.

“The feeling of community is very strong in Bang Khun Tien District,” said the professor.

The centre of district life is clearly at its large elementary school, Khlong Pittayalongkorn School. The school offers an open space for community gettogethers, and each important arm of the community (such as fire, police and educational services) all have a representative at the school. In tandem with the village elders, they form a working council that oversees many formal community initiatives.

The district has a lot of green space and can be almost entirely navigated via bicycle paths. The school maintains a fleet of well-maintained bikes that residents can use anytime for free (B10 for tourists). Additionally, the high school has an unofficial club to continually teach local knowledge to new generations of students. On the weekends, these students act as tour guides and will teach newcomers all about the Bang Khun Tien way of life.

The district also has a heavy commitment to sustainable living. Used plastic bottles are recycled into pots for important herbs, old tiles are used to shore up fragile fruit trees, and household waste is converted not just into fertiliser but even fresh cooking gas!

Prof. Sungprakul also said the second core to life in the district lies within the five local Buddhist temples, especially Wat Thamkhunaram.

“Even though we now have modern schools, these temples still serve as the centre of knowledge in the community. People go there for advice,” the professor explained.

Thanks to the Sufficiency Economy philosophy, there is always surplus in the district, and Wat Thamkhunaram provides social services to anyone in need.

Anyone who is in need will find food and water there. They can even stay overnight if they are in trouble.

“There are no homeless people in Bang Khun Tien District,” the professor said.

Prof Sungprakul further explained that the district might feel a little socialistic at first, but that’s really not the case.

“King Rama IX studied all of the major economic systems like socialism and capitalism and took the best parts out all of them and put them all into one theory.”

Thus, the Sufficiency Economy philosophy can be used by any community or country. It is largely compatible with most of the world’s major economic systems.

Yet, as fascinating as this all is, perhaps the most interesting thing Prof Sungprakul shared with us was an observation which tends to hide in plain sight.

“Bang Khun Tien District actually has all of the same challenges as other parts of Bangkok, but the outcome is different. It’s not that they don’t have stress; it’s simply that the residents know how to deal with stress in their own way,” said the professor.

More smiling and less worrying. Learning to let go. Making time when there is no time. Choosing one thought over another. Wanting to be “here” but no longer wanting to be “there”…

That, in a nutshell, is the magic of the Sufficiency Economy philosophy amidst a community. It’s not about the destination, but rather about the journey. It’s not about the outcome, but rather about the camaraderie. It’s not about the competition, but rather about finding mutual respect. Today will never arrive again.

How beautiful it is to do absolutely nothing and then rest afterward.

All About Buddhism is a monthly column in The Phuket News where I take readers on my exotic journey into Thai Buddhism and debunk a number of myths about Buddhism. If you have any specific queries, or ideas for articles, please let us know. Email editor1@ classactmedia.co.th, and I will do my best to accommodate your interests.

Locals still navigate the district and work by boat. Photo: Arnie Chou / Pexels

Pristine paths much like this gently wind through mangrove forests in the district. Photo: icon0.com

A traditional seaside restaurant in Bang Khun Tien District. Photo: Jirayu L / Pixabay

A foray into Buppay

Coffee the old-fashioned way

CAFE SOCIETY

Amy Bensema bensema.amy@gmail.com

An exceptionally charming venue located in an old Sino-Portuguese shophouse at 95 Phang Nga Road, Buppay Open House & Slow Bar is an outstanding throwback to the past and the original kopi houses of Phuket. Buppay has been on my radar for a long time. The first time I passed the quaint shop, I noticed giant wicker trays of tea

in Phuket Town

leaves and flowers drying outside and the interesting craftsmanship of the teal coloured doors. When I finally had the chance to drop in for a coffee, I was honestly delighted. The experience at Buppay does not disappoint!

Buppay Open House & Slow Bar is a no-frills establishment that sticks to what it does best, and that’s coffee. There are no cakes, there is no food menu. Instead, there is a small menu offering up coffee varieties, including classic kopi and hand-blended teas. The owner, Khun Dew, is a young fellow with great English. I asked him a large variety of questions about his establishment, which he was happy to answer in a very kind manner.

As the day was hot and humid, I settled on an iced mocha. It was to my surprise to see Khun Dew grinding the beans for my coffee by hand with a very antique-looking grinder. “I work with what I have,” he grinned, and I watched as he boiled the coffee grinds and water on a tiny burner behind the counter. While my iced mocha perhaps took a bit longer than normal, I did not mind as I enjoyed watching the barista perfect his craft.

The iced mocha was served in style on a vintage wooden tray. With the first sip, I was completely hooked. The coffee was bold with decadent hints of chocolate. It was, without a doubt, one of the best coffee drinks I’ve had in my entire time of writing Cafe Society The flavour was rich and lush and an absolute perfect pick-me-up for the rest of my day.

Sipping on my iced mocha, I wandered around the small shop, enjoying its interiors. Minimalist in design, with grey cement walls, the seating spaces are either old wooden chairs or antiques made of steel. Interesting paintings cover the walls, and there is a glass case displaying what I assume to be family heirlooms. Lots of vibrant green plants fill the empty spaces and really contribute to the overall soothing atmosphere. The venue is an authentic gem in the heart of Phuket Old Town, and now that I’ve finally tried it out, I’ll definitely be back.

Before I left, Khun Dew presented me with a delicious shot of tea, saying it’s a complimentary drink he provides each patron to cleanse the palate before going on their way. An extremely charming touch. Additionally, his hand-blended tea was really smooth and it’s on my list for my next visit.

If you are looking for an authentic coffee experience in Phuket Old Town, I cannot recommend Buppay Open House & Slow Bar enough. The venue really is lovely, and it’s a wonderful place to stop and take a break before exploring the rest of what Old Town has to offer.

Buppay is open daily – with the exception of Thursdays – from 9:30am until 7pm. For more information, follow their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BuppayCafe

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.

Khun Dew in action.

The core business of education?

EDUCATION CORNER

Leadership is not about efficiency and good management, it is about values and the projection of those values upon the consciousness of others.

On the whole, schools seem to be reactive, conservative institutions more usually being dragged kicking and screaming through the wake of economic and social change than providing inspirational leadership. Those who assume responsibility for our schools seem more comfortable with words like “standards”, “efficiency” and “tradition” than “innovation”, “creativity” and “risk”. And like a dog with a bone, how we seem to gnaw and salivate over those examination grades! It is surely difficult to find schools willing to invest in ventures, however wholesome, that are not directly perceived to be advantageous to the core business of education.

But just what is it? At times it seems to be all smoke and mirrors – the skilful use of data and statistics overlaid with a finely polished veneer of tradition. In such a climate, how much opportunity for genuine leadership exists within our educational infrastructures? Most institutions, when not counting pennies, appear to be constrained by government decrees and benchmarks, university admissions procedures and Boards of Governors who tend to be conservative by nature, committed to, if not consumed by, a passion for the status quo and tradition.

Furthermore, in a competitive world, accountability to the market must be of paramount importance, and the market, for the most part, consists of anxious parents who have little option other than to pin their faith and hopes upon scores and results – the worldwide currency-base of educational worth. And despite all our assurances that this is not necessarily the case, many parents are still inclined to believe that their children will only have one shot at this thing called academic success and, consequently, the benefits that such success will bring.

Schools, then, are market-driven, despite all our pious noises they would not seem to be laboratories of

learning; in such a market the “good” schools would appear to deliver against both the mandated as well as the popularly perceived criteria – they meet, perhaps even exceed expectations, rather than drive and determine them.

Despite my apparent weary cynicism, however, I believe that there are many positive signs. The more recent emphasis placed upon values-based education, promoted in large part by the growth and development of international schools and concepts of internationalism, has finally projected what was once termed the “hidden curriculum” out into the open.

Leadership is not about efficiency and good management (although these are essential prerequisites of a good school), it is about values and the projection of those values upon the consciousness of others. In some cases this will manifest itself in a unique approach to curriculum delivery, but most often, I would suggest, it requires a creative response to the context in which a school finds itself.

Neil Richards is the Headmaster at British International School, Phuket – BISP. For more information, visit them at www. bisphuket.ac.th

BISP students working on robotics in the school’s ICT department. Photo: BISP

Neil Richards

Brainy Bicycling

Turning the cogs of your bike turns the cogs of your mind too

ABLAZING SADDLES

s if burning calories and improving cardiovascular fitness and body strength weren’t enough, recent studies show the brain-boosting benefits of biking, which begs the question, does cycling improve your sanity?

I was recently out cycling in the south of Phuket with my riding buddies – four enthusiasts who regularly pound the pedals together, followed by just the occasional rehydrating bubbling libation. Perched atop Promthep Cape overlooking the swirling monsoonal seas and scudding rain clouds, I was struck by the fact that this group was not exactly in the first blush of youth. In fact, a quick bit of mental arithmetic led me to the conclusion that we boasted a total of 270 years of (ahem) “wisdom” between us. I also noticed that most of the fat, ungainly tyres in this group were in fact on the rims of our bicycle wheels rather than around the group’s collective midriff.

The physical health benefits of cycling are of course well documented, but it also struck me that here was a merry band of Lycra louts who seemed more well-balanced and cheerful than the average mid-60 year old.

Some follow-up research revealed that cycling is not only good for your body but it also improves the way your brain works by making several important neural structures bigger so you can think faster, remember more and feel happier.

The brain is made up of two kinds of tissues –grey matter, which has all the synapses and is the command centre of your body, and white matter, constituting the communication hub, using axons to connect the different areas of grey matter. The more white matter you have, the faster you can make im-

portant connections, so anything that increases white matter is good. A recent study from the Netherlands found that cycling does exactly that, improving both the integrity and density of white matter, thereby speeding up connections in the brain.

White matter isn’t the only brain structure stimulated by cycling. Another study found that after cycling for just 12 weeks, participants gained more than leg strength; they also saw a boost in brainderived neurotrophic factor, a protein responsible for regulating stress, mood and memory. This might explain previous research that also found cycling to be associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety.

You’ll not only feel mentally better after a bike ride but you’ll actually be smarter. Biking, along with other types of aerobic exercise, was shown to increase the hippocampus, one of several brain structures related to memory and learning. Additionally, the tested cyclists reported greater ability to focus and

an improved attention span, certainly factors that are critical to survival on Phuket’s maniacal roads!

All of these advantages gained from cycling seem to counteract the loss of brain function normally associated with ageing, with researchers noting that cyclists’ brains appeared on average to be two years younger than their non-exercising peers.

Dr Art Kramer, the director of the study at the University of Illinois said, “Increasingly, people are living more sedentary lifestyles. While we know that cycling can have positive effects on cardiovascular disease and diabetes, we have now found that it can also bring about improvements in cognition, brainfunction and structure.”

The sheer decision-making intensity and need for razor-like concentration that cycling in Phuket demands will train your brain to work extremely efficiently, purely as a matter of cycling survival. But these benefits also continue into your everyday life to make your brain more efficient, effective and you happier than if you don’t challenge it in this way. All this is predicated, of course, upon cycling with the greatest care and attention to safety whenever you go out on our congested island.

Stronger neural connections, a better mood and a sharper memory, in addition to better heart health, a lower risk of diabetes and less incidence of cancer. With all these benefits, the questions you should be asking now are, “What time does that spin class start?” or “Where do I buy a good bike to take onto Phuket’s roads?”

“Bicycling” Baz Daniel fell off his first bicycle aged three... a case of love at first slight. Since then he has spent a further 65 years falling on and off bicycles all over the world, but his passion endures. When not in traction, he found time to become Senior VP of the world’s largest advertising and communications group, finally retiring to Phuket in 2006. He has been penning his Blazing Saddles column, chronicling his cycling adventures in Phuket and beyond, since 2013.

Image: Cycology Clothing

The show must go on

Setting the scene for the next season of theatre in Phuket

TTHE PLAY’S THE THING!

hey say in spring a young man’s fancy turns to thoughts of love. Well, in fall, or more precisely, September (since we don’t have fall here), a theatrical person’s fancy turns to thoughts of the new season, with new horizons, new goals, new plays, new styles, new things to try. Sometimes we also turn to thoughts of how to improve on what we’ve already done. Now, as the 2019/2020 Theatrix season bursts out of the starting box, Theatrix will combine old, as in improved, with new, as in previously untried.

I’m very excited about what lies ahead this year, and in this month’s The Play’s The Thing!, I want to give you a small peek behind the scenes of what we hope to offer Phuket over the next nine or ten months.

If you read my last three articles, you know I spent most of June, July and August out of Thailand. First, I was in the USA and got to see great theatre in both Oregon and Texas – two Shakespeare plays, two musicals and a great original play starring an old friend of mine. After a two-day stopover in Phuket, I was off to Dubai to work at Enana Ballet Academy with a delightful bunch of kids on Juha stories in a story theatre format. All these experiences served as inspiration, respiration and stimulation for the upcoming season.

What lies ahead? Here are a few things that I am personally involved in:

If you remember The 39 Steps, our final play of last season, a spoof on Hitchcock and the spy/murder/innocentman-fleeing-for-his-life genre, well, we’re bringing it back in November! We filled up the Underwood Art Factory for two nights in June and the response was so enthusiastic that we felt more people needed to see this delightful play in which Hitchcock meets Monty Python, so to speak. If you missed it in June, mark your calendar and come see it on November 15 and 16. Same venue, same cast. And we need behind-thescenes people to help us with costumes, makeup, lights and sound since some of our crew from last time have moved on. The story of our lives here in Phuket, isn’t it? Anyone out there wanna help? Contact us if you do.

The following is not Theatrix news exactly, but more a theatre-viewing opportunity. At HeadStart International School, where I also work, the secondary Creative and Performing Arts department hasn’t wasted any time following

up on last year’s extravaganza, A Night At The Movies. Fame: The Musical is this year’s offering, and the cast is busy dancing, singing, acting, drilling and rehearsing its way to performance dates on November 22 and 23. From what we’ve seen so far, these talented secondary students are not going to disappoint. So don’t miss that either.

This will be followed up by The Little Mermaid performed by the HeadStart primary students. If anyone saw the HeadStart production of The Amazing Adventures Of Super Stan, then you know the kind of talent the primary school at HeadStart has. So look for The Little Mermaid in February 2020.

Over the last two seasons Theatrix has performed Love Bites, a dinner theatre evening of comic plays on love and marriage, at various venues, and we will be bringing this back again with some new talent and an added play or two.

Dinner theatre is a popular form of theatre that was started in the USA in the 1940s and ’50s. The price of a ticket includes a meal, usually with drinks and appetizers before the first part of the evening, the main meal in the interval/intermission, and dessert and more drinks at the end.

We started performing dinner theatre in Phuket with interactive murder mysteries and then diversified to short plays on love and marriage. In one of these Love Bites evenings you will experience a couple’s entire love life from youth to old age via the Post-its they stuck on the fridge over the years. In another, two strangers make timorous and humorous contact in a psychiatric ward’s waiting room. And there’s also the disastrous last date of a feisty lady and a young man who is psychic but only two minutes in advance. Now we are adding Check, Please, in which a man and a lady, unbeknownst to each other, search for their perfect match separately through one blind date after another with hilarious results.

We are open for invitations to perform Love Bites at various restaurant venues all around the island. You can also contact Theatrix if you would like an evening of comedy improv from our Outta the Box improv team.

In May or June, we will present another full-length play at the Underwood Art Factory. Some of the plays under consideration are Death Trap, Black Comedy and The Real Inspector Hound We are open to suggestions and to those who would like to audition or help.

And there are several more plans cooking that I won’t divulge right now, but if you like Theatrix Group on Facebook and follow our posts, you will be kept up to date and won’t miss anything.

They sing that old song There’s no business like show business, and it’s

really true. One of the great joys of theatre for me is that we are always being challenged to learn something new, try something new, take risks, make ventures and have adventures. To tackle a new play is like conceiving a baby and the performance is its birth. The sad thing is that every play runs its course and then gets laid to rest, and I have seen actors crying backstage after the final performance of a play because they are saying goodbye to a wonderful friend. That’s one of the reasons we are bringing The 39 Steps back; we just weren’t ready to say goodbye, we love that play so much.

If you’d like to join the Theatrix family in any capacity and would like to help bring good theatre and lots of fun to this island we love, as an actor, a technician, a sponsor, a supporter, a crew member or as part of our growing and wonderful audience, you are more than welcome.

Write or call us and see how you can get involved. Here’s to an unforgettable season that lies before us!

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

A Night at the Movies.

GOLF

Best Wanamakok (left) joins Cherng Talay Mayor Sunirun Rachatapruk.

Pen and Sally. The Live 89.5 team joins ranks with QSI - Two Chefs team.

Nittaya, Tasnee, Maggy, Jo, Masami, Maria, Truus and Diane.

GETTING PHIST FOR A GOOD CAUSE

PHIST (Phuket Hotels for Islands Sustaining Tourism) 2019 was held at the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa on Monday (Sept 23). The innovative event rallies the hotel industry and its stakeholders to discuss both environmental sustainability, social impact and governance. After the main event, which included key speakers and a panel discussion, participants and attendees joined the Green Networking event held at the resort. Much fun, and forward-thinking, was enjoyed by all. We’re all looking forward to the next as we keep the ball rolling towards towards real action on climate change.

Mr Chalam is honoured with a gift for his retirement.

CLOSING A CHAPTER IN EDUCATION

QSI Phuket International School of Phuket’s Thai Department of Language and Culture joined the retirement ceremony for Chalam Attatam, Secretary-General Office of Private Education of Thailand, in Phuket last Wednesday (Sept 18). The department received a personal invitation to join the event to mark Mr Chalam’s retirement. Mr Chalam is a Phuket native. QSI Phuket Director Rob Peters said, “We all wish Mr Chalam a happy retirement after a long and successful career in education. It was wonderful to be invited to recognise his achievements through his long and distinguished career.”

Chalam Attatam is joined by well-wishers in marking his retirement.

Mr Chalam, a Phuket native, is welcomed home by friends.

Benjamin, David, David and Brian.

Som-O, Polly, Tiya and Zai.

Wayne, Graham and Guy.

Michael, Mark and John.

Markus and Gulu.

David, Kaewta, Christine, De Wet and Wicky.

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.

Faldo Series Championship Phuket 2019

Faldo Series returns to Phuket this September 27th - 29th at Laguna Phuket Golf. All male and female juniors are welcome to compete to try qualify for the prestigious Asia Grand Final in March. Competing age groups include U21 to U11 (age on 1st January 2019). Full details and online entry: www.faldoseriesphuket2019.golfgenius.com. Contact fredrik@golfdevelopment asia.com

Flavourful Desserts and Seasonal Fruit. From THB 1,200 net per guest (Choice of Meat & Seafood grilled - Additional). Banyan Tree, The Watercourt,fb-phuket@banyantree.com, 076 372 400.

Back to The ’80s

We’re going back to the totally awesome times of the ‘80s with DJ Garry and mixology inspired by this groovy era. Every Saturday night at Firefly from 6 pm - late. Reservation, Firefly Pool & Restaurant at Pavilions Hotels, firefly.phuket@pavilionshotels.com, 076 371 600.

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.

Blue Tree Family Fun Day

In support of ‘Phuket Has Been Good To Us’ Charity - join us at Blue Tree Lagoon for a full day of fun, a scrumptious All-You-Can-Eat BBQ Buffet and take part in our ‘Mini Olympics Games’ with unlimited access to Blue Tree Lagoon’s rides and activities! Entry donation: Adults (THB1,500nett), Kids 6-12 yrs (THB750nett) & Kids under 5 eat free. To RSVP email events@bluetree.fun

SAT 28 SEP SUN 29 SEP

and Fresh Buffet The Watercourt is presenting

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2019

The world’s largest charitable motorcycle event for owners of classic and vintage styled bikes. The goal for 2019 is to raise awareness and $7m USD for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health on behalf of charity partner the Movember Foundation. Registration and Donations can be made online at www. gentlemansride.com or at the event. Location at Anuphas Showroom, 200 meters from Heroines Monument on way to Cherng Talay. Free registration. Dress Code: Gentleman Style.

Start Time: 13:00

Ride Time: 15:00 from showroom to Layan beach and back. Unity After Party: 17:00 – 22:00.

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.

All you can eat

Sunday Roast Buffet

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

MON 30 SEP

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.

ANDAMAN

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.

Steve Hughes Live in Phuket!

Legendary truth-speaker comedian, Steve Hughes comes to Phuket on Tuesday the 1st of October. Sit tight as the self-styled ‘heavy metal comedian’ comes to the illustrious Marriott Resort, Merlin Beach. With hard-hitting satire, confronting social commentary and astute observations, Steve Hughes will be supported by Ireland’s very own Aidan Killian and hosted by Comedy Masala regular host Umar Rana. Beginning at 8pm, doors to the venue open at 7pm. Magic Rock, Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Merlin Beach.

WED 2 OCT

Ribs, beats, brewsWednesday

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

FRI

4 OCT

Grow Boating Networking Evening - October 2019

The Grow Boating Networking Evening for October 2019 will be held at Boat Lagoon Marina on Friday the 4th of October 2019 from 5pm onward. Sponsored by Derani Yachts - https:// www.derani-yachts.com Come and join in the fun, everyone is welcome. There is no entry fee, just drop your business card or register at the bar. We hope to see you there and if you know anyone you think would be interested in coming please invite them along.

SAT 5 OCT SUN 20 OCT

Oktoberfest - The German Festival

From 3pm - 10pm. Drinks + Food + Music Festival. Free Entry. Phuket Boat Lagoon, 095012-2442, 076-239-888 ext 618.

Collective Series 16 – Mamma Mia,

The Party Edition

Kata Rocks’ Collective Series 16 - Phuket’s most talked about party is back. Featuring a Greek taverna, four signature handcrafted beverages, Mediterranean cuisine, engaging live musical entertainment and hits from supergroup ABBA. Set by the iconic infinity pool, the talented team of mixologists at Kata Rocks have teamed up with Dibuk House, to present four iconic “Mama Mia” inspired mixtures. Price THB 2,200 nett, includes Mediterranean tapas and Greek delicacies, and a selection of six beverages. Space is limited, advance reservation is required. Visit http://bit.ly/KRCS_16 or email dining@katarocks.com for enquiries.

Mr. Zen/djm It’s a party.... with art

DJ Tommy Innocent and Friends with special surprise guest performances. At WOK gallery kitchen Saturday 5th October, 2019. 18.3020.30 hrs. Art & party with drinks & canape. 20.30 - 22.30 hrs. party with special price drinks and meals. Reservation, Mom Tri’s WOK gallery kitchen Kata Hill, gr@villaroyalephuket. com, 076 608 899.

THU 10 OCT

15th Turtle Fun Run 2019

The 15th Mai Khao Turtle Fun Run and Half Marathon 2019 will be taking place on Sunday October 20th, from 4.00 am – 7.00 am, at the Phuket Gateway. The money raised will go towards The Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, which is committed to protecting the marine and coastal environment. Our online registration is available from now until September 30. Call 076 338040 Email: maikhaoturtlefoundation@gmail.com

THU

24 OCT

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.

Million Baht

Nov 1st to March

Monster Prize. 50 tagged fish with 50 prizes valued at over 1.5 Million baht. Anyone can enter for just 1,000 baht in addition to your daily fishing ticket ................. Exotic Fishing Thailand, Phang Nga, exoticfishingthailand@gmail. com, English 088 379 9377 and Thai 081 199 5922.

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

THE CLASSIC MIDDLE EASTERN DISH

Bodega & Grill brings you Lamb Tagine, vibrantly flavoured with colourful spices, authentically prepared with peppers and couscous. Experience the rich traditions of the Middle East’s culinary showpiece. Available daily from 6:00 – 10:30 pm at Bodega & Grill Restaurant THB 1,050++ per set serving for 2 persons. RESERVATION, fbreservation-lagunaphuket@ angsana.com, 076-358500.

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!

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

@Chaofah introducing First Gallery Exhibition at Ramada Plaza Chaofah –CONTRASTS Art @Chaofah is holding the first Gallery Exhibition of the work of the two artists of the Phuket Art Club; Mr. Monthian Yangthong and Mr. Mekphat Srinantaphan showcases the contrasts of their work from 27th August 2019 to 11th October 2019 on 2nd floor at Peranakan Courtyard. The Contrast is part of our ongoing Art @Chaofah exhibition series that is hopefully to create emotions, ideas and inspiration.

1. What percent of Netflix users personally pay for their subscription?

2. What is meant by the term “hustings”?

3. Which insect is the Dalai Lama afraid of?

4. Women were allowed to compete in the (modern) Olympics for the first time in which year?

5. How much does it cost players to get out of jail in Monopoly?

Answers below, centre

Crossword

by Myles Mellor & Sally York

Across 1. Places where sponges get used only once, abbr. 4. Ornamental 9. Goat cheeses 14. Dry as wine 15. The Gem State 16. Operatic solos 17. Beatles number 20. White-tailed bird of prey 21. Cut, of a lawn 22. Mouse catcher 26. Down by the beach 31. Acquire intelligence 32. Lady of “Idylls of the King” 34. Particular 35. French romantic comedy 37. Seasons 38. U2 song 42. Combine 43. Character weaknesses 44. Noah’s landfall 47. Stand 48. Kid’s cry 51. Snake 53. Withered 55. Bottom of the barrel 57. Witness stand statement

58. Bruce Springsteen song

65. More slippery 66. Frighten 67. Genre of the band Fall Out Boy

68. Black, to Brigitte

69. Harmonious relationship

70. Executed a specific program

Down 1. Types of willows 2. Cover over 3. Lean 4. Half a sawbuck 5. City in Oklahoma 6. Get the drop on 7. H.S. class 8. Goes up and down 9. Animals of a region

10. Make a goof

11. 2007 Heisman Trophy winner, first name 12. Car club 13. Fig. in identity theft 18. Fishing equipment 19. Indebted 23. Do followers 24. Over 25. Dish with seasoned rice 27. Doesn’t go 28. Shakespearean

villain 29. “Mon ___!”

Commuting options

Money of Iran

On the ball

Cases for needles

Aspiring DA’s hurdle in college

Ingrid, in “Casablanca”

One foot in front of the other

Substantially 45. Inveigle 46. Souvenir shop stock

48. Lean 49. Allergy sufferer’s concern

50. Punk’d star first name

52. Swamp plants 54. French for law

56. Govenor’s’s postponement

58. Coal holder 59. Prefix with tourism

60. LI doubled 61. ___ Lingus (Irish airlines) 62. Barbarous person 63. Business letter abbr. 64. Math degree

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz:

; 5) $50.

1

to two percent of the total global population has naturally red hair (70 to 140 million people).

40 minutes is how long a cockroach can hold its breath for. It can survive underwater for 30 minutes.

2,617 is how many times a day the average smartphone user touches their phone.

600,000 lives would be saved every year if everyone washed their hands properly with soap.

37 million years ago, penguins in Antarctica were 2.13 metres tall (7 ft) and weighed 110 kg (242 lbs).

Source: Uberfacts

September 27, 1822

Jean-François Champollion announces that he has deciphered the Rosetta Stone.

September 28, 1928

Alexander Fleming notices a bacteria-killing mold growing in his laboratory, discovering what later became known as penicillin.

September 29, 2006 A Boeing 737 and an Embraer 600 collide in mid-air, killing 154

people and triggering a Brazilian aviation crisis. On the same day in 1940, two Avro Ansons collide in mid-air in Australia, remain locked together, then land safely.

September 30, 2016

Two paintings with a combined value of $100 million are recovered after having been stolen from the Van Gogh Museum in 2002.

October 1, 1946

12 high-ranking Nazis are sen-

October 2, 2018

Saudi journalist and dissident Jamal Khashoggi is killed in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. The CIA concludes he was assassinated.

October 3, 1952

Fleming observes mold in a petri dish.

tenced to death in the Nuremberg Trials. Seven others receive prison sentences. Three are acquitted.

Operation Hurricane: The United Kingdom successfully tests a nuclear weapon for the first time and becomes the third nuclear power after the United States and the Soviet Union.

Source: Wikipedia

Nai Yang Beach. Photo by Mark Reddall.

This is a great opportunity for the right applicant to expand their future prospects in an exciting and rewarding position where everything is possible. Full time position in Cherngtalay; excellent package and bonus scheme. Please contact us on 062 698 2426. Fern Chaiyaporn, fern@ phuketweddingsevents.com, 062 698 2426. Urgent required Asia Marine Ltd., a yacht managemet company in Phuket, is looking for Chief Accountant. Candidate must be graduated in accounting field, English speaking, min 5 years’ experience in management, extensive corporate and personal tax experience, expertise working with Quickbooks and financial statements. Interested candidates, please email your CV with photo to chatpassorn@asia-marine.net Mobile: +66 8 1823 4736 40,000-55,000, Chatpassorn, 20/99 Moo 2, Thepkassattri Rd., T. Kohkeaw, Muang, Phuket 83000, chatpassorn@asia-marine.net, 0818234736, 076238805.

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

Patong

Loch Palm Membership Individual full membership. Price includes transfer. Jeff, schendl@loxinfo.co.th 086 2688061.

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

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

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

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.

4BED 4BATH VILLA FOR SALE

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

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

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

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

Dmitry , phuket@thairesidential.com

CONDO FOR SALE THE DECK PATONG 44 sqm Condo for sale at THB 5,200,000 – Parking space included – Quiet Unit – email: sale. hd.design@outlook.com -

Stunning Ocean Views!

4 bed/bath large pool villa. Privately located in Cape Heights Cape Yamu. Furnished. Gardens. Fiber WiFi. 80,000/rent long term or 30 million to sell. Richard, Cape Yamu, Phuket, richarddesmondcapeheights@yahoo. co.uk, +66824203270, WhatsApp

Russia faces fresh Olympic ban

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)

Monday (Sept 23) gave Russia three weeks to explain “inconsistencies” in a cache of laboratory data handed over to investigators, raising the possibility of a fresh ban on the country in the build-up to the Tokyo Olympics.

Russia stands to be declared non-compliant by WADA if it fails to explain why evidence of some positive tests handed over by a whistleblower doesn’t show up in data provided by Moscow’s anti-doping laboratory in January.

‘Not soft on Russia’ Russian sports minister Pavel Kolobkov said WADA and RUSADA, the Russian antidoping agency, would look into ‘inconsistences’.

“Digital experts from both sides, who are already in touch, will see what the discrepancies are about and what they are connected to. As far as we are concerned, we continue to help in any way possible,” he said in comments released by his ministry.

conspiracy to switch tainted samples at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

During its suspension by WADA, Russia was allowed by the International Olympic Committee to take part in the 2016 Rio Olympics, but Russian competitors at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Games had to take part under a neutral flag.

If Russia challenges an eventual suspension by WADA the case will go to the Swissbased Court of Arbitration for Sport, whose decision will be binding on sports bodies including the International Olympic Committee.

whistleblowers, what we got from Russia and they noticed some inconsistencies,” WADA director general Olivier Niggli told AFP after an executive committee meeting in Tokyo.

“Forensic experts have looked at what we got from

THE ASIAN FOOTBALL Confederation has chosen Buriram United’s Chang Arena as one of the four venues for the AFC U23 Championship next year.

The decision was announced on Tuesday (Sept 24) after a meeting of representatives of the AFC, the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) and the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT).

The other three venues for the 2020 championship are Songkhla’s Tinsulanonda, Pathum Thani’s Thammasat and Bangkok’s Rajamangala stadiums.

Chang Arena replaces Chiang Mai 700 th Anniversary Stadium which is under renovation and will not be ready in time for the tournament.

The move came after AFC representatives inspected the four venues.

Asian Cup chief Yoo Jin-Ho said: “We have inspected the venue in Buri Ram and found that it is ready for the tournament. So

“Then they studied the differences and this came to a situation where there are some questions that need to be asked and answered.”

WADA has previously warned that it would take the “most stringent sanctions” if any of the data was found to have been tampered with.

Chang Arena to host U23 tourney

we confirm that the stadium will replace the stadium in Chiang Mai for the AFC U23 Championship.”

Buriram United have a number of U23 players, including forwards Supachai Chaided and Supachok Sarachat, who are expected to lead the Thai squad in the championship.

The championship, to be held from Jan 8-26, is important as it also serves as Asia’s qualifying round for the 2020 Olympics.

Meanwhile, Thailand coach Akira Nishino has appointed Issara Sritaro as his assistant to manage the U23 team for the SEA

Games later this year.

Nishino, who oversees both the senior and U23 sides, announced the appointment on Tuesday (Sept 24) ahead of the SEA Games to be held in the Philippines from Nov 30Dec 11.

Thailand have won the men’s football title at the SEA Games three times in a row.

Nishino had a decent start to his Thailand reign with the senior team drawing with Vietnam and beating Indonesia in their first two World Cup qualifiers for the 2022 finals. Bangkok Post

Russia handed over thousands of files from its Moscow anti-doping laboratory in January, fulfilling a key condition for its reinstatement by WADA last September.

RUSADA had been suspended for nearly three years over revelations of wrongdoing including a systematic

However, athletics body the IAAF has maintained a ban on Russia since November 2015, although many of its athletes are given special dispensation to compete under a neutral banner.

The IAAF is due to reexamine the case for reintegrating Russian athletes ahead of the World Athletics Championships, which start in Doha this week.

Celebrity football for charity: It was a big weekend for Laguna Phuket, Asia’s premier destination resort, where they held a series of events in support of the Children’s First Fund (CFF) which included a fantastic golf event at the award-winning Laguna Golf Phuket, a “Battle of the Chefs” charity dinner, and a charity football match with Toon Bodyslam’s “Kao Kon La Kao” team against “Banyan Tree All Stars” and the “Laguna Phuket All Stars” at the Bang Tao School’s stadium where hundreds turned-out!

Chang Arena, the home of Buriram United, is one of four venues chosen for the AFC U23 Championship in 2020. Photo: Bangkok Post

Russia may face a complete ban from participating in the 2020 Olympics. Photo: AFP

Ferrari take over Singapore Emotional renaissance breathes life back into Vettel

BOX OF NEUTRALS

Michael Lamonato michael@boxofneutrals.com

Sebastian Vettel is famously intensely private, but there was no hiding his emotions on the Singapore Grand Prix podium.

Standing on the top step for the first time in 392 days with the German national anthem warbling across throngs of fans on the track below, Vettel’s façade cracked. A wave of relief swept across his face, and for a moment – only a moment – he looked as though he would be completely overcome.

But then there was a deep breath, a clenched jaw, and the welling emotion was forced back beneath the surface. The 32-year-old’s face was inscrutable once more.

There was no doubting how much the moment meant to Vettel. His last win had come at the 2018 Belgian Grand Prix at the height of his championship fight with Lewis Hamilton. He wasn’t to know it then, but the following year would be disastrous.

The four-time world champion crashed his way out of title contention in 2018, and when the sport resumed this year he was given an uncompetitive car and partnered with young gun Charles Leclerc, who claimed Ferrari’s first two wins of the season to establish himself as team leader. Vettel was forced to answer

questions about his motivation, his ability in wheel-to-wheel combat and, most painfully, his talent as a driver.

Some drivers respond well to pressure, using it as motivation to access higher levels of performance. Others wilt under the weight of expectation, and as pressure tends to beget pressure,

Benn set for shock return to boxing aged 55

BOXING

BRITISH BOXER NIGEL BENN IS SET to make a shock return to the ring after being labelled “the fittest 55-year-old on planet earth”. Benn, a former middleweight and supermiddleweight world champion, has not fought professionally for nearly 23 years but did call for a press conference this week and is expected to fight again on November 23.

“It’s not like Nigel left the sport, hung up his gloves and never trained again. He must be the fittest 55-year-old on planet Earth,” Benn’s promoter Mark Peters told the BBC on Tuesday (Sept 24).

“He has still been training twice a day and he will shadow box anywhere. I wouldn’t support Nigel if I didn’t believe he was fit to box.

“It’s his life and his prerogative to fight. From his point of view, this is closure for him.”

The encounter will be licensed by the British and Irish Boxing Authority, rather than the British Boxing Board of Control. AFP

they struggle to rebuild.

But after perhaps his lowest point – his crash at the Italian Grand Prix in front of Ferrari’s home fans – Vettel found a way to break the cycle.

“I really want to thank the fans,” he said. “Obviously the last couple of weeks for me have been not the best, but it’s been incredible to get so much support – so many letters, so many nice messages, people telling their own stories of when things might not go well and so on.

“If people make the effort to write something, when you find a bit of time in the evenings to go through, it’s really encouraging.

“It gave me a lot of strength, belief, and I tried to put it all into the track today, into the car, and it’s nice when it pays off.”

Vettel is renowned for eschewing social media and his disdain for the trappings of fame, but in a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a man not usually forthcoming with personal details, he expressed a genuine, heartfelt appreciation for those who have stuck by him during his darkest hours.

“When you start, it’s very difficult to imagine that people follow

you and these kinds of things,” he said. “For us everything is centred around racing, but really it’s not the most important thing, and when you read through some of the notes and people’s struggles in life, some very intimate and private, it gets to you. It gave me a lot of belief and confidence to just keep trying.”

It’s tempting to believe this is Vettel’s turning point, the win that will reset him onto the path to another title showdown, but it’s difficult to know for certain. The German has had false dawns before – the Canadian Grand Prix earlier this year, for example – after which his lacklustre form returned.

But Ferrari’s unexpected competitiveness offers hope. The SF90’s lack of front-end downforce has been at the core of both its lack of pace and Vettel’s difficulties with the car. If the upgrades introduced in Singapore to affect this turnaround translate to other circuits, Vettel would be well placed to carry this momentum into the final phase of the season.

The championship might be long gone, but there may be life left in the four-time champion yet.

PGA Tour cancels Hong Kong event

THE US PGA TOUR ON Tuesday (Sept 24) cancelled next month’s season-ending event on its Chinese feeder golf circuit in Hong Kong citing “continued demonstrations, civil unrest and safety concerns”.

The Clearwater Bay Open, from October 17-20, would have been the climax of the third-tier, 14-event, PGA Tour Series-China.

Instead it became the latest sporting casualty of sometimes violent mass anti-government protests.

Next month’s WTA Hong Kong Open featuring many of the world’s top women tennis players has already been postponed and last week a horse racing meeting at the city’s famous Happy Valley track was cancelled for the first time.

“Due to continued demonstrations, civil unrest and safety concerns in Hong Kong, PGA Tour Series-China is cancelling the 2019 Clearwater Bay Open,” said a tour statement Tuesday (Sept 24).

The PGA Tour SeriesChina has around 50 Chinese players in its 100-plus membership and works closely with the Beijing-backed China Golf Association to stage events,

with only two tournaments - in Macau and Hong Kong - being hosted outside the mainland.

With a large mainland entry at Clearwater Bay, which lies to the east of Hong Kong Island, there were fears that the event could be targeted by anti-Beijing protesters.

“The safety of our players, staff, fans, volunteers and everybody else associated with our tournaments is always at the forefront of anything we do,” PGA Tour Series-China chief Greg Carlson said.

“We have analysed this situation from every angle, and as a group we determined that cancelling the 2019 Clearwater Bay Open is the best decision.”

Millions of pro-democracy supporters have taken to Hong

Kong’s streets for almost four months in the biggest challenge to China’s rule since the city’s handover from Britain in 1997. Violent clashes have become more intense across the city in recent weeks with police frequently unleashing baton charges, tear gas and bean bag rounds.

The PGA Tour SeriesChina season will now end with the Macau Championship from October 10-13.

The tour’s most famous graduate is the world number 52 Li Haotong, who won the 2014 order of merit before going on to finish third in the 2017 British Open. He has also won twice on the European Tour.

GOLF

Former boxer Nigel Benn (L) with his son Conor (R) after a title fight at the O2 arena in London on April 9, 2016. Photo: AFP

A player drives the ball at the Clearwater Bay Open in 2017. The PGA Tour China Series has canceled this year’s event citing civil unrest and safety concerns. Photo: AFP

Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel ended his year-long drought without a win at the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday (Sept 22). Photo: AFP

Reds dominant as City, Hammers begin chase

Liverpool beat Chelsea to preserve their perfect record and Manchester City romped to a record-breaking win but elsewhere it was far from business as usual during a dramatic Premier League weekend.

City were imperious against Watford, 5-0 up within the first 18 minutes and just one goal shy of matching Manchester United's Premier League record for the biggest margin of victory - 9-0 against Ipswich in 1995.

Liverpool had a tricky-looking match on paper at Stamford Bridge but emerged unscathed, winning 2-1 to maintain their five-point gap at the top.

But defeats for United and Tottenham, and a tough battle for Arsenal, who recovered to beat newly-promoted Aston Villa 3-2, showed the “Big Six” are not going to have things all their own way this season.

Here, AFP Sport looks at three things we learned from the Premier League last weekend:

Imperious City show hunger Were Manchester City losing their hunger after consecutive Premier League title triumphs?

Pep Guardiola did not appear especially worried after his side’s 3-2 defeat against Norwich last weekend, saying

he still loved his team.

They responded to his affection in emphatic fashion, pummelling Watford just four months after smashing them 6-0 in the FA Cup final at Wembley.

Bernardo Silva, who scored a hat-trick against Watford, said City had wanted to put on a show for their fans.

“After the defeat at Norwich obviously we wanted to get the three points and give our fans a good performance,”

Silva told Sky Sports

“We were unbelievable in the first 30 minutes, scored lots of goals and had control.”

European champions Liverpool are setting a frightening standard as they go in search of their first top-flight English title since 1990 but City are not going to go away.

New faces in top six

Leicester and West Ham proved their credentials in their bid to break the iron grip of the Premier League’s top six with victories over Tottenham and Manchester United.

Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester have now faced Chelsea, Manchester United and Spurs in their opening six games and have more than held their own.

Also, the stuttering form of the established powers behind Liverpool and Manchester City means there is little to fear for sides unused to the rarefied atmosphere at the top of the Premier League.

United have now won just one of their

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS

past five league games, Tottenham have not won away in the Premier League since January and Chelsea are yet to taste victory at home under Frank Lampard.

Leicester and West Ham hold a three-point lead over all three and are level with Arsenal, who battled to their first win in four league games at home to Aston Villa.

Liverpool back up Alexander-Arnold’s trophy boast Backing his brash words with bold actions, Trent Alexander-Arnold emphasised why Liverpool are such a serious threat to Manchester City’s hopes of a third successive title.

Alexander-Arnold previewed Liverpool’s trip to Chelsea on Sunday (Sept 22) by declaring that Jurgen Klopp’s side are determined to become serial trophy winners.

Not content with last season’s Champions League triumph, Alexander-Arnold said: “We don’t want to be remembered as that Liverpool team that only won the Champions League. We want to be the team that people can’t remember how many trophies we have won because we won so many.”

That kind of talk can put pressure on a team if they are not made of the right stuff, but Alexander-Arnold walked the walk as his blistering first-half free-kick at Stamford Bridge put Liverpool on course for a sixth successive win that moved them five points clear of City at the top.

Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold (R) shoots to score the opening goal against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last Saturday (Sept 22). Photo: AFP

Sport

After the opening skirmishes at the Rugby World Cup, AFP looks at how the top contenders for the Webb Ellis Cup are shaping up.

New Zealand New Zealand produced a commanding performance against South Africa, a 23-13 victory, that sent a message to all pretenders to their crown that the men in black are not to be messed with.

For all the talk about South Africa’s solid defensive wall, Kieran Read’s men unlocked it in 20 minutes with

slick hands, quick thinking and a complete skill-set, turning the Springboks’ early dominance on its head with two counter-punching tries.

Ireland

The most impressive feature of Ireland’s 27-3 destruction of an insecure Scotland was not celebrated halves Johnny Sexton and Conor Murray, but the ruthless efficiency of a forward pack that dominated the set piece. Even the loss of Peter O’Mahony in the first half did not stop the menacing Irish eight, which ended the game with a clean sheet from 10 scrums and 12 lineouts, while stealing one of each off Scotland. They also won the

turnover count 16-11.

South Africa

The Springboks gave a decent account of themselves in their defeat by New Zealand and their solid pack – built around hard-hitting lock Eben Etzebeth and barnstorming No 8 Duane Vermeulen – will pose problems for any team in the tournament.

Flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit more than lived up to his billing as one of the world’s best current crop of players by going toe-to-toe with an All Black back-row featuring the touted Ardie Savea and Kieran Read.

Wales

The Six Nations champions

opened their account as they should have, with an ultimately emphatic 43-14 victory over Georgia, a team that has never beaten a top nation. Emptying the bench in the second-half with an eye on Australia on Sunday (Sept 29) allowed Georgia back into the game, but Wales rode the stern test of their set-piece, looking like a team biding their time for the bigger challenge to come in Tokyo this weekend.

Australia Australia may prefer to play an open running game but the way they came from nine points down early in the second half to beat Fiji 39-21 suggests the two-time

world champions also have a workable “Plan B”.

The introduction of halfbacks Will Genia and Matt Toomua off the bench for the misfiring Nic White and Christian Lealiifano helped the 2015 losing finalists make the most of their setpiece dominance at scrum and lineout which eventually told in the final quarter.

England

There was nothing spectacular about a 35-3 win over Tonga but, despite plenty of handling errors, England launched their World Cup campaign with a four-try bonus point win and kept a clean try sheet for the second consecutive Test.

There were some promis-

ing signs in the way fullback Elliot Daly launched effective counter-attacks from deep, with scrum-half Ben Youngs’s accurate kicking game setting up play for the chasers.

France

France uncorked some champagne rugby in a nail-biting 23-21 win over Argentina before threatening to unravel in the face of sustained second-half pressure from the Pumas.

Les Bleus, who have reached three World Cup finals and never failed to reach the quarter-finals, survived by the skin of their teeth to boost their chances of avoiding an early exit with England lurking in Pool C.

Wallabies say wins over Wales count for nothing at World Cup

encounters, the most recent meeting ending in a dour 9-6 victory for the Welsh in Cardiff.

teams to really go at each other and hopefully put on another great spectacle for rugby fans.”

AUSTRALIA ENJOY AN INtense rugby rivalry with Wales, but fullback Kurtley Beale insists a recent run of Wallaby wins will count for nothing when they meet in World Cup Pool D showdown on Sunday (Sept 29).

Since a Wales victory in 2008, Australia went on to win 13 of last 14

“As a player you always look forward to playing Wales,” said Beale, who was part of the Australian team that beat Wales 15-6 in the pool stages at the 2015 World Cup where they went on to reach the final.

“They’ve come off a flying start, we’re aware of their threats and it’s another great opportunity for both

Australia opened their campaign in Japan with a 39-21 victory over Fiji while Wales notched up a 43-14 win over Georgia.

Sunday’s (Sept 29) showdown will more than likely decide the pool winner, with Beale saying that the fact it was Wales was a positive.

“For some reason, whenever we

play Wales, it just brings the best out of you: the focus, the concentration, the preparation becomes more important,” said the 30-year-old Waratah.

Beale said there had been a lot to work on after their victory over Fiji, with an eye on Wales’ strong defence.

“Their defence has gone up another level so it’ll be harder,” he said.

“It will always go down to the wire and we’re prepared for that.” AFP

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Samu Kerevi celebrates scoring a try for the Wallabies. Photo: AFP