The Phuket News December 27, 2019

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019

thephuketnews thephuketnews1 thephuketnews.com

Friday, December 27, 2019 – Thursday, January 2, 2020

Since 2011 / Volume IX / No. 52

20 Baht

TOUR BOAT COLLISION KILLS CAPTAIN, YOUNG CREWMAN > PAGE 3

HIGH HOPES

NEWS

PAGE 2

Rewards offered as families search for kayak couple

LIFE

PAGE 11

You are what you eat. Is it too much meat?

A police officer searches the boot of a car for drugs and other contraband at the Phuket Check Point in Tha Chatchai, the main checkpoint onto the island. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

PHUKET HITS HIGH NOTE FOR NUMBER OF DRUG CASES AND ARRESTS IN THE COUNTRY Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

P

huket Provincial Court, from January through October this year, prosecuted more cases for drug-related offenses than any other provincial court in the country, other than Thung Song Provincial Court in Nakhon Sri Thammarat.

The island’s status as the nation’s “runner-up” for drug prosecutions came by a report from the Courts of Justice made public earlier this week, confirming that during the eight months Phuket Provincial Court processed 6,697 cases, second to Thung Song Provincial Court, which

processed 7,438 cases.

However, Phuket Provincial Court outshone all other provincial courts in the country for prosecutions of possession of illegal drugs and possession of illegal drugs with intent to sell, taking the number one position with 3,076 cases and 702 cases respectively.

Phuket, even as one of the smallest provinces in Thailand, still ranked third in the country for total number of drugs-related prosecutions after including cases heard by the provincial minor court, called the Kwaeng Court, with 5,120 prosecutions heard.

Phuket Vice Governor Supoj Rotreuang Na Nongkhai took the

nation-leading number of drug cases as good news, saying “It shows that officials and police are doing their work very well.”

Vice Governor Supoj, who chairs the provincial anti-narcotics committee, added “This year we have specifically focused on preventing drugs from being brought into the province by fishing boats, as this now seems to be the preferred method of smuggling drugs into Phuket.”

To that end, a report from the Phuket Provincial Police, which accumulate their statistics from October through September each year (in line with the Thai fiscal year), confirmed that Phuket City

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

@thephuketnews

Police Station processed 1,552 drugrelated cases.

During the same 12 months, Chalong Police Station processed 1,058 cases, Thalang Police Station processed 977, Patong Police Station processed 969, while Thachatchai Police Station processed 676.

The same statistics reported increases in the volume of every category of drug seized, with 18.45kg of crystal methamphetamine (yah ice) seized from Oct 2017 to Sept 2018 rising to 19.29kg in the 12 months that followed.

Similarly, the number of methamphetamine pills (ya bah) seized in Phuket rose from 303,161 pills in...

SPORT

PAGE 32

UWC students among the medal winners

News 2

PHUKET NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019

execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

Hopes to open Patong tunnel by 2026: EXAT Chief > p4

Wanted: Kayak couple leads

Families launch own efforts after formal search ‘scaled down’ The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

T

he families of missing Polish tourist Mateusz Juszkiewicz, 26, and Thai national Werakan Siriprakon, 23, from Nakhon Sawan, who were last seen on a rented kayak off Yanui Beach on Dec 7, are offering rewards for information that contributes to or directly leads to finding the missing pair.

A reward of 5,000 euros (about B167,000) is being offered for finding the couple safe and sound, Mr Juszkiewicz’s sister Monika Tyszkiewicz, confirmed to The Phuket News on Tuesday (Dec 24).

Minor rewards of B5,000 are also being offered for those who report substantial, confirmed clues and sightings of boats, life jackets, bags or other items that lead to tracking down the missing couple, Anongkan Srisupat, a friend of Ms Werakan’s family, also revealed on Monday (Dec 23).

A reward of B20,000 is offered for reports of confirmed sightings that lead to finding the couple or for important information that will contribute to finding them.

A reward of B50,000 is offered for sightings that find both of them safe.

English speakers with any information that may help locate the couple are urged to contact Polish private detective Krzysztof Rutkowski, who arrived in Phuket last Saturday (Dec 21) to begin his investigation.

He may be contacted by calling +48 512 058 370 or +48 512 206 030, or through his website “Patriot24” or through his Facebook page.

English speakers may also call Khun Chu at 0856542969.

Thai speakers with any information that may help locate the couple are urged to call Khun Chu at 0856542969 or Khun Bird at 064-3429847.

Detective Rutkowski has been hired by the Juszkiewicz family to conduct a professional investigation into the search.

“He wants to look for them with the help of American satellites,” Ms Tyszkiewicz explained.

“We are at Christmas time. This is a time of great miracles,” she told The Phuket News on Christmas Eve. “At our table there will be a place for Mateusz. We believe that this miracle will happen and our brother, son and friend will come back to us safe and sound,” she said.

Rewards are being offered for any information that helps find the missing couple. Image: Monika Tyszkiewicz SCALED DOWN The move by the families of the missing couple to begin their own efforts to locate the pair follow the official search being scaled to down to no extra specific search efforts, while officials maintain

that the search has not been called off.

Maj Ekachai Siri of the Phuket Tourist Police told The Phuket News on Monday that the specific search efforts for the pair ended last Friday (Dec 20) – just two days after

Consular Section Chief of the Polish Embassy in Thailand, Jakub Budohoski, travelled to Phuket and held a meeting on Dec 17 at the search centre at Yanui Beach, where the couple disappeared on their rented kayak.

Mr Budohoski stated that, on behalf of the Consulate and Embassy, he was extremely grateful for all the efforts so far. He requested the search be maintained until the couple are found and that new areas are continually explored.

Maj Ekachai on Monday confirmed that search efforts were greatly scaled down after five days of intensive searches by air and sea.

“The full search efforts by helicopters and extra boats were scaled down on Dec 12,” he said.

During the five days, from Dec 8-12, a Royal Thai Navy helicopter and a Tourist Police helicopter together launched 18 search missions, while the search boats conducted 34 search missions and ground teams conducted a total of 50 search missions along coastal areas, Maj Ekkachai said.

Regardless, Maj Ekkachai refused to confirm that the search for the missing couple had now been called off.

Instead, he offered, “The search has not stopped. The

intensity of the search has been reduced… All those involved in the search have now returned to their regular duties and will of course keep looking while performing their regular work.”

Maj Ekkachai explained that the intensive search efforts were scaled down on Dec 12 after the Royal Thai Navy, Phuket Marine Police and others scoured the search area, which on paper was expanded to cover 600 square nautical miles – nearly 2,059 square kilometres.

“We already worked to our full capacity in the search, but we could not find them or any clue as to what might have happened,” he said.

“Even in the last efforts before before Dec 12, Royal Thai Navy officials added extra patrols of small islands.

After that (Dec 12), both families began their own plans to search for the missing couple,” Maj Ekkachai said.

“Intensive search efforts will resume if either family finds something or any evidence such as a life jacket, the kayak or something else from the missing couple is found as it would lead to finding them. We will support them the families) to find the missing couple,” Capt Ekkachai said.

Phuket faces front wave in drugs deluge Continued from page 1 ...2018 to 556,383 pills in 2019.

Kratom busts also saw a huge increase in contraband seized, 2.9 tonnes of the plant (25,390 leaves) seized on the island in 2018 rising to 3.73 tonnes (34,058 leaves) in 2019.

Meanwhile, marijuana raids saw 7.31kg of the plant seized in 2019, along with 12.76kg of ready-to-smoke dried marijuana.

Heroin maintains a much smaller, but still concerning, presence falling from 292.4 grammes seized in 2018 to 116.87g the following year.

“Phuket’s drug problem remains and mostly because of weaknesses in the community,” Vice Governor Supoj said this week.

“However, I still expect the number of drug cases to fall as we focus more on fixing problems in the community first,” he added.

Vice Governor Supoj cited a slew of specific issues believed to

be contributing to the drug problem.

“Most suspects arrested come from other provinces, and Phuket is a busy tourism area full of tourists and non-native people. This has contributed to Phuket’s high rank in the number of cases,” he said.

“Also, the economy is not good, and people are ready to take risks.

They are willing to be minor sellers, not major sellers like other provinces,” he added.

Dealers were also pushing harder for everyday people to risk earning extra money by selling drugs, V/Gov Supoj explained.

“Dealers even have promotions like ‘Drugs for sale’. For example, where they would normally charge B200 per ya bah pill, they would sell ya bah to an addict or regular user at B80 per pill just to get their regular business.

“Another issue is peer pressure.

I have found most young women

arrested for drugs are caught selling the drugs with their boyfriends,” he added.

V/Gov Supoj told The Phuket News that he wants to seriously start targetting social issues in the community to help prevent people from wanting to take drugs, or sell them.

“We want to focus on the community as a priority. Phuket as a community needs to be stronger.

It is an important issue that I have to talk about with drug suppression teams and local officials in each area.

“Of course this includes working with the police, which the statistics show they have already been working hard on this problem,” he said.

Pol Maj Gen Rungrote Thakurapunyasiri, who arrived on the island in October to take up the post of Phuket Provincial Police Commander, told The Phuket News on Tuesday that police will ramp up their efforts to prevent anti-drugs

A woman is photographed by police along with the kratom she was caught with earlier this year.

Photo: Phuket City Police efforts in a special campaign for the New Year.

“Police will search and focus on drugs hidden in any type of vehicles, such as cars, buses and trucks, from Dec 24, 2019 to Jan 31, 2020,” he said.

“Our goal is to eradicate entire drug-trafficking networks, from producers to major dealers to people selling drugs on the street. It also includes those support drug-

trafficking networks,” he added.

In addition to the development of a national anti-drugs database, officers will focus “intensive efforts” on all target groups who may be involved in illegal drug cases, Maj Gen Rungrote said.

“We will also set up a programme to prevent drugs from spreading to youths, schools and communities, to keep them safe and away from drugs,” he added. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019

3

Killer collision on water

Captain, 17-year-old crewman die after tour boat, yacht collide Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

S

earch teams last Saturday found the body of missing tour boat crewman Kittpong Samanbut, who fell overboard in a deadly collision of the tour boat he was working on with a large motoryacht off Koh Khai Nok last Wednesday afternoon (Dec 18).

The news was announced by Phang Nga Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada, who has also previously served for years as a Phuket Vice Governor and in 2016 served as Phuket Governor.

A search team from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Phang Nga office (DDPM-Phang Nga) located Mr Kittipong’s body f loating about one kilometre from where the collision occurred on Wednesday, Gov Chamroen explained.

The body was taken to Koh Yao Chaiphat Hospital to undergo further examination before being handed over to his family for his funeral, he said.

Confirmation by copy of Mr Kittipong’s ID card showed that Mr Kittpong was just 17 years old, not 18 as consistently previously

The body of young Mr Kittipong, just 17 years old, was found about one kilometre from where the collision occurred on Wednesday. Photo: DDPM-Phang Nga reported by search teams.

More than 50 tour operators and related agencies used more than 20 boats to search for Mr Kittipong since the collision, Governor Chamroen said.

The collision occurred approximately 2.5km north of Ko Khai Nui, located halfway between Phuket and

off Koh Yao Yai, he added.

While the Koh Khai islands are located only some 7.6km direct east of Koh Siray, on the east side of Phuket Town, the islands in terms of administration are technically in Phang Nga. The search for Mr Kititpong began Wednesday evening as soon

Florida man flees custody, caught again ‘depressed and exhausted’ A N A M E R ICA N M A N who fled police custody on foot while still handcuffed last Monday afternoon was finally found alive and well at about midday four days later – and taken back into police custody.

Chalong Police Chief Col Sarawut Chuprasit told The Phuket News last Thursday (Dec 19) that a local resident reported seeing Ezekiel Ezekiel Dolcide, 28, was found by hiding amid heavy Shiloni Dolcide, 28, from undergrowth on a vacant plot in Rawai. He was ‘depressed Florida, by hiding amid heavy and exhausted’, said police. Photo: Chalong Police undergrowth on a vacant plot in Soi Ari 2, in Moo 2, Rawai. behind the Rawai Post Office his country, as he is afraid Officers led by Lt Col on the south side of Chalong of being blacklisted.”

Sanun Chanrongrong arrived Circle, some 260 metres from However, following his around midday and after a Chalong Police Station. recent convictions, Dolcide Chalong Police requested was already prohibited from quick search found Dolcide, who was described as “de- a warrant for Dolcide’s arrest entering Thailand, and he pressed and exhausted”. and issued a wanted poster now also faces a charge of Dolcide was being trans- urging people to contact them escaping from custody, Col ferred to Chalong Police Sta- if they saw the American after Sarawut said. tion to await deportation after a search last Monday night and Police took Dolcide to he was convicted of marijuana Tuesday failed to find him.

Chalong Hospital to ensure possession and overstaying in After the American was his health was in good enough the country when he made his recaptured last Thursday, condition for him to be taken getaway simply by running Col Sarawut explained to to Chalong Police Station, off after police opened the The Phuket News, “Dolcide where officers began provehicle door for him as he explained to police that he cessing the paperwork to arrived at the station. fled because because he had have Dolcide charged again A search was launched, been prosecuted before and – this time for fleeing lawful but failed to find Dolcide, he has a girlfriend here – he custody. who had fled into the jungle doesn’t want to go back to Eakkapop Thongtub @thephuketnews

as it was realised that he had fallen overboard in the collision.

The search continued late into the night, and resumed each day, with divers joining the search on Thursday.

The collision left six tourists admitted to hospital for broken bones and other serious injuries, and

at least 11 more treated for minor injuries from the impact.

Surat Mat-O-Sot, the 49-yearold captain of the tour boat, Choksuphasan 35, later died from injuries sustained in the collision, which occurred shortly before 4:30pm last Wednesday.

The motoryacht Stallion, a luxury Pershing 72 skippered by Russian national Alexander Gorbunov, 47, suffered little damage in the collision, and rendered immediate assistance, taking 36 of the 46 tourists on board the tour boat to Ao Po Grand Marina.

Capt Surat was involved in another sea collision in 2014 that killed two Korean tourists and injured 26 others. In that incident, Surat was the helmsman of the Seastar 29, which had more than 40 tourists on board returning from a day-trip to the Phi Phi Islands, when it collided with the fishing vessel Sinpichai 11.

In that collision, Surat said he had bent down to pick up a black plastic bag that had blown into the boat, and that he only noticed the trawler when he looked up. He turned sharply to try to avoid a collision but the speedboat became caught up in the trawler's fishing equipment and tipped over.

4

PHUKET NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019

PHUKET SEVEN DAY WEATHER FORECAST

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

www.foreca.com

FRI DEC 27

SAT DEC 28

SUN DEC 29

MON DEC 30

TUE DEC 31

WED JAN 1

THU JAN 2

High: +34° Low: +25°

High: +33° Low: +26°

High: +34° Low: +26°

High: +34° Low: +26°

High: +34° Low: +26°

High: +34° Low: +26°

High: +34° Low: +26°

Wind 1 m/s

Wind 1 m/s

Wind 2 m/s

Wind 1 m/s

Wind 2 m/s

Wind 2 m/s

Wind 2 m/s

Patong Tunnel hoped to open 2026, says EXAT Chief The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

GENERAL MANAGER

Jason Beavan 086 479 7471

gm@classactmedia.co.th

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

S

uchart Chonsakpipat, Governor of the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT), which is overseeing the project to construct the tunnel through Patong Hill, has revealed that, if all goes according to plan, construction of the long-awaited Patong Tunnel could commence as early as mid-2022.

Mr Suchart was in Phuket last Wednesday (Dec 18) to preside over a meeting to confirm updates in the progress of Patong Tunnel project.

Present at the meeting, held at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) Region 18 headquarters in Phuket Town, was Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana and relevant officers.

The Patong Tunnel project was initially included in the strategic plan for private investment in government activities 2015-2019, Mr Suchart explained.

The State Enterprise Policy Office approved the plan on

EXAT Governor Suchart Chonsakpipat at the meeting in Phuket last week. Photo: PR Dept April 3, 2015, and presented it to the Cabinet on May 26, 2015, he added.

“For this project, the government has to pay landowners B5.792 billion in compensation in order to acquire the land needed, and total construction cost for the project is B8.385bn,” Mr Suchart said.

“The total cost for this project is around B14.177bn,” he said plainly.

The new total cost for the project shows an increase of

B260 million since Wilairat Sirisoponsilp Deputy DirectorGeneral of the Ministry of Transport’s Office of Transport and Traffic Policy, explained in Phuket in June last year that the required investment totalled B13.917bn.

“Of this, B5.686bn is dedicated to acquiring the land and B8.231bn for the construction,” Ms Wilairat said at the time.

Mr Suchart last week also explained that EXAT has filed a request to the Phuket

Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office and the Forest Resources Management Office 12 in Krabi to use protected forest areas under the care of Royal Forest Department in order to continue with the project.

“The Phuket Provincial Natural Resources and Environment office has presented a forest inspection report as well as added opinions on forest conditions. They will present the report to Phuket

Governor to check and approve,” Mr Suchart said.

“Then the report will be presented to the Usage of National Reserved Forest Committee and the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment to consider,” he added.

“I will present the forest inspection report to the State Enterprise Policy Office and the Cabinet later,” Mr Suchart said after the meeting.

“I expect that by the middle of next year the project will be approved and construction to start by the middle of 2022,” he said.

However, the project will take around one year just to have a concessionaire selected, in accordance with the requirements stipulated in the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) Act 2019, Mr Suchart noted.

“If this project goes well, it will benefit local people and tourists in avoiding traffic jams and prevent accidents while people drive over Patong Hill. According to the current project plan, the tunnel way will open in 2026,” he said.

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

Van driver escapes with minor injuries after hitting power pole A PHUKET VAN DRIVER heading home after delivering tourists across the island escaped with minor injuries after his van slammed into a roadside power pole early last Wednesday morning (Dec 18).

Capt Kraisorn Boonprasop of the Thalang Police was notified of the accident at 2:20am.

Police, along with rescue workers arrived at the scene, near Thai Watsadu on Thepkrasattri Rd northbound just north of the Heroines Monument, to find the grey Phuket-registered Toyota van with heavy damage to its front on the footpath near the power pole.

The van driver, Chaiyan

Van driver Chaiyan Buppha, 35, told police that he fell asleep at the wheel. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Buppha, 35, told police that he was driving home after delivering “four rounds” of tourists when the accident occurred.

He was tired and fell asleep at the wheel, he said.

Capt Kraisorn noted that there were no skid marks behind the van before it hit

the power pole.

The van and Mr Chaiyan were both taken to Thalang Police Station.

Mr Chaiyan was not subjected to an alcohol test, but was fined B500 for reckless driving, Capt Kraisorn confirmed.

Eakkapop Thongtub thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019

PHUKET NEWS

5

Beach safety hits top level Phuket’s disaster officials hear from Australian expert ‘Dr Rip’ The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

B

each safety took a serious step forward last week as the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation office for Phuket in collaboration with the Phuket Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) conducted a Phuket Beach Safety Workshop at the Tree House K PARK Phuket hotel in Phuket Town.

Phuket Vice Governor Supoj Rotreuang Na Nongkhai presided over the event, which featured a variety of speakers on the topic of beach safety, including the Australian Consul-General to Phuket Matthew Barclay along with representatives from Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, Marriott Hotels and Resorts, Phuket Hotel Association, the Department of Tourism and Sport and lifeguard representatives.

Invited guests included a crosssection of representatives from the Earth Observatory of Singapore, the Chinese Consulate, Prince of Songkla University, Thai Southern Hotel Association, Phuket government agencies, Vachira Phuket Hospital, educational institutions and private stakeholders.

The guest speaker was Dr Rob

Rip current expert Dr Rob Brander was in Phuket to explain key the dangers of key beach hazards. Photo: Phuket Disaster Resilience Foundation Brander, Professor and Deputy Head of School at the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES), at the University of New South Wales, Australia.

Dr Brander is a renowned researcher and expert on rip currents, and his presentation highlighted potential swimmer dangers and solutions used in other parts of the world. He is an international leader in conducting scientific research related to beach safety and hazards and is involved in global beach safety education.

His previous visit to Thailand

in 2014 alerted him to the severity of the drowning problem on Phuket beaches.

However, he noted at the event in Phuket this week that while research has been conducted on beach safety and hazards in countries like Australia and the United States, no study has yet examined the nature of beach hazards and the behaviour and knowledge of beachgoers in relation to these beach hazards in Southeast Asia.

The workshop focused on the specific issues Phuket faces with regard to beach safety and prevent-

British man found dead after freak fall POLICE ARE INVESTIgating the death of a British man whose body was found stuck in a tight space between a water pump and a house in a small street in Kamala early Tuesday morning (Dec 23).

Police were called to the house, in a small street near the mosque in Baan Naka in Moo 4, Kamala, at about 7:30am, said Lt Watcharin Siriyaphat of the Kamala Police.

Kamala Police Chief Col Chaiyaphruk Phatiworakorn joined Lt Watcharin and other officers in investigating the scene, he added.

People in the house heard the man’s phone ring, and went out to see where the music was coming from. That’s when they found the man’s body wedged in the tight space, Lt Watcharin explained.

The man, a 56-year-old British national Mr Simon Ball, was sandwiched in a tight space between a water pump and the house, as if he had fallen backwards from the street about two metres away.

Mr Ball landed awkwardly, cramped backwards into such a tight space that he it would have been very difficult to free himself, and he was folded so tightly that it would have been @thephuketnews

The body of the British man was found wedged in a tight space between a water pump and the house.

Photo: Kamala Police very difficult to breathe.

In his right hand, he was still holding a plastic bag containing an unopened instant meal pack from 7-Eleven. His phone on on the ground beside him, Lt Watcharin explained.

“He was dressed in a black T-shirt, brown shorts, a glasses, a watch on his left wrist and a wristband on his right wrist. There are some scratches on the body. The body was taken to Patong Hospital for further examination,” he added.

“Doctors found some bruises on his back and his head, and believe that he had died about 24 hours before his body was found,” he said.

Mr Ball was staying at an apartment a short distance uphill further along the street from where his body was found, Lt Watcharin said.

Lt Watcharin told The Phuket News that he had spoken to Mr Ball’s friend, but did not name the man or give any clarification on any details that might shed light on how Mr Ball came to have fallen into the tight space.

“I’m not sure, but he may have sat down [on the edge of a storm drain between the house and the street] and fell down,” he added.

Additional reporting by Eakkapop Thongtub

ing drowning incidents. Workshop participants acknowledged provision of high quality lifeguard services is an integral part of beach safety.

They also agreed in the importance of conducting research and using statistics to guide the planning and provision of future beach safety management plans and resources.

The workshop supported future research in 2020 led by Dr Brander in conjunction with local institutions and government organizations as a sound way to gather data to identify beach safety issues for tourists, the hospitality sector and the community.

Research and the information it will yield, will benefit the local community in Phuket, tourists and visitors to Phuket and directly impact planning and budgeting for comprehensive swimmer safety in the future, he said.

“It was great to see so much widespread interest in the Phuket Beach Safety Workshop and agreement on the challenges and ways forward for making visitors safer on Phuket beaches,” Dr Brander said.

“Some important collaborations were made with positive outcomes for future evidence-based research that will improve understanding of Phuket beach users knowledge of hazards and safety management.

This will help the development and implementation of beach safety management in Phuket in the future.

“The workshop was important and successful as it brought together a variety of individuals and organisations who are all passionate about working together to provide collaborative and consistent approaches to improving Phuket beach safety,” he added.

The Phuket Disaster Resilience Foundation, which was instrumental in organising the workshop, has been set up to enhance Phuket’s resilience to disasters. The foundation serves as an institutional platform and catalyst for government agencies, private sector organisations, NGOs and academia to jointly develop and implement collaborative projects on disaster risk mitigation and preparedness for the benefit of Phuket’s residents, communities and visitors.

The Earth Observatory of Singapore (EOS) is Singapore’s main hub for conducting research on geohazards, focusing on tectonics, volcanoes, and climate change in and around Southeast Asia. The Observatory is committed to acquiring knowledge of these natural hazards, passing this information on to affected communities by contributing to forecasts of such natural phenomena.

Opinion 6

OPINION

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

editor@classactmedia.co.th

CONTACT US

editor@classactmedia.co.th 076 612 550

PURIYA BEAVAN Editor

CHRIS HUSTED

Executive Editor

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

Degree in business management.

Spare time spent sailing or with family.

BEN TIREBUCK

News / Sport Editor

061 806 8132 editor3@classactmedia.co.th UK born and bred but living and working overseas for 20+ years.

A career working in sales, marketing, news and media has seen him based in Shanghai, Sydney, Tokyo, San Diego and Singapore. Most recently with Thomson Reuters and Bloomberg, both in Singapore.

Ambition in the heart, not in the head.

EDITORIAL

Drugs on the road

T

he news this week of Phuket having amongst the highest number of prosecutions for drugs in the country should not come as much of a surprise, it has been a long time coming.

The prevalence of drug use on the island has been on the rise for years. Only this time last year it was revealed that Phuket was facing its worst state in the fight against drugs with more drugs on the island than ever before and on average 23 people being arrested for drugs every day of the year.

That trend has continued, as evidenced by the everongoing number of arrests of minor dealers and users, most for minor drugs possession. While most of those arrested are wayward young people testing the boundaries between social behaviour and the law, many of them are also

Chief Reporter

091 165 0260 reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

Re: Songkran festivle set to make world heritage splash If there's any water left by then.

Richard Joynas

Bitter pill KIATTIKUL ‘JOM’ CHUMANEE

Translator

082 729 0270 translate@classactmedia.co.th

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

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

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

in Phuket – as with anywhere esles in Thailand – can no longer be ignored. The volume and prevalence of drug use on the island demands that police no longer just test drivers for alcohol – and not just for the Seven Days, but for the whole of the year.

In Phuket, the danger lies in young people and our own transport drivers. A van-onvan wipeout earlier this month brought on by an overtired driver highlighted the long hours worked by those trusted to safely ferry our tourists around the island. Thankfully no tourists were inured in that collision.

It seems that police openly already know who should be targetted first for drug use while behind the wheel. They just seem to be unwilling to do it. Surely we are beyond the time to think the public don’t already know.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Tourist injured as boat hits yacht off Phuket Not enough tourists for Koh Samui hotels Princess to arrive for Thai Fight in Patong The Phuket Dream continues Phuket beach safety hits top-level agenda Phuket Opinion: Loud and Proud Florida man ‘depressed and exhausted’, finally arrested in Rawai Search continues for missing crewman after captain dies, tourists injured in tour boat collision with yacht off Phuket Woman barber prone to depression found hanged Phuket hunt for fugitive Florida man continues

Visit thephuketnews.com for all the latest news

HAVE YOUR SAY Dry humor

TANYALUK ‘MANGO’ SAKOOT

everyday people caught up in recreational drug use. That factor finally appears to be understood by the authorities, with anti-drugs awareness campaigns now targetting the average citizen.

As with any country trying to contain illicit drug use, the larger question of why such everyday good people are now turning to drugs to enhance, cope with or otherwise distract themselves from their daily lives remains unexplored by those in a position to make a change. On one hand it seems governments want people to not use drugs, then they do very little to give them a reason not to – and they wonder why saying “just don’t do it” seems to have no effect.

With the annual “Seven Days of Danger” road-safety campaign for the New Year underway this week, the role of drug use in road accidents

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

Re: Experts fret about overuse of antibiotics Like always Thailand is years behind the rest of the world. Antibiotics are ubiquitous in farming here and you can’t visit a doctor without being forced to take a bag of Amoxicillin and being told you absolutely MUST take all of them no matter what’s wrong with you.

They can also charge up to 1,000% markup on some meds after all, and legally charge foreigners more for the same thing.

CaptainJack69 If you are worried about the price of Amoxicillin, then go to SuperCheap near the bus station, you can buy boxes of 400 for about B800 along with many other medical supplies in the pharmacy there! But don’t take unnecessarily, just if they are needed!

Malczx7r

On the beach

Re: Phuket beach safety hits top-level agenda But will "safety" change.... going by history NO, it takes a will to change, we still see the farce of lifesaver contracts every year.. also lifeguards that don't actually patrol.

Rorri_2

Where is the love?

Re: Woman barber prone to depression found hanged Ms Krisana was already quite a while giving strong signals/threats to end her life.

Everybody knew. Why did not a single family member contact a “One Stop Crisis Centre” or call the 1300 help hotline? All so thoughtless passive. R.I.P. Ms Krisana Kurt

Under the surface

Re: Body of missing tour boat crewman found All too easy to blame a dead man with a bad record.

Were both vessels “underway” and “making way”? Headings of both vessels? Track Plotter Memory Data? Impact damage on Port Bow? Give Way To Starboard? Ever heard of throttling back to permit

vessel with right of way to pass? Have the passengers/ witnesses on the dead man’s vessel been instructed not to talk to the media? The victims may be far better off seeking compensation from correct vessel’s insurance company after proper Phuket Marine Authority investigation has been carried out to find out which captain was at fault under Maritime Law. Sincere condolences to Capt Surat’s family and Kittpong Samanbut's family.

Capt B

drunk drivers coming out of the bars would make a vast improvement! malczx7r

Capt B, are there Track Plotter Memory Data instruments on these tourist speedboats. I never saw one. And if there are, are the speedboat drivers trained and certified to handle/use it? Must be something like the Radar Observer, and after that the Radar Navigator courses. Right?

Kurt

Re: Body of French tourist found beside motorbike along Phuket coastal road If the estimated time of death's right then it was raining quite hard at the time – may have been a factor.

SueYu2

Drive 2020

Re: New Phuket Traffic Police Chief set sights on zero deaths for New Year holidays Put police at the streets with bars and catch all the

Zero tolerance for seven days- why not 365 days a year?

Everyone knows where the “checkpoints” are and how to avoid them – it’s a joke.

This is just a PR stunt that achieves nothing as usual, other than a few backhanders for people getting away with a 20k backhander for drunk driving.

Fascinated

Sold out

Re: Tesco bidders told to get permission This anti-monopoly law does it apply to private hospitals as well, there is no competition any more in Phuket the private hospitals are owned and run by the same company.

Peter, Rawai

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

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019

THAILAND NEWS

7

Unethical tourism under fire Activists target methods in ‘breaking’ baby elephants for tricks SURIN Sophie Deviller and Jonathan

S

eparated from their mothers, jabbed with metal hooks, and sometimes deprived of food, many Thai elephants are tamed by force before being sold to lucrative tourism sites increasingly advertised as ‘sanctuaries’ to cruelty-conscious travellers.

Balanced precariously on hind legs, two-year-old Ploy holds a ball in her trunk and flings it towards a hoop, one of many tricks she is learning in Ban Ta Klang, a traditional training village in north eastern province of Surin.

Here young elephants are “broken” to interact with tens of millions of tourists who visit Thailand every year, many eager to capture social media-worthy encounters of the kingdom’s national animal playing sports, dancing and even painting.

Villagers in Ban Ta Klang who have been working with the large, gentle animals for generations say taming is necessary for safety reasons and that the force is not excessive.

“We do not raise them to hurt them… if they are not stubborn, we do nothing to them,” said mahout Charin, as he stroked Ploy’s head affectionately and spoke of her as part of his family.

Charin makes about $350 a month in a profession that was handed down from his father and grandfather.

“I have always lived with them,” he added.

But animal welfare advocates argue the taming technique, where babies are removed from the care of fiercely devoted mothers at the age of two, is cruel and outdated.

It is also little-known, one of many murky aspects of an evolving elephant tourism trade often kept from view of tour operators and travellers.

Young elephants are ‘broken’ to interact with tens of millions of tourists who visit Thailand every year, many eager to capture social media-worthy encounters of the kingdom’s national animal. Photo: AFP Big business Elephants were phased out of the logging industry about 30 years ago, leaving their mahouts unemployed.

So they turned to Thailand’s flourishing tourism industry, a burgeoning sector of amusement parks offering elephant rides and performances.

A tamed elephant can now fetch up to $80,000, a colossal investment that then requires gruelling hours of work and increasingly bizarre stunts to be recouped.

Mae Taeng park in the northern city of Chiang Mai receives up to 5,000 visitors per day and charges an entrance fee of about $50.

Many come to see Suda, who holds a brush in her trunk and paints Japanese-style landscapes for visitors who can later buy the prints for up to $150 before taking an elephant ride through the hills.

As tourists become more aware of

the potential cruelty of such activities, a growing number of places have opted to use the term “sanctuary” or “refuge”.

Many do not permit rides or animal performances. Instead tourists are encouraged to feed, groom and care for elephants, gaining an unforgettable experience with one of nature’s most majestic creatures.

But charities warn that even seemingly benign options, like bathing them, could still be problematic.

“Bathing with elephants...is often stressful for elephants and mahouts especially when dealing with groups of excited young people,” Jan Schmidt-Burbach of World Animal Protection told AFP. “The best option is to leave it to the elephant to decide if and how to bath and ask tourists to stand back to observe and enjoy this moment without interference.”

But even this may not be enough.

Some animal rights experts warn it can be hard to discern the treatment of the animals after the crowds have gone home. Some reported cases of elephants at so-called sanctuaries being chained for long hours, forced to sleep on concrete, and malnourished.

Ethical tourism?

Of the 220 elephant parks identified across the country, even if many promise ethical tourism, “only a dozen ensure truly satisfactory living conditions,” according to WAP. It is working with ChangChill, a small organisation near Chiang Mai, bordered by a river in the middle of rice terraces.

In a few months, it changed its methods to give elephants more space, fewer interactions, and an environment resembling life in the wild.

“We don’t force them to do what they wouldn’t instinctively do,” says director Supakorn Thanaseth.

As a result, they are “less sick, calmer”.

The risk of accidents with tourists has decreased as the animals are less stressed, though mahouts still have a hook in a bag for emergencies.

ChangChill hopes to become profitable in the current high season, but it will only be able to receive around 40 tourists a day to visit its six elephants as part of its aim to put the creatures first.

That is a drop in the bucket when Thailand has nearly 4,000 “domesticated” elephants.

Thai authorities are reluctant to reintroduce them into natural habitats, as advocated by some NGOs, because of a lack of space and potential conflict with humans.

The compromise, some argue, is to better regulate the sector and improve standards.

But there is little impetus to enact more stringent rules that would cut into the Thai tourism industry, which welcomed more than 38 million visitors this year.

A committee of several animal welfare associations submitted recommendations to the government last year advocating stricter controls for elephants in captivity.

But according to activist Sovaida Salwala from Friends of the Asian Elephants, an NGO who helped compile the report, their requests “remain unanswered so far”.

In fact, there is some evidence the animals’ situation is getting worse.

Schmidt-Burbach said their last research in 2015 found some 1,771 elephants whose welfare was in question.

He explained: “There are 357 more elephants in poor conditions compared to our 2010 study.”

AFP

Former park chief charged on six counts in ‘Billy’ murder case BANGKOK THE DEPARTMENT OF Special Investigation (DSI) has pressed six charges against Chaiwat Limlikitaksorn, former chief of Kaeng Krachan National Park, including premeditated murder and concealing the body of Karen activist Porlajee Rakchongcharoen, aka Billy.

Surapong Kongchanthuk, a lawyer for Porlajee’s wife, said at the DSI on Monday (Dec 23) that officials had charged Mr Chaiwat and three others with premeditated murder, unlawful detention, physical assault, @thephuketnews

robbery, body concealment and malfeasance.

The robbery count lists honey, a shotgun, motorcycle and camera.

“The DSI case has drawn global attention because Billy was a human rights activist who did not have an enemy. The decision to press the charge shows the international community that the Thai justice system meets international standards.

It gives confidence to people working in the area of human rights,” Mr Surapong said.

Pol Lt Col Shane Kanchanapach, chief of the DSI’s Bureau of Regional Operations, said the 17 folders con-

Surapong Kongchanthuk (centre) and Ms Prueksapan (2nd left) at the DSI (Dec 23). Photo: Bangkok Post taining the investigators’ case report would be delivered to the Office of the AttorneyGeneral on Monday, and public prosecutors would have 40 days to handle the report.

“The DSI has done its

best in gathering witnesses and evidence in the case,” he said.

Pol Lt Col Shane said Mr Chaiwat and other accused failed to send in their written statements as they had said

they would. The DSI had set Nov 28 as the deadline.

Pinnapa Pr ueksapan, Porlajee’s wife, said she was satisfied with the DSI’s casework. It showed that the justice system does work. She said the Justice Ministry was taking good care of her, and she had received no threats.

Porlajee, 31, disappeared in April 2014. He was helping his relatives sue Mr Chaiwat over the torching of their bamboo huts and rice barns during a series of forest evictions in Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi province.

Porlajee was last seen alive on April 17, 2014, after

Mr Chaiwat and officials under him arrested the Karen activist for allegedly collecting wild honey in the forest.

Mr Chaiwat and three others surrendered to the DSI last month. They denied all charges. The DSI sought their detention in custody, but the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases released them on bail of B800,000 each.

The DSI earlier said it had found convincing evidence in the national park in Phetchaburi province, and believed Porlajee had been murdered and dumped in the Kaeng Krachan dam reservoir.

Bangkok Post

8

THAILAND NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019

Constitutional Court to set FFP judgement day BANGKOK Bangkok Post

Emergency workers at the school where a 13-year-old student was shot dead by a classmate on Dec 18. Photo: @SiamNonthaburiFoundation Facebook page

Schoolboy shoots classmate dead NONTHABURI A 13-YEAR-OLD SCHOOLboy shot dead a classmate he said repeatedly insulted him, calling him a ”toot’, at a school in Muang district on the morning of Dec 18.

The fatal shooting occurred inside a public school in tambon Bang Kraso of Muang district around 8.30am, Ratthanathibet police said.

Emergency responders found Chonlasit Boonchan, also 13, a Mathayom Suksa 1 student, lying in a pool of blood in front of his classroom. He had a gunshot wound to the right side of his forehead.

Teachers and medics performed CPR on him, but failed to save his life.

The young shooter was caught and taken into custody.

Police found a 7.65mm pistol in his shoulder bag, Thai media reported.

Under questioning, the youth told police that Chonlasit had often bullied him,

slapping his head and calling him a “toot” – a ladyboy.

These repeated insults rankled him, and finally he could stand it no more. He stole his father’s pistol from the house in the morning, and then shot Chonlasit as he was taking off his shoes to enter the classroom after the flag raising.

He then ran to a bathroom to change clothes, intending to flee, but was caught by teachers and senior students, according to police.

Thairath reported that the boy was wearing a black mask, shirt and gloves when he shot Chonlasit, and went to a bathroom to change into his school uniform.

The slain student‘s father, Suwit Boonchan, 55, rushed to the school after being told, and burst into tears upon seeing his son’s body.

Police questioned the class teacher and took the young suspect to the police station for further interrogation in the presence of childcare officials.

Bangkok Post

T

he Constitutional Court is expected to rule next month on whether to dissolve the Future Forward Party (FFP) over allegations it attempted to overthrow the constitutional monarchy.

Natthaporn Toprayoon, who petitioned the court early this year seeking disbandment of the FFP for violating Section 49 of the charter, said he expects a ruling by the middle of January.

His prediction came after the court rejected the FFP’s request for a full inquiry into the case. The court said there was sufficient evidence to rule on the case without holding an inquiry under Section 58 (1) of the Constitutional Court's Procedure Act. Mr Natthaporn cited the dissolution case against the Thai Raksa Chart Party (TRC) early this year, in which the court handed down its ruling without conducting an inquiry given there was already sufficient evidence.

He said the court may schedule the ruling date when it meets this week.

In his petition, Mr Natthaporn accused the FFP, its leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, party secretary-general Piyabutr Saengkanokkul and party executives of violating Section 49 of the charter

Man falls to death while using phone BURI RAM A BORDER PATROL POlice officer fell to his death from the second f loor of his house in Prakhon Chai district last Friday (Dec 20) after drinking with a friend.

He had a mobile phone in his hand, suggesting that he was using it before the fatal fall.

Police who went to the house in tambon Khok Tum on Saturday morning (Dec 21) found the body of the senior sergeant major, identified only as Boontiang, lying face-down on the ground near the bathroom. The second floor of the house is still under construction and has no walls.

The officer had sustained a broken neck. There were no signs of assault and one of his hands was firmly

A friend of the deceased border patrol police officer points to the area where he fell to his death. Photo: Bangkok Post gripping a mobile phone.

Police believe he fell from the second floor of his house, about three metres above the ground.

Siriwan Clayston, 48, a friend of the deceased, told police that she had been drinking with him downstairs in the house from early in the evening until 10pm on Friday. They became drunk and later went upstairs, where he told her

to sleep on the mattress. He told her that he was going to phone a friend living abroad before going to bed.

When she woke up at around 8am on Saturday, she did not see him. She initially thought he might be outside watering plants. She called out for him but there was no response. She then went downstairs to look for him and found him lying dead on the ground.

Yuwanee Charoenram, a niece of the officer, said her uncle returned home once a month. She saw him drinking with his friend before the fall. He might have been drunk and talking on the mobile phone while walking around on the upper floor with no walls. Relatives had no doubt about the cause of his death, she said.

Bangkok Post

FFP Leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit. Photo: Bangkok Post which prohibits actions that undermine the constitutional monarchy.

He cited FFP actions including the party’s regulations and also speeches and lectures made by the senior party figures.

FFP spokeswoman Pannika Wanich said on Monday (Dec 23) the party was bracing itself for the court’s ruling after the request for an inquiry was rejected.

“If the court ordered an inquiry, we would make preparations because witnesses and evidence would be called. But without an inquiry, we just have

to be prepared for a ruling that we can't predict,” she said.

Meanwhile, Metropolitan Police Bureau chief Pakkapong Pongpetra said police are seeking the parliament president’s permission to summon three FFP lawmakers to answer charges in connection with the “flash mob” protest in central Bangkok earlier this month.

The three are Mr Piyabutr, Ms Pannika and party-list MP Pita Limjaroenrat, who face charges of violating the law on public assembly.

Pol Lt Gen Pakkapong said investigators have submitted a letter to the national police

chief seeking the parliament president’s permission to summons the FFP trio. MPs are protected by parliamentary immunity, meaning police are required to obtain the parliament president’s permission to summon them to hear charges.

He said Mr Thanathorn and FFP member Pairatchote Chantarakhachorn have been summonsed to respond to the charges at Pathumwan police station on Friday (Dec 27).

The city police chief denied the charges were politically motivated and said the case was being handled based on evidence.

Health office quashes rumour of widow’s ghost terrorising village NAKHON RATCHASIMA THE PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICE OF this north eastern province has launched a campaign to calm public disquiet after six people in several tambons in Nong Bunmak district died during the past two months.

A rumour spread that the ghost of a widow had taken the lives of the six people.

This prompted villagers to hang a red shirt in front of their houses, believing that this could protect their family members from the ghost.

Dr Narinrat Pitchayakamin, chief of the Nakhon Ratchasima Public Health Office, dispatched teams of medical staff to tambon Nong Mai Phai and other nearby tambons in Nong Bunmak district to investigate and establish the actual causes of the deaths.

The investigation revealed that of the six deaths, two died of stroke, two of cancer, one of complications from kidney disease and one died in their sleep.

Dr Narinrat said since the causes of the deaths could be scientifically established,

Residents in Nakhon Ratchasima province show a red shirt hung in front of a house to protect them from a ghost. Photo: Bangkok Post there was no reason for people to panic.

Medical teams have been instructed to educate the people to take better care of their health by exercising regularly, refraining from smoking and alcohol use, and avoiding sugary, salty and fatty food to prevent disease.

In case of emergency, people are advised to call 1669 so that a patient can be taken to hospital for timely treatment, he added.

Bangkok Post thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019

BUSINESS NEWS

Bjorn Courage (left), General Manager of InterContinental Phuket and Michael Nurbatlian (right), Director of Marketing at Infinite Luxury, welcome superyacht owners Nandor Von Der Luehe (2nd from left) and Prof Dr Reinhard Weinstabl to the KRSR Beach BBQ.

9

The stunning 51m MY Sapphire at anchor in front of Kata Rocks.

Inspiring ocean conservation Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous ‘Soiree by The Sea’ Charity Gala impresses Sponsored

T

he Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous 2019 (KRSR) concluded its fourth annual event with its ‘Soiree by The Sea’ Charity Gala Dinner, marking KRSR’s stamp on philanthropic effort towards marine conservation.

The ultra-exclusive Soiree by The Sea Charity Gala Dinner hosted at Kata Rocks on behalf of The International SeaKeepers Society and Phuket-based Oceans For All Foundation and sponsored by the Leading Yachts of the World. The Soiree by The Sea Charity Gala aimed to raise awareness and contribute to marine conservation and oceanographic research that together can help protect and restore our oceans for future generations to come.

Lucas Yang, Head of Communications for The international SeaKeepers Society, said, “All of us at SeaKeepers would like to thank the KRSR for allowing SeaKeepers to be one of beneficiaries of this splendid Soiree by The Sea Charity Gala Dinner. It is the perfect platform for us to reach out and work with a new group of superyacht owners who will hopefully allow us to collect even more data on microplastic levels at sea.

“After our participation over the last two years we sincerely hope that this is the continuation of a long-term strategic partnership between SeaKeepers and the KRSR,” Yang added.

KRSR further extended its charitable philanthropy at the Soiree by The Sea Gala Charity Dinner with a silent auction that included a custom Oceans For All logo-stamped Triton Subphotique timepiece, a bespoke Soiree by The Sea charm, an iAQUA Stingray watercraft, plus a Royal Thai @thephuketnews

The spectacular opening party at the Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous (KRSR), where guests enjoyed award-winning cuisine and world-class entertainment.

Navy memorabilia shirt worn during the widely publicised cave rescue of the Wild Boar football team in Chiang Rai. Another surprise addition that came in at the last minute was a 37 karat stunning Tanzanite ring (with 18k white gold and diamonds) generously donated by Fred Mouawad, the Co-Guardian of Mouawad, and valued at over two million baht. Mouawad is renowned in the world of jewelry and timepieces based on artistic excellence, outstanding expertise, trusted relationships and deep passion for crafting the extraordinary. The stunning haute joaillerie attracted multiple bids that further extended the charitable reach of the KRSR. Mouawad said, “The Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous event is a brilliant initiative to develop the yachting industry in Phuket and facilitate the connections amongst boat lovers. Such exhibitions and festivities are critical to the development of the yachting ecosystem in Thailand.”

Also showcased were The Fin Arts, which combines art and marine conservation to help sharks by painting them a better future and the Elephant Parade with its miniature sized, baby elephant statues that raise awareness about

elephant preservation.

T he K R SR wa s also proud to lead a unique educational beach clean-up and yoga session, once again in partnership with The International SeaKeepers Society and Oceans For All, on 7 December, as part of its preevent philanthropy and marine conservation initiative.

This year the KRSR 2019 fleet featured another spectacular gathering of superyachts including MY Sapphire, MY Nymhaea, MY Sanook, Lobster Catamaran, MY ShangriLa to name just a few. State-of -the-art additions also included the SACS Rebel 47 and Technohull, which gave guests with the need for speed a thrilling ride along the Andaman coast.

The inaugural Sunseeker Owners’ Dinner was also very well attended by superyacht owners and clients. Craig Murphy, Head of Sunseeker Thailand, said: “A special thanks to the KRSR team for hosting our client dinner in one of the stunning Kata Rocks’ Sky Pool Villas. It was a fabulous and glamourous evening that was highly appreciated by all our guests. Events like this are great opportunity for us to add a more personal touch with our valued clients.”

This year the rendezvous enjoyed idyllic weather condi-

tions as participants spent more time cruising along Phuket’s sun kissed west coast than ever before. First they were treated to one-of-a-kind welcome experience onboard Lobster Yacht, Thailand’s largest and coolest catamaran, which made its debut for the first time at the KRSR. Held in partnership with Seven Marine Phuket, guests enjoyed a picturesque off-shore view of Kata Rocks and its surroundings. This unique welcome experience kickstarted the four-day event in classic KRSR style.

Mann Panatnan Prachantabutr, owner of Lobster, called the KRSR a “one-of-a-kind event” in how it put Phuket on the global yachting map by highlighting the potential of southern Phuket and Kata Beach.

“The Lobster Catamaran’s DNA is rooted in south Phuket and designed to deliver the very best in the southern Phuket experience. The KRSR is a very special, unique event that allowed me to make so many new business contacts and meet with representatives from the world’s leading yachting brands,” Mann, added.

Next the annual superyacht paraded took participants up the coast to the newly opened InterContinental Phuket Resort, Kamala Beach showcas-

ing its spectacular beachfront location with one of the best beach barbeques ever at the KRSR. The experience proved to be the perfect location for what has become one of the KRSR’s most signature events.

Benetti also pitched in by hosting a pop up spa during the event, offering attendees a wellness opportunity that perfectly complements the serene setting.

Bjorn Courage, General Manager, InterContinental Phuket Resort, said “It was a privilege to join the KRSR event and I am delighted that we were able to make a positive contribution. It was fabulous to work with the Kata Rocks team and welcome a stunning fleet of superyachts.”

Richard Pope, CEO of Infinity Luxury, said that Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous

2019 successfully positioned the KRSR as a leader in marine conservation both in Phuket and around Asia.

“We are very appreciative of all our sponsors and those who supported the Soiree by The Sea Charity Gala Dinner and silent auction. The response was very gratifying, and we believe it is just the beginning. The KRSR has helped put Phuket on the global yachting map and it’s great that this event is now able to give back to the oceans that we all love” Mr Pope, concluded.

KRSR 2020 Next year the Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous is scheduled for 10 to 12 December 2020. We look forward to welcoming you back to Asia’s most prestigious superyacht event.

10 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

The Phuket Dream continues

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019 Popular Yaowarat Rd in Bangkok bustling with tourists. Photo: TAT

HOSPITALITY F O L L OW I N G SE N SAtional reports last week that the Dream Phuket Hotel & Spa was on the verge of liquidation, management of the resort issued a statement last Thursday (Dec 19) to confirm that the resort is operating well and to refute claims that hotel will be sold off.

“Contrary to an incorrect report, the management team of Dream Phuket Hotel & Spa has emphasised that they are very much open for business and looking forward to an exciting and activity-filled New Year,” said Chris Adams, Dream Phuket Hotel & Spa General Manager.

The report, published in Singapore’s The Straits Times last Wednesday (Dec 18), announced that Castlewood Group, the company which owns Dream Phuket Hotel & Spa, had gone into liquidation.

“This caused something of a stir in Thailand,” Mr Adams noted, pointing out that a local Phuket media outlet had published an article stating that Castlewood Group’s flagship property on Phuket would fall victim to the liquidation.

Mr Adams overturned

The Dream Phuket Hotel & Spa will not be affected by the liquidation of the Castlewood Group’s Singapore assets.

Photo: Dream Hotel these rumors this morning when he confirmed, “The liquidation is for Castlewood’s Singapore assets only, and not its Thai assets. The hotel is not being liquidated and we are operating as normal.”

With the busy holiday season underway, Mr Adams moved to allay any fears among guests, including those who have booked into the resort over the festive period, by adding, “We have been a strong performer in the Phuket market for the last four years and we will continue to build our business for many years to come.”

Mr Adams outlined the resort’s plans for the festive period. “We have heavy bookings for the high season

and myself and the team look forward to delivering the same professional service and exciting entertainment to our guests that we are renowned for. Christmas Day Brunch is almost booked out and our Kandiland New Year Eve is filling fast,” he said last Friday.

“Both promise to be fun f illed and action-packed events,” he added.

Patsada Satthacharoen, Executive Assistant Manager of Marketing, also confirmed that a variety of special events planned for the holiday period will go ahead, including international DJs, singers, dancers, fireworks displays and a world-class decoration theme throughout the beach club.

The Phuket News

Tourist arrivals top last year’s record TOURISM Dusida Worrachaddejchai

T

hailand has exceeded the record for foreign tourist arrivals set last year with the 38,260,000th visitor reaching the country last Friday (Dec 20).

The tourist from India, Devanshi Deepak Kesaria, also broke the record of 1.9 million arrivals from India, said Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, Deputy Governor of Marketing for Asia and South Pacific at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Ms Kesaria, who flew from Mumbai with friends, received two free round-trip tickets and accommodation for her next trip to Thailand. She is visiting Thailand for the first time and plans to enjoy the beaches in Pattaya, Thai food and shopping.

The Indian market has grown significantly, projected at 22% growth in arrivals this year to 1.9mn, with B85bn in tourism revenue, a 27% uptick.

Mr Chattan said the TAT plans to beef up this market by leading some 30 operators to participate in the South Asia Travel and Tourism Ex-

change 2020 in New Delhi next month. In July, it will conduct roadshows in four cities: Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata and Jaipur.

Marketing promotions with airlines will be offered throughout next year to induce Indian tourism, especially from secondary provinces such as Jaipur, Srinagar and Pune, Mr Chattan said.

The TAT projects foreign arrivals this year at 39.8mn, generating B1.96trn, up 4% in both volume and value from last year. Next year’s arrivals figure is set at 40.8mn, up 2.5%, with B2.02trn in income, a 3% rise.

TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said the waiver of visa-on-arrival fees and tourism stimulus plans, including more spots for tourists to claim value-added tax refunds, are measures to draw tourists next year.

The extension in operating hours at border checkpoints such as 24-hour operation at the Sadao-Bukit Kayu Hitam checkpoint between Thailand and Malaysia until June 16, 2020 will also facilitate tourists from Malaysia.

Mr Yuthasak has raised concerns over negative con-

ditions that could obstruct growth next year, including the strong baht, trade wars between the US and China (as well as South Korea and Japan), Japan’s consumption tax rise and Brexit.

He said next year’s world events hosted by Japan and Dubai will attract tourists from around the globe and could reduce visits to Thailand.

Additionally, visa facilitation offered by Taiwan, Vietnam and Georgia will induce more travel.

For domestic tourism, Mr Yuthasak expects Thais to make 167 million trips this year with B1.1trn in tourism receipts, up 1% and 3% respectively. Next year, the figure will be 172mn trips for B1.16trn, up 3% and 5% from 2019.

He said new infrastructure such as the Jira-Khon Kaen double-track railway, Bang YaiKanchanaburi motorway, Bang Pa-in-Nakhon Ratchasima highway and Betong airport will boost domestic travel.

The strong baht, new routes offered by low-cost airlines and a visa exemption for Thais to Asian countries should lure Thais to travel abroad, Mr Yuthasak said. Bangkok Post

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019

Royal Thai cuisine at its finest at Ruen Thai

13

Star Wars: Episode IX The Rise of Skywalker

17

Fresh whole foods.

BE GREEN EAT GREEN How a plant-based diet can save the planet and our heath SUSTAINABLY YOURS Palmer Owyoung

A

s 2019 comes to a close, we’ve seen fires rage through the Arctic, the Amazon, California, Indonesia and Australia as well as recordbreaking heat waves in the United States and throughout Europe.

Floods devastated Ethiopia, the Philippines, Bolivia, Iran and Italy. Hurricane Dorian, one of the worst Atlantic storms in history, tore through the Bahamas.

Climate change is no longer an academic eventuality. In 2019 it became a physical crisis.

According to a report by the International Panel on Climate Change we have until 2030 to reduce CO2 levels to stay below 1.5ºC of warming and stave off the worst effects. What this means is if we don’t get the next 10 years right, the world will look a lot different in the next 20.

So, what can you do? Here are six reasons why we should all reduce our meat and dairy consumption and eat a more plant-based diet to affect change and work towards the 2030 CO2 reduction goal.

1. Climate Change – Livestock is responsible for approximately 16% of greenhouse gases worldwide.

Much of this comes from methane which is about 20 times stronger than CO2. According to a United Na@thephuketnews

tions report released in August 2019 shifting towards a plant-based diet would significantly boost the planet’s ability to fight climate change.

2. Water Pollution – According to the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, It takes 15,400 Liters of water to produce 1 kilo of beef. That’s the equivalent of 154 5-minute showers, or flushing the toilet 2,566 times.

Also, according to a report by the Livestock Environment and Development Initiative (LEAD) farm animals are one of the leading sources of pollution in rivers lakes and oceans. Increased greenhouse gases also lead to ocean acidification, which kills corals, marine mammals, shellfish and plankton.

3. Land Use – According to the LEAD report, livestock is responsible for using 70% of agricultural land and 30% of the land on the planet. This leads to soil erosion, which can cause landslides, flooding and poison groundwater. The Amazon is the largest rainforest in the world and sequesters 25% of the carbon dioxide absorbed by the land each year. However, 70% of deforestation in the region comes from cattle ranching, which kills animals, reduces bio-diversity and impairs its ability to produce oxygen and absorb CO2.

4. Antibiotic Resistance – According to the US Food and Drug Administration, 75% of antibiotics in the United States are fed to livestock. This prevents infections in animals that are densely packed together and also encourages their weight gain. According to the Center for Disease Control, this leads to antibiot-

Arctic Fires. Photo: NPS Climate Change Response ic-resistant bacteria, which can cause severe illness in humans that can be difficult to treat. Although more studies need to be done, there is also evidence that the residual antibiotics in meat and dairy can disrupt the good bacteria in the human gut, which can contribute to depression, anxiety, Alzheimer’s, allergies, autism and Asperger’s, among other things.

5. Animal Suffering – Several documentaries including Eating Animals, Dominion and Lucent expose the dark underbelly of factory farming. Livestock is grown in horrific conditions where they are crammed into cages, often live in their feces in windowless rooms without fresh air or sunlight and pumped full of hormones and antibiotics to make them grow faster. They are then herded into crates by being shocked or beaten only to be slaughtered, sometimes in themost horrific…

Continued on page 12

12 HEALTH

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019

…and terrifying ways, including boiling, dismemberment and having their throat slit. In the dairy industry, young cows are forcibly impregnated and then have their calves taken away from them a few days later. The mothers are then tethered to a milking machine and a few months later they are re-impregnated to keep lactation perpetual.

6. Health – In 2015 the World Health Organization declared processed meat a type 1 carcinogen that causes cancer and said that red meat is likely to cause cancer. A 2019 study from Harvard University linked red meat to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Furthermore, a UN study done in the Blue Zones, the five regions in the world that have a disproportionate number of people living to over 100 years of age, found that the average amount of meat consumption was only 55 grams five times per month and in one of the Blue Zones people ate a vegetarian diet.

According to several studies published in the journal Nature, eating a diet rich in fruits, plants, legumes, beans and nuts reduces inflammation in the body and increases fibre, which supports the growth of good bacteria in your gut. There is also evidence that reducing inflammation and maintaining a healthy micro-biome contributes to weight loss, preventing cancer, diabetes, heart disease, depression, anxiety, arthritis and a whole host of other diseases.

Many people think that moving to a plant-based diet means eating only salads and pasta and having to give up their favourite foods, but today that’s not true.

There are plant-based substitutes for almost everything, including burgers, cheese, ice cream, and butter, which taste just as good as the real thing without all of the baggage that comes from eating meat and dairy.

Plant-Based Restaurants on Phuket DLite, located in Thanyapura, offers a vegan and vegetarian buffet that is both organic and locally sourced.

The menu is always changing but it offers a variety of Thai, Western and Indian flavours with an assortment of salad, soups, stews and desserts.

Vegan Table- Located in Phuket Town it offers a

Hog Confinement Barn.

Medical News Today. wide variety of Western foods including pizza, tacos, nachos, and cheesecake. The most impressive thing is that everything is made from scratch using fresh ingredients, including the bread.

Vegan Booty Burger, located in Cherng Talay, specialises in burgers and other indulgent foods including jalapeño cheese balls and chicken wings that are so authentic tasting that you’ll be shocked that you are eating plants. For the health-conscious, there is also an assortment of salads and grain bowls.

Thinking of giving it a shot? Small steps are the key. Moving to a plant-based diet isn’t an all or nothing proposition. It means getting the majority of your

calories from plants rather than animals. You can still enjoy eating meat and dairy, just do it less often. Doing that a few times a week is a small sacrifice to make, but when you add it to other activities like carpooling, flying less and composting and multiply it by the efforts of thousands of other people on Phuket and then compound it over many years, it can make a substantial difference to climate change, the environment and your health.

Palmer Owyoung is an environmental activist who uses nature and science to keep Phuket clean and beautiful.

He works with the Kamala Green Club.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

DINING 13

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019

Ruen Thai at dusk.

Executive Sous Chef Sudaluk Seansut.

Softshell Crab in Red Curry.

Royal Thai delight at Ruen Thai!

THE CULINARY DETECTIVE Chris Watson chriswatsonth@gmail.com

T

onight, (Dec 13) is not my first occasion dining at the Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, having previously enjoyed the rustic Italian dishes offered at the hotel’s La Trattoria, incidentally, well worth a visit.

This evening I am to experience Ruen Thai, the hotel’s signature Thai restaurant. The hotel was opened in 1987 and on arriving at the lobby entrance, I see it has not lost the ambience of a classic grande dame; perfectly manicured lawns wrap around open air Thai pagodas mixing a neo-colonial theme with modern Thai touches. This hotel is a true example of the days when space was not yet at a premium, the lobby and arrival areas are generous. Located in the heart of the Laguna, it has an unrivaled position overlooking the Andaman sea amidst acres of tropical gardens planted with native casuarinas and coconut palms, yet easily navigated through buggies and leisurely cruising along the serene waterways in small shuttle boats.

Ruen Thai, has held a sought-after Michelin Plate for the past two years of the renowned red book’s presence in Phuket. As a result, my anticipation is high, as I make my way along a characterful, quaintly lit, wooden-covered walkway. En route however I meet General Manager Ben Perera who joined the hotel a year ago, but has been a part of the Dusit family for many years in a number of locations. He is in fact on his way to a staff event to celebrate the hotel’s long service employees and wanted to welcome me before presiding over this special evening.

@thephuketnews

The hotel is 32 years old and is in the privileged position of being able to say that they have several staff who have served them since the hotel opened. Tonight is to honour 49 valued colleagues with service from five years to 30 years; of the 49 attending, 17 have 30 years under their belt! Truly a milestone to be deservedly acknowledged!

Thanking Ben for his hospitality in advance and wishing him a successful evening, I bid farewell and continue the remaining short journey to arrive at my destination. Ruen Thai is located in a meticulously maintained Thai teak house set on the edges of the lagoon with an elegant terrace affording a truly romantic setting. My dining companion and I opt to dine indoors and once seated observe that the restaurant is almost full and on chatting with the restaurant staff, I am informed that many of the diners this evening are in fact returnees, these are admirable indicators.

I am introduced to Khun Sudaluk Seansut, Executive Sous Chef and Head Chef of Ruen Thai. Hailing from Isan she joined the hotel relatively recently compared to the staff members honoured elsewhere this evening. Ruen Thai specialises in Royal Thai cuisine.

These recipes were created many generations ago and when cooking for the Royal household, to cater for everyone’s differing palate, there must be no extremes in flavour or seasoning. Dishes must be in perfect balance. Fruits and vegetables are trimmed to attractive size and often carved into elaborate shapes. Presentation must be aesthetically attractive including the crockery.

But the recipes themselves are usually dishes that Thais will in fact eat every day. I leave our choice of dishes up to the effervescent Chef Sudaluk.

We begin with Kratong Thong, a classic appetiser of crispy golden pastry

cups filled with a refreshing prawn, chicken and corn mixture, exquisitely presented. This is followed by a classic Tom Yam Goong containing tender and juicy fresh local prawns, the soup striking a delicate balance between sweet and sour, each mouthful oscillating between the two. We continue with a signature dish of local Phuket lobster, Mungkorn Lui Fai, dramatically flambeed at tableside and served with a decadent sweet red curry sauce. A truly memorable dish.

To follow, Chef Sudaluk recommends a sliced barbecued sirloin of beef served with a garlic and chili sauce, Kawee La-moon, which is accompanied with steamed jasmine rice and a tasty morning glory in oyster sauce. The ensemble does not disappoint! Chef Sudaluk persuades us to end our meal with a beautifully presented Tago Maprao Onn, young coconut milk cake in pan-

danus leaf cups, a picture on the plate!

We leave and thank Chef Sudaluk and her teams of both kitchen and service staff, who also have looked after us incredibly well; knowledgeable, helpful and efficient!

As we stroll back to the lobby, I am confident that although Chef Sudaluk has a few years to go to rival this evening’s long-service employees, judging by her clearly evident happiness in her current role and indeed her equally discernable culinary talent I sense that she will be at the helm of Ruen Thai, cooking signature Royal Thai dishes, for many more years to come.

Chris is a former Michelin Guide Inspector who following an international career in hospitality spanning 30 years in both the Middle East and Asia, has now settled in Thailand and contributes a monthly restaurant column.

14 EDUCATION

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019

University in the UK or US? EDUCATION CORNER Zohaib Sikander

.When choosing a university, it’s important to understand the differences

O

ne of the biggest decisions students have to make when nearing the end of their secondary education is what type of university will best fulfill their needs.

UK and US universities vary in several regards. Perhaps the biggest one relates to majors or courses of study. In the US, students aren’t expected to know what they want to study when they apply to university. In the first two years students take classes in many disciplines which provide an overview of the arts, humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, and social sciences.

This is done as a preparation for a variety of careers versus a specific career path. Except in professional areas like engineering, students don’t specialize (choose a major) until the final two years. The rationale is that people no longer choose a professional path and remain in that same job for a lifetime. It’s important that regardless of their job, they are broadly educated and can write well, communicate and solve problems.

In the UK, the process of education is quite different. Students apply to universities to study a particular course or subject. For those who are certain they want to study economics or biology or some other specialized academic area, the UK provides a very specialized academic program.

Individual classes all relate to the course of study.

A typical degree takes three years to complete rather than four years in the US. This can be a significant savings both in terms of money and time.

Applications to the UK and US reflect these differences. In the UK, students apply through a centralized application centre and are limited to five applications.

It consists of information about where you want to study, exams scores (predicted or final), a one page personal statement and a one page reference that supports your suitability for the course.

UK vs. US education.

In the US, applications vary by institution with each university asking different questions and requiring different information. Applications can be tedious and ask a lot more about life outside of the classroom. There is no limit on the number of applications – other than the amount of time it takes to complete each one.

Universities in Singapore, Hong Kong and Canada – thanks partly to their British roots – follow more of the UK model of universities.

When it comes to choosing a university, it’s important to understand the differences between the various systems and choose the type that will best lend itself to both academic and personal success.

Zohaib Sikander (Zo) Digital/Online Marketing Officer at British International School, Phuket - BISP. It is an English medium, coeducational, day and boarding school. Visit their website www. bisphuket.ac.th for more information.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

COMMUNITY 15

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019

Say ‘Oui!’ to Lady Coco Phuket CAFE SOCIETY Amy Bensema bensema.amy@gmail.com

A

French-inspired bistro with a Cantonese twist, Lady Coco Phuket reinvents the daily coffee break into a delicious, elegant affair.

Located next to the iconic Memory at On On Hotel, the recently opened Lady Coco is a breath of fresh air in Phuket Old Town. The spacious, well-designed bistro is an absolute Instagram dream.

Gorgeous Peranakan influenced floor tiles complement plush pink sofas, classy table settings and a wonderful ambiance. The bistro is a lovely gem, and one that should not be missed.

I became obsessed with Lady Coco from the first time I set foot in the place. Obviously impressed by the interiors, I sat down and was met with a big smile from the wait staff. Perusing the menu, I was pleasantly surprised by how many different coffee varieties were available. I settled on a trusted Iced Latte, and while I was waiting for my drink, wandered around to explore and take photos.

@thephuketnews

Lady Coco offers a variety of different dining sections. In the back of the bistro, you’ll find a beautiful mural painting that encompasses the entire wall. The painting is of the bistro’s namesake, and absolutely stunning.

Lady Coco also features a well-stocked cocktail bar and a French patisserie.

Never one to turn down something sweet, I decided on a plump fresh fruit tart and made my way back to my seat.

The coffee at Lady Coco is outstanding. My Iced Latte was rich and creamy with no bitter aftertaste. The drink was served with a paper straw, which I genuinely appreciate, and was the perfect accompaniment to the sweet, light fruit tart. The bistro also does a great, robust espresso and a lush cappuccino.

The classic French patisserie items are beautifully presented and full of decadent flavour. I highly recommend Lady Coco’s fruit tart, almond croissant and their Thai Tea Cake. For those who are feeling hungry, there is a full menu of food items to choose from, and this is where the Cantonese twist to the bistro comes into play.

Lady Coco churns out an assortment of steamed buns, dim sum and Hong Kong dumplings as well as local Phuket dishes. The food is as amazing as the coffee. If you’re looking to indulge be-

Sweet treats and good eats. fore enjoying an afternoon coffee, my favourite menu item at Lady Coco is the Pork Char Siu Bun. It’s made up of Kurobuta char siu pork strips, a fried egg, spring onion and homemade kimchi sauce. It’s a lush light snack that still leaves room for all of the French pastries and, of course, coffee.

Lady Coco Phuket is open daily from 7:00am until 11:00pm. The bistro serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The French patisserie is well worth checking out, as is the creamy homemade ice cream. For those who don’t like coffee, there are many Italian sodas, juices and premium teas to choose from.

If you are looking for an elegant space to grab a bite to eat or take a much deserved coffee break, I honestly

French Pastry at Lady Coco. cannot recommend Lady Coco Phuket enough. I fell in love with the place instantly, and it has easily become one of my favourite places to go to in Phuket Old Town.

Follow Lady Coco’s socials to learn more about their daily specials, menu items and delicious French patisserie items. Find the bistro at www.facebook. com/ladycocophuket/ and www.instagram.com/ladycoco.phuket/ 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 @phuketstagram on Instagram.

16 COMMUNITY

Cycling in Paradise BLAZING SADDLES

Baz Daniel baz_gunner2000@yahoo.com

M

arc Landgraf the genial General Manager of Paradise and TreeHouse Villas Resort on Koh Yao Noi kindly invited us to sample the cycling trip they offer both their guests and visitors around the island. As we hadn’t cycled Koh Yao Noi for a few years, we seized this enticing offer with enthusiasm.

The morning road trip up Phuket from Chalong was torrid and timewasting so when the speedboat transfer from the Yacht Haven to Paradise and TreeHouse Resort on the northern tip of Koh Yao Noi blasted off into the miasma of mid-morning heat, the collective feeling of relief from the stress of today’s Phuket was palpable.

Just under an hour later, we swept

past a vaulting, iron-stained limestone karst cliff and into the shallow bay upon which the aptly named Paradise Resort stands, with the stunning newly opened TreeHouses Villas next to it. It was a “Wow” moment for sure as our boatload of excited visitors collectively took in the dramatic scene before us.

Paradise Resort has been a renowned escape from Phuket since it opened in 2004 and actually lives up to its highly aspirational name without any exaggeration. The owners recently expanded their slice of paradise with the adjacent TreeHouse Villas comprising a selection of two-story villas set on sky platforms, each with its own decking, private Jacuzzi and magnificent views across Phang Nga Bay’s ancient limestone karsts.

The two resorts sit within a stunning amphitheatre of rain forest, bracketed by towering, ancient cliffs, so the air is pure and well-oxygenated and the deep breaths and attendant smiles seem to radiate naturally from guests and staff alike.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019

Sunset in Koh Yao Noi.

nothing but smiles.

We met our host, Marc Landgraf, and were soon on our way by bumping speedboat down Koh Yao Noi Island with new mountain bikes supplied by the resort’s Activities Centre.

The helpful locally-recruited staff dropped us at Thakhao Pier for our ride around the island as we pedalled off south along the mainly flat and noticeably quiet beachside road, enjoying the fresh clean air and abundant shade of the fringing trees. Beguiling ramshackle wooden cafes beckoned us, offering fresh coffee and Thai delicacies, but we stuck with our ride enjoying the enlivening feeling of stepping back in time and sanity to a more authentic version of Thailand than seems to exist back on Phuket these days.

Smiles and friendly Thai greetings were everywhere as we passed little homes, flower-bedecked and proudly maintained, often with sleeping cats on their porches. The doors stood open to the island’s breezes, even though noone was around, strong testament to the close sense of community and trust which characterises the largely Muslim community of the island.

Cresting a hill, we almost crashed into a couple of black and white goats lying in the middle of the road, such is the traffic density in these parts. Then skirting a hillside of terraced paddy fields hosting a convention of silently munching water buffaloes, we came to a village school disgorging its boister-

trusty steed. ous contents of happy children. Here we had a 10-year-old sister collecting her 5-year-old brother on their 16-yearold brother’s Honda Dream, any road laws that might apply being summarily ignored in the heat of expediency.

Both under-age speedsters were clad in perfectly-pressed scouting uniforms, presumably heading off to some campfire jamboree and singsong.

We cycled to the main Manoh Pier with its views across to Koh Yao Yai Island, then onward through the little town, eventually back to Thakhao Pier to complete our island loop after three hours of very enjoyable riding including a couple of stops for beachside coffee.

The Paradise speedboat was waiting as arranged and in no time we were back on the resort’s fabulous east coast beach, sipping cold post-ride drinks and thinking about the sumptuous lunch ahead.

It is reassuring indeed to know that such delightful cycling is still available just across the waters of Phang Bay and so close to Phuket and that the Paradise and TreeHouse Villas offer this enticing taste of “Paradise” to their residents and day visitors alike.

“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. icling adven­tures in Phuket and beyond, since 2013.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT 17

LuscasFilm/Disney

Get ready for Palpa’tations Star Wars Episode IX: Rise of the Skywalker ends the saga superbly

I

David Griffiths

t has taken forty-two years to get there, but finally the Skywalker saga is drawing to a close. No other cinematic franchise has ever reached the massive heights that Star Wars has and to say that this is a beloved series is under-selling it in a very big way. It is for that reason that J.J. Abrams has had one of the most difficult jobs that any filmmaker could ever dream of as it is up to him to close this much loved chapter in the Star Wars story in a way that will please a legion of fans world-wide.

Leading into Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker that story had been thrown into turmoil both on and off the screen.

On screen we saw the death of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and the apparent return of Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid). Off screen all Star Wars fans were rocked with the tragic death of actress Carrie Fisher which they knew would impact the storyline of the final film.

Abrams doesn’t leave fans waiting, with The Rise Of Skywalker very quickly getting down to business. Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) is on the hunt for Palpatine, while Finn (John Boyega), Poe (Oscar Isaac) and Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo) search for an artifact that will allow Rey (Daisy Ridley) to face Palpatine, while they try to stop the massive First Order forces who are ready to once again take over the universe.

The plot maybe simple but certainly

@thephuketnews

does not fail to entertain. Early on the film feels episodic simply moving from one story to another in a specific order but once it breaks those shackles the film mirrors the energy and entertainment that we all come to love from the original Star Wars films.

But while the film does entertain it also does have its flaws. With the plot having so much going on there are times when it feels like it doesn’t spend enough time raising the levels of suspense, something that is very surprising considering that some of the lives in danger here are some of the most loved characters in cinematic history.

Still for the most of the part of the film Abrams keeps things simple but effective. Once it established that all characters could meet their end this time around that goes some way to keeping the audience on their toes while the final epic battle is something that true Star Wars fans have dreamt of for a long time. Unlike a lot of franchises this chapter does close with a finale that will leave fans happy and is should be noted that Disney does leave the door slightly ajar if they ever wish to continue the saga.

What makes this instalment so enjoyable though is the acting, and that is not something we have been able to say about every Star Wars instalment. Driver shows in this film why he is one of the best actors in Hollywood at the moment. It is obvious that he doesn’t move into a lower acting gear

because he is in an epic blockbuster here, instead he puts as much drama and emotion into his Marriage Story and Paterson... the former role which is talked about possibly earning him an Oscar nomination.

Driver is well matched on screen by Ridley whose acting prowess has continued to grow throughout this trilogy.

Boyega and Isaac also deliver their goods but at the end of the day this film is literally Driver versus Ridley and that shows right up to the last amazing and memorable crescendo.

Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker is a film that is going to be embraced by the hardened Star Wars fans out there, something we can breathe a sigh of relief over since the disappointment of the Game Of Thrones finale. The Rise Of Skywalker is light but thoroughly entertains.

David Griffiths has been working as a film and music reviewer for over 20 years across radio, television and print.

You can follow him at www.facebook. com/subcultureentertainmentaus

18 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019

Utopia Naiharn.

Chutima Buaprom (Jang) from Double Tree with JB.

K. Chalathip, K. Yanika, JB, K. Kittisak.

Lef t:Benjaporn Magroodtong (Pla), Preuksa Sukkasem (Fon), Nuengruethai Tamprasert (Nueng).

SEASONS GREETINGS AT CLASS ACT MEDIA AND IMAGE ASIA This week we had the pleasure to meet with representitives from Utopia Niharn Hotel Group (Top right), Double Tree (Top Left), SALA Phuket (Middle Left), Centara (above) and Pullman (below). We hope to see you all again soon and wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thanks for all the delicious gifts.

Pullman Visits.

Diamond resort.

MISS UNIVERSE VISITS PHUKET Miss Universe 2005 visits Diamond Resort Phuket. Natalie Glebova, Dean Kelly and little Maya welcomed by the Executives of Diamond Resort Phuket Jo D'Hondt, KJ Kanita, Sewie and Vuthitada Rieno Huyghebaert for a fantastic meal at Infuse Restaurant at Diamond Resort.

Royal Enfield Grand Opening 99/9 Moo.2 Amphoe Mueang Phuket.

Thepamnuay Wittaya School hoirChoir.

CHRISTMAS AT ANGSANA LAGUNA PHUKET & ROYAL ENFIELD OPENING Christmas lights up at Angsana Laguna Phuket. To get our guests into the holiday spirit, we setup the Christmas lights and decorations to celebrate the festive season. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 19

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019

Gal pals.

December Monthly Lunch.

Rasing hope for children.

Friends With Purpose.

PHUKET INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S CLUB (PIWC) CHRISTMAS LUNCH DEC 19 PIWC meets every month with the goal of establishing new, long lasting friendships and relationships whilst aspiring to help improve the lives of children. The organasation has helped garner more than 1,400 scholarships which have been awarded to girls and boys of different ages who have the potential to make a positive impact with PIWC support.

Mr. Hindmarch and Ms. Rutchaneegorn.

THE SIS K ATA R ECEIVES “GOLD LEVEL” AT GREEN AWARDS 2019 On 16 December 2019, Mr. Matthew C. Hindmarch, Director of Hotel & Resort at AKSARA Collection and Ms. Rutchaneegorn Chalayondeja, Group Director of Business Development, received the “Gold” Award from the Minister of the Environment at the Green Awards ceremony in Bangkok

Khun George (left) recives the Green Hotel Award.

JW MARRIOTT PHUKET RESORT & SPA RECEIVES GOLD AWARD Phuket, Thailand, 23 December 2019. In recognition of its commitment to Marriott International’s sustainability & Social Impact Goals, JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa is delighted to announce that the resort has met the requirement of Green Hotel Standard Gold Level and has been certified by the Department of Environmental Quality Promotion Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment this year. @thephuketnews

Wyndham Grand Phuket Kalim Bay.

WYNDHAM GRAND PHUKET KALIM BAY WON “SILVER LEVEL” Wyndham Grand Phuket Kalim Bay ends 2019 winning the “Silver” Green Hotel Award at the Green Awards ceremony organized by Thailand’s Department of Environmental Quality Promotion and Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Left: Dr. Jutiwat, Dr. M.L. Narudee, Dr. Chaiyot, Mr. Manus, Mr. Thanaphon.

PIPC GRAND OPENING IN PORTO DE PHUKET Phuket International Petcare Center at Porto de Phuket on December 20th. The opening of the newest location of PIPC, which has an animal hospital, pet shop and animal hotel that also offers grooming and spa services for your beloved pets.

20 EVENTS

FRI

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

farewell to 2019 and look ahead to 2020 at The Nai Harn Phuket overlooking beautiful Nai Harn Bay. Please contact us for more details at Tel: 076 380 200 Email: fbsec@the naiharn.com Reservation, The Nai Harn Phuket, fbsec@the naiharn.com, 076 380 200.

27 DEC

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.

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

Ramada Plaza Chao Fah.

ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ RIBS

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

All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet

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, flavour-bursting chicken and more! Join us for Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the Fun. www.twochefs.com Kata Beach 076-333-370 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344-914.

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.

L’Aperitivo Italiano From 18.30 to 21.00 for Baht 490+. Free flow of Italian Sparking - red and white beverages with pass around Cicchettis (Italian Tapas). L’Opera, L’Opera, Laguna Road, pnesi@loperagroup.com, 076 271 430/095 468 2248.

SUN

MON

30 DEC

29 DEC 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.

Musical Weekend Friday & Saturday, from 6:00 - 10:00 pm. at Lagoon Quay.

From 15 November 2019 - 28 March 2020. Live music, DJ, Balloon, Bozo and movie corner. Good fun, Good atmosphere, Good dining. It’s all at Phuket’s most Lively Marina… the place to be. Email: events@phuketboatlagoon.com.

Tel: 076 239 888 ext.318.

St. Joseph’s Parish Phuket Christmas & New Year Mass

Sunday Roast All Day, All Night

TUE

31 DEC

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

St.Stephen & Tsunami Memorial. Tue, 31 Dec 2019 • 11:00 a.m. Thanksgiving Mass (End of the Year). Wed, 01 Jan 2020 • 06:30 p.m. New Year Mass (Mary, Mother of God) Note: All masses are held in English. Details can be found on the church website at phuketcatholics.com

SAT

ANDAMAN CATCH TUESDAY

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.

Friendship Beach Waterfront Resort Rawai welcomes you to our New Years Eve. Dinner Buffet & Celebration - Welcome Cocktail, Cabaret Show, Fire Show, Live DJ, Great Fireworks Display. International Buffet with: Imported Beef Filet, Grilled Salmon, B.B.Q. Pork Ribs Roast Duck Curry, Prawn Cocktail, Stuffed Salmon Lox, and a large selection of Sides, Salads & Desserts. Adults THB 2,100++ Kids under 12 yrs. THB 700++. For reservations call (66) 89 728 5304 or email to chef@friendshipbeach.com Chef Charlie, 27/1 Soi Mittrapap Rawai Phuket 83130.

Listen to awesome tunes partnered with great food and drinks! We will be serving an elegant four course set menu including fois gras, Beef tenderloin, Canadian lobster and goat cheese ice cream and more for only 1,295 baht per person! Our ala carte menu and our highly appreciated vegetarian menu is also available as usual. For more information please visit our website:www.twochefs.com Sing and dance your night away as we countdown to 2020! What are you waiting for? billy.agren@twochefs.com

LOST IN SPACE COUNTDOWN PARTY

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

Every Sunday from 12.00 to 15.30 hrs. Call 076-358500 E: fbreservation-lagunaphuket@angsana.com

New Years Eve. Dinner Buffet & Party @ Friendship Beach

Bid the year 2019 goodbye and welcome the new year Two Chefs style!

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

28 DEC

All you can eat BBQ Ribs night

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019

Festive Season 2019 Come and celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve oceanside style. We are offering an exciting program as you bid

Join XANA “LOST IN SPACE” countdown party with international Djs lineup and dazzling fireworks show at midnight. THB 500 net per person includes one welcome drink. fbreservation-lagunaphuket@angsana.com +66 (0) 7635 8500.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

TUE

EVENTS 21

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019

31 DEC

FRI

3 JAN

SAT

18 JAN

and revelry. The gala will be held at the Firefly Restaurant at the Pavilions Resort on Saturday, February 29 starting at 6:30 p.m. To purchase tickets at 2500 baht per person for welcome drink, full buffet dinner, silent auction and dancing, contact info@piwc-phuket.com or www.thephuketnews.com/ Phuket-ticket-master.php. Alternatively, for more information, go to the PIWC website at www.PIWC-Phuket.com

EVERY DAY 24 Hour Race - Running Against Human Trafficking ULTIMATE ROOFTOP COUNTDOWN 2020 The most stunning fireworks in Phuket this New Year’s Eve at Swissotel Resort Phuket Patong. Join Ultimate Countdown 2020 Sponsored by Hard Rock Cafe and enjoy a free flow of drinks. Spend the last moments of 2019 and dance through the night while welcoming the new year in one of the most exciting Rooftop bars in Patong. Prices starting from THB 1,499 with FREE FLOW OF DRINKS until the countdown. 48 Ruamjai Road, Patong Beach, Phuket 83150, Surender.Singh@swissotel.com, 076337000.

WED

1 JAN

Grow Boating Networking Evening - January 2020 The Grow Boating Networking Evening for January 2020 will be held at The Lagoon Saloon in Phuket Boat Lagoon on Friday the 3rd of January 2020 from 5pm onward. We are very pleased to announce that the Southeast Asia Pilot will be the drinks sponsor. See https://www.southeastasiapilot. com/ Once again Lagoon Saloon will fire up the BBQ serving their famous Friday night burger free to all attendees and there will be special prices on your favourite beverages.

Come and join in the fun, everyone is welcome. There is no entry fee, just drop your business card or register at the bar.

We hope to see you there and if you know anyone you think would be interested in coming please invite them along. To join our mailing list please send an email to growboatingphuket@gmail.com Grow Boating is kindly supported by our media partner The Phuket News, Live 89.5 radio and Phuket News TV. See www.thephuketnews.com The Grow Boating Networking Evening is organised by the Thai Yachting Business Association. Find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/491098897758155/ or our Website https:// www.thaiyachtingbusinessassociation.com/grow-boatingnetworking-evening

SUN THU

5 JAN

The aim of 24 Hour Race is to raise awareness about human trafficking wherein every 24 hours, 5500 children, women and men become victims of slavery. This event is organized to “Run for The Freedom of Others” and all the profits will be donated to non-profit organizations. Runners can sign up with a team of 8 and run for 24 hours or a team of 4 people and run for 2.4 hours, also an option for children to run 24 minutes! Not everybody needs to run, walking is also fine.

Each participant will get a race pack, a great offer stay in Thanyapura Health and Sports Resort Phuket, to have some fun with friends while supporting a good cause and also exercise like no other. Sign up NOW as a team or an individual at uwcthailand.ac.th/24-hour-race

THU

23 JAN

MARILYN BAND’s new exhibition at Mom Tri’s WOK Gallery MARILYN BAND, one of Phuket’s most significant artists, invites you to her new exhibition from 30 November 2019 - 31 January 2020, at Mom Tri’s WOK Gallery Kitchen. “...

I am presenting recent work, a more abstract expression of Phang Nga Bay’s beauty, which intends to encourage the viewer the opportunity to interpret and appreciate a little bit of paradise.” Contact Lies Sol, liesphuket@gmail.com

Australia Day Phuket Sundowners - Jan 2020 The Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce (AustCham) and the Australian Consulate General Phuket, is delighted to invite you to join us for “Australia Day Phuket Sundowners” at SALA Phuket Resort, Mai Khao Beach, on Thursday 23 January 2020, from 18:00 -21:00. A celebration of all things Australian, join us for your favourite Australian food & beverages, and welcome in the New Year at the first business networking event of 2020.

2 JAN

SUN

2 FEB

XANA Sunday Brunch at Angsana Laguna Phuket BACK TO THE 70’S & 80’S EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT Don’t miss out on our newest, exciting weekly event at Two Chefs. Come and join us for our special Cajun Grilled Chicken Breast served on a wooden plate with mashed potato, red wine sauce, and bearnaise sauce for ONLY 395 THB. Have a sweet tooth? Treat yourself to the Two Chefs banana flambé served with vanilla ice cream for ONLY 95 THB. Sit back and enjoy one of our drink specials as you listen to the famous Two Chefs band performing all your favorite retro hits and more! Live music starts from 8:30pm and goes late at all of our Two Chefs locations.

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

Every Sunday from 12.00 to 15.30 hrs. Call 076-358500. E: fbreservation-lagunaphuket@angsana.com

THU

9 JAN

Reservations are highly recommended. You can book on our website at WWW.TWOCHEFS.COMor find us on Facebook at WWW.FACEBOOK/TWOCHEFSTHAILAND

The Exotic Fishing Thailand 1.5 Million Baht Tagged Fish Challenge

Youth Talent Competition 2020 The 8th edition of PAPA’s annual Youth Talent Competition will be held on Sunday the 2nd of February at the Blue Tree Phuket. Awesome cash prizes across 4 categories. Email: admin@phuketacademyofperformingarts.com for details on how to enter.

WED

COME FOR THE FOOD STAY FOR THE FUN! Reservations, Call us directly at Two Chefs Kata Center 076-330-065, Kata Beach 076-333-370, Karon 076-286-479, Patong 076-344-914

29 FEB

Thailand Yacht Show 2020 The fifth edition of the Thailand Yacht Show returns to Royal Phuket Marina on the 9 – 12 January 2020. Firmly established as the leading yachting and luxury lifestyle event in the country, the Show will once again showcase spectacular displays of yachts, marine exhibits and lifestyle products, plus an improved programme of side-events, parties and family-friendly activities.

@thephuketnews

PIWC Annual Fundraiser 2020 Phuket International Women’s Club (PIWC) Annual Fundraiser is set to be a wild night of Mardi Gras dining, dancing

From Nov 1st to March 1st. Test your fishing skills Phuket and Catch a Monster fish and Monster Prize. 50 tagged fish with 50 prizes valued at over 1.5 Million baht. Anyone can enter for just 1,000 baht in addition to your daily fishing ticket ................. Exotic Fishing Thailand, Phang Nga, exoticfish ingthailand@gmail.com, English 088 379 9377 and Thai 081 199 5922.

DAILY EVENT UPDATES ON

22 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York 1. What is the capital of Turkey?

2. What is the national animal of China?

3. Which Turkish city has the name of a cartoon character?

4. What is the noisiest city in the world?

5. What is the name of the desert area in Mexico?

Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Hard

Across 1. Sponge cake ingredient 5. Pecan or almond 8. Barbershop emblem 12. Waggish 14. Hand out 15. Exclude 16. Very smart guys 17. Pink-slipped 18. __china 19. Vegetables 21. Vegetable 22. Lickety-split 23. Dem. before J.F.K. 24. Cinderella stole her sister’s _____ 27. Buckwheat groats 30. Ed.’s in-box filler 33. Dairy section selections 35. “Me neither” 36. Water, in Paris 37. Vegetables 41. Auto insurer with roadside service 42. Large lake 43. W.W. II conference site 44. Fig. in identity theft 45. Bam! chef 48. High schooler 49. Musical genre for No Doubt 50. Roman garment 52. Vegetables 55. Vegetables

60. Composer Thomas 61. Nonsense 62. Major can maker 63. Late-60s fashion item 64. Donkey cry 65. Fiddler and pianist 66. Auth. unknown 67. Caribbean, e.g.

68. Certain calculations

28. Putdown 29. Gp. in charge of condominiums, perhaps 30. Coat color in dogs 31. A votre ___!

(Cheers!)

32. Teri’s ‘Desperate Housewives’ role 34. Makes smooth 38. Anecdotal Down 1. Ford crossover Bombeck 2. Golf’s Norman 39. Take off 3. Percussion 40. Snacks instrument 4. Careless work 46. Greedy 5. Adjacent to 47. Singer, Rawls 6. Sport ___ (modern 49. Coil vehicles) 51. F.B.I. operative 7. Danson of “CSI” 8. Show the way, in 52. Mongolian monk a way 53. One of the 9. It means everything Waltons 10. Italian resort 11. Posh British 54. Heading for morph school 55. Center 13. “___ And Stitch” 14. Food from heaven 56. Insurer for military personnel 20. Excellent 21. Make rigid 57. Tannish 23. Aggressive 58. Latitude 24. Couches 59. Disrespect 25. Nom de guerre 26. 4 door car 61. USA alternative

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) Ankara; 2) Giant panda; 3) Batman; 4) Hong Kong; 5) Sonora

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

2

years is how long an alligator can live without food.

27

years ago the first text message was sent – on December 3, 1992. It said, “Merry Christmas.”

50

percent of sloth deaths occur on their once-a-week trip to poop.

900

Karon Beach. Photo by Jeffrey Ephreim Villanueva Villegas Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket? Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

AD is when the oldest stillfunctioning pub – Sean’s Bar, in

This week in history

Westmeath, Ireland – opened.

1911

is when a baseball team of death-row prisoners had their executions delayed if they kept winning.

Source: Uberfacts

December 27, 1949 The Netherlands officially recognizes Indonesian independence officially marking the End of the Dutch East Indies.

city’s 1.25 million chickens to stop the spread of a potentially deadly influenza strain after four citizens infected die.

December 28, 1768 King Taksin’s coronation achieved through conquest as a king of Thailand and established Thonburi as a capital.

December 30, 2006 Former President of Iraq Saddam Hussein is executed. He ruled from July 16, 1979 to April 9, 2003 before being deposed by US forces.

December 29, 1997 Hong Kong begins to kill all the

December 31, 1879 Thomas Alva Edison demonstrates

“We will make Electric Light so cheap only that only the wealthy will burn candles.”

January 1, 1912 The Republic of China, is established.

Thomas Alva Edison. incandescent lighting to the public for the first time, in Menlo Park, New Jersey. He famously said

January 2, 1959 Luna 1, the first spacecraft to reach the vicinity of the Moon and to orbit the Sun, is launched by the Soviet Union Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019

Jobs

NT GE UR Good staff required

(Thai)

Staff required for popular hotel in Patong.

We have several positions available. Great starting salary and lots of extras including commissions. Potential to grow and develop with the business. Must speak English. Great career oppurtunity.

@thephuketnews

CLASSIFIEDS 23 The Phuket News @thephuketnews

GE UR

NT

Admin assistant wanted - Part Time

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

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

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 25

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019

Trades & Services

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

CLEANING SERVICES

CORPORATE SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

@thephuketnews

26 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Trades & Services

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

MARINE SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

PERSONAL SERVICE

PERSONAL SERVICE

SERVICE

OTHER

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 27

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019

Buy & Sell BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE Speedboat for Sale

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

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Business opportunity

Four 3-bedroom pool villas, located on the south end of Ao Por, on the east coast of Phuket..., only 50 meters from the sea, 150 meters from new Sheraton Grand Bay Resort, 3 minutes from Ao Po Grand Marina........ Each villa has 330sqm buillt-up area, 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 10-metre infinity pool, western kitchen, fully furnished, ready to move in or rent out.... Price reduction from 98 mln to 78 mln for all.. for viewing or more details please contact owner directly Tel : +66 62 8133888 Email : montha_phuket@yahoo.com

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

@thephuketnews

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE UR

GE

NT

AMAZING DEAL!

Toyota Vios Model E with only 48,000 Km on it and I have been the only owner, bought in January 2015. Automatic, Power Windows, Electric Mirrors, Power Steering, Adjustable Steering Column, Remote Central Locking, CD/MP3 Player, Air con, ABS, Passengers and Drivers Airbag, Front Fog Lights Tinted Windows, Rubber Floor Mats, Rain Shields On All Windows, Reverse Parking Sensor. The car is fully up to date with all the Toyota maintenance checks. Only driven locally in Phuket. It is kept in great condition and is available to view in Chalong. Only 365,000 THB. If you are interested or Call Adam at 0910161167.

UR

GE

NT

Car rental @fair prices

Low season prices Monthly from 10,000 Baht. Daily from 400 BHT. High Season from 12,000 monthly. All our cars are in very good conditions at affordable prices. From 10,000 BHT monthly, Stig Johansson, 110/78 Moo 2 T Pa­klok A Thalang 83110 Phuket, stigisaan@gmail.com, 0848474377.

LIKE BRAND NEW

2014 Ford Focus S white w/ black leather interior, sunroof, full options, one owner, accident free. LED front, black roof, 9,400km. Ted Blenkers, Chalong Phuket kapitanted@gmail. com, 0899085199

Mitsubishi Mirage 10/2018

9 months old, 9,000km, first class insurance. Like new. THB 360,000. Andy, Call 082 281 5976 ENG/098 059 8714 THAI

FURNITURE Lis Anette Bergström

Luxury leather sofa by KELVIN GIORMANI As NEW Never used Price 135000 Now 50% off 67500. Anette, lisanette2002@gmail.com, 0930914502.

MEMBERSHIPS Blue Canyon Family Membership

Blue Canyon Country Club Family Membership For Sale 450,000 split transfer fee 092-801-9855

Golf Membership

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

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

Loch Palm - Membership

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

Loch Palm Memberships

Loch Palm Memberships with share (family) 340,000+1/2 transfer. Call 089 594 4067.

PROPERTY WANTED Allamanda 2 Bed Freehold

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

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

COMMUNITY Play Bridge

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

Didier, 080 142 8122.

House Wanted in Chalong

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

28 CLASSIFIEDS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Buy & Sell SERVICES Credit and investment in private section

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE

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

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

SPORTING GOODS, EXERCISE Oceanus Speargun for Sale

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

PROPERTY FOR SALE

1 Bed Condo Sale Rawai

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

PROPERTY FOR SALE

1 Bedroom MaikhaoCondotel

One bedroom condo for profitable investment located at 4 star+ Maikhao beach condotel. 400 meters to the beach.Fully furnished.Full facilities.

Restaurants,bars,fitness room.Rental programme. New,Open from may 2019.

Price only 2700000 baht. +66936149082 fudu@mail.ru 2700000, Feliks Goldburt, 71 Moo 4 Maikhao Thalang Phuket Thailand, fudu@mail.ru, +66936149082.

Beautiful Phuket condo with a view of the islands

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

Villa in Patong prime location

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

Luxury Condo Sale

2 Bedroom, fully equipped Kitchen – 212 SQM. Very high standard with a nice view.

2 Big Balcony, Jacuzzi. Location: Kathu, 5 min. Phuket Town and all department stores and International Hospitals. 086268-7901.THB 11,5 M, Martin, martin hkt@yahoo.com

Seaview Condo for sale Karon

Luxury Condo for sale 300 m. from the beach. 100 sqm., furnished, parking, 4th floor, foreign freehold, 1 bedr. Longterm rent. Claudio, claudstrey@gmail.com, 0867479292

2 or 5 BR OCEAN FRONT CONDO

137-274 sqm (2 or 5 BR)/180 sqm terrace. 5 bath. Inside 5 stars hotel estate. New hotel projected 2022?. Foreign/Thai freehold. 18 or 28 M THB. Agents welcome. Contact: Khun Gim mob. +(66)859182238/waruneehangan@hotmail.com

2 bed, 2 bath Stunning Villa

Stunning 2 bed, 2 bath fully furnished villa for sale in Baan Wana gated community, Cherngtalay. Large backyard w/ spacious patio. Swimming pool with new outdoor shower. Fully equipped European kitchen.

Email: mrsglasses1@gmail.com for full color property brochure 9,600,000 baht , Khun Ju, Baan Wana Pool Villa, Unit 4a, phukethrm@hotmail.com, +66835037655.

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

G UR

T EN

SA

LE

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

PROPERTY FOR RENT G UR

EN

Absolute Beachfront Pool Villa

T

Absolute Beachfront Pool Villa, 3 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom, fully serviced. Short Term Rental from 35‘000 THB/Week to 195‘000 Month depend on Season. Long Term on Agreement.

Casa Lagoon Phuket House 4 Rent

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

House in Boat Lagoon for rent

Lovely condo at Utopia Kata for Sale. Completed in 2017 and close to Kata Beach. Fully furnished. Close to restaurants and amenities. Great views. Rental programme. Full facilities. Dimtry, 082 030 7199. B7,100,000

Boat Lagoon-Only 5 minutes from BIS, 3 bed/4bath. Great for families with kids. Furnished. Longterm (12 months or longer) Available now. 50.000, Claudio, claudstrey@gmail. com, 0867479292.

Super villa for sale

Condo in Patong for Rent

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

Full-furnished studio with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, living room, kitchenette, mountain view, and free wifi. 2 Rooms available; 66 sq.m and 88 sq.m. Start from 25,000 THB/month, Jane, social@karonseasand.com, 062 842 4861.

Karon 1 Bed Condo for Sale

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

Villa Mission Heights Big Pool

CONDO FOR SALE THE DECK PATONG

44 sqm Condo for sale at THB 5,200,000 – Parking space included – Quiet Unit – email: sale. hd.design@outlook.com - 66937198098.

PROPERTY FOR RENT

COMMUNITY

3bed, 3 1/2 bath, 330sqm living, 900 sqm land, very quite aera, 2 km mission hill golf, 6km UWC, 8 km airport. owner finance.

0870608400 engl/deutsch, price is negotiable.

10.9MB, picharly@gmail.com

OCEAN FRONT VILLA

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

Dream Village Phuket house

1 story building for rent

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

2bed 2bath 295sqm land 100sqm living + veranda, compl. renovated.: new water, electric., tiles, paint in/out, windows, 3A/C, built in kitchen. 0870608400 engl/deutsch, price is negotiable picharly@gmail.com, 66870608400

PROPERTY FOR RENT 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

Stunning Ocean Views!

4 bed/bath large pool villa. Privately located in Cape Heights Cape Yamu.

Furnished. Gardens. Fiber WiFi. 80,000/rent long term or 30 million to sell. Richard, Cape Yamu, Phuket, richarddesmondcapeheights@yahoo. co.uk, +66824203270, WhatsApp

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019

Hong Kong Open back on, defying protests GOLF

Daniel Hicks

T

he 2019 Open Championship winner Shane Lowry will headline a revamped field for golf’s Hong Kong Open when it finally gets under way next month after being shelved in November because of anti-government protests.

Originally scheduled as the European Tour’s season-opener from Nov 28-Dec 1, the Asian showpiece was postponed as the city struggled with months of sometimes violent pro-democracy protests which forced road closures and public transport shutdowns near the venue.

Irishman Lowr y, who stormed to a famous six-shot victory to win his first major at Royal Portrush in July, will be joined at the 61st edition of Asia’s oldest professional tournament by American world number 16 Tony Finau, who was a member of Tiger Woods’ victorious Presidents Cup team in Melbourne earlier this month.

@thephuketnews

The 2019 Open Championship winner Shane Lowry will headline a revamped field for golf’s protest-delayed Hong Kong Open next month. Photo: AFP. Newly-crowned 2019 Asian Tour Order of Merit winner Jazz Janewattananond of Thailand, fresh from winning the Indonesian Masters, and popular fellow Thai Kiradech Aphibarnrat will also feature in the event which will now be played from Jan 9-12.

“I’m really excited about going back to play the Hong Kong Open again,” said Lowry, whose last appearance was in 2010.

“The Hong Kong Open will be my first event of 2020

and I’m hoping to use the tournament to kick-start what will be a very important year for me as I try to make the European Ryder Cup team next September and build on the success I enjoyed this year.”

Finau was runner-up at the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai last year and will also begin his new year back in the region at the Asian Tour sanctioned event.

“I’m looking forward to competing in my first Hong Kong Open,” said Finau, who

also made the 2018 US Ryder Cup team.

“I’ve heard great things about the tournament and Hong Kong Golf Club, and I am excited to see it all firsthand to start the year.”

The Hong Kong Open has been won by luminaries from Peter Thomson to Justin Rose and Rory McIlroy, and had been an annual fixture at the colonial-era Fanling course since 1959.

Italian Francesco Molinari, who won The Open Championship in 2018, Sweden’s Henrik Stenson and controversial American Patrick Reed had been due to play last month but will have to skip the new dates because of prior commitments.

The tournament is organised by the European Tour but they are unable to sanction the US$1 million event on its new slot in the calendar because of a clash with the South African Open.

European Tour boss Keith Pelley said they would resume sanctioning the Hong Kong Open for the 62nd edition in November 2020. AFP

SPORT 29

Olympic manifesto sale sets new auction record OLYMPICS A N E W AU C T I O N world record for an item of sports memorabilia was set on Dec 18 when the original Olympic Games manifesto sold for US$8.8 million at Sotheby’s, the auction house said.

The 14-page manuscript was written in 1892 by Pierre de Coubertin, a French aristocrat and athletics enthusiast known as the “father” of the modern Olympics.

It achieved nearly nine times its pre-sale estimate of $1mn following 12 minutes of intense bidding at a sale in New York, Sotheby’s said in a statement.

“Today’s record result stands as a testament to Pierre de Coubertin’s vision of more than a century ago, and the reverence with which the Olympic games are still held,” said auctioneer Selby Kiffer.

Coubertin outlined his vision for reviving the ancient Olympic Games as a new, international com-

The original Olympic Games outline was written in 1892 by Pierre de Coubertin. Photo: AFP petition in the manifesto.

He argued that athletic endeavor had benefits for individuals and society.

The manuscript is the only known copy of the speech which Coubertin delivered in Paris in 1892.

Couber tin founded the International Olympic Committee two years later and the first modern Games took place in 1896 in Athens.

The previous world auction record for sports memor abilia wa s t he $5.6mn paid in June for a jersey worn by baseball legend Babe Ruth, Sotheby’s said.

AFP

30 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019

Rugby tries to save lost kids

Dallaglio helping those abandoned by mainstream education RUGBY AFP

L

awrence Dallaglio’s towering rugby career originated through a sense of wanting to belong after a family tragedy and he is now using that experience to help give hope to children excluded from mainstream education.

Dallaglio, a pivotal figure when England won the 2003 Rugby World Cup, said his family was “blown apart” when his only sibling, 19-yearold Francesca, was one of 51 people who drowned after the pleasure boat Marchioness sank in the River Thames in London in August 1989.

The 85-times capped former backrow forward was just 16 at the time and admits he had a couple of years where, deeply affected by his sister’s loss and the impact it had on his parents, he was “definitely errant.”

“You know, if you lose a member of your family it blows your family apart,” Dallaglio told AFP. “I had a couple of years where I was really struggling.

“It was not just me, my mom and my dad but the families of every other victim of the Marchioness as well, I would imagine.

“I then saw my parents, Vincenzo and Eileen, and they were really struggling, as you’d imagine, when you bury one of your own children.”

He was put back on the right path when he joined the then Londonbased rugby club Wasps.

“It was not because I wanted to play rugby, I know it sounds odd,” he said.

“I joined the rugby club because I needed a sense of belonging, camaraderie, I needed someone, a family.

Dallaglio’s stellar rugby career climaxed with England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup success but was driven by personal family tragedy. Photo: AFP

“The lovely thing about rugby, bizarrely, is it welcomes everyone.

“My parents came to watch me and they felt something very strong and it brought a smile back to their face.

“That was the reason why in so many ways I owe rugby an enormous amount because it brought my family back together.”

‘Massive imbalance in society’ Dallaglio, who drily remarks that rugby owes him a few teeth in a career that also saw him undergo 14 operations, drew on that experience and set up Dallaglio RugbyWorks six years ago.

He is justifiably proud it is now part of the curriculum at 83 schools nationwide in the UK, schools that

act as a safety net for pupils excluded from mainstream education.

His foundation is currently helping over 650 children aged 14-17 and the cost is considerable: a three-year programme costs Dallaglio RugbyWorks up to £20,000 per school per year.

“The fun part for them is playing rugby,” he says. But then they get them into the classroom and work on “things like CV writing, interview workshops, just general confidence.”

The aim, or as Dallaglio puts it the “flag in the sand”, is helping them into full-time employment. He claims children that have passed through the scheme have an 88% success rate in finding a job compared with 50% nationally.

According to RugbyWorks figures, each year on average 2,720 young people between the ages of 14-16 are excluded from mainstream education in Britain.

“It is about opening their eyes and giving them a different perspective,” said Dallaglio, prior to a session of touch rugby for one of the schools in the project at the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre in south London.

“It is about putting your arms around them, building long-term care and trust and teaching them about not only respect to other people, but for themselves as well.”

Dallaglio, whose late mother liked to refer to him as an emerald and Francesca as a diamond, says he wonders whether headmasters in

mainstream schools are too quick to expel students.

“Just because a young person comes to this country and can’t speak English doesn’t mean you exclude them,” he said.

“You have to look and ask head teachers what they are driven by.

“Are they driven by academic success or are they driven by wanting to look after and care about every young person that they come into contact with?

“I’d say some are and some aren’t.”

Ultimately, though, Dallaglio is motivated by giving back to those who have no-one to pick up a phone and use their contacts like he can for his friends’ children to give them a leg up.

“There’s two things guaranteed in life. You arrive with nothing and you leave with nothing,” he said.

“You know, there’s a massive imbalance in society between those who have and those who don’t really. And we all need to do a little bit to change that.

“Because we often say that everyone deserves a second chance, but actually a lot of these young kids deserve the first chance.

“I inherently believe that no young people are born bad.”

Due to the age gap, Dallaglio’s name may mean little to the majority of the children but 14-year-old Kimberley has felt the benefits of his foundation.

“The old comments, all the bad stuff that people at the old school would say about you don’t mean nothing to me when I have people cheering you on,” she told AFP. “You feel great about yourself.

This has rebuilt my confidence.”

Australia’s Cummins sold for record $2.17m at IPL auction CRICKET AUSTRALIAN PLAYERS attracted big prices in the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction on Thursday (Dec 19) with paceman Pat Cummins becoming the costliest overseas buy after he went to Kolkata Knight Riders for $2.17 million.

Explosive all-rounder Glenn Maxwell joined Kings XI Punjab for $1.51 million after recently returning to cricket from a short break due to mental health issues.

In the annual IPL auction, held before the start of each season, teams buy players who sign central contracts.

The players get around 75% of the auction price, effectively their salary for the season, while the rest goes to their national board.

Australian Cummins set the pace as the costliest overseas buy for Kolkata at $2.17 million. Photo: AFP Cummins initiated the biggest bidding war before Kolkata swooped in for their former player, who has claimed 32 wickets in 25 IPL matches.

“Absolutely pumped to be back on board ... Can’t wait to get over there,” Cummins said in a video message posted on Kolkata’s official Twitter site.

While it was a best for a foreign player, the price paid for Cummins is still short of

the $2.3 million that Bangalore paid for Indian batsman Yuvraj Singh in 2015.

Kolkata’s new coach and former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum was elated to get “the best player of the auction.”

Other big foreign buys included South Africa bowler Chris Morris ($1.4mn to Royal Challengers Bangalore), West Indies quick Sheldon Cottrell ($1.19m to Punjab) and Aussie quick Nathan Coulter-Nile ($1.12mn to current champions Mumbai Indians).

West I ndies batsman Shimron Hetmyer ($1.08mnto Delhi) England’s World Cupwinning skipper Eoin Morgan ($734,265 to Knight Riders) and Australia limited-overs captain Aaron Finch ($619,303 to Bangalore) were other notable buys.

Maxwell improved from

his base price set at 20mn rupees to re-unite with his former team.

He has scored 1,397 runs in the IPL at an average of 22.9 at a rapid strike rate of 161.13.

Leg-spinner Piyush Chawla was the highest Indian bid for $949,100 to Chennai Super Kings who also got England allrounder Sam Curran for $773,340.

India’s Virat Singh increased from his base price of $28,000 to fetch $267,000 from Sunrisers Hyderabad.

South Africa’s veteran fast bowler Dale Steyn was third time lucky when Bangalore picked up the 36-year-old at his base price of $282,000.

He twice went unsold.

A total of 338 players went under the hammer at the auction for the 13th edition of the cash-rich league.

AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019

SPORT 31

After victory in the World Club Cup, Liverpool now turn their focus to maintaining their imperious charge towards a first Premier League title. Photo: AFP

English Premier League 2019 - 2020 Table correct as of Wednesday (Dec 25)

World club champions ’Pool hungry for more FOOTBALL

Andy Scott

L

iverpool have made winning trophies a habit in 2019 and Jurgen Klopp’s side return to England and their push for the Premier League title galvanised after being crowned world champions in Qatar on Saturday (Dec 21).

It is an honour the Anfield side had never before claimed but which is now theirs after Roberto Firmino’s extra-time goal secured a 1-0 victory over Flamengo in a hard-fought Club World Cup final in Doha.

The latest piece of silverware is Liverpool’s third in little over six months, after they won the Champions League in June and began this season by winning the UEFA Super Cup on penalties against Chelsea.

“The year 2019 for the club has been outstanding,” said defender Virgil van Dijk.

“But we shouldn’t be satisfied with it. We should keep going, keep striving for more and

@thephuketnews

keep wanting more trophies.”

Van Dijk returned against Flamengo after illness kept him out of the 2-1 semi-final victory against Monterrey and that determination to be back playing summed up Liverpool’s attitude towards the competition.

The Club World Cup is not held in the highest regard in Europe, coming in the middle of a busy club season.

That is in contrast to South America, with Flamengo’s huge support in Doha showing just how much the game meant to them. “It might have been different had we got beat, then maybe some people would have said we were wasting our time,” acknowledged Andy Robertson.

“But for us even if we did lose it was all worthwhile because we had a chance to win a trophy that the club had never won before.”

He added that “2019 has been incredible, we have won three trophies and hopefully in 2020 there is a couple more for us.”

Liverpool will continue their defence of the Champions League with a last-16 tie against Atletico Madrid in February, and host local rivals Everton in the FA Cup third round on January 5.

However, the Premier League is the one they really have in their sights as they seek a first English title since 1990.

Leicester beaten As well as the trophies in 2019, Klopp’s team have not lost a league game since their very first outing of the year, at Manchester City. They have won 25 and drawn one of their last 26 in the Premier League.

There was more good news for them on Saturday as nearest rivals Leicester City lost 3-1 at Manchester City, leaving Liverpool 10 points clear at the top with a game in hand.

But while a week in Qatar might have seemed like an unwanted distraction for some in a busy schedule, Klopp was keen to point out that his team have still played the same number of games as their challengers.

“If we hadn’t played here tonight we would have played at West Ham, so the same number of games, the same situation, and the difference is the climate, even if it was not as warm as probably Europeans would have expected at the moment,” said the German.

“It is still something we have to adapt to. But that is the only thing that is special, so it’s all good, and we need to make sure that we come home safely, and recover in the plane already, and then prepare the Leicester game.”

With several players already out, however, the downside was seeing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain go off injured in the second half against Flamengo, with the midfielder possibly set for another spell on the sidelines.

“When he was landing he got a kick and rolled over. It is far away from being perfect, but we will see if the ligament is only stretched, or ruptured partly,” Klopp said.

“It’s a big shadow again but that’s how it is in contact sport.”

AFP

Team

MP

W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

1

Liverpool

17

16

1

0

42

14 +28

49

2

Leicester City

18

12

3

3

41

14 +27

39

3

Manchester City

18

12

2

4

50

20 +30

38

4

Chelsea

18

10

2

6

33

25

+8

32

5

Sheffield United

18

7

7

4

22

16

+6

28

6

Wolverhampton

18

6

9

3

26

22

+4

27

7

Tottenham Hotspur

18

7

5

6

32

26

+6

26

8

Manchester United

18

6

7

5

26

22

+4

25

9

Newcastle United

18

7

4

7

18

24

-6

25

10 Burnley

18

7

3

8

23

29

-6

24

11 Arsenal

18

5

8

5

24

27

-3

23

12 Crystal Palace

18

6

5

7

15

20

-5

23

13 Brighton

18

5

5

8

21

26

-5

20

14 Bournemouth

18

5

4

9

19

25

-6

19

15 Everton

18

5

4

9

20

29

-9

19

16 West Ham United

17

5

4

8

19

28

-9

19

17 Southampton

18

5

3

10

21

37 -16

18

18 Aston Villa

18

4

3

11

24

33

-9

15

19 Norwich City

18

3

3

12

19

37 -18

12

20 Watford

18

2

6

10

11

32 -21

12

Live Sports TV Schedule *Times may be subject to change

SPORT

START STOP

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO

Thursday 26th Dec Soccer

Soccer

19:30 21:30

EPL

Tottenham v. Brighton

22:00 00:00

EPL

Chelsea v. Southampton

00:30 02:30

EPL

Man United v. Newcastle

22:00 00:00

EPL

Bournemouth v. Arsenal

22:00 00:00

EPL

Everton v. Burnley

Cricket

07:00 14:30

Test 2 - Melbourne

Australia v. New Zealand, Day 1

Cricket

14:00 23:00

Test 1 - Centurion

South Africa v. England, Day 1

Saturday 28 Dec th

Rugby Union 21:00 23:00 Gallagher Premiership 23:30 01:30 Gallagher Premiership Soccer

Soccer

Northampton v. Gloucester Harlequins v. Leicester

19:30 21:30

EPL

Brighton v. Bournemouth

22:00 00:00

EPL

Watford v. Aston Villa

00:30 02:30

EPL

West Ham v. Leicester

22:00 00:00

EPL

Southampton v. Crystal Palace

22:00 00:00

EPL

Newcastle v. Everton

00:30 02:30

EPL

Norwich v. Tottenham

Cricket

07:00 14:30

Test 2 - Melbourne

Australia v. New Zealand, Day 3

Cricket

14:00 23:00

Test 1 - Centurion

South Africa v. England, Day 3

Sunday 29 Dec th

Rugby Union 22:00 00:00 Gallagher Premiership Soccer

Exeter v. Saracens

21:00 23:00

EPL

Arsenal v. Chelsea

23:30 01:30

EPL

Liverpool v. Wolves

Soccer

19:30 21:30

SPFL

Celtic v. Rangers

Cricket

07:00 14:30

Test 2 - Melbourne

Australia v. New Zealand, Day 4

Cricket

14:00 23:00

Test 1 - Centurion

South Africa v. England, Day 4

Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019

Dallaglio using Rugby to help children > p30

TOP OF THE CLASS

UWC students shine in medals haul YOUTH GAMES The Phuket News editor3@classactmedia.co.th

A

t the beginning of the month, three swimmers from UWC Thailand International School set out to represent their countries in the 13th South Asian Games in Nepal.

Less than a month earlier, one of the school’s surfers left for the Philippines to represent Thailand in the SEA Games.

They headed off to competition full of hope and confidence, dreaming of medals. They returned home with handfuls of hardware, making their parents, school, coaches and countries proud.

Annie Jain, who is in Grade 12 at UWC Thailand, returns to Phuket with three gold medals and a new na-

tional record for India. Her first gold came in the 4 x 100m freestyle relay, the second in the 100m breaststroke in a time of 1:13.50, which is a new national record for India, and a third in the 4 x 200m freestyle relay. She followed up her golds with a bronze in the 100m freestyle.

Annie also holds three Indian national short course records. Living in the boarding house at UWC, a World Academy of Sport AthleteFriendly Education Centre (AFEC), allows Annie to balance her six-hour training days with Miguel Lopez at Thanyapura Health & Sports Resort with the rigour of the IB Diploma Programme.

This AFEC designation means that Annie can complete the twoyear Diploma Programme over three years, so she can balance competing at international level sports with completing her education.

Aniqah Gafoor, a Grade 10 student at UWC Thailand, not only brought home silver and bronze for Sri Lanka but also smashed the country’s national women’s relay record by more than 15 seconds, coming in at 4:00.18 to secure the Silver medal. She also earned bronze in the 100m butterfly.

When interviewed at the games, Aniqah modestly understated that the relay which crowned them the new national record-holding team, “was overall really good.” Aniqah currently holds the Sri Lankan national record for both the 50m and 100m fly and has her sights set on qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Also in Grade 10 at UWC, Jehanra Nabi just missed the podium this year, coming in fourth in the 400m relay, 800m freestyle, 400m freestyle, 800m freestyle relay and

Sittiphong ‘Henry’ Chapman and Annie Jain celebrate their triumph at the recent SEA and South Asia Games respectively. Photo: UWC

400m melody. She holds four national records for Pakistan in the women’s 4 x 50, 4 x 100 freestyle and the 4 x 50 and 4 x 100 medley. Her fine efforts did not go unnoticed, however, and it is regarded as merely a matter of time before she is joining her colleagues amongst the medals.

Meanwhile, representing Thailand at the SEA Games in the Philippines, Sittiphong ‘Henry’ Chapman bagged a bronze medal, beating his own Thai teammate Chatchai Somporn in the final heat with an eight-point score.

To qualify for the bronze heat, he successfully beat the number one Filipino surfer on his home turf.

Henry has ranked as Thailand’s Champion Surfer for the last three years running.

This was the first time surfing had been included in the SEA Games and so the victory represents a number of firsts for Henry and the

Thai team. He became the first Thai surfer to medal and the only Junior surfer under 18 in the competition.

In preparation, Henry and six of the best surfers from Thailand representing the Thailand Surfing Federation, spent a month training on the local beaches with the support of his teachers and classmates at UWC Thailand, where Henry has studied since he was 7. The team bonded quickly and its success surprised the Thai Sport’s Authority as they have only been a team for eight short months.

On his medal-winning journey, Henry remarked, “I was a bit slow in starting but as I got more confident in the heats, I got better and better.

It was hard to manage the waves because of the typhoon, it required a lot more paddling and diving and avoiding the rocks, but I still managed to do something good.”

Laguna Phuket Triathlon 2020 date confirmed TRIATHLON ASIA’S PREMIER DESTINAtion resort, Laguna Phuket, has announced that the celebrated Laguna Phuket Triathlon’s 27th annual edition is to take place on Sunday, November 22, 2020.

The popular triathlon will once again comprise of the signature race distance of a 1.8km swim, 50km bike and 12km run and sprint distance (0.5km swim, 20km bike and 6km run), Interested athletes are advised to book their slot as soon

as possible to enjoy a super early bird discount, which is available until January 31, 2020. Registration for 2020 participants opened today and can be done here: www.lagunaphukettri.com An additional feature of next year’s challenge will be the inaugural Laguna Phuket

Duathlon (LPD). Comprising a 4km run, 50km bike ride and 12km run combination, the Duathlon will take place on the same day as the main triathlon, giving its athletes a chance to experience the race’s signature bike course.

The Phuket News

A long way to the top. Those interested in participating at the Laguna Phuket Triathlon 2020 can register now. Photo: Laguna Phuket

thephuketnews