The Phuket News February 28, 2020

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

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Fighting for a resource-based economy

A visitor stands near the low water level at Bang Wad reservoir on Wednesday (Feb 26). Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

WATER-SAVING MEASURES ROLLED OUT TO MAKE RESERVES LAST AS LONG AS POSSIBLE Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

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huket Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) Chief Graisorn Mahamad is urging all people across central and northern Phuket to conserve as much water as they can. The call comes as dwindling reserves start to dry up and drastic water-saving measures are leaving large populated areas without any tap water at all.

Water released from Bang Wad reservoir has been reduced to half its usual output, leaving many areas in Patong, Thepkrasattri, Pa Khlok, Koh Kaew and Wichit, including

all of Cape Panwa, without mains water supply, Mr Graison confirmed this week.

“But some parts of Patong still have 100% mains water supply because the PWA is using water from a private source to supply them,” he added.

The only areas in Phuket listed by the PWA as “unaffected” are in the south of the island, served by the Khlong Kratha reservoir in Chalong, Mr Graisorn confirmed.

Elsewhere, the Koh Kaew Tambon Administrative Organisation (OrBorTor) has set up emergency water-distribution points for residents in areas there suffering from water

outages and has begun delivering emergency water supplies. Parts of Koh Kaew remain unaffected by the outages, but other areas are “on watch” and some areas are without any mains water supply at all.

Meanwhile, Cherng Talay Municipality has already shut off mains water supply in its area from 10pm to 5am each day and water supply to a slew of private estate and condominium projects in Cherng Talay has been shut off entirely.

“Cherng Talay Municipality has to shut off water from 10pm to 5am in all areas of Cherng Talay Municipality because there is not enough water,” Cherng Talay Municipality’s

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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Water Production Division Supervisor Tripoom Musikkarat confirmed to The Phuket News.

Mr Graisorn explained this week, “Srisoonthorn and Cherng Talay still use their own private water sources.

They are not connected to mains supply.”

The Kamala OrBorTor last week also issued its own notice urging residents to save what water they can in the hope of making supplies last as long as possible.

Phuket Town has been on water restrictions since late last month.

Mains water pressure throughout Phuket Town was reduced from 9am-5pm and from 10pm to 5am…

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Taxi driver dodges harsh terms for wipeout > p4

Navy saves Brit sailor Children after three days adrift A 70-YEAR-OLD BRITISH man adrift on his yacht for three days was rescued by the Royal Thai Navy on Monday night (Feb 24) and brought safely back to Phuket, making landfall at Cape Panwa, on Phuket’s east coast, on Tuesday morning.

Vice Admiral Cherngchai Chomcherngpat, Commander of the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command based in Phuket, told The Phuket News that the British man, Michael Turner, was alone on his sailboat “Pollen Path” when the engine failed.

Mr Turner was making his way from the west coast of Phuket to Chalong Pier when the boat suffered its mechanical failure, V/Adm Cherngchai explained.

The crew on board the supply vessel “Miclyn Endurance”, currently en route from Singapore to Myanmar, radioed the navy base on Monday evening, asking the navy to provide assistance to Mr Turner and gave the yacht’s last known position.

“We sent the patrol boat Tor 232 to find the sailboat at around 7:30pm. They rendezvoused with the Miclyn Endurance at around 10:30pm,” V/Adm Cherngchai said.

“The Navy crew asked the supply ship where the sailboat last was and finally found it at 10:50pm,” he added.

By the time the navy boat

rescued from human-trafficking gang Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

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Michael Turner safely back in Phuket on Tuesday (Feb 25).

Photo: Royal Thai Navy came alongside the stricken yacht, it was some 40 nautical miles away southwest of Phuket, V/Adm Chergchai noted.

“The navy crew started towing the yacht back to Phuket, and reached shore at 9:30am,” he said.

Asked why Mr Turner was unable to use the sails to navigate his way safely back to Phuket, V/Adm Cherngchai said, “The wind was so strong that he could not come back to the shore.

“Even though he had been at sea for three days, he still had enough food and drink to stay in the boat for three more days,” he added.

The Pollen Path, which is currently flagged as registered in Malaysia, currently remains at the navy base in Phuket.

“Mr Tur ner has already left the base with a friend and will come to fix the boat later,” V/Adm Cherngchai said.

The Phuket News

series of raids by police have safely taken into protection 17 children held by a human-trafficking operation in Patong, which saw children who did not bring home enough money being beaten with a coat hanger.

Lt Gen Jaruwat Waisaya, an assistant to the national police chief, explained at a press conference at Phuket Provincial Police headquarters in Phuket Town last Sunday (Feb 23) that the children were taken into protection after raids at four locations in Patong.

Officers from Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division in Bangkok first raided a home in Soi Sila Uthit in Patong, where officers arrested foreign national Ngo Sun, 33, whose nationality was not disclosed, and Thai national Suphattra Charoensuk, 22, originally from Koh Samui.

Both were wanted by an arrest warrant issued last Friday (Feb 21), Lt Gen Jaruwat said.

At the house, officers found three children and equipment for making gar-

The children were rescued from four locations in Patong where they were being kept. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub lands, which the children were forced to sell.

Officers also took 14 more children into protection at three other houses, in Soi Phra Baramee 1 and Soi Nanai 2. At all three locations officers also found equipment for making garlands.

All the 17 children were Cambodian and were taken to the Phuket Shelter for Children and Families on Koh Siray, Lt Gen Jaruwat said.

“Officers will attempt to track down their parents,” he added.

“From questioning, the children were ‘hired’ [sic] by a group of foreigners. They told the children’s parents that

they would take the children to work and pay the parents B5,000 per month.

“After parents agreed, they brought the children into Thailand through jungle paths then came to Phuket.

They rented houses where they stayed with the children and had children sell items on the beach,” Lt Gen Jaruwat explained.

“Some of the children are younger than 15 years old. They did not have any days off, and some of them worked from morning until midnight,” he added.

“They did not receive any money from the things they sold. If they could not reach the daily target, which was

around B3,000, they were hit with a clothes hanger and forced to work until they made B3,000,” Lt Gen Jaruwat said.

The investigation started after some of the children could not bare the beatings anymore, and fled to other provinces,” Lt Gen Jaruwat said.

The suspects arrested will be charged for human trafficking, Lt Gen Jaruwat added.

“The suspects arrested will be questioned as the investigation is expanded,” he said.

“There are still some foreigners involved in this operation that are likely to still be in the Kingdom of Thailand illegally, and police will track these people down so they can be punished in accordance with the law,” he concluded.

All throughout the press conference, Lt Gen Jaruwat made no mention of any involvement by Patong Police in the raids or investigation.

However, Col Akkanit Danpitaksan, who took up the post as Patong Police Chief on Jan 1, was present throughout the press conference.

Water outages bite hard as officials scramble for temporary solution Continued from page 1 ...each day, but how much the water pressure had been reduced was not explained.

The people already suffering the most – just as during the water crisis last year – are those living in Rassada, Mr Graisorn said.

“More than 70,000 families live in Rassada, including those living on Koh Siray, in the Soi Kingkaew area and all the people living in the National Housing Authority projects. Water supply no longer reaches their homes, but we have set up a water supply centre at Baan Sapam School,” he added.

Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana inspected the efforts to deliver emergency water supply to the hard-hit area of Soi Kingkaew on Feb 19.

The Governor admitted that the area, one of the poorest and most densely populated residential areas on the island, had been receiving deliveries of water supplies by Rassada Municipality trucks since

Jan 15, the same day that the PWA reduced the water output from Bang Wad reservoir.

Gov Phakaphong also said he ordered all 19 local municipalities and administrations across the island to provide emergency water supplies wherever needed on Feb 11, three weeks after the output from Bang Wad had been halved.

RUNNING ON EMPTY While the strategy is to keep reducing water pressure to make what reserves the PWA has last as long as possible without actually shutting water supply off, Mr Graisorn warned that reserves may not last as long as needed.

As of Tuesday (Feb 25), Bang Wad reservoir in Kathu contained about 1.74 million cubic metres of water – about 17.1% of the reservoir’s full capacity, Mr Graisorn said.

In other words, the reservoir is currently more than 80% empty.

“At current usage rates this is enough to last 49 days,” he noted.

already dedicated as for use in emergency only as the water level there was so low the water would not be clear enough to be pumped out.

A map showing the areas affected by water outages. Image: PWA Without reducing water supply any further, the forecast will see Bang Wad run dry by mid-April, when the earliest of the annual rains return.

Khlong Kratha reservoir was much healthier, holding 1.425mn m 3, or about 33% of capacity, Mr Graisorn said. “This is enough to last 88 days,” he added.

Bang Neow Dum reservoir, however, currently contains 0.418mn m3, or 5.8% of its capacity. “This is not enough to even use,” he said.

The dwindling water reserves at Bang Neow Dum last year were

HOPE FLOATS “Many private water sources in Phuket are also running dry,” Mr Grisorn noted.

However, he added, “We just made an agreement with the owners of small private water resources in the northwest areas.

“A total of 600,000m3 of water will come from three water sources in Cherng Talay, about 200,000m3of water from each one.

“The water will be piped to the water station at Baan Bangjo [in Cherng Talay] from March 20,” he added.

The water from the private sources will help feed supply to the network serving parts of Cherng Talay, parts of Srisoonthorn, parts of Thepkrasattri, all of Rassada and all of Koh Kaew, Mr Graisorn explained.

Mr Graisor n also noted,

“Srisoonthorn and Cherng Talay use their own private water sources.

They are not connected to mains supply. We are providing some water by water trucks to some areas in Cherng Talay.

“Only some small parts of Thepkrasattri is connected the mains network, but most of the area is served by private water sources,” he added.

“All 600,000m3 of water is coming in March, and it will provide enough water to people currently suffering water outages, especially those in Rassada and Koh Kaew, until May,” Mr Graisorn said.

“But until the rain comes we need to reduce water-supply pressure in Phuket. We are just reducing the supply to try to make what water we have last as long as possible,” Mr Graisorn stressed.

People in need of emergency water supply can call the PWA hotline 1662 or the PWA main office number 076319176, Mr Graisorn noted.

“Or they can call their local municipalities or OrBorTor,” he added. thephuketnews

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Avoiding an ‘empty island’

Phuket calls for prompt government support over COVID-19 The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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he Phuket Chamber of Com merce has appealed to the gover nment in Bangkok for prompt and decisive action as it fears the devastating impact the China coronavirus COVID-19 is having on the island could decimate tourist numbers.

“I explained to the Tourism Committee President Surasak Phanchalernworakul about the situation and how coronavirus is affecting tourism and business in Phuket,” Phuket Chamber of Commerce President Thanusak Phungdet confirmed to The Phuket News last Friday (Feb 21).

“I requested them to share this information with the Prime Minister and other relevant officers in Parliament. The situation is much worse than the government knows,” he added.

Mr Thanusak confirmed that last Thursday (Feb 20) he met with Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee

Attendees of the meeting where Phuket Chamber of Commerce President Thanusak Phungdet detailed the real problems facing Phuket as a result of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Photo: Phuket Chamber of Commerce on Tourism and Phuket MP Nattee Thinsak hu, Thai Hotels Association Vice President Kongsak Khoopongsakorn, Phuket Tourism Council President Sarayut Mallam and other tourism industr y representatives from Phuket to try to find

a solution to the problem.

“The Phuket private sector has been massively impacted by COVID-19,” commented Mr Thanusak. “I’m not sure if the Government are aware of the situation as they have not yet visited to see the problems first hand.

Boy, 3, drowns at Phuket waterpark A 3 -Y E A R- O L D B OY drowned at the Blue Tree Phuket waterpark in Cherng Talay, near Phuket’s central west coast, last Sunday afternoon (Feb 23).

Management at the tourist attraction issued a statement regarding the tragedy, as follows: We are deeply distressed to say that there was a tragic accident today, February 23, at Blue Tree, Phuket.

A three-year old boy wandered into the Landing Pool area of the busy slide area this afternoon. He stumbled and fell under water after which

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The boy apparently wandered into the Landing Pool area of the busy slide area. Photo: Blue Tree Phuket he was spotted by one of the lifeguards on duty who came to his immediate assistance.

He was given mouth-tomouth resuscitation and rushed to Talang Hospital [sic] by

an ambulance that arrived promptly after being called.

Sadly he could not be revived.

The Landing Pool area is strictly for those coming down the slides. Sunday is a very busy day. There are highly-trained life guards positioned at the bottom of the slides to watch people coming down for the purpose of ensuring their safety.

His parents are understandably devastated and we continue to offer our support in any way possible. We are all deeply upset by this extremely sad incident, the statement concluded.

The Phuket News

“It has drastically affected tourism-related businesses.

Many staff have been forced to take a cut in salary although the cost of living here remains the same. If this situation lasts six to 10 months, Phuket may well become an empty island.

“Re cently, t he re a re hardly any Chinese tourists. As a result, more than 20 hotels have already temporarily closed. Many boats and buses are not being used, parked empty. At this time, we have only 50% of the usual number of European

tourists, and it will go down to around 30% next month, and possibly continue to decrease to zero.

“This situation is out of the hands of the private sector and local administrative officers,” he said.

“We want government support for the tourism sector here, to help unemployed staff and to attract Thai people to come to Phuket in order to support local business and help everyone."

Mr Thanusak stated he has requested help from the Minister of Tourism and wants quick resolutions to safeguard Phuket’s standing as the second-highest income generating province in the country.

“It is worrying that the Government did not know the real impact of this bad situation,” he said.

“Government have not yet come to Phuket. It may be because nobody sent information about COVID-19 and its impact. Governors have to see the truth and listen to people’s complains,” Mr Thanusak concluded.

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The speed of taxi justice

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Driver found guilty more than a year after deadly wipeout The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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he driver of the airport taxi that wiped out six cars and a motorbike, killing its rider, in peak hour traffic in Thalang 15 months ago has been released on a suspended sentence and will face a three-month ban from driving his taxi, officials have confirmed.

Marut Puangbanjong was found guilty of two charges against him in a verdict handed down on Nov 12 last year – a year and two weeks after the accident.

Marut was found guilty of one charge of negligence causing death under the Criminal Code, and another charge of reckless operation of a vehicle causing death levied under the Traffic Act. In possibly one of the longest investigations into a traffic accident by Phuket police, Capt Suporn Mueangkai of the Thalang Police, who led the investigation, took 217 days to bring the charge to court.

All throughout the investigation, Capt Suporn, who was transferred to Sakoo Police Station near Phuket International Airport on Aug 1 last

The scene of the wipeout on Thepkrasattri Rd more than 15 moths ago.

Photo: Seang Prachachon Kon Phuket / Facebook year, repeatedly gave Marut’s family name as Puangsombat.

On finally confirming Marut’s correct family name, in October last year, Capt Suporn told The Phuket News, “I am sorry. I confused the wrong family name with another case.”

Without being provided the correct family name, the Phuket Provincial Court and the Phuket Public Prosecutor’s Office both denied any knowledge of the case.

The Phuket News has now been

able to confirm that Marut was initially sentenced to four years imprisonment on Nov 12.

However, his sentence was reduced to two years because he confessed to the charges in court.

Of note, the concept behind judges reducing sentences in consideration of suspects confessing to the charges against them is that the confessions are expected to reduce the time taken for the court to reach a verdict.

Although Marut was incarcerated

at Phuket Provincial Prison to begin serving his sentence on Nov 12 last year, his appeal for leniency through a reduced penalty was upheld on Dec 9.

His sentence was reduced to two years’ suspended sentence and a B200,000 good behaviour bond.

In total, Marut spent 28 days behind bars, though he must now present himself at Phuket Provincial Court once a month.

All throughout the police investigation and the trial Marut was allowed to continue working as a taxi driver, picking up and dropping off tourists at Phuket International Airport.

Phuket Land Transportation Office (PLTO) Chief Policy Specialist Praprai Sounkul confirmed to The Phuket News that Marut will have his commercial passenger vehicle driver’s licence suspended for at least three months.

Marut was issued a notice on Feb 18 giving him seven days to present himself at the PLTO. As of Wednesday (Feb 26). Marut had yet to do so.

“I want him to explain what happened and check his attitude about driving in a public place. If I am not satisfied that he has the right attitude, his suspension may be extended,” Mr Prapai said.

American shoplifter caught Brakes blamed as truck with B43k of luxury wallets crashes into Kata minimart A 21-Y E A R- O L D A M E R Ican tourist has been charged with theft after he stole luxury brand name wallets valued at more than B43,040 from a store at Central Floresta shopping mall, Wichit Police have reported.

Chief Col Sujin Ninbordee of Wichit Police confirmed last Friday (Feb 21) that Christopher Allen Braman, from Oklahoma, had visited the Gucci store at Central Floresta mall around 8pm on Feb 19 and indicated to the store manager, Kantima Niyakit, that he was interested in buying some goods.

He then proceeded to steal a brown wallet valued at B15,500, a tiger print wallet valued at B13,440 and a black bee print wallet valued at B14,100 before leaving the store.

Ms Kantima reported the theft on Feb 20 and police studied CCTV footage to identify the man.

Braman was apprehended by police around 3:07pm last Thursday (Feb 20) at the walkway area of Central Festival mall that connects

The American tourist charged with theft, Christopher Braman, points out the three Gucci wallets that had been hidden in his wardrobe.

Photo: Wichit Police Station to Floresta.

He was then instructed by police to produce the stolen goods, which had been stashed at his rental house, located at 21/57, Soi Chaofa 9 (Soi San Chao Kuan U) in Chalong.

In addition to the theft charge, police also confirmed Braman was charged with overstaying his visa.

Eakkapop Thongtub

FA U LT Y B R A K E S W E R E blamed for a heavy accident that occurred last Saturday (Feb 22) in Kata, where a truck crashed into a Family Mart store.

The driver, Sarayut Poonkhlai, 26, was seriously injured but, miraculously, nobody was killed.

The incident occurred around 6am as Mr Sarayut, who works for Phuket Thai Namkeng Lod Co Ltd, was driving his six-wheeled ice truck from Sai Yuan Rd to Kata, along Patak Rd. As he drove down the hill, he discovered the brakes of his truck were not functioning as well as he thought and he crashed into the Family Mart store.

Responding to the accident, Capt Kittipong Nupheang of Karon Police Station, proceeded to the scene where he found Mr Sarayut and two passengers stuck inside the truck Rescue teams assisted to free all three. Mr Sarayut was seriously hurt although the two passengers suffered only minor injuries. All three were taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital.

“Two staff from the minimart were stuck inside the shop after the

Tourists capture the moment as police and rescue workers survey the damage after the six-wheeled ice truck crashed into the minimart.

Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub truck hit but, thankfully, they were not injured,” said Capt Kittipong.

“I can confirm no tourists were involved,” he added.

“The minimart and two motorbikes were damaged. The truck has been taken to Karon Police Station for investigation.

“Mr Sarayut has not been charged until the investigation is concluded,” Capt Kittipong reported.

Eakkapop Thongtub thephuketnews

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Local vote sinks B19mn Syringe stepped Surin sea wall project on at Layan Beach Khunanya Wanchanwet reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

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n attempt by Cherng Talay Tambon Administration (OrBorTor) Chief MaAnn Samran to refloat a project to build a sea wall on Surin Beach preventing beach erosion was sunk by strong opposition among local residents at a public meeting on Monday (Feb 24).

The project was launched in 2017, and a budget of B19.1 million had already been approved and received by the OrBorTor in order to proceed with construction.

However, strong opposition against the sea wall flared up time and again, and was even cited in complaints of alleged corruption filed against MaAnn in June last year.

“The purpose of the sea wall was to solve the problem of seawater erosion.

This project was suspended in 2017, and returned this year, but we wanted to know local people’s opinions in order to find the best solution,” Mr MaAnn told The Phuket News after the public meeting at OrBorTor offices on Monday.

“All village heads in the Cherng Talay OrBorTor area as well as local residents and business operators were invited to attend the meeting to share their ideas,” he added.

Mr MaAnn received his answer loud and clear at the meeting.

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MAIN: The huge troughs of sand excavated at Surin Beach when construction began in 2017. INSET: MaAnn Samran Photos: File / Cherng Talay OrBorTor “From the meeting, it can be concluded that the local people don’t want the seawall,” he admitted to The Phuket News.

The B19.1 million budget already received by the OrBorTor for the project will now be spent on other projects, Mr MaAnn confirmed.

“We will spend the project budget on something else, such as building fences near the beach, improving the parking lot and making changes to the

Cheng Talay public park located near the beach,” he said.

“The projects were approved by people at the meeting,” he added.

“After this, Cherng Talay OrBorTor will draft the plans for the projects agreed at the meeting and present them to the Phuket Governor for consideration.

“We hope to the projects will be approved and we are able to start them before September,” Mr MaAnn said.

CHERNG TALAY POLICE Chief Col Peerachart Pomboonmee is urging all people at Layan Beach to be careful of dangerous objects in the sand after a regular beachgoer stepped on an old syringe.

The man was preparing to play volleyball on the beach near the jetty for the local fishing boats on Feb 19 when he stepped on something hard, which he at first thought was a hard shell. However, on checking it was confirmed that he stepped on an old syringe.

“He was shocked and scared. Because this thing is an old syringe and the cover is actually broken,” The Phuket News was told.

The man was quickly taken to a nearby clinic, where he was given a tetanus shot.

The doctor inspected the syringe and said that though it was old, the man still needed to go and check his blood for hepatitis B and C in the next two months.

“I have never heard of this kind of incident before. I really don’t know how this old syringe came to be in the sand at the beach,” Cherng Talay Police Chief Col Peerachart told The Phuket News.

A regular beachgoer stepped on the discarded syringe at Layan Beach on Feb 19.

Photo: Supplied Asked whether he believed the syringe was discarded by a drug user, Col Peerachart said, “I have no idea. I will tell my colleagues to check it out at Layan Beach.”

Meanwhile, Col Peerachart urged all beachgoers to be aware of dangerous items in the sand.

“Please be careful of sharp things which may be buried in the sand. It could be broken glass or something else from the trash – even though everyone already knows to not leave any trash on the beach.

“If you find an old syringe, please inform Cherng Talay Police Station immediately by calling the 191 hotline. I want to know how it came to be on the beach.

“If you are cut by anything sharp, hurry to see a doctor and get a tetanus shot,” he added.

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Opinion 6

OPINION

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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.

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EDITORIAL

It’s been beautiful

ithout doubt, Phuket over the past few weeks has been a changed island. With far fewer tourists than usual this time of year, as of Monday (Feb 23) down more than 36% year on year, anyone lucky enough to be in Phuket has been enjoying beautiful clear skies, light traffic and uncrowded beaches.

The island in recent weeks has delivered everything the low season has to offer, without the downpours – which of all ironies is what Phuket needs right now.

The lack of tourists is certainly being felt by those whose incomes relied on Chinese arrivals, even only in part, but those who launched startup hotels and tour businesses with the sole intent of serving just one source market in the hope of making a windfall might be rethinking their core business strategy anytime about now.

Chinese tourists have always been the mainstay of Phuket’s tourism sector, but they were mostly out of the way, hidden on tour buses, in duty-free stores and staying at hotels catering just to them. Complaints about their overwhelming presence in nearly every corner of the island started rolling in only when the unsustainable blitz of Chinese arrivals began a handful of years ago and the spillover saw “first wave” tourists, here only for the cheap option as a holiday, entering new areas on the island.

That unsustainable growth has now experienced what economists call a “market correction”. But Chinese tourists will be back, and the experts say that the recovery will begin after April. They’re likely to be right. One way or they other, by that time people will get back on with their lives – to

go on holidays where they can, health safety permitting.

Phuket remains in that zone.

But the main factor keeping tourists away even before the virus crisis was the cost.

The strength of the baht and the depreciation of currencies in major source markets was already being felt in the drop of international arrivals. The effect was so pronounced that the tourism stimulus measures being rolled out now were first drafted in October last year, before the Wuhan outbreak.

The virus has changed that factor, for now. Airlines are slashing prices just to fill seats and keep flight routes open. Room rates in Phuket are falling through the floor just to get a few more guests.

If the cost was the one thing keeping you away, right now there couldn’t be a better time to have a holiday in Phuket.

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Phuket Opinion: Bangkok says so 17 children rescued from Patong human-trafficking gang American shoplifter charged for stealing B43k of luxury wallets Phuket unemployment jumps 34% as virus fallout bites Travel plans hit by coronavirus as Thais shun Singapore, Japan after advisory Worst yet to come: Wuhan flu fallout to cost Phuket B9bn in March, says PSU expert COVID-19 to get ‘dangerous’ label in Thailand Phuket Immigration confirms 24-hour reporting lifted for more foreigners, 90-day reports remain unchangedS Phuket calls for prompt government support over COVID-19 fallout Lovers eternally bound remain in the heart of Phuket forever -The Sarasin Bridge of Love Remembered

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HAVE YOUR SAY All our eggs in one casket

Re: Worst yet to come: Wuhan flu fallout to cost Phuket B9bn in March, says PSU expert There are no scientific expectations that this virus epidemic will be contained by April. It just started to explode in South Korea which happens to be where many Thai nationals work. It is a global matter. The Phuket athorities need to adjust to this problem as there is no way to predict when this will end.

On a positive note, this can provide a chance to step back, take a look at where we are and what we rely on in our economy and clean up the Phuket tourist industry.

It can allow us to refresh the island. A plus factor is that the permanent inhabitants have a little bit more left over water to consume.

Kurt I think it will be much worse and much longer than they are predicting. Other factors besides the flu are affecting the indusries such as a high baht, over construction of hotels and condos. The biggest

problem is they have run off the higher spending tourists by giving poor customer service.

People do not like to be ripped off and once it happens a few times, they will not return.

Gary Jones Honest opinion; we haven’t even begun to see what will happen in the future. The virus is getting out of control on a global basis.

Geoffrey Morris We got hit harder with the tsunami. It will be alright.

Tourists will return when they are allowed to travel. Take this time to enjoy a quiet high season in Phuket because it does not come easy!

Carrie Nutch Kongpradit

Making an Ark out of a molehill?

Re: Budget requested for phase two of Phuket Town Flood Prevention project Hmm. I thought we needed rain for a flood. There has been none to speak of in the last couple of years. Money will be better spent on getting water to Phuket. Then on the planning of roads, pavements, buses, trucks maintanence,

clean beaches, clean streets and fix everything so as to try to get tourism back on track first.

Simon Lomas Good get it done now while there are no tourists.

Keith Nightingale

What light through yonder window breaks?

Re: Lovers eternally bound remain in the heart of Phuket forever -The Sarasin Bridge of Love RememberedRon I didn’t know this story and it happened only five years before I lived in Phuket.

Karen Woodley I was told of this story a few times upon coming here in the early 2000s.

It seems that new local people don’t know much of the area’s history. I asked about this story a few times since, only to get blank stares in return.

Sean M Ulvihill This couple and story should not be immortalised, or romanticised… certainly

not in the name of “love”.

Suicide is a shortcut, albeit one of despair, desperation and/or emotion. Love did not motivate them to do it. Hate and short-sighted thinking did. It wasn’t their only or best option, but the easiest one that they saw in there emotional state of supressed infatuation.

True eternal love would more accurately be embodied by those couples who despite everything that’s going against them, be it societal, family, economic, etc… would still prevail.

Steven Layne

Kriengjai yen yen

Re: Phuket Opinion: Bangkok says so Good op-ed. Well stated and one only has to look at the moronic Heath Minister to understand why. He wasn’t even aware of the WHO report.

It is so sad that this country is heading the way it is. And if they think that trying to hide the data will stem the tourist cancellations they are most like making a huge error in judgement. Distrust is much worse.

Ron Stroop

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

THAILAND NEWS

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govt accused of Lop Buri gold thief pleads Thai China submissiveness guilty to multiple murders THAILAND

LOP BURI Bangkok Post

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former school headmaster pleaded guilty to charges of multiple murder in the armed robbery of a gold shop in Lop Buri province on Jan 9, at a hearing in the Criminal Court last Friday (Feb 21).

Prosecutors arraigned Prasittichai “Golf” Khaokaew, 38, a former director of Wat Pho Chai School in neighbouring Sing Buri province, on nine counts.

Prasittichai was charged with murdering people to pave the way for another offence, attempted murder to pave the way for other offences, robbery at night with use of firearms and a vehicle that led to deaths and serious injuries.

He was also charged with illegally discharging a firearm in a public place, illegally carrying a firearm in public, illegal possession of weapons and ammunition, illegal possession and use of unregistered weapons, using unregistered weapons to kill and rob others, and using weapons to commit murder and robbery.

The prosecution said Prasittichai, armed with an automatic 9mm pistol fitted with a silencer, entered the Robinson Department store in Lop Buri’s Muang district on Jan 9 to rob the Aurora gold shop. He then shot dead three people and wounded four others before making off with 33 gold necklaces worth B664,470

@thephuketnews

Former school headmaster Prasittichai ‘Golf’ Khaokaew, 38, arrives to hear charges at the Criminal Court on Feb 21. Photo: Apichart Jinakul and then fleeing on a motorcycle.

He is accused of shooting dead security guard Theerachat Nimma, two-yearold Panuwit Wongyoo, and gold-shop employee Thidarat Thongthip.

Prosecutors opposed bail, saying Prasittichai posed a flight risk. They asked the court to convict and punish him, as well as force him to return a missing gold necklace and amulet worth B13,955.

Most of the stolen gold was found hidden in the roof of the carport in his father’s house.

After hearing the charges, Prasittichai pleaded guilty on all counts. The court scheduled witness and evidence examination for March 23 and ordered the suspect be returned to Bangkok Remand Prison.

No bail application has been made since his arrest last month.

Police arrested Prasittichai on Jan 22 in Lop Buri, two weeks after the murder-robbery, as he travelled to school in Sing Buri where he was only recently appointed headmaster.

Prasittichai initially told police and reporters that he robbed the gold shop for excitement. He later admitted his real motive was financial problems.

Media reported the accused owes more than B2 million to teachers’ cooperatives and Krungthai Bank.

Investigators said that Prasittichai had previously spent B300,000 on a BMW Z4, which was later seized in a crackdown on illegally imported cars, landing him with a fine of B600,000.

THE OPPOSITION CRITIcised the government’s economic “submissiveness” to China during the no-confidence debate on Tuesday (Feb 25).

Ekkapob Pianpiset, a Chiang Rai MP for the dissolved Future Forward Party, claimed the government has bowed to China when it comes to trade and investment.

He said some Chinese businesses have been allowed to dominate the lucrative fruit export sector, driving down prices. The price of longan, for example, has tumbled to B13 a kilo at farms, down almost threefold from its peak trading period last year.

Also, the property market was hit by an influx of investors from China buying condominiums and leasing them to tourists and posing direct competition to smalland medium-sized hotels, he said.

He added that the government had little negotiating power with China over the high-speed train project, which went ahead despite the Thai government’s hesitation.

Thailand’s relationship with China was questioned by opposition MPs. Photo: Bangkok Post The MP also said the government allegedly had to informally “implore” China to release water into the Mekong River early this year to ease drought in Thai areas.

Foreign Affairs Minister Don Pramudwinai rebutted the claims, saying the government was not in a pitiful state but had held the meetings with China as “two friends”.

Sarassanan Annopporn, a Pheu Thai MP for Khon Kaen, said the free run the government has given Chinese tech giant Alibaba to operate its e-commerce business and make huge profits is at the expense of local online businesses.

“Large foreign businesses are after profits, first and foremost. There is no way they would come in with the aim to revitalise Thailand’s economy,” he said.

Bangkok Post

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THAILAND NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

COVID-19 man conceals truth THAILAND A N E L D E R LY M A N has put 30 staff of B.Care Medical Center in Bangkok’s Sai Mai district at risk of contracting coronavirus after denying he had travelled overseas.

The management of the hospital stated Wednesday (Feb 26) that the man arrived at the facility on Sunday (Feb 23) with a cough and a fever.

When questioned, he said he had not travelled abroad.

He was initially diagnosed with pneumonia and was admitted.

The following morning, a lung expert examined him and asked if he had taken an overseas trip. He again denied leaving the country.

Later in the morning he admitted to travelling to Japan. He was isolated and immediately given a COVID-19 test. The result showed he had contracted the disease.

“The patient’s concealment and denial of the overseas trip resulted in 30 hospital officials who came into close contact with him being put at risk of contracting the

Thermal scanning is seen in place at Suvarnabhumi airport. Photo: Pornprom Satrabhaya COVID-19 infection,” the hospital stated.

The staff initially tested negative but were to be checked repeatedly over the next 14 days. They were put on home quarantine.

Media reported that the patient travelled to Hokkaido with his family members and returned on a f light to Thailand last Thursday (Feb 20).

He was listed as one of the three new cases in a briefing on Wednesday by Permanent Health Secretary Sukhum Karnchanapimai, taking the country’s total to 40.

‘Full war with COVID-19’ The outbreak of COVID-19 has hurt Thailand’s tourism-dependent economy and sparked a slump in the

country’s stock market and its currency.

At the same briefing, Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul COVID-19 has been classified as a dangerous communicable disease and anybody with suspected symptoms after visiting a high-risk country must report to the authorities within three hours.

Mr Anutin said Thailand has detected more suspected cases and groups at risk of contracting the disease, as well as infections from travellers returning home after visiting high-risk countries.

“Those who are planning to travel abroad in this period, if it’s possible to avoid that, please avoid it,” Mr Anutin said.

“We a re enter i ng a full war with COVID-19,” he added. Bangkok Post

Former Deputy Minister for Commerce Pol Lt Col Banyin Tangpakorn is arrested by the Crime Suppression Division at his house in Muang district of Nakhon Sawan province last Sunday (Feb 23). Photo: Crime Suppression Division

Ex-minister Banyin faces murder rap BANGKOK Bangkok Post

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ormer deputy commerce minister Pol Lt Col Banyin Tangpakorn and five other suspects are facing six charges including premeditated murder.

Three of the suspects reportedly confessed to kidnapping the brother of a senior judge in a move to influence her ruling, but reportedly ended up killing the victim. So far Banyin has remained silent.

Wirachai Sakuntaprasoet, the older brother of Bangkok South Criminal Court judge Phanida Sakuntaprasoet, was allegedly abducted while Phanida was hearing a case against Banyin over an illegal share transfer.

The five suspects, excluding the ex-minister, agreed to cooperate with police, a source close to the investigation said Tuesday (Feb 25). However, three of the five suspects apparently confessed to the crime.

The suspects have been identified as Manat Thapnin,

67, Narongsak Pomchan, 49, Prachawit Sithongsuk, 33, Chatchai Menkun, 31, and Pol Snr Sgt Maj Thongchai Wachisatcha, 63.

Banyin, 56, meanwhile, appeared calm while being escorted from the Crime Suppression Division to the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases in Bangkok. He refused to talk to the media.

Banyin’s wife, Waraphon, is believed to be building his defence once the case goes to court. Police have pressed six charges against him and the five suspects, including premeditated murder, conspiracy to detain a person leading to his or her death, threatening a state official, illegal assembly, demanding a ransom and abduction.

Wirachai was allegedly kidnapped on Feb 4 by four men, including Banyin, though Ms Waraphon insists some of the suspects can prove they were at a funeral in Nakhon Sawan, while others can prove they were not at the crime scene.

However, police said

Narongsak, Prachawit and Chatchai have admitted to abducting the victim with Banyin.

They also led investigators to a house on Ratchada 33 Road in Bangkok, which allegedly belongs to Banyin, where they claim the abduction plan was hatched.

On Feb 4, the judge’s brother was allegedly forced into a car near the Bangkok South Civil Court, and while being taken to Nakhon Sawan, Wirachai sustained fatal injuries.

Wirachai’s body was believed to have been burned and his remains stuffed in fertiliser bags and dumped in the Chao Phraya River.

According to a police officer, around 20 pieces of charred bones have been found in tambon Nikhom Khao Bo Kaeo in Nakhon Sawan’s Phayuha Khiri district.

Though the victim’s remains are yet to be retrieved, Crime Suppression Division chief Pol Maj Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej said forensic evidence will be “enough to take further legal action”.

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

BUSINESS NEWS

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Looking to India for relief Growth in Indian tourist arrivals may stave off COVID-19 fallout TOURISM The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

W

ith the number of Chinese tourists coming to Phuket declining rapidly, increasing numbers of Indian tourists are set to be a boon for the island’s tourism sector, Gulu Lalvani, CEO and Founder of Royal Phuket Marina, has pointed out.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand estimates that nearly 2 million Indians visited Thailand in 2019, which marks a 24.85% increase over 2018 figures, Mr Lalvani recently explained to The Phuket News.

“The strong Thai baht, and many other outside factors, including the US-China trade war and the recent outbreak of the COVID-19 virus have led to a decrease in Thailand’s overall tourism numbers, with the number of Chinese tourists taking a particularly big hit. Indian numbers, however, continue to grow,” Mr Lalvani said.

“This surge of Indian tourists has been of particular help to Phuket. Indian arrivals to Phuket in 2019 grew year-over-year by 298%, due largely to the launch of GoAir direct flights from Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai in October 2018,” he added.

According to a January

@thephuketnews

Surging numbers of Indian tourists to Phuket will help balance the decreasing numbers of Chinese tourists in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, says Royal Phuket Marina CEO and Founder Gulu Lalvani. Photo: AoT Phuket 2020 report from C9 Hotelworks, total year-on-year arrivals to Phuket in 2019 declined by 4% in Q1 and 7% in Q2. The numbers of travellers from Europe and Australia shrank, while Chinese arrivals declined year-over-year by 9%.

“However, passenger arrivals balanced out over the third and fourth quarters of 2019 – growing by 3% and 8% respectively. This resurgence of tourism numbers

was buoyed by growing demand from the Asian markets of Malaysia, Singapore and, most notably, India,” Mr Lalvani said.

Middle-class Indian tourists have been providing a much-needed boost for Phuket’s mid-range resorts and Food & Beverage outlets, Mr Lalvani added.

Wealthier Indian travellers have been flocking to Phuket for weddings, incentive trips, and high-end events, such as

the Thailand Yacht Show, which was held this year at Royal Phuket Marina on Jan 9-12. Over the course of the four-day event, many Indian attendees bought boats, taking advantage of Thailand’s 0% tax on the purchase of yachts, Mr Lalvani noted.

“India has a population of over 1.3 billion people and will soon surpass China as the most populous country on Earth. As their economic power rises, more and more

Indians are developing an appetite for international travel,” said Mr Lalvani.

“With its pristine nature and wide range of accommodations and restaurants, Phuket is an ideal destination for Indians looking to escape the hustle and bustle of their crowded cities,” he added.

Mr Lalvani, who himself has Indian origins, has seen Indian travellers help to stabilise Phuket’s tourism numbers before. After the

Phoenix boat tragedy in 2018, Phuket saw the worst decline in tourist arrivals since the 2004 tsunami.

Mr Lalvani convinced his friend Jeh Wadia, Managing Director of GoAir to launch three direct flights from India to Phuket in October of 2018.

“These direct flights were instrumental in boosting tourist numbers after the shortfall of Chinese tourists from 2018 until now,” Mr Lalvani said.

Already this year, Mr Lalvani is in discussion with Mr Wadia to launch another seven direct flights from India to Phuket to support Phuket tourism during the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the island’s tourism industry.

“If these new seven flights can happen, Phuket will be able to welcome more Indian tourists and relief from the shortage of tourists this year which will help overall Phuket and Thailand economically in 2020,” Mr Lalvani explained.

“Indians used to be 15th in arrival numbers to Phuket.

By the end of 2019, they rose to third, behind only China and Russia,” he said.

“I have no doubt that they will be first in the near future.

Phuket is quickly becoming one of the world’s leading lifestyle destinations and Indian tourists have been, and will continue to be, a huge part of the island’s success.”

10 BUSINESS NEWS

Unemployment jumps 34% amid virus fallout ECONOMY THE NUMBER OF PEOple in Phuket looking for work has jumped 34% year on year since late January in the fallout of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19), the Phuket Provincial Employment Office (PPEO) has confirmed.

“After Chinese government banned their citizens from travel abroad because of COVID-19, the number of people coming to register as unemployed has been rising quickly,” PPEO officer Thatkwan Surin told The Phuket News last Friday (Feb 21).

“About 80 people come to register as unemployed every day. In total about 1,000 people have registered as unemployed from Jan 26-Feb 20,” she said.

The rise marked a 34% increase on the number of people formally registered as unemployed compared with the same period last year, Ms Thatkwan noted.

“They all used to work in the hospitality industry, as tour guides, hotel staff or boat drivers,” Ms Thatkwan said.

“Staff of hotels, tour operators and restaurants that opened especially to serve Chinese

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Airlines scramble to slash prices, target cost-cutting TOURISM Narumon Kasemsuk & Dusida Worrachaddejchai

The number of registered unemployed has jumped 34%. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot tourists are the main ones affected, as their companies have lost their main source of income and need to cut costs,” she added.

The spike in Phuket’s jobless has created a surplus of qualified candidates, Ms Thatkwan said.

“The PPEO currently has only 112 vacancies recorded in our system, with 335 people qualified to apply for those positions,” she explained.

“We have helped those people seeking work by registering them to receive compensation from social security, suggesting new jobs to them and we will hold a job market event on Mar 15,” Ms Thatkwan added.

“At the event, there will be more than 40 vacancies available, but that will be for around 1,000 people to apply for,” she added.

Khunanya Wanchanwet

T

he unease caused by COVID-19 is expected to drag down Thai tourism for more than six months, triggering airlines to slash ticket prices to steer the market, while Nok Air and Nokscoot cut pilots and cabin crew to save costs.

Thai Airways International (THAI) is partnering with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to offer discounts such as free domestic tickets to international tourists. Low-cost carriers plan to focus on local tourists opting for domestic travel as there is a limited number of outbound choices free from the virus.

Thai AirAsia is providing B100 discounts for any domestic routes within a designated period, while Nok Air is offering one-way ticket prices for domestic routes starting from B680 this month.

Vietjet Air has marked down all routes across Thailand by 50%.

As the outbreak spreads to more countries, Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) believes the impact will last longer than six months, and the losses will be larger than the TAT’s projection of B250 billion, said Chairat Trirattanajarasporn, president of TCT. “Operators are ready to comply with stimulus plans from the authorities to

No passengers are seen at check-in counters of Thai AirAsia at 4pm on Thursday (Feb 20) at Don Mueang airport as the coronavirus outbreak affects air travel. Photo: Pornprom Satrabhaya / Bangkok Post secure at least 36 million international tourists this year. But the government has to think and act faster than this, or most businesses will collapse because of the impact,” said Mr Chairat.

The THAI-TAT collaboration – Amazing Flight, Amazing Thailand – will be launched in March at ITB Berlin 2020, one of the biggest trade shows in Europe, for travel during May to October, said Tanes Petsuwan, deputy governor of marketing communications at TAT. Under the six-month campaign, THAI will offer 10,000 tickets to Thailand to international tourists with at least a 20% discount, plus a round-trip ticket for a domestic route operated by THAI or

THAI Smile Airways.

“We’ll start with 10,000 tickets. If the feedback is good TAT will talk with THAI about increasing the number of sale tickets,” said Mr Tanes.

This project has a budget of around B30 million , shared equally by the two parties. It expects to stimulate tourist spending of around B500mn.

NokScoot airline issued a statement that 11 pilots and 36 cabin crew were told to leave the company, while Nok Air axed four pilots. The airlines want to save on operation cost amid a severe economic situation and the virus outbreak. Nok Air has tried many attempts to control costs.

Bangkok Post

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Is it the best breakfast in Phuket?

12

Are circular cities the answer?

17

A MONK OF ANOTHER COLOUR From patchwork to nanoparticles: The journey of the cloth

Orange-clad Thai novice.

Photo: Medium.com

ALL ABOUT BUDDHISM Jason A. Jellison mitnoy@live.com

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was recently asked why there are so many different colours of Buddhist robes in Thailand and Asia?

It seems like a simple question, but in reality the answers are complicated and sometimes even contradict each other.

Some 2,600 years ago, Buddha Gautama founded the Buddhist religion and Buddhist monks take a vow of extreme poverty. They forsake all of their worldly possessions – including modern clothing. Back then, their only possessions generally were two robes, a walking stick, simple medical supplies and an alms bowl.

Originally, robes were made from unwanted fabric which the general public had thrown away. Buddhists would forage for fabric; even from piles of trash. Then, contaminated cloth would be carefully dissected away and the leftover product would be a mishmash of unpredictable fabrics.

These peculiar tapestries were then boiled in a brew of various tree barks, vegetable particulates, flowers and ancient herbs. The boiling created one uniform, comfortable sheet. Then, turmeric, cumin and saffron were added to dye the robes with their distinctive ‘Saffron’ (orange) colour, which we still commonly see in Thailand today.

Traditionally, Siamese Buddhist monks wore a three-piece Saffron robe and the ancient Order of Siamese Buddhist Nuns wore a five-piece robe.

Ancient texts record that the pattern @thephuketnews

Thai monks awaiting alms. Photo: Escrituras-Eremitas for the Saffron robe was inspired by a conversation with Buddha.

One day, Buddha instructed the disciple to go out into the fields of ancient India and to outline a standard robe design which was based upon the swaying rice paddies of the time. This resulted in a sectional pattern, and this general pattern still underlines many Buddhist robes throughout the world; albeit with some substantial regional differences.

However, weaving a robe was no easy affair in ancient times. Robes were constructed one at a time, and significant craftsmanship and attention to detail were required. Due to their large size, these robes also had to be constructed on a special wooden board called a ‘kathina’.

Buddhist monks and nuns were frequently forbidden from asking relatives or friends to sow them a robe. Instead, the ‘Kathina Holiday’ was declared as a four-week holiday in which robes could

be gifted by the greater community.

Although forest monks often made their own robes, it was not uncommon in urban temples for the community to arrive en masse, whereupon the Senior Abbot would collect all of the robes that well-wishers had painstakingly constructed. He would generally dispense them based upon a combination of need and seniority.

However, young men who were not yet Monks wore plain white clothes prior to their ordination. In Thailand today, these white clothes sometimes bear the addition of gold striping because, for some Thais, the golden colour symbolises prosperity and health.

As Buddhism spread throughout Asia and entered into new lands, the most traditional robes were not always sufficiently warm as cold weather protection was not necessary in the subtropical climate of Thailand. Additionally, ancient Chinese culture considered

Red-robed Myanmar novices. Photo: Medium.com it rude to expose a shoulder, so the Indian style was discontinued due to local sensitivities. Even today many Thai monks also cover their shoulders when outside their temple.

Some Southeast Asian dyes were very expensive in East Asia. As a result, Tibet used red dye. Meanwhile, yellow was a very auspicious colour in ancient China, so this colour started to appear on some Chinese robes. Northeastern Asian robes frequently infused Taoist patterns.

Buddhism spread through most of Asia, so robes changed due to dyes, climates, preexisting Taoist and Shinto influence, as well as the fact that some Monks lived in agrarian Monasteries, and therefore did not collect morning alms. Robe colour also started to change due to theological and political disagreements and sadly, this discord continues today.

Continued on page 12

12 CULTURE

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Cambodian monks walking. Photo: MyGapYear

Saffron inspired by the Buddha Continued from page 11 Many people do not understand that the ancient rules in Buddha’s time were actually not written down until several centuries later.

Previously, Monastic rules were passed down orally, and this passage of time causes problems today.

First, the Pali texts which still survive were not written down until long after Buddha had passed away, which increases the chances of variation.

Worse still, we no longer have all of the original Indian texts. Many records largely survived in ancient Chinese translations, and some fragmented Pali records rediscovered by 19th Century British Colonialist scholars in India.

Six major translations of the Monastic Code were ferried by Monks into China, and it was these second-hand texts which survived intact as Buddhism declined in India.

Two of the Chinese records documenting robe colours directly contradict one another. While fundamentalists may hate to admit it, our records outlining life in the time of the Buddha really do leave room for interpretation and question.

Regardless, ancient texts conflict on many issues, so many powerful groups started interpreting the rules differently. So, China attempted to create a uniform Monastic Code in the 7th century and had surprisingly good luck.

Siam also attempted to organize uniform Buddhist practices in the 18th and 19th centuries, but was not as successful as China.

Siam had several Supreme Patriarchs who commanded large numbers of regional Monks, but Siam eventually reduced this into one appointed Supreme Patriarch. Bangkok’s elites of the time were concerned about regionalism and desired central authority.

In 1833, King Mongkut created the Thammayut Order of Buddhists which eliminated certain folk practices and legends. King Chulalongkorn centralized Buddhism in 1902 in ways which were inspired from Japanese reforms a few years earlier. The Sangha Act of 1902 had great interest in recently rediscovered Pali manuscripts and less interest in regional Siamese practices & manuscripts. However, a formal historical preservation for the non-Pali documents was called for in a 1907 address.

However, only 10% of Thailand’s Buddhists became Thammayut. Much of the other 90% largely belong to a large denomination which is called ‘Maha Nikaya,’ and there are many regional Buddhist traditions in Thailand, as well as a small number of Mahayana Buddhists.

Additionally, there are a few rogue Buddhist leaders with unique ideas.

These Buddhist preachers are sometimes controversial, and some have recently tried to modernize Buddhism; meeting fierce resistance from Thai fundamentalists who insist on only one form of Thai Buddhism.

In 2014, the Dhammayutti denomi-

nation asked every Monk in Thailand to wear the Saffron robe, but Thailand’s Forest Monks still wear brown robes (because their robes have historically been dyed from Thai jackfruit trees).

Some forest Monks still make their own robes by hand in traditional Thai ways.…but, the times they are a changing.

In modern Bangkok, citizens have a plastic waste crisis and one local Thai Temple has transformed crisis into opportunity. In Samut Prakan (near Bangkok), the Wat Chak Daeng Temple has invented their own process of grinding used plastic water bottles down into a fine powder which is then mulled into a zinc-oxide, plasticized, artificial fabric. The ‘Nanoparticles’ are then added as a permanent fabric softener deodorizer.

Volunteers than make merit by sowing traditional robes out of this space-age new material.

So, over 2,600 years, Buddhism has travelled all around the world. There are many denominations, many different people, as well as many competing ideas. Yet, despite all of our human faults-and-failings, the result is a dazzling explosion of beautiful colours.

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

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

ENTERTAINMENT 13

Buck to the drawing board Hollywood Call of the Wild CGI rendering of Buck is awkaward and unbeliveable David Griffiths

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f 2020 is remembered for anything in the world of cinema it will be as the year where Hollywood found it was not immune to outside influence. An actress lost a role because she was not transgender and an animated blue hedgehog was taken back to the drawing board all because of public backlash. Now with The Call Of The Wild hitting cinemas this week we see the inclusion of a CGI dog because of threats made by animal welfare groups when the film was in preproduction and it was expected that a real dog would be used in the film. It was a drastic step by the producers and one that does ultimately affect the film.

Based on Jack London’s classic novel, the film follows Buck, a young dog who in the 1890s was kidnapped from his pampered home and sold in the Yukon as a sled dog. It is here where Buck first crosses paths with a grizzled old prospector named John Thornton (Harrison Ford) who has turned his back on his family while on his own personal journey.

Buck soon finds himself purchased

by Perrault (Omar Sy – Jurassic World) and his wife Francoise (Cara Gee – Red Rover) who use their sled dogs to deliver mail on one of the world’s most notorious routes. It is during these dangerous treks that Buck soon starts to find himself hearing the call of his ancestors.

As a film, The Call Of The Wild is solid. But while it is listed as a family film it does have some scenes that maybe distressing for some of the younger members of the audience.

There are several fights between the canine characters and a scene which depicts a semi-violent bar fight involving John. But of course the question on everybody’s lips is ‘what does the CGI dog look like?’

If you follow film news closely you will remember that when the first trailer for The Call Of The Wild was released, the CGI dog was laughable.

The good news is that there has been some obvious re-edits made since then because the Buck that appears in the film is very different to the one that appeared in the trailer. But if you are expecting Buck to look as smooth and as realistic as the animals from The

@thephuketnews

John Thornton played by Harrison Ford and CGI rendering of Buck. Photo: The Call of the WIld Lion King, then think again.

Early on the CGI Buck looks very awkward, awkward and awful if I’m really being honest. While interacting with Judge Miller (Bradley Whitford – Get Out) Buck is often put through a series of slapstick moments. As director Chris Sanders (How To Train Your Dragon) tries to enhance the comedy of those moments he uses close-ups on Buck’s face. That ends up being a big mistake as the CGI dog seems to permanently look goofy and at no time does it ever look real.

Luckily, the CGI work does seem to get better as the film goes on and after Buck arrives in the Yukon it does get easier to accept him as a ‘real’ dog. It is strange that the CGI looks so bad early on in the film especially when the other dogs and wolves that we meet in the film look so natural, it almost feels like various artists have been involved with the animation and some do not have the experience of the others.

CGI dogs aside though this is a powerful story that allows some of the humans to really shine through in their roles. Omar Sy is brilliant as the determined Perrault. As an actor he seems to relish a role where the black and white sides of Perrault are not always clear. However, even Sy’s performance seems to pale into significance when you compare it to the work of the legendary Harrison Ford here.

Over the past few years Ford has been given a lot of softer roles so it is good to see him get a chance to deliver some great character acting like he does here. Ironically it is while playing John Thornton that we get to see

the softer side of Ford as he portrays a damaged character in a way is searching for his own redemption. Ford puts in a real rounded performance as his anger flares in scenes where he is forced to protect Buck while there are other more touching scenes that see him share some sentimental moments with his canine companion.

The best part of The Call Of The Wild though is the way that director Chris Sanders and screenwriter Michael Green (Logan) have captured the magic of Jack London’s original novel.

The film looks at some powerful storylines involving redemption and how no matter how hard we try we never can really tame anything that still has a

wild streak at heart. It is not an over exaggeration to say that this is a film that will see its audience go through a range of emotions starting with laughter and going right through to tears.

Sadly the damage done by that early trailer is going to continue to hamper The Call of The Wild at the box office.

Yes, there are moments during the film where you will look at the CGI and wonder how in 2020 that kind of standard can make it to the big screen but there are also moments of true beauty and wonder as well.

The film is also damaged by a severely weak and stereotypical bad guy played by Dan Stevens (Beauty And The Beast) yet, just like the dogged determination of Buck, finds a way to even overcome that. Yes, a great script and one of the best acting performances of Harrison Ford in years are just enough to save a film that was very nearly sunk by threats of protest before it even left preproduction.

3/5 Stars

14 DINING

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Sun, Sand, Sea and Sausages!

Possibly the best breakfast in Phuket?

THE CULINARY DETECTIVE Chris Watson chriswatsonth@gmail.com

I

t is always a pleasure to receive a call from The Nai Harn inviting me to experience their latest culinary offering, however I must admit, I am more used to heading there for a late lunch or an early evening bite at one of their multitude of world class restaurants.

So, when my phone rang and Executive Chef, Mark Jones, invited me for breakfast, I was somewhat surprised, and to meet at Rock Salt at 8am in the morning, positively intrigued.

Whilst starting the day at The Nai Harn’s all day dining restaurant, Cos-

mo is definitely an experience, showcasing premium products in a vast array of delectable dishes with Mark’s trademark attention to detail, Rock Salt, isn’t even open, or is it?

I am not the first to arrive at this renowned semi open-air beachside restaurant, with several casual tables strategically placed at the entrance, occupied by what appears to be a combination of both local Phuket residents and holidaymakers. I notice they are also enjoying lattes, pastries and tall glasses of vibrant fresh orange juice.

As Mark approaches, I do recall hearing that Rock Salt was offering morning coffees and pastries, but this is hardly front-page news. For those who have not had the pleasure of meeting Mark, immaculately dressed in his whites and continually scanning din-

ers, plates and both kitchen and service staff, he can initially appear somewhat formidable, his standards extremely high and his level of tolerance for errors, particularly low.

We embrace as old friends and he leads me into the restaurant proper, where a table has already been set for three. Service staff, always charming and efficient bring me my usual latte and Mark joins me brandishing an elegant menu. Pleasantries out of the way, he excitedly tells me the reason for my invitation.

“It was always part of the grand plan, to offer a selection of signature breakfast dishes at Rock Salt to appeal to both our island residents and visiting tourists, not staying at The Nai Harn who wish to indulge in a keenly priced premium ingredient focused breakfast.

Whilst we began by offering continental style coffees and pastries, we are now launching a more comprehensive service.”

Indeed prices appear to be incredibly good value with the ‘Full Monty’ Rock Salt breakfast, priced at B325 and Eggs Benedict at B295. I also notice that in line with all restaurants at The Nai Harn, prices are shown net, with no added taxes or service charge; the price you see, is the price you pay!

Also, knowing Mark’s meticulous care, I am confident all dishes will feature only the very best products available. Our additional diner this morning is the ever-present General Manager, Frank Grassmann who arrives with impeccable timing, just as we order.

Somewhat un-European, we order several dishes to share and Mark briefly exits to supervise their preparation. Whilst waiting, I notice that Nai Harn beach is even at this early hour, surprisingly busy when I wrongly perceived the general populous would still be recovering from their late night clubbing the previous evening; Frank gives me his take. “Nai Harn beach has always been popular with visitors and residents alike who head there first thing in the morning to grab a soughtafter spot from which they may enjoy the day. It was this that many months ago sparked the idea to eventually offer a quality signature breakfast to engage both our local community and guests from other hotels who may not have the capacity or desire for a super extensive traditional buffet breakfast, or equally important, the budget.”

Mark returns accompanied by a friendly waitress who presents us with, chia seed and bananas, steak and egg and egg benedict; thank goodness, I have no lunch engagement. Mark de-

Steak and egg at Rock Salt. scribes the healthy option as chilled chia seed and coconut milk porridge with bananas, candied pecans, crumbled baked cashew nuts and topped with a drizzle of Chiang Mai blossom honey.

I begin with the steak and egg; a deliciously tender pork gammon steak, home-cured with demerara sugar for four to five weeks and air dried for up to five days, finished off in the wood fired oven, lightly charred and served with slightly crisp yet melt in the mouth rosti fritter, fried egg and squeaky spinach. Frank chooses the eggs benedict, perfectly poached according to Mark’s secret technique, incidentally which I aim to elicit from him at some future juncture, with a twist on the predictable ham of slivers of prosciutto adding lightness and a welcome hint of saltiness, then finished with a velvety hollandaise.

There are several other options available, all including painstakingly sourced ingredients, home-made northern Thailand Kurobuta pork sausages, fresh smoked Scottish salmon, daily inhouse baked bread and croissants, fruit danish and pain au raisin of course all made with French butter.

The menu is continually evolving with home cured bacon, a work in progress and for dog walkers a sure to be welcomed, soon to be launched initiative of dishes that will cater for both equally valued parties!

Finishing off my second latte, there are few other settings on the island where one can enjoy such idyllic views and a value for money, high quality breakfast experience; in fact, I can’t think of any. If you can, please email me.

Rock Salt is open for Breakfast from 7:30am to 10:00am daily.

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. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

EVENTS 15

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Sharp minds with sharp knives QSI Phuket prepares to host the 4th Annual Culinary Competition The Phuket News

T

he 4th Annual Culinary Competition hosted

by QSI Phuket is set to be the biggest and best yet. This year’s culinary competition will take place March 14th and will see budding young chefs go head to head in front of some of Phuket’s top chefs.

Joining us this year will be Executive Chef Adam Goodman from Two Chefs, Executive Chef Pablo Blattmann from DeDos, Executive Chef Jonathan Bruell from Boathouse and Executive Chef Tony Wrigley from Sala who has created this year’s “Chef’s Dish.”

The format for the senior competition for students aged 12 – 18 will see teams of up to five students prepare a signature dish using a predetermined ingredient, as well as replicate a dish prepared by one of the guest chefs.

The students will have an hour to prepare both dishes in what will surely be an exciting atmosphere filled with creative cuisine. This year’s essential ingredient will be Quinoa, a cereal like seed-based crop essential to the ancient Incan empire and popularized by the modern health food industry.

Last year saw the addition of the junior division aged 8 – 11. Students will have one hour to prepare a dish of their choosing to show off their creative chops.

The aim of this competition has always been to offer a creative outlet for students who are interested in the culinary arts with the opportunity to learn from the island’s top chefs.

Last year’s winners were fortunate enough to spend the day in one of Phuket’s top restaurants courtesy of Chef Pablo and his team at DeDos Restaurant.

@thephuketnews

Executive Chef Adam Goodman from Two Chefs. Photo: Two Chefs The winners were able to experience all operations throughout the day from sourcing ingredients from the local markets, food prep and cooking as well as service.

These kinds of prizes are invaluable to our young chefs, and we are very fortunate to have our guest chefs take time out of their busy schedules to participate.

This year we have Villa Market join our consistent supporters at Two Chefs and The Phuket News as sponsors for the event. The support of both the

Executive Chef Pablo Blattmann from DeDos. Photo: DeDos chefs and sponsors make this all possible, and we are very excited to see what this year’s contestants will be whipping up. A number of schools have already registered their teams and we are anticipating the biggest event yet.

Two Chefs and the QSI students will also be selling burgers at the event in preparation for their participation in Phuket’s Best Burger Competition. We look forward to seeing you all at QSI Phuket from 10 am on March 14th for a culinary spectacle not to be missed.

16 DINING

Lemmon tart cake

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Chocolate cake

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Cake display case at Hommes

Sweetness and a smile in Phuket

Homemade Espresso and Donuts at Hom•mes by Good Cafe CAFE

SOCIETY Amy Bensema bensema.amy@gmail.com

The Ocean Blue Italian Soda was light, refreshing and perfect for the hot Phuket summer day.

T

ucked away at the entrance to Tamarind Villa, Hom•mes by Good Cafe Phuket is a popular new coffee shop located between the Chalong and Kata Beach neighbourhoods.

The newest addition to the ‘Good Cafe’ family, the coffee shop serves up strong, robust coffee and a variety of desserts in an elegant yet charming setting.

Hom•mes by Good Cafe Phuket had been on my radar since its grand opening, and when I finally had the chance to visit, I was highly impressed. The coffee shop itself is an Instagram dream. Full of gorgeous natural light, antique furniture, large greenery and beautiful succulents, it is a wonderful spot to enjoy an afternoon break or a quick catch up with friends.

The staff are sweet and full of smiles, and quick to answer questions or make recommendations. The cake display case is jaw-dropping. Featuring loads of unique dessert items and exquisitely decorated cakes, lovers of anything sweet will be happily satisfied by the overall amount of choice. It should be noted that the coffee shop also serves adorably presented donut balls on a stick, as well as other interesting donut concoctions such as the Carbonara Donut!

I visited Hom•mes by Good Cafe Phuket with a friend, and we decided to share Chocolate Cake and

a slice of Lemon Tart. The Chocolate Cake was rich and moist, with a creamy homemade frosting while the Lemon Tart was bursting with fresh lemon citrus flavour. Cakes are well priced, with most being in the B100 range.

My Iced Latte was strong without too much sugar to overtake the smooth coffee flavour, as is far too often the “Thai style” overly sweet palette prone concoction offered. The Ocean Blue Italian Soda was light, refreshing and perfect for the hot Phuket summer day.

The coffee shop serves a large variety of coffee and non-coffee drinks, such as Thai Iced Tea, as well as Italian Sodas.

Personally, I enjoyed the ambiance of Hom•mes by Good Cafe Phuket very much. It is indeed a charming spot, and the overstuffed chairs are nice to sink into while enjoying a sweet treat. I noticed a few remote workers in the corner while I was there, and noted to myself that the coffee shop would be a good place to work, especially for those looking for a bit of creative inspiration.

Hom•mes by Good Cafe Phuket is open Monday to Saturday from 8:00am5:00pm, and on Sundays, the coffee shop is open from 9:00am-5:00pm. Essentially, the coffee shop is a little white house with a gorgeous green courtyard and garden which really promotes a relaxed, tropical vibe for those who choose to sit outside.

Follow Hom•mes by Good Cafe Phuket on Facebook at www.facebook. com/hommesespresso/ to learn more about the coffee shop and discover their enticing desserts and pastries. It is a lovely place that is well worth making a stop at when you find yourself inbetween the Chalong and Kata Beach neighbourhoods.

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.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Transitioning to a Resource Based Economy SUSTAINABLY YOURS Palmer Owyoung

I

f you turn on the news today or browse through social media, it is easy to believe the world is coming to an end.

Scenes of fires, floods, hurricanes, poverty, war, disease, political, economic and social strife inundate us daily. So much so, that it is hard to see the world has improved in the past 50 years.

According to Swedish physician Hans Rosling in Factfulness, life expectancy is rising, while child mortality, birth rates, violence and extreme poverty are falling.

In Abundance: The Future is Better Than You Think, futurist and entrepreneur Peter Diamandis details how tele-communications, cost of food, healthcare, transportation, computing power and electricity have all become more effiecient and cleaner.

He also notes that because of the internet and the exponential increase in computing power, people have a greater ability to solve problems than any other time in the history of humanity.

In tech, building innovative cars and rockets used to be the exclusive purview of governments and large corporations until Elon Musk launched Tesla and Rocket X, two startups who beat out more established companies like GM and Boeing.

So, if we're not all doomed and the world isn't going to descend into a chaotic, dystopic, Terminator-like mess, what could it look like in the next 20 years?

For that, we can look to architect and social engineer Jacques Fresco who coined the term "Resource-Based Economy," which he describes as "A socio-economic model utilizing science and technology toward social betterment to achieve a sustainable civilization of abundance for all."

He describes a world with less crime, poverty, hunger, and homelessness that lives in balance with nature rather than trying to exploit it by intelligently applying science and technology. Fresco describes a society that encourages creative thinking and emphasizes cooperative problem solving over competition.

So, let's take a look at some of the things going on today that might help fulfill his vision of the future.

The construction industry has one of the highest carbon footprints accounting for 39% of CO2 emissions, with 28% coming from the process of building and 11% from the materials.

In the near future, our cities could be built using prefabricated modular components made with 3D printers. They could then be assembled onsite similar to the way Lego bricks interlink. This @thephuketnews

would result in homes and buildings that would be 5% the cost of current ones, are sturdier, more environmentally friendly and quicker to build.

Furthermore, NASA has begun exploring the use of fungi to grow structures on Mars and the moon. A similar approach could be taken on Earth, eliminating the need for building materials altogether.

With the threat of rising sea levels, future cities could be built on water.

These could house millions and would also act as flood barriers, research centres, universities and marine farms, which would also enable us to develop better ecological awareness and balance with the oceans.

Cities on land would be integrated with parks, gardens and automated farms, which could feed the population without the need for pesticides, fertilizers or a substantial carbon footprint.

Although artificial intelligence (AI) is still in its infancy, we already have self-driving cars, planes, boats, and robot-controlled farms. In the future, AI assisted by humans could manage a city’s basic infrastructure and help it to run more efficiently to prevent us from wasting valuable commodities.

In the next few decades, cars will be fully automated, and able to drive in convoys, freeing up valuable space.

Cars spend 90% of their existence parked, while 40% of a city’s centre is used for parking. This would free up an enormous amount of land that could be used as parks or low-income housing for the homeless. Magnetic levitation trains could run on electricity, as could planes used for short trips, while bio-diesel will fuel longer-haul flights.

As opposed to consumerism, we can deploy a circular economy, which is an economic system aimed at “eliminating waste, pollution and carbon emissions, by reusing, sharing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling” goods according to IBIS World.

TerraCycle,an innovative recycling company that has become a global leader in recycling typically hardto-recycle waste, recently launched a program called Loop in which consumers can purchase their favourite brands like Häagen-Dazs, Tide, Crest and Dove among others, online and in reusable containers, which you send back after you are finished.

The automotive, construction, food, textile, and agricultural industries are all changing the way they do business by reducing waste and using more recycled materials in their products.

Furthermore, things that were once considered waste can now be turned into useful products. For example, instead of being thrown away, coffee grounds are being used as fertilizer to grow mushrooms, as bio-plastic, diesel, fuel, and textiles.

In the past, 3D printing was used mainly for prototyping, but the print-

ENVIRONMENT 17

Jacques Fresco. Photo: The Venus Project ers of today have are much better and faster and can now manufacture goods as well. This means that more products can be produced locally instead of having to ship them from afar, thus lowering their carbon footprint.

One problem is that most governments use gross domestic product (GDP) as a gauge for the success of an economy. GDP is a quantitative metric that requires exponential growth, which is impossible while living on a finite planet. If everyone lived a lifestyle similar to Americans, we would need five planets to supply the resources necessary.

Bhutan uses a qualitative metric called Gross National Happiness (GNH) which measures psychological well-being, health, education, and ecological diversity. Using GNH instead of GDP as a measure of a healthy

economy could refocus a government’s priorities and help its citizens to live a more balanced life rather than one based on consumption.

A future with a Resource-Based Economy isn’t a foregone conclusion, it’s a possibility. The world is facing challenges today as we transition to a new economy. We are in the midst of an existential crisis; as theoretical physicist Michio Kaku suggests, we are the most important people on the planet who ever lived because the decisions we make over the next 50 years will decide the fate of humanity.

We are causing our own demise yet we are also the only ones capable of saving the rest of the planet.

Palmer Owyoung is an environmental activist working with the Kamala Green Club and the Global Sustainability Hub.

18 ISLAND SCENE

Gordon, Richard, Tony, Luc.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Mary, Armin, Tik.

PHUKET REAL ESTATE NETWORKING AT KATA ROCKS HITS ON VIRUS Over 120 local property professionals gathered on Feb 20 to hear a property presentation from Krystyna Sokolovska, Sales Manager at Layan Green Park, the first family ecocondo in Phuket. Dr Chanapa Rodngampong from Karon Clinic presented the latest on the coronavirus, factual updates and how it may impact Phuket's real estate market.

Master Jack demonstrates his Thai Warrior Massage.

Seminar participants prepare for the award-winning Thai Warrior Massage course.

TRADITIONAL THAI WARRIOR MASSAGE LANDS AT BA-RHAY WELLNESS SPA The course was delivered by Master Jack Shaman (Pathompon Aiyaratttanaruk; an Initiator of Thai Warrior Massage) on Feb 17-19. Master Jack a current Thai Master, has researched and traced the original methods and created a modern, unique therapy. He has taught a multitude of students and has been distinguished as a master in the world Championship Massage techniques from 2017 and 2019. His students have been awarded The Best Asian Massage World Championship and A Gold World Championship.

AMBASSADOR DURAI WITH INDIAN NAVY MAKE FORMAL VISIT TO PHUKET Indian Ambassador to Thailand Suchitra Durai on Feb 18 was in Phuket to meet with Cdr Deepak Bhatia and Cdr Vasudeva of the Indian Navy along with members of the Indian community of Phuket and local government officials, including Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana; ranking officers of the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command, Pol Col Narong Chanapaikul of Phuket Immigration and Pol Maj Gen Grissak Songmoonnark, Head of Tourist Police Division 3 of Phuket. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 19

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Johannes, Warren, Steve.

Chef Jonathan, Mike.

Bailliage Chapitre 2020.

Ann, Anthony, Rob.

PHUKET BAILLIAGE CHAPITRE 2020 INSTALLS MEMBER ADAM GOODMAN The Phuket Bailliage Chapitre 2020 and Intronization Ceremony was held on Feb 22 at the brand-new Intercontinental Phuket Resort in Kamala. The event showcased all that the Chaine des Rotisseurs Phuket has to offer, such as fine foods and pairings, a wonderful venue and excellent company. The Intercontinental Phuket Resort management and chefs pulled out all the stops to ensure this was a night will not be soon forgotten by the chapitre and incoming Baill Adam Goodman.

PIWC reading up on current events.

PIWC Shows their appreciation to Firefly Chef.

PHUKET INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S CLUB MEETS FOR PRE-MARDI GRAS The PIWC MARDI GRAS! Gala and FUNdraiser Pre-Game event took place on Feb 20 at Parisorn Ballroom. The ladies have something special planned for the monthly FUNdraiser this Saturday (Feb 29), so get your tickets now at www.thephuketnews.com/Phuket-ticket-master.php so you don’t miss the big event of the year from PIWC!

Ambassador Suchitra Durai and RPM Founder Gulu Lalvani.

From left: Korrawan Phakamas, General Administration Office, JB, Kosin Phonmang, Chief of Phuket Passport Office, Chakriya Inkaew, General Administration Office

PHUKET PASSPORT OFFICIALS VISIT CAM Kosin Phonmang, Chief of the Phuket Passport Office, together with Korrawan Phakamas and Chakriya from the General Administration Office met with Jason Beavan at Class Act Media earlier this week to present him with an Executive Diary. @thephuketnews

INDIAN AMBASSADOR STOPS BY AT ROYAL PHUKET MARINA Royal Phuket Marina Chairman Gulu Lalvani and Director Mehmet Mutlu were honoured to welcome Ambassador H.E. Mrs Suchitra Durai on Feb 18. Mr Lalvani discussed and shared his plans to support tourism by doubling Indian tourists coming to Phuket to make up for the Chinese COVID-19 outbreak slump.

20 EVENTS

FRI

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

28 FEB

SAT

29 FEB

ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ RIBS Come join us for our WEEKLY BBQ EVERY FRIDAY served ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach. Indulge in All You Can Eat BBQ Pork Ribs, Chicken and Sides for ONLY 495 BAHT! Our BBQ is famous at Two Chefs! Come try us out and enjoy our mouthwatering pork ribs, flavour-bursting chicken and more! Join us for Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band!

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

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

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

SUN

1 MAR

Mussels night @ Shakers 1.2kg mussels served with French fries, your choice, your style: natural, marnière, Provençale, garlic and cream or Thai style. Reservations recommended B295 P/P. shakersphuket@ gmail.com 081 891 4381.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

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

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

All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet

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

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

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

MON

2 MAR

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.

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

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.

Sunday Roast All Day, All Night

PIWC Annual Fundraiser 2020

The 9th Glass 3-year anniversary Join us to celebrate our 3 year anniversary, 50% off on all drinks with free tapas during 7-10pm.

Reservations 062 068 0068. the9thglass.com

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

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

TUE

3 MAR

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

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

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

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

THU

EVENTS 21

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

SAT

7 MAR

FRI

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

Come support Phuket’s new AFL team in the 3rd annual Phuket AFL Masters football tournament at the ACG Cricket & Sports Facility Sat 7th March 2020. Watch “Phuket Power” battle Asia’s finest including teams from Thailand, Macau, Indonesia, Malaysia (reigning champions), Cambodia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Australia. Come for the footy. Stay for the fun! For details email: thailandtigers@gmail.com

SUN

8 MAR

20 MAR

6 MAR

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

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

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

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

SAT

21 MAR

Muay Thai Under The Sky

BOHO BEACH BRUNCH

@thephuketnews

FRI

22 MAY

5 MAR AFL Master Event 2020

FRI

will compete in creating an original and chef replicated dish. These dishes will then be judged by our celebrity executive chef judges, who will decide this year’s Student Top Chefs.

International Women’s Day – March 8, 2020 | from 12pm-4pm. For reservations, call: +66 (0) 62 894 4310. Price: 1,800 THB++ per person - includes bottomless mimosa & rider access to Blue Tree Lagoon. +66 (0)76 602 436 treehouse@bluetree.fun

SAT

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

MON

Songkran The Happiest

Don’t miss the 4th Annual Culinary Competition @ QSI Phuket on Saturday, March 14th from 10:30 – 16:00. Schools from around Phuket will compete in two divisions, junior and senior. They

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

EVERY DAY

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

13 APR

14 MAR

4th Annual Culinary Competition

The 5th annual Phuket Hospitality Challenge 2020

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

DAILY EVENT UPDATES ON

22 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York

1. How many time zones are there in the world?

2. Which European river flows through six different countries?

3. What is the longest river in Europe?

4. How many eyes does a honeybee have?

5. How long is the Great Wall of China?

Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Hard

Across 1. Norwegian mathematician 5. Shelter grp.

9. Compact PC disc 14. Lost fish 15. Unicorn feature 16. “It’s ___ against time” 17. Itinerary info 18. Sundae topper, perhaps 19. Salamanders 20. Nuptials in the snow 23. Used a firehouse pole 24. Prefix with -phile 25. “Price negotiable” letters 28. Band member 31. Chewed a lot 33. __ __ rule (usually) 36. “Antiques Roadshow” item 39. Green Lantern supervillain 40. Reindeer 44. Cartoon dog in uniform 45. Parkinson’s treatment 46. A Cadillac 47. Devastated 50. Catcher’s need 52. “This American Life”

22. Like Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 25. Track star Jesse, of four gold medals in 1936 26. Felt cap 27. Sachets 29. Dental-drill part 30. ___ Sea (Amu Darya’s outlet) 32. Raggedy __ 33. Garnish 34. Became erect 35. Up and about 37. Polit. designation 38. Baseball’s Blue Moon 41. Dear 42. Pixel density 43. Like granola Down 48. Permit 1. All over 49. German article 2. Hebrew letters 51. Last leftover 3. Online correspondence 54. Excellent 55. Position 4. Flipped out 57. Brown pigment 5. Vegas attraction 58. Current 6. Look (over) 59. Select a prize bull 7. Doctrine 60. Breeze 8. Certain electrode 61. Medical suffix 9. Civil war weapon 62. High ___ 10. Liquid remnant 11. Served like sushi 63. Compass point 64. Let me think 12. Datebook abbr.

13. Spanish for month 65. Thor Heyerdahl boat 21. Bring out network 53. ___ tide 56. It may be due 59. Yuletide choir 63. Landscaper’s planting66.

German metaphysician Immanuel ___ 67. Sport with masks 68. Wee 69. Berry touted as medicinal 70. Ship of 1492 71. Microphone inventor Berliner 72. Slangy assents 73. June celebrants

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 4) Five; 5) 21,196.18 km

1) Twenty-four; 2) Donau river; 3) Wolga river;

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

8

minutes and 20 seconds is how long it would take for us to know if the sun exploded right now.

10

minutes of exercise per-day can improve your mood, reduce stress, and generally enhance your wellbeing.

29

Harry Truman went from being a US senator, to the Vice President, to the President, to dropping the first atomic bomb, all within 29 weeks.

60

Bhutan is the world’s only carbonnegative country. Their nature converts more CO2 than the land itself produces. Their constitution mandates that 60% of its landmass be maintained and protected as forest.

140

Researchers have discovered a hidden continent that was lost under Europe. It’s called Greater Adria. It’s the size of Greenland and broke off from North Africa, about 140 million years ago.

Source: Uberfacts

Thai Sushi at the market Photo: Tony Edwards Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket? Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

This week in history February 28, 1993 The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agents raid the Branch Davidian church in Waco, Texas with a warrant to arrest the group’s leader David Koresh. Four ATF agents and six Davidians die in the initial raid, starting a 51-day standoff.

February 29, 1504 Christopher Columbus uses his knowledge of a lunar eclipse that night to convince Jamaican natives to provide him with supplies.

March 1, 1815 Napoleon returns to France from his banishment on Elba.

March 2, 1954 Nuclear weapons testing: The Castle Bravo, a 15-megaton hydrogen bomb, is detonated on Bikini Atoll in the Pacific Ocean, resulting in the worst radioactive contamination ever caused by the United States.

March 3, 1924 The 407-year-old Islamic caliphate

UK Air Force Gloster Meteor F8 Photo: Mike Freer

is abolished, when Caliph Abdülmecid II of the Ottoman Caliphate is deposed. The last remnant of the old regime gives way to the reformed Turkey of Kemal Atatürk.

March 4, 2001 BBC bombing: A massive car bomb explodes in front of the BBC Television Centre in London, seriously injuring one person; the attack was attributed to the Real IRA. .

March 5, 1943 First Flight of the Gloster Meteor, Britain’s first combat jet aircraft and the only in operation from Allied forcers during WWII. Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Jobs

NT GE UR Good staff required

(Thai)

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

@thephuketnews

CLASSIFIEDS 23 The Phuket News @thephuketnews

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Admin assistant wanted - Part Time

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

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

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 25

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Trades & Services

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

CLEANING SERVICES

CORPORATE SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

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26 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Trades & Services

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

MARINE SERVICES

PERSONAL SERVICE

PERSONAL SERVICE

PERSONAL SERVICES

SERVICE

OTHER

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 27

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Buy & Sell BOATS, YACHTS FOR RENT Oceanis 41 2015 as new

This boat is fully equipped for a world tour with electric platform, water maker, solar panel etc.....

Very little used never rented B6,000,000, Jean Yves Fievet, 162/10 Danyd Road Moo 3 A Thalang 83100 PHUKET, jyfievet@gmail.com, 0894708926.

Investor With 90 million THB of Clean Funding to Invest In Deep Sea Fisheries Project Required Project would be eligible for Thailand Board Of Investment approval with 5 year tax breaks. Project calls for the importation / Thai FlaggingRegistration of 2 fully operational Pelagic Tuna & Swordfish Longline Vessels currently operating successfully in the Indian Ocean Fishery. Thailand Domestic & Japan Fresh-Chilled Auction Floor Export Markets targeted. Thai Captains / Australian-NZ Pelagic Longline Fishing Masters-Crew Trainers on each vessel with minimum 50% Thailand National Crew. Writer is Australian National Fishing Vessel Manager / Pelagic Longline Fishing Master / Marine Engine Driver / Crew Trainer who has been catching & exporting sashimi grade fish killed by the Ikijimi method to the Japanese Auction Floor since 1978. Advertiser has previously been employed as Chief Engineer on 1 of the vessels to be purchased & been employed as Captain/Fishing Master on the other Vessel to be purchased. It is time to develop the totally undeveloped Thai Flagged Pelagic Longline Fishery. Qualified Investors Post Your Confidential Register Of Interest to; Capt. Brad Durkin - PESCADOR SEAWAY Co., Ltd - P.O. BOX 144, Phuket Post Office, Phuket 83000. Capt. Brad Durkin, P.O. BOX 144, Phuket Post Office, Phuket, 83000

BUSINESSES FOR SALE Restaurant for sale

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

CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE Nissan X-Trail SUV 2012

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

@thephuketnews

@thephuketnews

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2017 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

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

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

Baht1.1M, Terry, 063 078 7808

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

The Phuket News

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MEMBERSHIPS Loch Palm - Membership

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

Golf Membership

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

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

Loch Palm Memberships

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

Call 089 594 4067.

Car rental @fair prices

Low season prices Monthly from 10,000 Baht. Daily from 400 BHT. High Season from 12,000 monthly.

All our cars are in very good conditions at affordable prices. From 10,000 BHT monthly, Stig Johansson, 110/78 Moo 2 T Pa­klok A Thalang 83110 Phuket, stigisaan@gmail.com, 0848474377.

Mitsubishi Mirage 10/2018

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

COMMUNITY Play Bridge

PROPERTY WANTED Superlai Park@Downtown Phuket

Wanted : Studio, 1 or 2 bed. Preferably high floor. South facing. Must be attractively priced for quick sale. Tel/SMS 0840541476 e-mail clive@clivetown.com

Allamanda 2 Bed Freehold

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

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

House Wanted in Chalong

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

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

Didier, 080 142 8122.

MEMBERSHIPS Golf Memberships

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

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

Family membership

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

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

SPORTING GOODS, EXERCISE U RG

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Super sale!

A used road bicycle for sale: PINARELLO DOGMA 2014. Details: - Handle bar (Ritchey Carbon) Size 42 c/c Stem UNO 90 mm - Crankset SHIMANO ULTEGRA MD.6800 50 -34T,170 mm - Front and Rear DERAILLEUR SHIMANO ULTEGRA MD 8000 - Cassette SHIMANO ULTEGRA 11-28 T - Wheels Set S-Fight ALU 33 mm (include tire) -Shifters Lever Set SHIMANO 105 MD 7000 - Caciper F& R SHIMANO ULTEGRA MD 8000 - Pedals LOOK KEO Carbon - Saddle SELLE ITALIA SLR Carbon - Chain SHIMANO ULTEGRA Contact K.Pom, 081-901-8577

28 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Buy & Sell PROPERTY FOR SALE

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Superb large Laguna Townhouse

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4 Rai land for sale in Pa Khlok

Beautiful, flat and all services available.

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

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

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

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

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

Sea View Villa on East Coast

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

Luxury Bangla Road

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

Secluded Rawai Pool Villa

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

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

Beautiful Phuket condo with a view of the islands

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

Villa in Patong prime location

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

Seaview Condo for sale Karon

Luxury Condo for sale 300 m. from the beach.

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

@thephuketnews

1 Bed Condo Sale Rawai

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

PROPERTY FOR SALE G UR

Superb sea views Cape Panwa

The Phuket News

PROPERTY FOR SALE

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

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PROPERTY FOR RENT 2-Bed Furnished Kathu House for Rent

RPM by owner

Unique luxury condo 2 bed, 2 bath, 155sqm.

Foreign FREE HOLD. Architect remodel in tropical white. Jacuzzi. All round beautiful views. Completely furnished to a high standard. Very motivated owner leaving Thailand.

Available to agents. Priced just REDUCED to 15MB or offers. Contact Brian (Owner) bggvirgo@gmail.com or 089 054 4354, 076 360 943.

1 Bedroom Condo Kata For Sale

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

Casa Lagoon Phuket House 4 Rent

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

House in Boat Lagoon for rent

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

Great views. Rental programme. Full facilities.

Dimtry, 082 030 7199. B7,100,000

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

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

Super villa for sale

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

Villa Mission Heights Big Pool

3bed, 3 1/2 bath, 330sqm living, 900 sqm land, very quite aera, 2 km mission hill golf, 6km UWC, 8 km airport. owner finance. 0870608400 engl/ deutsch, price is negotiable. 10.9MB, picharly@ gmail.com

OCEAN FRONT VILLA

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

Condo in Patong for Rent

Full-furnished studio with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, living room, kitchenette, mountain view, and free wifi. 2 Rooms available; 66 sq.m and 88 sq.m.

Start from 25,000 THB/month, Jane, social@ karonseasand.com, 062 842 4861.

CONDO FOR SALE THE DECK PATONG

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

PROPERTY FOR RENT

COMMUNITY

Dream Village Phuket house

2bed 2bath 295sqm land 100sqm living + veranda, compl. renovated.: new water, electric., tiles, paint in/out, windows, 3A/C, built in kitchen.

0870608400 engl/deutsch, price is negotiable picharly@gmail.com, 66870608400

PROPERTY FOR RENT Large Detached House

1 story building for rent

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

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

New House for Long-Term Rent

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

Stunning Ocean Views!

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

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

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

SPORT 29

Wilder will reportedly Panipak top Thai bet for Tokyo gold seek rematch with Fury TAEKWONDO

BOXING AFP

D

eontay Wilder plans to activate his rematch clause for a third fight with Tyson Fury after his seventh-round TKO loss to the Briton.

Yahoo Sports reported Wilder would seek a rematch – and that he says a miscalculation with his ring-walk costume last Saturday (Feb 22) proved costly in the first defeat of his career.

Wilder claimed the embossed armorlike costume, complete with a full face mask, weighed 40 pounds (18kg), and by the time he’d made his way to the ring at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas his legs were compromised.

Britain’s Fury knocked Wilder down in the third round with a straight right hand and the American, who lost his World Boxing Council heavyweight belt, never looked really steady after that.

Wilder went down again in the third in what was ruled a slip, and Fury knocked him down with a punch to the body in the fifth.

Certainly Wilder didn’t have the foundation to throw his right with its usual fearsome power.

“The simple fact is that my uniform was way too heavy for me,’ Wilder said.

“I didn’t have no legs from the beginning of the fight.

@thephuketnews

Wilder claims his over elaborate costume weighed him down and hindered his performance as he lost to Tyson Fury last Saturday (Feb 22). Photo: AFP “In the third round, my legs were just shot all the way through. But I’m a warrior and people know that I’m a warrior.

“A lot of people were telling me, ‘It looked like something was wrong with you.’ Something was, but when you’re in the ring, you have to bluff a lot of things,” added Wilder, who had said in his immediate post-fight comments that his legs were weak coming in “due to other things”.

Fury was landing blows almost at will when referee Kenny Bayless called a halt at the behest of a battered Wilder’s corner.

It was assistant trainer Mark Breland who threw in the towel, and Wilder suggested that Breland will no longer be part of his team on fight nights.

Wilder and Fury had fought to a dramatic split-decision draw in December 2018, when Fury climbed off the canvas in the 12th round to share the spoils.

While a rubber match is a tantalizing prospect, so is the idea of an all-British heavyweight unification bout between Fury and Anthony Joshua, who holds the WBA, IBF and WBO titles after winning his rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr last year.

THAI TAEKWONDO STAR Panipak Wongpattanakit is aiming to win gold at the 2020 Olympic Games.

The 22-year-old is the top-ranked exponent in the women’s 49kg division and one of the country’s best hopes in Tokyo.

An Olympic gold medal is the only missing item in her glittering collection.

She was also a contender at the 2016 Olympics but had to settle for a bronze.

“My aim is definitely the gold medal. I was disappointed at the previous Olympics and that’s a lesson,” said Panipak.

“If I am 100% fit and do not have an injury, I am confident that I will return to Thailand [from Tokyo] with a gold medal.”

She added: “I am almost 100% ready now. I think my physical condition will peak when the Games come.”

However, her preparations has been affected by the China coronavirus outbreak that has been wreaking havoc on a whole range of sporting

Panipak Wongpat ta nakit performs at a press conference Monday (Feb 25). events globally.

Her handlers planned for her to train in South Korea but she now has to practise in Thailand because of the epidemic, while the Asian championships have also been postponed.

T hailand coach Choi Young Seok said she could only aim for gold at the Tokyo Games because she is the No.1 athlete in her division.

“If she is not sick or injured, she should not miss out on winning gold,” said the Korean coach.

Thailand have won Olympic gold medals in only two sports – boxing and weightlifting.

Bangkok Post

30 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Six Nations gains momentum Victories for England, Scotland as France squeeze past Wales tive energy and shown good leadership through a tough time losing games and other distractions.”

It was a 25th consecutive championship defeat going back to 2015 for Italy, who, with games away at Ireland and home to England, are set to take the wooden spoon for the 15th time.

Scotland host France at Murrayfield before travelling to Wales for their final game.

RUGBY Luke Phillips

W

e take a look at what we learned f rom the th ree matches of the third round of the 2020 Six Nations: France outplayed Wales in a thriller to keep their Grand Slam hopes alive, while England beat Ireland after a dominant first-half display, and Scotland blanked winless Italy in Rome.

England 24 Ireland 12 England came out bristling with intent at Twickenham, producing their best rugby since the Rugby World Cup semi-final victory over New Zealand as they raced out to an impressive 17-0 half-time lead.

England head coach Eddie Jones said if it had been a cricket match he might have declared at half-time.

There could be only one winner in the battle of the Farrells, England skipper Owen and Ireland coach Andy, and England’s dominant defence ensured Owen got the better of his father.

England’s winger Jonathan Joseph (left) is tackled during the Six Nations international rugby union match between England and Ireland at Twickenham last Sunday (Feb 23).

England won the game 24-12. Photo: AFP T he result, however, leaves both England and Ireland still in the hunt for the championship title, with the latter next hosting Italy before a showdown with France. England face a potentially trickier return to Twickenham against Wales in round four before finishing off away to Italy.

“England were fighting to stay in the championship and that’s what we need to be doing in the next two games,” Andy Farrell said.

Owen Farrell hailed his side’s victory as “another opportunity”.

“We’ll enjoy this win first, it’s a big win for us and brilliant to be back at home. We’ll celebrate that and then get on to the next opportunity.”

Italy 0 Scotland 17 It had been touted as a potential wooden spoon decider, but the Scots made no mistake and, ugly as it may have been, would have left Rome content with a 17-point win.

Scotland skipper Stuart Hogg redeemed himself after personal errors cost his team in two opening losses to both Ireland and England.

The full-back showed all his pace to score a stunning solo try for the Scots, still missing snubbed playmaker Finn Russell.

“He marked his captaincy with a win and also with a great try,” Scotland coach Gregor Townsend said of Hogg.

“He’s been full of posi-

Wales 23 France 27 France edged Wales in a nail-biting encounter in Cardiff that saw French fly-half Romain Ntamack produce a superb show alongside halfback partner Antoine Dupont.

Ntamack score a vital intercept try and also booted 12 points as France remained unbeaten after previous wins over England (24-17) and Italy (35-22).

“We knew we could maintain the intensity,” France coach Fabien Galthie said of his youthful team, boasting just 234 caps to Wales’ Six Nations record of 859.

Talk of a Grand Slam was not immediate, however, with Galthie adding: “We just want

to enjoy the moment.

“The players are so exhausted, they gave everything.

We’re progressing step by step and in Cardiff we took another step.”

France, boosted in defence by ex-Wales assistant coach Shaun Edwards, next travel to Scotland before rounding off their campaign at home against Ireland.

For Wales, it was a second loss on the bounce for coach Wayne Pivac after a 24-14 defeat away by Ireland following a 42-0 drubbing of Italy in their opener.

Pivac was left ruing what he said were dubious referring decisions, including one deliberate knock-on by Paul Willemse that went unpunished and notably at the final scrum when fresh French replacement Demba Bamba, somewhat surprisingly, won a penalty at the first scrum after the sin binning of tighthead Mohamed Haouas under Welsh pressure.

The Welsh, who started the campaign as reigning Grand Slam winners, now face a tough trip to England and finish up against Scotland.

AFP

Test of strength at Island Battleground CROSSFIT T H E CLA MOU R OF I RON bars and racks, the sound of feet on pavement, the yells of ‘one more’ from the crowd.

Last week’s fitness competition, the Island Battleground 2020, at Tiger Muay Thai & MMA Training Camp in Chalong, saw over 130 athletes from a range of backgrounds test their mettle in a

series of CrossFit workouts.

From debutants participating in their first fitness competition, to the highly-experienced athlete and more, the event saw people of all ages take part in gruelling endeavors all to crown winners in both singles and team categories.

It’s the second year of the Island Battleground, which has now become one of the top fitness events on the island. The two-day event saw a series of competitions – eight

total CrossFit workouts – done not only on the grounds of Tiger Muay Thai in Chalong, but also Big Buddha, with participants flying in from all corners of the region.

With the help of sponsors from across Phuket, victory would not only mean cash prizes for the winners, but also free entrance and vouchers from Blue Tree Phuket, recovery packages from Elevate Recovery Lounge and others.

“I couldn’t be happier with the

Photo: Hip Panakorm Santayanon turn out and success of IBG 2020.

I’m grateful for all the support from Tiger Muay Thai, all of my volunteers and judges. We hope to make next year an even bigger

event. It’s inspiring to watch the CrossFit community come together in Phuket,” said Joy Somers, a fitness coach at Tiger Muay Thai and organiser of the event. JP Mestanza

Thailand MotoGP goes ahead MOTOGP T H E T H A I L A N D MO toGP will go ahead in March after the government decided “there is no major risk” from coronavirus, the race organisers said on Feb 20.

“With the outbreak of coronavirus affecting a number of locations and events worldwide, the decision required official consideration as the situation in Thailand was monitored,” organisers of the

The Thai MotoGP goes ahead despite coronavirus fears. Photo: AFP race in Buri Ram on March 22 said in a statement.

It added that the Thai authorities had decided “that there is no major risk, with the country having infected patients under care and strict

preventive measures in place – resulting in the highest rate of fully recovered patients worldwide.”

More than 2,760 people have died from the virus, most of them in China, where a raft of sports tournaments have been cancelled or postponed in recent weeks including the Chinese Formula Grand Prix, scheduled for April 19 in Shanghai, and the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, now delayed to 2021.

Bangkok Post thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

SPORT 31 English Premier League 2019 - 2020 Table correct as of Friday (Feb 28) Team

Wolves are enjoying a hugely successful campaign, domestically and in Europe. Photo: AFP

Wolves knocking at the Champions League door FOOTBALL AFP

W

olverhampton Wanderers have only sporadically enjoyed European football since their golden era in the 1950s, but a controversial connection with Portuguese “super-agent” Jorge Mendes has made them a force to be reckoned with again.

The club’s three league triumphs are immortalised in statues to Wolves legend Billy Wright and manager Stan Cullis at either end of the club’s Molineux stadium in the West Midlands.

The side they led came to be heralded “champions of the world” by the English press for winning a series of glamour friendlies that ultimately led to the creation of the European Cup. Sixty years on, Wolves could be back in the Champions League next season via a top-four finish in the Premier League – potentially fifth should Manchester City’s two-year European football ban stand – or by winning the Europa League.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s men hold a commanding lead going into the return tie against Espanyol in the last-32 of the Europa League after hammering the Spanish team 4-0 in the first game at home and sit on the fringes of the Champions League places in the Premier League after a resounding 3-0 win against Norwich last weekend.

Just six years ago Wolves were a sleeping giant, rooted in England’s third tier, but a takeover by Chinese conglom@thephuketnews

erate Fosun in 2016 and their close links to Mendes have transformed the fortunes of the club.

The appointment of Nuno as coach and a steady drip feed of some of Mendes’ starstudded client list saw Wolves promoted in the Portuguese manager’s first season in charge and finish seventh in their first campaign back in the Premier League.

‘Football Manager come to life’ “For a lot of fans of my generation you feel like you are watching your game of Football Manager come to life,” David Evans of the Wolves Fancast told AFP. Portuguese internationals Rui Patricio, Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho, former Atletico Madrid and Benfica striker Raul Jimenez and Nuno himself are among the Mendes clients to become modern-day giants at Molineux.

“After many conversations, he convinced me that taking charge of the Wolves would be the right step for me. The project was very challenging and was presented in a very enthusiastic way,” Nuno told ESPN Brazil.

“He is my friend and a person I admire a lot. He is the best agent in the world.”

Wolves’ success has not been without its critics. Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani branded the relationship between Fosun and Mendes “not legal and fair” in 2018.

However, investigations from both the English Football League and Premier League concluded that as Mendes holds no official role at the club, no rules are being breached.

MP W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

1 Liverpool

27

26

1

0

64

17 +47

79

2 Manchester City

27

18

3

6

68

29 +39

57

3 Leicester City

27

15

5

7

54

27 +27

50

4 Chelsea

27

13

5

9

45

37

+8

44

5 Manchester United 27 11

8

8

41

29 +12

41

6 Tottenham Hotspur 27 11

7

9

44

36

+8

40

7 Sheffield United

27

10

10

7

29

25

+4

40

8 Wolverhampton

27

9

12

6

38

32

+6

39

9 Arsenal

27

8

13

6

39

36

+3

37

10 Burnley

27

11

4

12

33

39

-6

37

11 Everton

27

10

6

11

36

41

-5

36

12 Southampton

27

10

4

13

34

48 -14

34

13 Crystal Palace

27

8

9

10

24

32

-8

33

14 Newcastle United

27

8

7

12

24

41 -17

31

15 Brighton

27

6

10

11

32

39

-7

28

16 Bournemouth

27

7

5

15

26

43 -17

26

17 Aston Villa

27

7

4

16

34

52 -18

25

18 West Ham United

27

6

6

15

32

48 -16

24

19 Watford

27

5

9

13

24

43 -19

24

20 Norwich City

27

4

6

17

24

51 -27

18

Live Sports TV Schedule *Times may be subject to change

SPORT

START STOP

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO

07:00 13:30

Test No 2, Christchurch

New Zealand v India, Day 1

Rugby Union 13:05 15:00

Super Rugby

Highlanders v. Rebels

15:15 17:15

Super Rugby

Waratahs v. Lions

Rugby Union 10:45 12:45

Super Rugby

Hurricanes v. Sunwolves

15:15 17:15

Super Rugby

Reds v. Sharks

20:05 22:00

Super Rugby

Stormers v. Blues

22:15 00:15

Super Rugby

Bulls v. Jaguares

19:30 21:30

EPL

Brighton v. Crystal Palace

22:00 00:00

EPL

Bournemouth v. Chelsea

00:30 02:30

EPL

Watford v. Liverpool

22:00 00:00

EPL

Newcastle v. Burnley

22:00 00:00

EPL

West Ham v. Southampton

07:00 13:30

Test No 2, Christchurch

New Zealand v India, Day 2

Guinness Pro 14

Southern Kings v. Connacht

Friday 28th Feb Cricket

Saturday 29 Feb th

Deals with Portuguese agent Jorge Mendes have been key to Wolves’ renaissance. Photo: AFP Wolves’ reliance on the Mendes production line shows no sign of slowing down. The signing of Daniel Podence from Olympiakos in January took the total number of Portuguese players in Nuno’s first-team squad to eight.

Earlier this month, sporting director Kevin Thelwell – the man credited for shrewd signings not connected to Mendes such as club captain Conor Coady and Belgium international Leander Dendoncker left the club to become head of sport at New York Red Bulls.

‘Trust in Jorge’ Correspondence that came to light in the Football Leaks disclosures showed the pivotal role played by Mendes. One email from Wolves executive chairman Jeff Shi to Mendes’s Gestifute agency said: “You always know the reason for the investment of Wolves is mainly because of our bet and trust in Jorge.”

Premier League clubs spent more than GBP 260 million (B10.5 trillion) alone on agents’ fees in the 2018/19 season, accelerating calls for a crackdown on that money flooding out of the game.

However, for fans who have lived through the hard

ti mes, hook i ng up with Mendes is a price well worth playing to chase the Champions League dream.

“95% of the players we have had from him have been fantastic successes, so we can’t argue with that,” said Evans.

“If you’ve got the option of tapping into the little black book of Jorge Mendes and his stockpile, why wouldn't you do that?

“I’m sure other teams in the Premier League, if they had the option to utilise a relationship with someone like Mendes, they would.”

Soccer

Cricket

Sunday 1 Mar st

Rugby Union 20:00 22:00 Soccer

21:00 23:00

EPL

Tottenham v. Wolves

Soccer

21:00 23:00

EPL

Everton v. Man United

Soccer

23:30 01:30

Carabao Cup Final

Man City v. Aston Villa

Cricket

07:00 13:30

Test No 2, Christchurch

New Zealand v India, Day 3

Cricket

16:00 00:30

ODI3 - Pallekele

Sri Lanka v. West Indies

Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Crossfit: Only the strong survive > p30

LAST MAN STANDING The Heritage Cricketers reign supreme to win the Last Man Stands 2020 Thailand Open at the ACG Phuket CRICKET Jason Robertson

T

he annual Last Man Stands (LMS) Thailand Open, which is now into its third year here in Phuket, once again graced the ACG Phuket with another display of world-class talent.

The fast-moving version of the game that is LMS is the widestreaching amateur cricket league in the world, with over 9,200 teams globally, altogether comprising more than 135,000 players across five continents.

The game is completed within two hours, with each eight-man team allocated 20 overs. There are five-ball overs as opposed to the regulation six balls and some other modified rules, like the double play rule where two batsmen can be out

The Kalahari Old Boys, who travelled all the way from the middle of South Africa to compete, won the Plate Trophy. Photo: Steve Hackett on a single ball. Or the home run rule where the last ball of the innings counts 12 if a maximum is struck.

Once seven wickets have fallen, the final batsman (last man standing) bats alone and can only score runs in either twos, fours or sixes.

For the Thailand Open 2020,

teams flew in from Bangladesh, India, Australia and South Africa to make up the seven team tournament.

It originally consisted of 10 teams although two teams from Pakistan and one from Australia pulled out over fears around the China coronavirus outbreak engulfing the region.

The victorious Heritage Cricketers proved far too strong for the competition and were able to defend their crown. Photo: Mahir Sheehan

Some of the remaining teams had also lost a player or two due to the virus but made every effort to still be out here for the event and managed to enlist support of local players from the Patong Penguins and Phuket Misfits in order to bolster their depleted line-ups.

The Heritage Cricketers, brimming with predominantly full-time professional cricketers, some with International and IPL experience, had brought out two teams for this year’s event; one representing their Australian arm and calling themselves simply Heritage Cricketers Australia and the other the Bangladesh arm, who were also winners of the 2019 Thailand Open.

Such is the depth and talent in their two teams, that Sunday’s (Feb 23) final saw their two sides battling it out against each other for the title and the coveted spot into the World

Series 2020 in Australia, later this year.

The Heritage Cricketers proved far too strong and were able to defend their crown and book their trip, once again, to the World Series Finals.

The Kalahari Old Boys, who had travelled all the way from the middle of South Africa to compete in this year’s event, had a great time all week and went home with the Plate Trophy after they beat Hi’Jadoube in a tense last-over thriller.

LMS have already committed to next year’s event where they look to increase the numbers once again and showcase their exciting format and the hidden gem that is the ACG Phuket.

For more information on local cricket or the ACG Phuket’s events and offerings, contact Jason Robertson at Jason@ACGPhuket.com

‘Phuket Power’ ready to take on region’s finest in local AFL tournament AFL PEOPLE ARE URGED TO come along and support Phuket’s newly founded AFL team in the third annual Phuket AFL Masters Football tournament at the Alan Cooke Ground (ACG) in Thalang on Saturday, March 7.

Watch the island’s “Phuket Power” debut as they take to the field to battle against some

of the region’s finest, including teams from Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam and the reigning champions from Malaysia.

The tournament runs from 8am-5pm and the bar and restaurant will be open all day with cold drinks, beers, burgers and hot Lady Pies available for purchase.

For further details please email: thailandtigers@gmail.com or

phuketpowerafl@gmail.com Anyone interested in playing in the AFL Masters or lending a hand on the day can stop by at our major sponsor Legends Sports Bar & Grill, Soi Eden, Patong for more information.

You can also reach out to us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ PhuketPowerAFL/ Phuket Power players and their families wearing the new playing tops at Legends Andrew McMillan Sports Bar & Grill, Soi Eden, Patong. Photo: Andrew McMillan thephuketnews