The Phuket News November 29, 2019

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019

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CONCRETE SHROUD

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Passengers safe after cruise ship hits reef

LIFE

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Phuket Farmers Club reconnect with nature Rescue workers at the scene of the collapse. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

SEVEN WORKERS CRUSHED TO DEATH, TWO INJURED IN PHUKET’S WORST CONSTRUCTION DISASTER Tanyaluk Sakoot and Eakkapop Thongtub reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

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fficials this week were still pursuing legal action over seven workers being crushed to death by a concrete roof that fell on them while they were eating lunch at an illegal worksite last Thursday (Nov 21).

The incident happened shortly before midday at the site of a petrol station being built alongside Thepkrasattri Rd in Srisoonthorn, north of the Heroines Monument.

Wiang Suwanna, Chief of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)

office in Phuket, confirmed that the roof collapse – of a single-story office building under construction at the site – was the worst workplace safety incident on record in Phuket.

Teams of rescue workers arrived quickly after being informed of the disaster at about 1:20pm, but took hours before they could recover the bodies of all seven victims: Thai nationals Mr Jirachai Wonghajak, 35; Mrs Pornpimon Waewwong, 21; Mr Krisana Kanbuth, 33; and Mr Thaweewat Daetphan, 29; and Myanmar migrant workers Mrs Kay Thi Khaing, 28; Mr Nay Myo Win, 29; and Mr Sa Aung Aung, 30.

Two workers – Myanmar national

Mrs Myo Myo Yi, 26, and Thai national Mr Jaturawit Muadsing, 34 – escaped with their lives, but were rushed to hospital with injuries.

Speaking at the site after the final body was recovered at about 6:40pm last Thursday, Vice Governor Wongsakorn Nunchukan confirmed that construction at the site was not approved by Srisoonthorn Municipality.

Srisoonthorn Mayor Worawut Songyot wasted no time in having his officers file a criminal complaint before the sun set earlier that day.

“The municipality has reported this to Thalang Police and I will prosecute the company for breach of the Building Control Act,” he told

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

@thephuketnews

The Phuket News last Friday.

Tasked with investigating the collapse, Maj Wuttichai Thongkaew of the Thalang Police confirmed in his initial report that Srisoonthorn Municipality had issued a ban on construction at the site by written order on Nov 6.

According to his initial report, the collapse occurred due to the earth beneath the supporting pylons shifting, leaving the pylons unable to support the weight of the roof. At 12 meters long, seven meters wide and 15cm-thick, the concrete slab that collapsed onto the workers weighed an estimated 26 tonnes.

Maj Wuttichai identified 44-yearold Chuchart Palasuwan, Managing…

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Workers’ safety in spotlight Continued from paage 1 ...Director of The Blue Phuket Co Ltd, as directly involved in the incident.

“On the day of the accident, Mr Chuchart hired two electricians, three glaziers and four Myanmar nationals as cement workers to work at the site,” he noted in his report.

In less than 24 hours, Thalang Police had a warrant for Mr Chuchart’s arrest.

“By his acts of negligence, Mr Chuchart’s actions were wrong. His acts of negligence caused the deaths of others and seriously injured people under Sections 291 and 300 of the Thai Criminal Code,” said Thalang Police Deputy Chief Lt Col Anukul Nuket.

“And after the building collapsed onto the workers, Mr Chuchart did not contact the investigating officers. The [company] office was closed.

“On the day of the incident, he did not provide provide assistance to those injured or killed.

“Investigation officers from the Thalang Police have tried to track him down, but they now believe he has fled. Hence, the officers requested a warrant for his arrest,” Lt Col Anukul explained last Friday.

However, instead of fleeing as criminal fugitive, Mr Chuchart presented himself at Thalang Police Station at 9am Monday.

“I informed Mr Chuchart of the charges against him, which he denied,” Lt Col Anukul said. “He asked to be released on bail while the investigation continues, but I declined to him to be able to post bail while in police custody.”

Mr Chuchart was released by the Phuket Provincial Court

on Monday evening after posting B1 million surety, Lt Col Anukul later confirmed.

Before surrendering to police, Mr Chuchart had his brother, Kanongdet Palasuwan, over the weekend present to the families of the seven killed in the collapse B10,000 each to cover funeral expenses, as well as B10,000 to each of the workers injured to help pay medical expenses, as confirmed by Mr Kyaw Soe Wai, the Labor Attaché at the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok, who arrived in Phuket on Monday to follow up on the investigation and support for the victims and their families.

Mr Kyaw inspected the construction site, joined by representatives of the Andaman Friendship Association and the Phuket Contractors Association, among other local organisations.

Mr Kyaw then went to the Phuket Social Security Office and visited workers’ camps in Wichit, then attended the joint funeral of Mr Nay Myo Win and Mrs Kay Thi Khaing at Wat Kosit Wiharn north of Phuket Town. The two were cremated Tuesday (Nov 26).

The body of Mr Sa Aung Aung, 30, the third Myanmar worker killed in the collapse, was cremated last Sunday (Nov 24).

The last time Mr Kyaw was in Phuket was just three months ago, when he attended the funerals of three Myanmar workers killed in the scaffolding collapse at a construction site in Rawai.

Before Mr Kyaw’s arrival, key national worker safety figures Wanarat Srisuksai, Director of the Bureau of Occupational Safety and Health

Rescue workers recover one of the bodies at the construction site last Thursday (Nov 21). Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub under the Ministry of Labour’s Department of Labour Protection and Welfare (DLPW), and DLPW Inspector-General Anan Bowonnaowarak had inspected the site last Friday, less than 24 hours after the collapse.

“At the moment, the Phuket Social Security Office is accelerating the examination of various rights regarding remedies,” Mr Wannarat assured during his inspection.

“The employers will be called for questioning to enforce the regulations in order to compensate the injured according to their social security rights.

“The families of the deceased will receive compensation of more than B700,000 baht per person [killed], while those injured will have all their medical expenses taken care of and they will receive compensation for being unable to work due to their injuries,” he added.

IRREGULARITIES Marasri Jairangsri, Chief of the Phuket branch of the Social Security Office (SSO),

on Tuesday confirmed that Mr Chuchart’s brother, Mr Kanongdet, had arrived at the SSO on Monday (Nov 26) to pay a B100,000 fine for failing to register four Thai workers who died in the collapse – Mr Jirachai; Mr Thaweewat; Mrs Pornpimon; and Mr Krisana – and for failing to register Mr Jaturawit, who was injured in the incident.

Mr Chuchart was fined the maximum per unregistered worker, Mrs Marasri confirmed.

Also fined was Andaman Design Limited Partnership, which hired four Myanmar workers at the site.

Andaman Design hired Mrs Kay Thi Khaing, and Mr Nay Myo Win. Both were killed in the building collapse, but both were already registered with the SSO, Mrs Marasri explained.

However, Andaman Design also hired Mr Sa Aung Aung, who was killed in the collapse, and Mrs Myo Myo Yi, 26, who was injured. Both had not been registered with the SSO, she confirmed.

Andaman Design was fined B40,000 for each of the Myanmar workers not registered.

Mrs Marasri declined to reveal any details of Andaman Design, including who the main partners are, who paid the fine and whether the firm hired any other Myanmar workers at the site who may or may not have been registered.

However, she did explain that Mr Chuchart was fined only B20,000 per unregistered worker – not B40,000 as levied against Andaman Design – because he had hired the workers personally, not through any form of registered business.

Andaman Design also settled their account with the SSO on Monday, Mrs Marasri confirmed.

Further enforcing the legal requirement of having workers registered with the SSO has come only by way of request.

Mrs Marasri explained, “Todsaphon Kritwongwiman, Secretary-General of the Social Security Office in Bangkok, told me to tell Wirachai Setsom, President of Phuket Construction Contractors Association, to tell his members that Phuket employers must register their workers with the Social Security Office…

“Specifically Myanmar employees who work in Phuket, they must be registered. If they [the employers] do not, they will be charged by law.” she said.

However, Mrs Marasri did not clarify whether any employers – notably construction contractors – would be fined if they presented themselves immediately for not registering their Myanmar workers.

Mrs Marasri said she was unable to confirm how many

other migrant labourers from Myanmar or other countries were not registered with the SSO in Phuket.

Yet, Phuket Provincial Employment Office Chief Kattiya Pandech only in August told a labour rights conference that Phuket is currently home to 70,986 migrant workers, comprising 68,812 Myanmar nationals, 1,133 Laotians, 970 Cambodians and 71 Vietnamese.

The conference, held at the Merlin Phuket Hotel on Aug 20, was called to remind employers that they had until Nov 11 to submit the applications to allow their registered migrant workers to continue staying in the country and work legally.

The Nov 16 deadline was laid down by Cabinet resolution on Jan 16, with the same resolution ordering that migrant worker registration assistance centres be set up throughout the country, including in Phuket, to facilitate the registration of migrant workers specifically from Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, Mr Kattiya explained.

Meanwhile, OSH Phuket Chief Mr Wiang told The Phuket News on Wednesday, “Today is the deadline for The Blue Phuket Co Ltd and Andaman Design to present themselves to me to explain what happened.

“I specified to meet with Mr Chuchart, I am not required to see Mr Kanongdet, his brother. Mr Chuchart is well known for what he has done,” said Mr Wiang.

“I will send an official notice calling them both to see me next week about about the safety and security measures at this worksite,” he said.

Passengers on stricken cruise ship safe, navy to assist immediate repairs ALL 78 FRENCH TOURISTS and one German, as well as the 70-strong crew, aboard the cruise ship La Belle des Océans, which breached its hull on a reef southeast of Phi Phi Island early Monday morning, were brought to Phuket safely Monday afternoon (Nov 25).

The 4,000-ton Belgium-flagged ship from Brussels arrived at the Phuket Deep Sea Port at about 10am, Phuket Marine Office Director Wiwat Chitchertwong confirmed.

The Belle was towed back to

Phuket by the HTMS Sriracha, which was dispatched by the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command at Cape Panwa to render assistance.

The tourists were taken to the Novotel Phuket Phokeethra in Phuket Town to stay until they were flown to Singapore, explained Pramok Urawan of Phuket Shipping Co Ltd. The tourists on board were on a cruise organised Asian Trials Co Ltd, he said.

Mr Pramok raised concerns that the submerged shelf that the

cruise liner struck, tearing a hole in the ship’s mid-port section under the waterline, was not marked on navigation charts. “There was no mark of any underwater rocks in the area on the navigation map.

Local people know about it, but foreigners don’t, so the accident happened,” he said.

However, local dive tour operators were quick to respond online that the site is well known and clearly marked on Thai navigation charts.

Phuket Shipping Co Ltd will

organise the immediate repairs to be made to the ship at the Phuket Deep Sea Port before it is taken to Singapore for more comprehensive repairs, Mr Pramok explained.

Phuket Marine Office Chief Mr Wiwat said that navy divers will inspect the damage and assist with the immediate repairs.

“The ship will stay at the Deep Sea Port for about a week while the repairs are completed,” he said.

Tanyaluk Sakoot and Eakkapop Thongtub

The luxury cruise ship ‘La Belle des Océans’ arrived at Phuket Deep Sea Port listing heavily, but with all passengers and crew safely aboard. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub thephuketnews

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Patong’s CCTV gets ‘smart’ New B11mn cameras allow beach, traffic and weather monitoring The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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atong Municipality has installed 37 CCTV “smart” cameras along the beachfront and opened its “Security Command and Control Center” located at the Patong municipality offices.

The new cameras first went live on Nov 16 and became fully operational last Friday (Nov 22).

“The system for the new cameras cost B11 million – B9mn for the CCTV system and B2mn to set up the control centre,” explained Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsup.

“The entire budget was funded by Patong Municipality alone. We take safety as priority, in order to build tourists’ confidence,” she added.

The new CCTV cameras are installed along the Patong beachfront, from the bridge at the southern end of the beach to Bangla Rd. The footage from the new cameras joins the CCTV network already in operation throughout Patong, which

Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsup views Patong Beach up close, with tourists on the sand and in the water in plain view, at the Security Command and Control Centre at the Patong Municipality offices. Photo: Patong Municipality is delivered to the Patong Municipality control centre, the control centre at Patong Police Station and the CCTV monitoring centre operating at Phuket Provincial Hall.

“All footage from the CCTV cameras can be moni-

tored from the safety control and monitoring center, and we can use the information to make plans for city development,” Mayor Chalermluck said.

The smart CCTV system can even support lifeguards

German tourist killed, struck by parasail speedboat propeller A 63-Y EA R- OLD GERman tourist died last Friday afternoon (Nov 22) after he was struck by a speedboat propeller while swimming off Kamala Beach.

Thalang Police Chief Col Sompong Thiparpakul reported that the accident occurred just before 4pm.

Col Sompong identified the tourist as Helmut Prock, 63, originally from Dietfurt an der Altmühl in the Bavaria region.

Mr Prock was swimming outside the roped-off designated swimming zone at the beach, apparently to take a closer look at some corals, when he was struck by the boat propeller. His left arm and leg suffered critical injuries.

Mr Prock was brought ashore and rushed to Patong Hospital but was later pronounced dead from his injuries, Col Sompong reported.

Maj Ekkachai Siri of the Phuket Tourist Police reported that the speedboat, called Friendship 1, was used for towing a parasail off Kamala Beach.

Mr Abhisit was bringing the boat back to the beach when the accident occurred, he said. @thephuketnews

Mr Abhisit told police that Mr Prock was submerged when the accident happened, causing him to not see Mr Prock in the water.

Eakkapop Thongtub

German Helmut Prock was rushed to hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.

Photo: Kamala Police

in protecting tourists on the beach, she added.

“For example, the cameras have sensors that can identify objects moving at night, which might be a tourist walking into the water. If this happens, an official [observing from the

control centre] can call the Patong Baywatch volunteer team, which patrols the beach at night. The Baywatch team can then warn tourists or even rescue them from the water in time,” Mayor Chalermluck explained.

The Patong Baywatch team is a group of seven people, including former lifeguards, who patrol Patong Beach for safety. The team was created and remains funded by the Patong Development Foundation, which was founded by local businessman Preechavude “Prab” Keesin, a son of longtime former Patong Mayor Pian Keesin.

“The cameras can even be used to identify suspicious objects, such as bags left behind in busy areas. Then we can inform the EOD [bomb squad] to inspect that object.

“Plus officials can monitor the traffic situation and the system can monitor air quality, the amount of rainfall and even the water quality in Pak Bang Canal, all from the safety control and monitoring center,” she added.

“We plan to install 50 more CCTV such cameras in other parts of Patong and link them to the same system.

This expansion of the project is planned to be rolled out in 2021,” Mayor Chalermluck said.

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Rolling parking bans come into force as cables go underground The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

GENERAL MANAGER

Jason Beavan 086 479 7471

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

P

huket City Municipality is warning residents that parking along some of the main roads in Phuket Town will be banned as the long-ongoing project to install electrical-supply lines and communications cables underground continues.

The parking bans began on Monday (Nov 25), with municipality officials last week pounding the pavements to hand out leaflets to let residents know.

The parking ban is to allow workers to continue their efforts to install the cables underground along Phang Nga and Rassada Rd. The parking bans are as follows: Phang Nga Rd, from the Standard Chartered Bank intersection to Montri Rd: - North side – from Nov 25 to Dec 9 - South side – from Dec 9 to Dec 27 Phang Nga Rd, from the Standard Chartered Bank intersection to Yaowarat Rd:

Municipality officials last week pounded the pavements to hand out leaflets so that residents knew that the parking bans were to begin on Monday (Nov 25). Photo: Phuket City Municipality - North side – from Dec 25 to Jan 6 - South side – from Jan 6 to Jan 27 Soi Pradit: - from Jan 27 to Feb 10 Takua Pa Rd, from Phang Nga Rd to Rassada Rd: - from Feb 6-18 Rassada Rd, from Phuket Rd to

Suriyadej Circle: - South side – from Jan 22 to Mar 14 - North side – from Mar 13 to May 10 Phuket City Municipality suggested that people who usually park their cars along these roads can instead park at the Sino Imperial Hotel on Phuket Rd at the eastern end of Rassada Rd. “We do apologise for any inconvenience at these places during the

specified periods,” Phuket City Municipality noted in its announcement.

Any persons suffering problems due to the works were urged to call the project manager, Wachiraphan Chansomritkul, at 092-2616509.

At last report, in May this year, Tawee Homhuan, the chief of the Phuket office of the Public Works and Town Planning & Country Planning Department (DPT-Phuket), announced that the project to bury power and communication cables along parts of Phang Nga Rd and Rassada Rd will be completed well ahead of the projected October deadline.

That announcement followed the incomplete works being left abandoned in April, leaving the road surfaces in dangerous condition.

In response to that fiasco, Phuket City Mayor Somjai Suwansupana on Apr 11 released a public statement to explain that SCG 1995 Co Ltd was hired to carry out the work under a budget of B166 million. Under the contract, the work began on July 25, 2017 and was to be finished by July 20 last year, she noted.

Checkpoint-runner meth mule caught Airport suffers blackout SALES REPRESENTATIVE Kanokwan (Meo) Rungseang 088 754 1371 sales1@classactmedia.co.th

A M A N WA N T ED FOR SPEEDI NG through the main police checkpoint onto the island and escaping capture by police last month was arrested on Nov 15 while trying to smuggle more than 18,000 methamphetamine (ya bah) pills hidden inside his car into Phuket.

Siripong Leeprasit of the Phuket Provincial Narcotics Control Management Center, a provincial-level anti-narcotics task force, told The Phuket News that the arrest came on Nov 15, when Tha Chatchai Police arrested Phuket native Wanchalerm “Jay” Buaboon, 32, with 18,190 ya bah pills hidden inside his Toyota Vios.

Wanchalerm was stopped at the checkpoint at about 2:30pm after officers recognised that his silver Toyota Vios matched the description of the car that sped through the checkpoint from Phang Nga to Phuket on Oct 15, Mr Siripong said.

In the Oct 15 incident, police gave pursuit, but Wanchalerm escaped, he added.

A search of Wanchalerm’s car uncovered a stash of ya bah pills in packs hidden in the car’s front console, near the gear stick, Mr Siripong explained.

“Wanchalerm was taken to Tha Chatchai Police Station and charged with possession of a Category 1 drug with intent to sell,” he confirmed.

“Wanchalerm told police that he was contacted through Facebook by ‘Chokchai Hanphakwen’ to deliver the drugs from Phang Nga to Phuket. He had two friends pick up the drugs up at a location in Thai Mueang

as truck slams pylon

Phuket native Wanchalerm ‘Jay’ Buaboon, 32, after 18,190 ya bah pills were found hidden inside his Toyota Vios. Photo: Tha Chatchai Police and hand them over to him later in front of a restaurant in the area,” he said.

“Wanchalerm was to drop the drugs off at a location Thalang District, in Phuket, and someone was to come and get them later,” he added.

“Wanchalaerm was to be paid B18,000 for making the delivery. He said that he had delivered drugs to Phuket twice before – 4,000 ya bah pills each time,” Mr Siripong said.

“Next police will search for Wanchalerm’s two friends and investigate and track down the drug-trading network,” Mr Siripong assured.

Tanyaluk Sakoot

PHUKET INTERNATIONal Airport was left without mains power supply after a 10-wheeled truck slammed into a power pole on Thepkrasattri Rd in Mai Khao at about 2pm last Friday (Nov 22).

Phuket Provincial Electricity Authority (PPEA) workers were forced to shut down power supply to the area so that workers could safely carry out repairs as quickly as possible, an officer at the PPEA Thalang office told The Phuket News.

As the pole hit by the truck carried 115kV mains supply cables, the move to shut down the power supply affected a huge area in Mai Khao, as well as Sakoo, Thepkasattri and Phuket airport, the officer said.

Capt Sophanat Nayao of the Thalang Police confirmed that the truck driver, 29-year-old Sarut Chosagun, survived the heavy impact and was taken to Thalang Hospital.

A staffer at the Phuket International Airport public relations office at 2:30pm

The truck driver, 29-year-old Sarut Chosagun, survived the heavy impact. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub confirmed that the airport was without mains power.

“The power supply to the airport is still off, but it has not affected our flight schedule,” the staffer said.

“We have our own generators as backup, but they provide power for essential systems and critical areas only,” she added.

Passengers in the international and domestic terminals were left sweltering while the main air conditioning units at were rendered useless.

“We do have small airconditioning units still operating, but it is hotter inside the terminals,” the staffer admitted.

Eakkapop Thongtub thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019

PHUKET NEWS

The children were 7 to 10 years old. Photos: Supplied

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All four children were found to be from families suffering particular hardships.

Children in need Police put children first in crackdown on late-night street hawking Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

F

ollowing the arrests of four people for human trafficking and the exploitation of child labour earlier this month for operating a gang of children hawking goods in bars and restaurants, police have revealed that four more children have been found being forced to sell items at late-night venues in Phuket.

Lt Col Rattaket Munmuang, Deputy Chief of the Phuket City Police, told The Phuket News that of the four children, three were found selling items at venues in Phuket Town and one child was found trying to sell items in a restaurant in Soi Ta-iad in Chalong.

He declined to give the names of the locations where police found the children selling wares late at night.

“They were around 7 to 10 years old. They were selling flowers, garlands and other items on the street to tourists

and walking into restaurants at night,” Lt Col Rattaket said.

“They were found at inappropriate places for children.

They would see alcohol and other things. It is a bad influence for children.

“People might not care about this type of case much, but it is not right for children.

They should be at the right places, doing the right things,” he said.

The guardians of the four children – parents of some, along with a sister and a grandmother – were brought in to be questioned at Phuket City Police Station.

“We checked and these people are blood relatives of the children involved,” Lt Col Rattaket confirmed.

The guardians said they were unaware that having their children work late at night is illegal. “But I don’t think that is an excuse to use children under the age of 15 to work at night,” Lt Col Rattaket said.

However, unlike the human-trafficking case earlier

this month, which saw children forced to work all night selling coconut water in bars and restaurants or face being beaten, Lt Col Rattaket saw no reason to pursue legal action over the latest four children caught.

“We made a formal record and gave them a warning at the police station, but we did not charge them due to the circumstances involved,” he said.

But Lt Col Rattaket did call in child protective services.

“Officers from the Phuket Provincial office Social Development and Human Security came to talk with these children and their parents [sic].

The officials explained that if they allowed this to happen again, they would be charged for using underage children for work,” he assured.

Under Thai law, children under the age of 15 are not permitted to be used for labour, and children under the age of 18 are not permitted

Trash fire spreads near homes, destroys boat

POLICE ARE INVESTIgating a garbage pile fire that spread near homes in Rassada last Friday morning (Nov 22) and destroyed a speedboat that was undergoing repairs.

Lt Sanya Suksawat of the Phuket City Police was called to the scene, in Soi Bang Chee Lao 2 in Moo 2, Rassada, at 9:30am. Police together with firefighters from Rassada Municipality Fire Department arrived to find the speedboat and the ground around it ablaze.

Firefighters took about 15 @thephuketnews

By the time firefighters put out the blaze, the boat had already been destroyed. minutes to put the fire out, but by that time the speedboat, estimated to be worth B500,000, had been destroyed.

Saman Upama, 65, who lives in the house where the

boat was parked, told police that he was inside the home when smoke started coming into the house. He ran out to see a pile of garbage nearby on fire and called the fire department before unsuccessfully attempting to douse the fire by himself, Lt Sanya reported.

While Saman was battling the flames, the fire spread to the boat and consumed it.

Lt Sanya said police were continuing their investigation into how the fire started.

Eakkapop Thongtub

to be used for work between the hours of 10pm and 6am.

ESCAPING POVERTY In each case of the latest four children found, the family situation was the primary reason for the hawking late at night, Lt Col Rattaket said.

“One child was being cared for by a single mother, and they are so poor they needed money to live and eat. Another child was staying with the father, who was left handicapped by a car accident. The others were from families who worked like this for a long time, without any education or awareness of the law,” he explained.

“Honestly, I felt so much pity for them, but I believe there is a correct way to support and help them, or maybe an NGO can help to explain to them and teach them to do something in a better way,” he added.

Of note, in the arrests of the four suspects earlier this month for human trafficking

offences, the families of the children themselves filed a formal complaint saying that the officers had no right to take the children into protective custody.

The five children taken into care by the authorities were all from poor families in Nakhon Sri Thammarat.

Their parents had all handed the children over willingly to the gang arrested in the hope of their children helping to make money to pay for basic living expenses.

Yet it was not made clear whether the parents were aware of the physical abuse their children suffered if they failed to make enough money each day, but charges were pressed against only the members of the gang that operated in Phuket – not the parents.

Meanwhile, Lt Col Rattaket assured that Phuket City Police were taking the matter of child hawkers working late at night in bars throughout Muang District, which includes Wichit, Chalong

Rawai and Kata-Karon, very seriously.

“We are still working against the use of child labour in Phuket. If anyone sees any children, especially under 15 years old, working, please call 191 immediately. We will investigate right away,” Lt Col Rattaket said.

Patong Police Chief Col Anotai Jindamanee was not so forthcoming. He repeatedly declined to comment to The Phuket News about children in Patong selling flowers and other items to tourists late at night in bars and restaurants in the busy tourism town.

Patong Police Station was specifically chosen as the venue for the national press conference held by Lt Gen Jaruwat Waisaya, Commander of the Royal Thai Police Office of Legal Affairs and Litigation, earlier this month when he announced the arrests of the four suspects for operating the child hawking gang in Phuket.

“This will not be tolerated,” Gen Jaruwat said plainly.

Opinion 6

OPINION

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019

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EDITORIAL

Honesty dealt a crushing blow

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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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s the dust settled on the building collapse that k illed seven workers and left two more in hospital last week, the Thai bureaucracy trundled out the same old incredibly insensitive mantra – the families will be compensated, as if that were the top priority when seven people are crushed to death by a slab of concrete.

The officials involved in last week’s disaster, which at this stage appears to be Phuket’s deadliest workplace accident in decades, already had some practice just three months ago after a collapse at a construction site in Rawai killed three Myanmar workers.

But this time some early noises were different, noticeably the assurance that compensation would be paid “even if the workers are not registered”.

No further explanations have been forthcoming.

Just nine days after the Rawai construction site collapse, the Phuket Provincial Employment Office (PPEO) held a seminar, as PPEO Chief Kattiya Pandech said, “to inform private companies, local administrative officers, community leaders, NGO, medias and public about the process and documents needed to register migrant workers”.

Like that was needed after we just killed three of them; now that highlights the ethical condition of our construction industry, but there it is.

And that came more than 18 months after an “Emergency Decree” was issued in 2017 to crackdown on the “illegal importation” – that is, trafficking – of Myanmar labour.

Like with the inspiration for the 2017 crackdown, which saw hundreds, if not thousands, of migrant workers in Phuket dumped and abandoned by

their illegal employers, the US is again breathing down Thailand’s neck, threatening economic sanctions if Thailand does not do more to protect “basic workers rights”.

Only last month did the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs issue a statement to let the international arena know that Thailand is ramping up its efforts to protect workers. Any employer who hires illegal migrant workers shall be charged and fined, with repeat offenders imprisoned for up to a year and fined B50,000 to B200,000 for each worker – and prohibited from employing migrant workers for three years.

“This is to ensure that the protection of migrant workers’ rights is in line with the international standard,” said the statement issued on Oct 11. Well Thailand, it’s time to prove you mean these very recent words.

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Passengers on stricken cruise ship safe German tourist killed, struck by parasail speedboat propeller, off Kamala Disaster officials issue heavy weather warning Six believed crushed in Phuket building collapse Five-metre python caught in Wichit Four dead, three yet to be recovered from Phuket building collapse Three arrested for ‘lifting’ Patong motorbike Chinese ‘tourists’ arrested for illegally operating foreign exchange online The Siamese character seen through foreign eyes Navy renders assistance to cruise ship stuck on underwater rocks

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HAVE YOUR SAY Shame on you

Re: National labour safety directors assure compensation for victims of Phuket building collapse Thailand treats Myanmar workers like gutter rats. Shame on you.

Brett Lee [Questions being raised about whether any of the Myanmar migrant workers were illegally hired] Oh Jesus, so now they are going to blame it on the people that were killed?!

The lack of ownership and responsibility in the country amazes me.

Michael White I wonder if [the managing director] will ever go to court and spend some serious time in jail like in a civilised country.

Jeroen Tak National labour safety directors are not the first people to talk about compensation.

How can you be so cold-hearted to talk about that, as if money is a replacement for the workers who lost their lives because their employers did not respect Thai law and did not stop unsafe construction as ordered?

Buy off your conscience with

money? Very cheap escape of labour safety responsibility.

Kurt

Troubled waters

Re: Passengers on stricken cruise ship safe, navy to assist immediate repairs I hope the captain loses certification. You cannot just slam about in the ocean wherever you please without consequences. There are very accurate charts, both in print and digital, that were not used or adhered to.

James Bahr Sorry Mr Pramok, but Hin Bida (“Shark Point Krabi” for the dive operators) is on navigational charts, and all dive boat operators know this submerged rocky plateau well as it is a good spot for ocean fish and leopard sharks.

Seafarer Divers Charlie Phuket Re: German tourist killed, struck by parasail speedboat propeller, off Kamala If you go to “civilised” beaches, such as Miami Beach, there are relatively narrow strips marked with buoys for boats and jet-skis to use to

come into and out from the beach. The rest of the ocean is for swimming. You are not corralled into tiny pens like sheep as they do in Phuket and give the whole ocean to these noisy, stinking mafia mobiles.

That could easily be done in Phuket if the will was there to improve things for 99.9% of beach users and not the 0.1% who use the public beach as their private business.

Matthew Lempriere I’ve just got home from a holiday in Kamala and I can state that the parasailing operation is dangerous, badly managed and organised, and doesn’t care at all about the safety of those in the water.

Avoid it at all costs. I witnessed too many near misses in the water there.

Jmoore273 Kamala is totally out of hand. Was also watching the parasailing, jet-skis and tow sausages at Surin [on Nov 23], thinking that someone is going to get hurt. Boats coming in and out from shore through the crowds of swimmers. No spotter in the boats, jet-ski touts on the sand. Things appear to be getting completely out of hand,

just like the pre-NCPO days.

BenPendejo

Wear your helmet

Re: Woman escapes serious injury as motorbike crushed by truck in front of hospital This just shows that wearing a full-face helmet can save your life. How many times are the dead with no helmet and those with helmet alive?

Yes, luck is involved, but just wearing it says they are safety aware and maybe that brings luck too as they do say you make your own luck.

Simon Lomas

Blind eye

Re: Patong gets B11mn ‘smart CCTV’ surveillance system All connected to a network that is proven to be poorly maintained. I hope it works, but history shows another future failure.

Rorri_2 How many cameras have we seen announced and “installed” over the years? Funny how they never seem to work when needed, if they ever existed after the ink dried on the contracts.

Fascinated

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019

THAILAND NEWS

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B144bn stimulus package Finance Minister Uttama backs move to bolster economy THAILAND Bangkok Post

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he government has rolled out further stimulus measures intended to inject about B144 billion into the economy to boost full-year economic growth to 2.8% and maintain momentum into the first quarter of next year.

Finance Minister Uttama Savanayana said the cabinet approved the Finance Ministry’s package which comprises three measures after it was predicted that the global economy is likely to remain in a state of flux and exert further pressure on Thailand.

“The aim is to boost the economy during the remainder of this year and the first quarter of next year,” Uttama said after the cabinet meeting on Tuesday (Nov 26).

He said the government expects the measures to propel full-year economic growth to 2.8% from a projection of 2.6% recently announced by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).

Last Monday (Nov 18), the NESDC reported the economy grew 2.4% year on year in the third quarter, driven mainly by increases

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha meets representatives of village funds in Nonthaburi province in March as part of the latest batch of economic stimulus measures. Photo: Bangkok Post in private and government consumption and investment, slightly improving from 2.3% year on year in the second quarter but lower than 2.8% in the first quarter.

The slower third quarter prompted the government’s think tank to yet again cut its GDP forecast for 2019 to 2.6% – down from an earlier projection of 2.7-3.2% – blaming poor export prospects in light of

the slowing global economy, the prolonged trade war and the baht’s appreciation.

The first stimulus measure, which is divided into three smaller projects, is intended to strengthen the grassroots economy and involves a B14.3bn upgrade of village infrastructure. A total of 71,742 villages under the National Village and Community Fund will receive up

King Power’s ‘One Hundred Football Pitches for the Power of Thai Youth’ project in Phang Nga (Nov 26). Photo: Bangkok Post

King Power donates first built-inthe-sea artificial football pitch PHANG NGA THROUGH ITS ‘ON E H U N DR ED Football Pitches for the Power of Thai Youth’ King Power Thai Power aims to empower and engage Thai youth through sport-collaborated programmes focusing on football with the ultimate goal of enabling hands-on practical experience of theory to create professional opportunities.

The project involves construction of 100 artificial 7-a-side football pitches (33x53 metres) for schools and communities nationwide by 2022. The objective is to provide international-standard football pitches for children and youths to play and practice football on.

King Power Thai Power has now fulfilled the dreams of the children, people and football lovers of Phang Nga by giving @thephuketnews

them their very first artificial football pitch built at Ao Ka Por School in Koh Yao Yai. It will also serve as a common space for people to build good health and promote positive social and environmental change.

Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, chief executive officer of King Power Group, revealed that: “Sports and football ideally create social good and improve the quality of life bridging people and community together harmoniously. One Hundred Football Pitches for the Power of Thai Youth aims to give back to society and communities by providing Thai children and Thai people the opportunity to develop football skills.

“We are delighted and proud to bring more fun, good health and happiness to the people of Phang Nga through sports and will continue to extend this opportunity to other areas in Thailand.”

Bangkok Post

to B200,000 each under the project.

The cash is aimed at encouraging infrastructure investment and creating jobs in small communities, such as the construction of rice barns, community rice mills and fertiliser-making factories, Uttama said.

Another measure involves a one-year moratorium on principal payment for members of the National Village and Community Fund, which, according to Uttama, is expected to spur members into spending about B50bn.

Another project is the stateowned Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives’ (BAAC) B50bn loan scheme with an annual interest rate of 0.01% for three years.

The loan will be extended to members of the National Village and Community Fund, community entrepreneurs, agricultural cooperatives and farmers, among others, stated Uttama.

The second stimulus measure involves an allocation of B26.7bn to subsidise rice farmers’ harvesting costs and improve the 2019/2020 crop. Each household will receive B500 per rai on up to 20 rai.

The government has also approved an additional budget of B2.6bn to support rice production

costs for the 2019/2020 crop because more farmers have registered for the scheme. The payment period will be extended from Dec 31 to April 30, next year, said Uttama.

The minister went on to say that another B5bn stimulus measure is aimed at easing the financial burden of house-buyers and enabling the public to have their own houses under the Baan Dee Mee Down project.

Participants will receive cash rebates of B50,000 each. They must have a monthly income of no more than B100,000 or B1.2 million a year and be registered in the Revenue Department’s tax database. Only the first 100,000 participants who meet the Finance Ministry’s criteria are entitled to the privilege.

Supant Mongkolsuthree, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, welcomed the government’s latest stimulus measures, saying the measures should boost the economy in the short term and yield quick results.

Visit Limlurcha, chair man of the Food Processing Industry Club and vice-president of the Thai National Shippers’ Council, said he agreed with the measures, though it depends on how quickly the budget will be disbursed.

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THAILAND NEWS A park official examines the dead deer before it is sent for autopsy.

Photo: Bangkok Post

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019

Poison on pause BANGKOK

Bangkok Post

Deer death prompts sustainable action THAILAND THE DEPARTMENT OF National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has found a way of simultaneously protecting the environment and making money by selling rubbish left behind by visitors.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said on Tuesday (Nov 26) that visitors will be given a black plastic bag to collect their rubbish, which they are then required to hand over to rangers when they leave the park.

The trash will then be sorted, with recyclable items sold and money earned added to the park office’s coffers.

This idea was inspired by the death of a wild deer in

Khun Sathan National Park in northern Nan province. The deer, estimated to be about 10 years old, apparently died from consuming 7 kilogrammes of plastic waste and an item of underwear.

In a statement, Mr Varawut blamed the death not on plastic but the people who use it.

The male deer appeared to be emaciated and had deteriorated hooves. The plastic waste found in the animal’s stomach included coffee and instant noodle packets, plastic bags, rubber gloves, handkerchiefs, underwear and plastic rope.

Park rangers assumed that the deer died of constipation and old age.

From January, a law will be implemented cutting down on single-use plastic.

Bangkok Post

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he new National Committee on Hazardous Substances on Wednesday (Nov 27) decided to lift the scheduled ban on the herbicide glyphosate and delay the ban on the herbicide paraquat and pesticide chlorpyrifos for six months.

The committee, which had previously decided to impose the ban on all three farm chemicals from Dec 1, completed its term on Oct 26.

Some members are new, while others are on the committee by virtue of their official positions.

Industry Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, as the new chairman, said 24 of the 29 members of the panel attended the meeting at the ministry offices.

After considering the information put before them, they agreed unanimously to lift the prohibition on glyphosate and postpone the ban on chlorpyrifos and paraquat until June 1 next year, he said.

For glyphosate, the committee re-adopted the previous resolution of May 23 last year,

Industry Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit in Bangkok (Nov 27) to announce that the National Committee on Hazardous Substances has countermanded the total ban. to limit its use instead of banning it, he said.

The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry would work out measures to cope with the impacts of the new resolution within four months. This would include the issue of alternatives for paraquat and chlorpyrifos, Mr Suriya said.

The new resolution announced on Wednesday dealt a last-minute blow to conservationists and health activists, who had lauded the Oct 22 resolution of the previous

committee to ban the three toxic farm chemicals from this Sunday (Dec 1).

“The Dec 1 ban of the Oct 22 resolution is very short period and would have severe impacts that would also reach consumers, because prices would rise,” Mr Suriya said.

The new committee’s resolution followed several demonstrations by farmers and farm chemicals suppliers, who strongly opposed the immediate, total ban on the three chemicals, arguing

it would reduce crop harvests and increase farm costs monumentally.

The resolution also followed a rally by about 1,000 farmers and chemical suppliers outside Government House on Tuesday against the imminent ban on the three toxic farm chemicals, demanding a thorough study of its impact on farmers and businesses.

The demonstrators were led by representatives from the Thai Agricultural Innovation Trade Association, the Thai Agro Business Association and the Thai Crop Protection Association.

According to the protesters, the Oct 22 resolution did not take into account new scientific evidence and the ban’s effect on farmers and the national economy.

In a written submission to Prime Minister Prayut Chano-cha, they also said that at a public hearing on Nov 8, more than 70% of participants disagreed with the ban.

The government had also not proposed measures to mitigate the impact of the ban on farmers, agricultural and food industries as well as consumers, they said.

Media survey highlights generation gap NATIONWIDE OLDER GENERATION Thais will continue to remain attached to traditional media platforms for receiving news and information which will slow the country’s shift toward digitalisation, a study has found.

The study was carried out jointly by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission and Thammasat University to survey how people con-

sume media with 10,000 households across 26 provinces surveyed on the topic.

The key findings were a digital divide not only between generations but also between people with different levels of education and income, influencing how they consume information.

The older generation were found to be reluctant to give up, or add to, traditional media platforms, a feature exacerbated by the country’s growing number of senior citizens.

The f indings also showed how digital has negatively impacted print media and will continue to do so.

“Digital disruptions are very clearly seen in print media,” commented Thammasat University economist Suphat Suphachalasai.

Mr Suphat said the study had been commissioned to give media businesses more detailed data about trends in the media consumption landscape.

Bangkok Post

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019

BUSINESS NEWS

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Occupancy rises, rates drop

Phuket hotels yield less despite tourist arrival numbers climbing TOURISM The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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ourism arrivals to Thailand, and occupancy rates in Phuket, both rose for the usually poor-performing month of October, but the increases came as room rates were slashed, pulling down the average daily rate by more than 5% year on year, reports tourism and hospitality market research consultants STR. Phuket saw occupancy improve by 5.5% year on year to an average 65.6% in October 2019, STR noted in its latest report for the Asia-Pacific region.

Yet, based on local currency, the average daily rate (ADR) declined 5.5% to B2,813.53.

Revenue per available room (RevPAR) also declined by a marginal 0.3% to B1,846.25, the agency noted.

STR analysts note that group demand (+40.3%) drove the lift in occupancy, while demand in the transient segment fell 1.8%, explained TTR Weekly in its report. “Hoteliers may have reduced rates due to the appreciation of the baht and a more competitive marketplace with a 3.1% rise in room inventory

Tourist arrivals so far for November show 38.16% growth year on year. Image: TAT Intelligence Centre from last October,� the report added.

The STR Asia-Pacific report comes hot on the heels of the Ministry of Tourism & Sports (MoTS) releasing its tourism arrival statistics for October, which reported a 12.51% increase in arrivals to the Kingdom, from 2,704,002 in October last year to 3,042,282 in October this year.

Of those, Phuket International Airport this October welcomed 409,316 international arrivals along with 11,299 Thai nationals, bringing the total inbound arrivals to Phuket

to 420,615.

National tourism revenues for October also grew, by 9.27%, from B135.263bn last year to B147.801bn, reported the MoTS. Chinese arrivals to Thailand marked a 27.81% increase year on year, from 646,583 in October 2018 to 826,392 in October this year.

Tourism revenue from Chinese visitors for October also jumped by +22.96% year on year, from B32.647 billion to B40.143bn, reported the MoTS.

Minimum tour package prices set TOURISM MINIMUM PRICES FOR TOUR PACKages to discourage price wars and root out substandard travel operators are scheduled to take effect next year, according to the Tourism Department.

Issued under the Tourism Business and Guide Act of 2008, the minimum price initiative was approved by the Tourism Business and Guide Committee on Nov 14, said Department Director-General Taweesak Wanichcharoen.

Mr Taweesak said the committee is working on some details, but they agreed to set the lowest prices for a three-day, two-night outbound tour package at around B1,600 to B9,000 per person, excluding air tickets.

For inbound tour packages, minimum prices will vary based on the market and operation costs of travel agencies. The minimum charge for a tour to a short-haul market or from Southeast Asian countries is set at B800 per person per night, rising to B1,000 and B1,500 for those from Asian and other countries, respectively.

Minimum prices for a one-day domestic tour package is set at B300 per person, and B600 per night for overnight trips.

Tassanee Kiatkamchornchai, honorary secretary general of the Thai Travel Agents Association, said the move is likely to raise the standard of the travel industry but may not ease the price war nor prevent malpractice by tour operators.

Some crooked operators offer very cheap tour prices to attract clients and then abandon them, she said. @thephuketnews

More Thais are taking overseas trips and the Tourism Department wants to root out substandard operators by enforcing minimum prices. Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul / Bangkok Post Ms Tassanee said tourists should consider higher quality tour packages rather than cheap tour packages, which enable operators to add value to services.

The number of Thais taking overseas trips is on the rise. During January to September, some 9.85 million Thais took outbound trips, up 10.08% from the same period of last year, according to statistics from the Immigration Bureau.

Vichit Prakobgosol, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta), supported the minimum price rule, saying it would assure foreign travellers of quality and reasonable tourism services in Thailand.

Standardising the prices for tour packages is the first step in dealing with zero-dollar tours which have damaged Thai tourism, Mr Vichit said.

He suggested state agencies support tour operators who comply with the rule which would eventually help improve the current tepid tourism situation.

Bangkok Post

However, arrivals and tourism revenues from all major European markets continued to fall.

Tourism arrivals from France fell 1.22% from 52,067 to 51,434, with a larger than corresponding drop in tourism revenues generated, falling 6.87% from B3.216bn to B2.995bn.

Likewise, arrivals from Germany fell 3.17%, with a 7.68% plunge in spending, from B4.124bn to B3.807bn Of all the Scandinavian source markets, only Finland showed a marginal increase in the number of

arrivals (+0.81%), but with a 5.15% fall in spending.

Arrivals from Sweden fell 2.66%, with a 6.83% fall in spending from B1.398bn to B1.302bn Denmark and Norway followed suit, with 0.62% fewer Danes arriving in Thailand during the month, with 5.92% fall in spending, and 1.27% fewer Nords landing in the Kingdom, spending 5.51% less than they did a year ago.

Tourist arrivals from Russia showed steady growth (+5.41%) rising to 106,693 for the month, but showing a 1.51% increase in spending, from B7.7bn last year to B7.816bn this year.

The India source market continued its boom, with arrivals for October rising 37.9% year on year, from 117,448 in 2018 to 161,961 this year.

In terms of tourist spending, Indian arrivals have now overtaken arrivals from the UK, with Indians spending B7,640bn during the month, an increase of 35.72% year on year, reports the MoTS. In comparison, arrivals from the UK for October rose 2.22%, but spending fell 3.42% to B5.242bn Tourist arrivals from Australia continued to fall, dropping 5.23% year on year to 67,857, with a 9.7% fall in spending, from B5.119bn last year to B4.622bn this year.

10 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019

REIC upbeat on impact of latest property tax perks PROPERTY Nora Chapman

Department of Trade Negotiations Director General Auramon Supthaweethum. Photo: NNT

Thailand-New Zealand to discuss more trade TRADE AS FR EE TR ADE Agreement (FTA) partners, the Minist r y of Commerce is seeking to enhance trade cooperation with New Zealand as a new export market for Thai products, replacing markets affected by global economic challenges. The Thailand-New Zealand FTA has, so far, tripled the trade value between both countries, resports state news agency NNT. The Department of Trade Negotiations Director General Auramon Supthaweethum earlier this week revealed Thailand was to be hosting a Thailand-New Zealand Closer Economic Partnership meeting on Thursday and Friday this week (Nov 28-29), at which officials will be following up on outcomes from the Thailand-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which has been in effect

since 2005.

With the FTA, New Zealand has waived customs duties for all Thai products exported to New Zealand, while Thailand has waived duties for 99% on imported products from New Zealand. This agreement has led to a 321% increase in trade value between both countries.

At this upcoming meeting, both countries will be discussing more economic partnerships, such as a capacity building initiative for Thai dairy farmers, the enhancement of the Ease of Doing Business factors, as New Zealand is well regarded as one of the easiest countries in which to start a business.

Both countries will also be discussing campaigns to improve SMEs, as well as market expansion. It is expected this meeting will help raise ThailandNew Zealand trade value further, beyond US$2.387 billion recorded in 2018.

NNT

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he recent property tax incentives are expected to help drain housing inventory by 2.4% in the final two months of the year, with the addition of 6,200 units being sold nationwide, says the Real Estate Information Center (REIC).

Vichai Viratkapan, the centre’s acting director-general, said the amount of housing inventory in Greater Bangkok and 26 major provinces will decline to 257,969 units by the end of the year with the help of the incentives, reported property consultancy CBRE. “With the incentives, it can reduce by 4.5% from 270,131 units in the first half,” Mr Vichai said. “Without them, it might decrease by only 2.2% to 264,197 units.”

He said an additional 6,200 units are likely to be sold and transferred in the NovemberDecember period this year as the property incentives stimulate some homebuyers to make decisions.

The property tax incentives include a cut of transfer and mortgage fees to 0.01% from 2% and 1% respectively for units valued at B3 million or less. They are effective from Nov 2, 2019 to Dec 24, 2020.

Of the 6,200 additional units expected to sell in the final two months, 4,800 will be in 26 major provinces and 1,400 will be in Greater

REIC Acting Director-General Vichai Viratkapan said the housing inventory in Greater Bangkok and 26 major provinces will decline to 257,969 units by the end of the year.

Bangkok. Most housing units in the provinces are priced below B3mn.

In Greater Bangkok, the amount of housing inventory that had construction completed totalled 95,462 units at the end of the first half. Of this amount, 48,465 units or 50.7% were priced at B3mn or less.

The total completed unsold units priced at B3mn or less in Greater Bangkok comprised 17,592 low-rise houses, single detached houses, duplex houses and townhouses and 30,873 condo units.

Mr Vichai said the amount of housing inventory nationwide will continue to drop by 9.9% to 245,371 units in the first half of 2020 and fall by 15.2% to 225,976 units in the second half of 2020.

The major reduction will be in the low-rise segment, with declines of 11% and 17.5% respectively for the same periods.

“To reduce the inventory, developers should focus on boosting sales of ready-totransfer units and not launch too much new supply next year,” Mr Vichai said.

The REIC estimates the amount of new residential supply launched in Greater Bangkok this year at 112,044 units, down 23.2%.Low-rise and condo supply is to drop by 24.4% and 22.4% respectively to 46,010 and 66,034 units.

For 2020, the REIC forecasts the amount of new residential supply being launched to total 113,000-125,000 units, up 1.4-11.5% from 2019.

Low-rise will increase by 5.9-16.5% to 48,000-54,000 units, while condo will either drop 1.7% or rise 8.2% to 65,000-71,000 units.

Household debt sees second-quarter rise ECONOMY HOUSEHOLD DEBT REmained on the rise in the second quarter, but slowed from the previous quarter, thanks largely to the weaker economy, says the state planning unit, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).

On Monday (Nov 25), the NESDC reported the country’s household debt in the second quarter amounted to B13.1 trillion, up by 5.8%, a deceleration from 6.3% in the previous quarter. The debt accounted for 78.7% of GDP. By category, housing loans grew by 7.8%, down from 9.1% in the previous quarter.

Likewise, loans for automobiles rose by 10.2%, down from 11.4% in the second quarter, whereas loans for

Potential buyers discuss home loans at a housing expo. Photo: Bangkok Post other personal consumption increased continually, growing by 11.8%, up from 11.3% as a result of the expansion of both credit card loans and other personal loans.

“Overall credit quality is under surveillance as many credit types have higher risks,” said Thosapor n Sirisamphand, secretary-general of the NESDC. “Non-performing loans [NPLs] outstanding for commercial banks amounted to

B133 billion, an increase of 12.2% from the same period last year, with the NPL ratio of housing loans standing at 3.49%, up from 3.34% in the previous quarter.”

For car loans, the NPL ratio increased to 1.86% of the total from 1.82% in the previous quarter, while the NPL ratio of credit card loans was 2.65%, compared with 2.48% in the previous quarter. The NPL ratio of other personal loans was at 2.36%, down from 2.42%.

Mr Thosaporn said household debt in the second half of 2019 is expected to slow from the first half because of weak housing demand, an excess supply in the property market and tighter lending from the financial institutions.

Car loans slowed down because of decreased car and motorcycle sales, and most financial institutions retained strict scrutiny for credit lending.

Loans for other personal consumption tend to increase according to the increasing credit card loans.

Mr Thosaporn said the economic cabinet realises these threats and authorised the NESDC, the Bank of Thailand and the Finance Ministry to study household debt in detail to help the government find solutions on the spot.

Bangkok Post thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019

Making green changes to your small business

12

Tham Luang rescue makes the big screen

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Sharing the PFC environmental philosophy with the next generation of Phuketians.

PHUKET FARMERS CLUB The fruitful network championing the island’s farm-to-table movement

Palmer Owyoung

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ntil recently Thailand was the fourth-highest pesticide consumer in the world, using herbicides like glyphosate and paraquat, both thought to cause cancer, and the pesticide chlorpyrifos, which has been associated with developmental defects in children.

However, on October 22, 2019, the country’s National Hazardous Substances Committee passed a law banning these chemicals, which takes effect on December 1, 2019.

So does this mean that vegetables will be pesticide free? Hardly. A study by Mahidol University in Bangkok illustrated how reliant Thailand is on chemicals, noting that 28 pesticides are widely used in Thai agriculture. When testing three types of vegetables from both local markets and supermarkets, they exceeded the maximum residue levels (MRL, a standard set by the European Commission for the highest level of a pesticide residue that is legally tolerated in or on food) by between 35% and 71% depending on the vegetable type and where it was purchased.

Undiluted, these chemicals can cause neurological and kidney damage, headaches, dizziness, vomiting, and birth defects among other things.

Although some stores in Phuket offer organic vegetables, they are often sold in plastic containers wrapped in more plastic. So what is a health and environmentally conscious consumer to do?

Introducing Phuket Farmers Club (PFC), a community of gardeners and artisans with a mission to create a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle for people by reconnecting them with nature. @thephuketnews

At the helm of PFC are Romain, Najib and Damian. The three friends fell in love with Phuket while travelling through Thailand and wanted to find a way to stay while doing something meaningful, socially conscious and that they were passionate about. They combined their interests in living more sustainably and launched their business in April 2016.

Funded largely by their own savings and donations from an Indiegogo campaign, they are only now starting to turn a small profit, but as Najib says, “It is great to wake up and love what you do.”

Their environmental philosophy is permaculture which emphasises working with and respecting nature, rather than working against and damaging it which is common in conventional farming techniques.

The philosophy is bound by three core tenets: care for the earth, care for the people and care for the future.

Although permaculture is not new, it is becoming more popular since many climate experts agree that having healthy topsoil and using regenerative agricultural practices is important in fighting climate change and feeding the future population. By keeping the planet healthy, we are also keeping ourselves healthy – the two are inextricably connected.

While their fruits and vegetables aren’t 100% organic, they are grown using natural fertilisers and pesticides made from fermented fruits and vegetables rather than synthetic ones made from chemicals.

Never content, the team is constantly experimenting with new gardening techniques and trying to improve their skills and knowledge of growing plants and vegetables in a tropical climate. To promote permaculture and a healthy, sustainable lifestyle, they currently offer three services.

Delivery of groceries and artisanal health and home products Members of PFC receive a weekly newsletter with a list of naturally grown seasonal fruits and vegetables as well as artisanal health and homecare products.

The list includes many of the things that are commonly available at night markets and grocery stores, such as bell peppers, pineapples and mangoes, as well as some items that are harder to find, like baby carrots, potatoes and organic, free-range duck and chicken eggs.

Where PFC really shines is in their artisanal product line which includes exotic offerings like lemongrass kombucha, lime and hibiscus jam, and raspberry chilli organic chocolate.

In addition, they carry a wide assortment of beauty products, supplements, a pro-biotic, eco-friendly cleanser and a non-toxic mosquito repellent.

The products are provided by a group of growers and artisans based in Phuket, so every baht goes back into supporting the local economy. Customers place their order between Wednesday and Thursday morning and the goods are delivered on Friday, either to their home (anywhere on the island) or at a central drop-off point, making it both convenient as well as eco-friendly.

Workshops for schools and individuals The second service that PFC offers is a series of workshops at their learning centre in which they teach hands-on, sustainable gardening techniques while raising awareness about preserving the environment.

Some of the skills taught include planting seeds, composting, baking bread and building planters. The courses can be customised to individual needs.

Continued on page 12

12 ENVIRONMENT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019

The office environment

Eco-friendly saving methods for small businesses ad sites. You can even find free equipment that, while perhaps a little outdated, is still appealing and functional. This method will save a great deal of money whilst also keeping used items from going to landfill and creating extra pollution.

The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

E

very small business looks for ways to save money in order to reduce ongoing expenditure and increase profits. But within the effort of saving money, a business could also be helping the environment by opting for greener technologies and processes along the way. Here are seven of the most eco-friendly, money-saving methods for small businesses:

1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient HVAC system If you have a large office, shop or multiple physical locations, you could save a substantial amount of money and reduce your company’s carbon footprint by installing new HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems. This might have a significant upfront expense but it results in lower monthly bills or a reduced load on your solar panel system.

2. Install solar panels If your goal is to create a sustainable business with minimum overhead, a solar setup is ideal and avoids electricity bills and reliance on grid power. When you consider that companies can continue to consume power for many generations, establishing a free source of renewable energy is an obviously beneficial move.

3. Go paperless Outside of developing art or drawing up contracts that require physical signatures, there’s really no reason for paper use in corporate workflow. Keep a stack of paper

6. Opt for fuel-efficient or electric company vehicles If your business utilises a fleet of company vehicles, it would be wise to choose models that get decent fuel mileage or, even better, that don’t use fuel at all (electric or hybrid utility vehicles). When you consider the accumulative effect that the transportation industry has on the environment, ensuring that your company isn’t taking part in this gas-guzzling greed will give you peace of mind and save you money. and a printer on standby just in case, but try to use it as little as possible and don’t create systems that require the ongoing use of paper. Many companies opt to send digital receipts via email, for example.

4. Use smart office devices Smart office devices are designed to facilitate optimal energy efficiency and cost effectiveness. They increase organisation and workflow simplicity and have a net money-saving effect because they help you make the most of your work hours. Examples include adjustable desks, smart thermostats and multi-device keyboards.

5. Buy used office equipment You can find great deals for office furniture or appliances on social networking groups and on classified

7. Consolidate and downsize your office equipment Powering an excessive number of devices or other types of equipment will only unnecessarily increase your electricity bill. You can use smart power strips to gauge and monitor the actual power usage of each computer, appliance or any device that can be plugged in. This will help you determine which devices you can do without, and which ones to unplug. Some smart power strips will let you enable and disable power to specific outlets on the strip via a mobile app.

If you think about the definition of money in the sense that it’s a form of currency used to hold value, and that our environment is our most valuable asset as a species, isn’t “saving the environment” the same thing as “saving money” and everything else that humans have worked to build?

Organic papayas in the PFC garden.

A Friday delivery.

Continued from page 11 …PFC has collaborated with many of the international schools on the island, including QSI Phuket, HeadStart International School, UWC Thailand and Shining Stars, teaching keen, green students the ropes of organic gardening for growing food and medicinal plants and turning food waste into natural fertilisers and pesticides.

Eco-consulting PFC’s final service is eco-consulting. They help individuals and businesses to set up their own organic garden for food, medicinal plants, flowers or a combination of all three.

They also advise on the best produce to grow based on the location and elevation of the garden.

Part of their service includes designing the layout of the garden and irrigation system and selecting the materials that they’re built with. The team offers different levels of support, from simply supervising a project to fully managing it from top to bottom.

Some examples of their consulting projects include building the

new rooftop garden at HeadStart and maintaining the food garden at PRU, a farm-to-table Michelin-star restaurant located at Trisara in Layan. They’ve also designed, built and maintained 10 other projects for individuals across the island.

Now more than ever people are concerned about living a healthier lifestyle that is in balance with nature and the environment. Through their farm-to-table products, workshops and eco-consulting services, Phuket Farmers Club is making it easier for our island community to reach this goal and live healthier, happier lives.

For more information, visit www. phuketfarmersclub.com. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for news on upcoming workshops. To visit their learning centre or engage their eco-consulting services, email phuketfarmersclub@gmail.com Palmer Owyoung is an environmental activist who uses nature and science to keep Phuket clean and beautiful. He works with the Kamala Green Club. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

COMMUNITY 13

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019

Expatriates and their families can relax knowing that swift and reliable repatriation services are at their disposal.

Since AMAR opened their doors in 1944, they have repatriated almost 5,000 persons.

Introducing AMAR International Repatriations company brings peace of mind to foreign nationals in Thailand The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

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ne thing that has always been a matter of great concern to many expatriates living or visiting anywhere in the world is how their remains will be taken care of if they become deceased away from their home country, as well as how they will speedily and safely return to their home country should they fall sick or encounter an accident and wish to be medically repatriated.

There are currently about 200,000 foreign nationals resident in Thailand who, in the absence of professional repatriation services, will find it hard to get back to their country of origin in case of death or sickness.

But, thanks to AMAR International, expatriates living in Thailand, as well as their families in any part of the world, can relax with absolute peace of mind knowing that, should they become deceased

or fall sick and desire to go back to their dear home country, swift and reliable repatriation services will be at their disposal.

For many decades now AMAR (Allison Monkhouse Andrews Repatriations), headquartered in Australia, has been in the business of providing worldwide repatriation solutions on behalf of travel insurance and assistance companies. Since they opened their doors in 1944, they have repatriated almost 5,000 persons from a host of different countries and have now seen it fit to establish in Thailand so that foreign nationals resident in Phuket, Bangkok and all other parts of the country can benefit from their professional repatriation services.

But AMAR does not stop at repatriation; they also provide cremation and funeral services too. Arranging a funeral can be a difficult undertaking, more so for people who are grieving, and so AMAR has also made it their mission to take this daunting responsibility off peoples’ shoulders so they can have an easier

time while they grieve.

As one of the foremost funeral firms in the world, AMAR has also acquired extensive repatriation experience in disaster recovery. The firm has played prominent roles during crises in Asia and Australasia, including the Southeast Asian tsunami, Bali bombing and Port Arthur massacre where they deployed and provided wide-scale assistance to the victims and their families.

When people travel out and explore the world, the expectation is always that they will return home safely on their own. But life can be unpredictable, and unforeseen incidents do occur. And so when the unexpected happens to you or your loved one living in Thailand as a foreign national, rest assured that AMAR International will be there, right on time, to take charge and provide the care and assistance required.

For more information, visit www.amarinternational. com or email info@amarepatriations.com

Preparations underway for rebranded Red Cross Fair 2020

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he popular Phuket Red Cross Fair will return to Phuket during its regular window over the New Year holidays, and arrangements are already well underway, with Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana hosting a preparatory meeting with Phuket Red Cross President Sitthinee Tavipatana, Phuket Vice Governor Supoj Rotreuang Na Nongkhai, local administrative officers and selected business owners on November 25.

The fair will be held from December 29 to January 9 at its traditional site at Saphan Hin where it has been held for more than two decades and has grown to become the most popular Thai fair in the island’s calendar.

The Thai Red Cross Society was established on April 26, 1893 with the main purpose to help those affected by natural disasters. Through support from Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Thai Red Cross Society spread throughout Thailand, opening chapters in every province in the country.

In recent years the name of the fair has been changed to promote the Thaimade products sold at the fair instead of the funds raised through the lucky draw. The funds raised are used to @thephuketnews

All the fun of the fair at the event in 2017.

Phuket Red Cross in Rassada as part of their community outreach work. carry out local Red Cross community projects across the island and to support flood and drought disaster victims elsewhere in Thailand. This year, it will bear the name “Kong Dee Phuket Fair” or “Good Phuket Products Fair”.

Available to sample and purchase at the fair will be a variety of local products, including Phuket spiny lobster, Phuket pineapples and a host of other fruits and delicacies. There will also be a host of booths from local tour operators, Muay Thai training camps and marine safety organisations.

Additional activities include a

Kanom Jeen (rice noodles) eating competition, Thai cuisine tutorial sessions, an onstage performance from local students, bird and chicken singing competitions and an academic exhibition.

At the meeting, President Sitthinee has said that the Phuket Red Cross will set up a folk dancing stage and feature a “Red Cross Lottery” to raise funds to assist social benefit activities.

A B2.29 million two-storey townhouse in the i-Leaf Prime residential estate in Thalang is the top prize followed by a Toyota Yaris HB 1.2 J as the second-place prize and a pair of

Honda Wave 110i motorbikes as the third-place prize. The fourth-place prizes are three gold necklaces valued at about B21,000 each, with 30 gold necklaces valued at about B5,400 each as the fifth-place prizes. Other prizes to be won at the fair include electrical appliances and other household items.

Tickets costs B100 each, and winners will be announced at 10pm on the final day of the fair. To purchase lucky draw tickets or for more information about the fair, contact the Phuket Red Cross on 076-211766 or 087-2767591.

The Phuket News

14 ART

Comedy of errors

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019

The fun and foibles of theatre THE PLAY’S THE THING! Joel Adams

I

’ve always liked this quote: “Theatre is serious fun.” I think it really captures the soul of why I love theatre so much. It takes serious, hard work to put on any kind of theatrical show, no matter how simple it is, but oh what fun we have! And even if the fun is lacking in some of the tasks we have to accomplish in putting on a play, the fun and joy of a job well done with resultant audience appreciation or ovation is unparalleled. Even theatrical mistakes provide aged thespians like me with hours of storytelling fun.

When I was in university, the final fight scene between the Scottish king (we won’t say his name here; I’ll tell you why later) and Macduff was a thrill for the audience but even more for us, the cast, because we knew something they didn’t. The final fight with huge broadswords between the Scottish king and his nemesis had been meticulously rehearsed, with every move precisely staged and practised to perfection. In early rehearsals they practised with a slow drum beat that was sped up incrementally to reach a dizzying tempo. The end result was a breathtaking sword fight with sparks flying off the metal swords that drew applause night after night.

However, what we in the cast and crew knew that most of the audience didn’t was that both of the actors were blind as bats without their glasses, and neither of them wore contacts. I suppose they evolved bat-like

radar for the performance because the fight went off without a hitch, except for one time…

The swords were awesome props, with shiny silver blades and golden, intricately molded hilts.

Each of them had a round, golden ball on the end of the hilt which was made from a child’s red rubber ball. During the gala show, the final dress rehearsal with an invited audience and the press in attendance, in the midst of the fight, one of the balls came off and bounced, exactly like a rubber ball, across Dustin Hoffmann clowning around on set with Sir Laurence Olivier. the stage. The audience roared with laughter, but our intrepid actors never missed a beat and continued as if nothing had happened.

The following is a movie rather than a theatre anecdote, but it involves one of the greatest stage actors of all time, Sir Laurence Olivier. When he and the young Dustin Hoffmann were filming Marathon Man, Dustin, the dyed-in-the-wool method actor, decided not to sleep for three nights so he could play the scene convincingly where his character had been awake for 72 hours. When he could not stay awake or remember his lines, Sir Laurence, the quintessential classical actor, patted him on the shoulder, saying, “Dusty, next time try acting.”

Before being catapulted to stardom with the movie An onstage duel in a play that shall remain Alfie, Michael Caine spent years acting onstage. In nameless… Photo: Otterbein University rehearsal for a play, in a scene in which Michael had no lines, the director stopped everything and said, “Michael, what are you doing?” like wood blocks being dropped in the dark shadows “Nothing,” the young actor replied. “I don’t have a around the catwalk where no one could possibly be line for three pages.” walking. Let me tell you, my hair stood on end the “Of course, you do!” first time I started to hear those sounds, but I decid“No, I really don’t.” ed, “Well, we’re going to be together for a week, so I’ll “You have wonderful, brilliant answers and objust make friends.” From then on, Mr Electrician and servations running through your head, and then you I had a nightly rendezvous – him breathing, walking choose not to say them.” and dropping things, and me whispering niceties to I always tell my students this to teach them that no him. The footsteps would stop when I talked and start actor onstage ever has a moment of doing nothing, even again when I was quiet and busy with light cues. if he or she is not speaking.

I always wondered if this really happened or if it Finally, most theatres of more than a few decades was just a product of my imagination until Facebook old have the reputation among the theatre crowd of connected me with many of my theatre friends from being haunted. Our university theatre was no excepthose days. We had a series of discussions about our tion. It was rumoured that there were two ghosts that shared experiences, and one time someone asked if inhabited it: one a student actress who died in a car anyone had any ghost stories. I told them about my crash during her university career and was believed to encounter. One of the ladies who had acted in that inhabit the tunnel going from stage left to stage right; very play retorted, “We were so mad at you for walking around and dropping things every night in Act and the other an electrician who fell from the 40-foot Two!” My hair stood on end all over again! high grid to his death. I never encountered the actress The theatre, being a rich world of its own, is full of – although I wasted no time getting from one end of incredible, funny and strange stories, and I’ll conclude that tunnel to the other in case she was there – but I with the Scottish king. The title and main character of did have a week-long relationship with the electrician. that Shakespeare play is believed to bring bad luck and I operated the dimmer board for the lights for one disaster, even death, if said outside an actual rehearsal of our thesis plays. The lighting/sound booth hung from the grid over the audience, and it was reached by or performance of the same. Those who say it must run crossing a long, spooky, dark catwalk directly over the around the theatre seven times to prevent catastrophe.

I dare you. Go ahead. Say it, but not around me. audience and then stepping down into the booth. Fortunately, I shared the light booth with the sound crew Joel Adams is building a vibrant theatre community but only for Act One; there were no sound cues in Act right here in Phuket. You can contact him at theatrixTwo so then I was left alone. phuket@gmail.com or by phone on 093 6490066. FaceDuring the first technical rehearsal, I started to book: Theatrix Group hear breathing, footsteps and the sound of something thephuketnews

COMMUNITY 15

The art of coffee THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019

Getting creative at Drawing Room Coffee Stand & Gallery Hands on with a ROK manual espresso maker.

CAFE SOCIETY Amy Bensema bensema.amy@gmail.com

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new addition to the already eclectic Old Town neighbourhood, Drawing Room Coffee Stand & Gallery is located on Phang Nga Road. While the coffee stand is the new kid on the block, the Drawing Room Gallery has been established for a number of years.

Coffee and art are two of my favourite things. Imagine my surprise when a friend mentioned to me that there was a creative new concept happening in town that combined the two! I knew I had to check it out, and honestly, I am pleased that I did. Drawing Room Coffee Stand & Gallery has a fantastic ambiance, and it’s a fun place to sip on a coffee as the day passes by.

A passion project from a hip young Thai man called Wit, the Drawing Room Coffee Stand presents the opportunity to showcase his barista skills as well as conjure up creative coffee recipes to offer up to his local customers and the masses of tourists that pop in to check the Drawing Room Gallery out.

Drawing Room Coffee Stand is a coffee slow bar. A large collection of the drinks are made utilising handdrip methods or are steeped with an Aeropress. The end result is a rich, flavourful cup of coffee that feels like it is truly made with love. The coffee stand features drinks such as espresso, Americano, iced latte and more creative concoctions like cold brew spritzers, orange sunset, black cocoa, and lemon and plum lime sodas.

Intrigued by the orange sunset, I ordered one and watched the magic happen. Essentially the drink is a mix of a bold coffee bean, hand dripped to perfection, orange juice and an orange wedge served over ice. Not too sweet, but super refreshing, the flavours of the

Wit, the man behind the Drawing Room Coffee Stand. drink reminded me of a childhood favourite candy, the Tootsie Roll. A bit chocolaty and a bit citrusy, the orange sunset was a delicious choice for the hot afternoon.

For anyone who loves quirky, original art and a good cup of coffee, I can’t recommend Drawing Room Coffee Stand & Gallery enough. There’s loads of art to peruse, good music on the speakers and even a few budding cactus plants to purchase. Wit, who takes care of the coffee stand, is a cool guy with a big smile and a love for coffee, while Ids, the gallery owner and artistin-residence, is someone who has been a friend of mine for a very long time.

Nice people, fantastic location, delicious coffee and interesting art: the combined space really does tick all

of the boxes for anyone looking to experience a unique coffee break in Phuket.

Drawing Room Coffee Stand & Gallery is open Monday-Thursday from 3pm until 7pm and FridaySunday from 9am until 7pm. To learn more about the gallery, check out www.facebook.com/DrawingRoomPhuket. For more information on the Drawing Room Coffee Stand, visit www.instagram.com/wit.fc Written by Amy Bensema, Cafe Society is a monthly column which chronicles one girl’s search for the perfect cup of coffee. Have a cafe to recommend? Contact Amy via email at bensema.amy@gmail.com or follow her caffeinated adventures as @phukestagram on Instagram.

Belgian fries on the rise in Southeast Asia

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hailand imported a whopping 8,262 tons of Belgian frozen potatoes, fries and other potato-related products last year, nearly doubling the amount it shipped in a decade ago, said the Flanders’ Agricultural Marketing Board and Belgian potato association Belgapom in a recent release.

The Philippines was the top importer, with 30,468 tons shipped to the archipelago in 2018, followed by Malaysia’s 24,724 tons, Indonesia’s 15,548 tons, Thailand’s 8,262 tons and Vietnam’s 2,815 tons – all demonstrating how the Asean region has grown to become a large target market for Belgian potatoes.

This growth shows no signs of stopping either. In the first half of 2019, Belgian potato suppliers shipped 50,000 tons of Belgian potato-related products to Southeast Asia, 3,000 tons of which was bound for Thailand.

The five largest Belgian suppliers are Agristo, Bart’s Potato Company, Clarebout Potatoes, Ecofrost and Mydibel – all family-owned businesses shipping potato products all over the world.

Although often referred to as “French fries”, the history of the fried potato can be traced back to 17th-Century Belgium when poor villagers in the Meuse Valley, accustomed to frying @thephuketnews

river-caught fish, turned to root vegetables when the water froze over during the bitter winter months.

American soldiers stationed in Belgium in World War I called the tasty treats “French fries” given that the official language of the country at the time was French. And the name stuck, as has the world’s appetite for them.

To promote Belgian fries in the Asean region, Original Belgian Fries supported the “Back to Basic” challenge at the Thaifex – World of Food Asia 2019 convention earlier this year. More than 1,300 chefs competed during this 5-day challenge in which they were tasked with preparing two toppings and two dips to combine with tasty, Belgianstyle fries.

Thai chef Thipphapa Putthala of Wandee Culinary Technological College in Bangkok won a silver medal with a perfect score for her stewed-pork BBQ sauce, and you can try her award-winning recipe for yourself: Ingredients Tomato sauce, 200 grams; BBQ sauce, 24g; Lea & Perrins, 20g; Tabasco, 10g; onion, 40g; garlic, 2 pieces; bay leaves, 2pcs; oregano, 2 tablespoons; brown sugar, 60g; apple juice, 20g; pepper, 1

teaspoon; salt, 1tsp; paprika, ½ tsp; butter, 2g; pork ribs, 250g; sugar, 15g; salt, 20g; and water, 350g.

Method Sauté the onion, garlic and shredded pork rib with butter; add oregano; add all sauces; simmer; and wait until cooked.

The Phuket News

16 PEOPLE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019

A serving heart Father John is delighted to lead and celebrate in baptism ceremonies.

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church opened its doors in 2014.

Reflections on Catholicism with Phuket’s Reverend Father John PEOPLE OF PHUKET Jill N. Wells

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elen Keller said, “Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light.” Indeed, faith is a beam of light, leading one from darkness to brightness; faith is a beam of light, directing one from ignorance to wisdom; faith is a beam of light, guiding one from church to heaven.

Every time you pass by a church, as long as it is open, go in and sit down on a pew, enjoy the quietness, feel the greatness of God’s righteousness and love, and listen to the gentle voice and the wisdom of God. If you happen to be in the Cherng Talay area, you may want to visit St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and talk with Reverend Father John Pipat Rungruangkanokkul (Father John).

In 1995, Rev. Fr. Richard F. Woodarek, an American Stigmatines missionary, began to lead Sunday mass in various hotels in the Laguna resort complex, moving to St. Joseph’s Catholic

Church when it opened its doors on July 6, 2014. The inaugural mass was led

by Bishop Joseph Prathan Sridarunsil alongside priests from different parishes of the diocese. In 2017, Father John was assigned to serve at St. Joseph’s Parish.

Father John is from a traditional Catholic family in Bangkok. He underwent a 10-year formation in the seminary alongside other studies. In his 32 years of priesthood, he has served in various countries and ministries. As a good and faithful steward of Christ, he has dedicated himself to the service of God’s people in every walk of life.

One of his most outstanding services is his visitation to the sick and housebound. He’s always eager to visit them and attend to their needs, namely with sacramental services, as it is in the practice and beliefs of a good Catholic that once someone gets seriously ill, they must call for a priest to minister to them. Father John never refuses to visit them, no matter the time of day or where they may be. This is his service to God’s flock that has been entrusted to him. Similarly, he always answers the phone with caring tones, no matter who is on the other end of the line. Even

if it’s simply a salesman, he sees that they are performing their duties.

Recently, Father John has led a number of baptism ceremonies, a rite he is very much delighted to celebrate.

“In baptism, we receive new life in Christ. Baptism takes away original sin and gives us a new life in Christ and enables us to be children of God,” explains Father John. “In other words, we become part of God’s family.”

Father John also leads matrimonial ceremonies for couples from various nations, including Thai locals. Having children of different ages present at such ceremonies is common at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Naturally, they sometimes scream or cry out for no reason, but Father John is extremely patient and loving, asking himself, “What would our Lord do in this case?”

He smiles, telling the parents, “They are our future… Please be patient.

They will get used to the mass, the music, the atmosphere in time…” In this way, Father John calms down the embarrassed parents and also relaxes the rest of the congregation. He is careful to put himself into other people’s shoes, thinking in a caring and loving way to solve problems.

In Buddhist-majority Thailand, Catholics make up only 0.58% of the population, so Father John is particularly touched when anyone in his parish converts from Buddhism to Catholicism.

As writer V.S. Naipaul said, “To be converted you have to destroy your past, destroy your history. You have to stamp on it, you have to say ‘my ancestral culture does not exist, it doesn’t matter.’”

Father John recognises the pain and struggle that can accompany conversion and offers empathy and sincere advice for each individual.

Peter Drucker, author and the “father of modern management”, writes, “In eternity, however, in the realm of the spirit, ‘in the sight of God,’ to use one of Kierkegaard’s favourite terms, it is society which does not exist. In eternity only the individual does exist.”

In eternity, man stands alone in the

Catholics of many nations are married under Father John. sight of God. However, such life, even if ethically upright, leads to despair; a life that is negated between the life in time and the life in eternity. Drucker summarised, “In faith the individual becomes the universal, ceases to be isolated, becomes meaningful and absolute; hence in faith there is a true ethic. And in faith existence in society becomes meaningful, too, as existence in true charity.”

But “the faith is not what today is so often glibly called a ‘mystical experience’, something that can apparently be induced by the proper breathing exercises or by prolonged exposure to Bach”.

Drucker cautioned that this faith is not irrational, sentimental, emotional or spontaneous but “comes as the result of serious thinking and learning, of rigid discipline, of complete sobriety, of humbleness, and of the self’s subordination to a higher, an absolute will”.

If you will, everyone can get their faith. It’s you yourself who decides where you go.

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church is located at 48/212 Moo 4, Soi Pasak 8, Cherng Talay, Thalang, 83110. For more information, visit www.phuketcatholics.com, email stjosephphuket@gmail.com or call 081-8133669. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ENTERTAINMENT 17

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019

Diving into The Cave

Now showing in Phuket.

Do we need a feature film about the Tham Luang Cave rescue?

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Kong Rithdee

e already know the characters, the set-up, the conflict, the ending. And we have already seen a thousand images, still and moving, reported live from the scene with commentators of all stripes chipping in during those two tense weeks in July 2018. Miracles, as the world acknowledges, have already been performed.

Tears have been shed and a tragedy – the death of a Thai Navy Seal – has been mourned. So what can cinema do that reality – that life – already hasn’t?

This is a rhetorical question, because Nang Non (The Cave) arrived in cinemas last week. Fifteen months after the Wild Boars were rescued by an international coalition of cave-diving experts, their stories have lost some of the freshness, but the film does its best within its limitations to relive the rollercoaster moments and to capture all the keywords: despair, hope, mud, rain, darkness, mishaps, volunteerism, heroism, joy, medevac and the final hoorah.

For all its unpredictable acting style and narrative haste, The Cave makes up with ground-level honesty, espe-

cially with the third act inside the cave, which puts us up close to the experience of the divers in their perilous mission.

A sort-of dramatic reportage, the film doesn’t hang its narrative on any one character. Instead, it shifts its focus among several participants in the rescue and creates what might be called the Greatest Hits of the Tham Luang Saga. This is a mixed-bag of the headline moments and key players (and yet the film has some surprises in store).

Barely five minutes into the story, the boys are trapped and their disappearance is all over the news. In the next scene, we see a US military commander order his men (perhaps too much like a Roland Emmerich film) to mobilise for a rescue operation. Then the soldiers and divers arrive, not long after the tribal shaman who believes he can communicate with the spirit of the guardian goddess of Nang Non mountain.

The film hops from one build-up to another, from one character to another, and these threads are strung together by our own familiarity with the actual incident and also by Todd Ruiz, then a reporter of Khaosod English, playing himself, who appears regularly to “report” on the movement and progress of the operation to the camera.

In fact, The Cave features many reallife characters from the operation as themselves – and while it means the persuasiveness varies, this is surprisingly what gives the film a folksy, no-fuss texture. The most prominent of them is Headman Tun from Phetchaburi who, in the real operation, brought turbojet water pumps to the cave, got cynically turned down by the bureaucracy, drove back and returned to the scene after a plea from the boys’ families and finally became one of the heroes.

Headman Tun’s presence in the film also leads to a small but, to me, vital scene that shows why humanity should rise above bureaucracy – it’s also a scene where director Tom Waller smuggles in a wry critique of the way things are run and locked doors are opened in Thailand. Later in the film, the appearance of the prime minister (God help us it’s just an actor playing him) confirms that point; I nominate it as the most hilarious scene in Thai cinema this year.

Cramming all the little details to create this greatest hits is the simplest way to tell this story. It feels thin and depthless at times, but in his broad sketch Waller give us the heroic (the divers and rescuers) and the tragic (the death of Saman Kunan), the sentimental (the villagers whose fields are flooded turn down the compensation) and the triumphant (humanity over bureaucracy). The use of real and made-up caves to stand in for Tham Luang works better than I imagined, and when the film can’t recreate certain scenes, it cuts to a character watching real-life TV reports.

Our need to watch real-life events dressed up as cinema is a curious one, from The Crown to The Cave and everything in between. That’s a subject of another debate. For now, I still don’t know if we need a feature film about the Tham Luang operation, but the one we have before us justifies its existence quite sufficiently.

Bangkok Post

All girl power but no star power in Charlie’s Angels reboot

W

e were promised one of the biggest blockbusters of the year, but what we got was a C-grade action flick that didn’t even register a blip at the box office. That really is the only kind way to describe the Charlie’s Angels reboot.

By now you have probably heard the many varied excuses that have been offered up trying to explain why Charlie’s Angels has struggled so badly at the box office. According to the film’s director Elizabeth Banks, the reason is that sexism is still rife in Hollywood. Yet the original Charlie’s Angels film, and films like Tomb Raider, Salt and The Hunger Games, have seen success. It seems the reason why this film failed so badly is simple – it’s a bad film that doesn’t live up to its potential and suffers from a serious lack of star power.

Plot-wise, Charlie’s Angels sees gifted young scientist Elena Houghlin (Naomi Scott) help create a device that could be the answer to the Earth’s energy crisis. However, when she learns that it can easily be used as a deadly weapon but it still made public by the corporation she works for, she turns to Charlie’s Agency to try and contain it.

Led by Bosley (Elizabeth Banks), Jane Kano (Ella Balinska) and Sabina Wilson (Kristen Stewart) embark on a mission that sees them take on a highly skilled assassin know as Hodak (Jonathan Tucker) who is determined to get the weapon into the hands of his employer.

What sounds like a pretty basic synopsis actu-

@thephuketnews

Now showing in Phuket. ally turns quite convoluted and is perhaps step one to why so many of the traditional Charlie’s Angels fans have turned their back on this film. The small agency with three angels has now turned into a worldwide agency with a seemingly endless supply of angels, and if that doesn’t remove things too far from the original concept, the audience is then introduced to an army of Bosleys (most notably played by Banks, Patrick Stewart and Djimon Hounsou) within the first five minutes of the film.

This worldwide agency idea didn’t work for the last offering in the Men In Black franchise and again doesn’t work here.

Like its plot overload, the film is also dangerously let down by its action sequences. What should be straightforward fight and chase sequences look cumbersome and amateurish here. A surprise considering that, while Elizabeth Banks has never shot action before, her cinematographer Bill Pope has worked on films such as The Matrix and SpiderMan 2 and should have been able to make the film look a lot better than this.

The one saving grace for the film was Kristen Stewart. She may have been let down by a poor script and bad action sequences, but she still manages to shine with great charisma and a quick wit which at times is the only thing that makes the film watchable. Still, even her performance couldn’t match the star power of Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu offered by the film’s predecessor.

With very little star push and a script that made it seem C-grade, Charlie’s Angels seems like it was doomed before it even left the studio floor. Ladies and gentlemen, I think we just found this year’s Golden Razzie winner.

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

18 ISLAND SCENE

Grateful students receiving their scholarships.

The PIWC and IWF ladies were impressed by the students’ dance performances…

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019

Sumi, Wipa and Anthony.

…and their stunning handicraft works too.

STUDENTS SHOW THEIR SKILLS AT PIWC-IWF SCHOLARSHIP CEREMONY The Phuket International Women’s Club (PIWC) and the Phuket chapter of the International Women’s Forum (IWF) monthly luncheon on Nov 21 saw six new students at the Phuket Vocational College receive scholarships under a Phuket Hotels Association (PHA) project to support education in the community. After the scholarship presentation and a few words from PIWC, IWF and PHA presidents, guests enjoyed an exhibition of handicraft works and dance performances by the talented students.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 19

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019

Matt and PP Walter.

Rotary members and guests.

NEW AUSSIE CONSUL-GENERAL GETS WARM WELCOME AT ROTARY MEET The Rotary Club of Patong Beach welcomed Matthew Barclay, Australia’s new Consul-General to Phuket, as guest speaker at their weekly meeting at the Millennium Resort Patong on Nov 19. Matt spoke to the friendly and interested crowd about his path to a diplomatic career (via Rotary’s Youth Exchange Program), the changing nature of modern diplomacy and the trends leading the shift in today’s foreign services.

EXPAT AUTHOR AND HEATHER MILLS INSPIRE AT ‘LEGENDS OF CHANGE’ LAUNCH

Christina, Heather and Rebecca.

Rebecca and Sam.

Phuket expat author Rebecca Frith launched her book Legends of Change: The unstoppable rise of veganism at Thanyapura Sports and Health Resort on Nov 22, an inspiring event that drew guests from across the island and indeed the world. The book tells the stories of women leading the vegan revolution, including Heather Mills who flew in all the way from the UK to speak at the launch which also included a plant-based buffet, cooking demonstrations and lucky door prizes.

Daniele and Sandeep.

Jason, Eddy, Ben, Sao and Matt.

REVANA FAMILY VINEYARD HOSTS LUXE DINNER AT THE NAKA ISLAND The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, hosted another fantastic dinner at its beachside restaurant My Grill on Nov 21. General Manager of the Revana Family Vineyard Tom Bere, Executive Chef Sandeep Kumar and Assistant Food and Beverage Manager Daniele Pinto served up amazing food and even better beverages. Stay tuned for more upcoming events on this untouched island...

Pornchanok, Eddy, Monthira, Kriangrat and Panya.

RAMADA CELEBRATES LOCAL ART IN SECOND EXHIBITION ‘OLD & NEW, YET CLASSIC’

Dining beachside. @thephuketnews

General Manager of Ramada Plaza Chaofah Phuket Eddy Brosse opened the hotel’s second ‘Art @Chaofah’ exhibition on Nov 20 with a private reception on the Peranakan Courtyard that attracted guests from consulates, schools and private associations across the island. The exhibition, “OLD & NEW, YET CLASSIC”, which runs until Jan 6, showcases work from local artist Kraingrat Tabpabut whose style is inspired by early Western 20th-Century artists.

20 EVENTS

FRI

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

29 NOV

2,200 net. 29 - 30 November: Degustation Dinner Food only THB 2,999 net. Food with special selected beverages THB 3,999 net. Starting from 6.30 at Tre Restaurant. Reservation, Tre Restaurant at Banyan Tree Phuket, fb-phuket@banyantree.com, 076 372 400.

SAT

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019

5:30 pm. • THB 4,500 ++ per guest including a bottle of selected beverage per couple and free-flow special beverages and soft drinks • THB 1,600 ++ for children between 5 and 12 years of age It will be an epic day for all to remember so reserve a table today by emailing dining@katarocks.com or call on +66 76 370 777.

30 NOV

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.

XANA Sunday Fun Brunch

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

L’Aperitivo Italiano

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

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

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

ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ RIBS Come join us for our WEEKLY BBQ EVERY FRIDAY served ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in All You Can Eat BBQ Pork Ribs, Chicken and Sides for ONLY 495 BAHT! Our BBQ is famous at Two Chefs! Come try us out and enjoy our mouthwatering pork ribs, flavor-bursting chicken and more! Join us for Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the Fun. www.twochefs.com Kata Beach 076-333-370 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344-914.

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

Ramada Plaza Chao Fah.

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

From 15 November 2019 - 28 March 2020. Live music, DJ, Balloon, Bozo and movie corner. Good fun, Good atmosphere, Good dining. It’s all at Phuket’s most Lively Marina… the place to be. Email: events@phuketboatlagoon.com. Tel: 076 239 888 ext.318.

Poolside Night Market at Angsana Laguna Phuket Experience a traditional Phuket Night Market every Saturday from 17:00 – 22:00 hrs. The Angsana night market is a bustling gathering of vibrant food and beverage stalls comprised of local vendors and hotel catered stalls, providing a unique blend of Thai street food, BBQ and classic dishes from the resort’s restaurants with live entertainment. Enjoy yourself in the natural setting of the resort gardens every Saturday night. Starting from THB 150 net per item. Reservations: contact Angsana Laguna Phuket at fbreservation-lagunaphuket@angsana.com or call +66 (0) 7635 8500.

Banyan Tree Best of Brunch Sunday Roast All Day, All Night Come enjoy a Traditional Sunday Roast EVERY SUNDAY at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong.

Indulge in our Traditional Sunday Roast ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT for ONLY 445 Baht! Enjoy a Large ALL YOU CAN EAT selection of your favorites! Featuring: Roast Aussie Beef, Pork Loin and Chicken. Roasted or Mashed Potatoes.

Roasted Mixed Vegetables Flavored with Thyme and Garlic.

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

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

MON

2 DEC

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

Joint Phuket Christmas Sundowners hosted by AustCham AustCham Thailand is delighted to invite members and guests to join us to celebrate the festive season at our Phuket Christmas Sundowners to be held on Friday 29th November, 2019, at The Boathouse Phuket. Taking advantage of the beautiful surroundings at The Boathouse Phuket, the Phuket Sundowners offers a great opportunity to network with likeminded people from the business community. Cost: Baht 500 for AustCham members, partner Chambers’ members and Australian Alumni Members. Baht 900 for non-members.

SUN

1 DEC

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.

TUE

3 DEC

Chow Down for Charity On November 30th, dine at one of our exclusive participating restaurants, savoring the unique Chef’s Table menu specially created for the evening. 100% of ticket donations go to Phuket Has Been Good To Us to teach English to underprivileged children. Seating is limited! For bookings and enquiries: tina@phukethasbeengoodtous.org or 080 143 9554 or message Chow Down For Charity on Facebook!

The Sunday Brunch Club: Brunch & Pool Party

MARTINA CARUSO: THE BEST FEMALE CHEF OF THE YEAR

Kata Rocks Goes Big on 5th Anniversary

For THE PRESTIGIOUS MICHELIN ITALY GUIDE 2019. 29 November: Masterclass and Lunch starting from noon, THB

Celebrate Kata Rocks’ fifth anniversary with us on Saturday, 30 November from 12 to 3 pm. The pool party continues until

Get together for seafood buffet experience at Dream Beach Club offering fresh local and import items plus premium BBQ dishes and international favourites. Live performance by Jessie Cassin (NZ Top 10_ followed by Resident DJs, guest musicians, Dream dancers and more! ** DREAM MEMBER priced at THB 1,590/ person. ** BRUNCH ONLY priced at THB 1,890++/ person. ** Add free-flow package priced at THB 1,500/ person (4hrs). ** Kids under 10 eat free. 7-10 years old half price. Dream Beach Club, reservations@dreambeachclub.com, 098 048 3500.

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

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

WED

EVENTS 21

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019

4 DEC

SAT

7 DEC

WED

25 DEC

services related to the health, fitness and wellness industry.

A four-day extravaganza featuring an exhibition as well as workshops and networking events. Among scheduled events are a sportswear fashion show, healthy lifestyle seminars, healthy cooking workshops, group classes, dancing, DJs and live music. For more information please contact Munlika Boonyawong on +66 (0) 76 600 225 or email munlika.b@ jandevents.com or info@thailandhealthandfitnessexpo.com

EVERY DAY It’s definitely Jingle Bell Time @ Two Chefs Bar & Grill

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

Royal Phuket Marina Festive Festival Royal Phuket Marina invites you to join once a year celebration at our “White Snowy Christmas”. Enjoy the variety of the special Christmas gifts to shop for your loved ones and time to share the love and care to the under privileged children through our Christmas Gift Charity and Christmas Tree Lighting Event.

TUE

FRI

6 DEC

Grow Boating Networking Evening - December 2019 The Grow Boating Networking Evening for December 2019 will be held at Royal Phuket Marina on Friday the 6th of December from 5pm. Sponsored by Thailand Yacht Show - https://www.thailandyachtshow.com Come and join in the fun, everyone is welcome. There is no entry fee, just drop your business card or register at the bar. We hope to see you there and if you know anyone you think would be interested in coming please invite them along. 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/

DAILY EVENT UPDATES ON

@thephuketnews

TUE

31 DEC

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

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

24 DEC

Christmas Fair 2019 We invite you to join UWCT and the Phuket community in a fun filled family day in celebration of “The Season for Giving”.

The 2019 Fair will host A Christmas Wishing Tree - come select a child profile and help fill Santa’s Sleigh for Charity, Christmas Themed Student Performance, a Santa’s Grotto with family photo opportunities, Retails, Sustainability and Ecco Friendly focused Gift and Services Stalls, a fantastic array of Festive Stalls, and Games for all to play. 2:30 - 6:30 Free Entry. UWC Thailand.

Come and celebrate Christmas Day with us at Two Chefs Bar & Grill Patong Branch on Wednesday the 25th of December 2019 from 12pm to 12am. We have prepared a 4 course Traditional Christmas set menu dinner that will surely light up your holiday cheer! Price is 995 baht per person.

For more information please visit our website:www.twochefs. com For reservations please email us: patong@twochefs. com or call us at: 076 344 915.

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

It’s a Season to be Jolly @ Two Chefs Bar & Grill.

Spread the holiday cheer and make your Christmas more merry with Two Chefs Traditional Christmas Buffet at Two Chefs Kata Beach branch on Tuesday the 24th of December 2019. Two seatings are available (6pm and 9pm). Adult Rate: 1250 baht per person Kids under 12 yrs: 625 baht per person For bookings and reservations kindly email jonas.virtanen@twochefs.com or call us at: 076 333 370.

Christmas Eve Buffet & Party @ Friendship Beach Resort Friendship Beach Waterfront Resort Welcomes you to our Christmas Eve. Dinner Buffet & Party. Live Music w/ the Colin Hill Quartet (Pop Rock Blues), Children’s Choir , Santa Claus w/presents for the kids. Welcome Cocktail , Traditional Holiday Buffet w/ Imported Roast Turkey , Christmas Ham, Apple Cranberry Stuffing, Cranberry Port Sauce, Thai Seafood Special, Smoked Salmon and a large selection of Sides , Salads and Desserts . Vegetarian options available . Adults THB 1,900++ Children under 12 THB 600++ For Reservations call (66) 89 728 5304 or email to chef@ friendshipbeach.com Chef Charlie, 27/1 Soi Mittrapap Rawai Phuket 83130.

Listen to awesome tunes partnered with great food and drinks! We will be serving an elegant four course set menu including foisgras, Beef tenderloin, Canadian lobster and goat cheese ice cream and more for only 1295baht per person! Our ala carte menu and our highly appreciated vegetarian menu is also available as usual. For more information please visit our website:www.twochefs.com Sing and dance your night away as we countdown to 2020! What are you waiting for? billy.agren@twochefs.com

THU

9 JAN

Celebrate Truffle Season at Pinto Restaurant The truffle season is upon us and guests can experience a gastronomic journey inspired by this luxury ingredient - black and white Alba trufes at Pinto restaurant from 18-30 November. A specially curated 5-course trufe menu with selected beverage pairing from starts from THB 3,950. On Friday 22 November, delight in a rare opportunity to book an exclusive white trufe dinner joined by 5th generation owner of Marchesi di Barolo estate, Anna Abbona. Book now at: phuket.intercontinental.com/offer/trufe-promotion. Reservation, Pinto Restaurant at Intercontinental Phuket Resort, inphuket.dining@ihg.com, 076 629 999.

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

THU

30 JAN

Festive Season 2019

The Exotic Fishing Thailand 1.5 Million Baht Tagged Fish Challenge

Come and celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve oceanside style. We are offering an exciting program as you bid farewell to 2019 and look ahead to 2020 at The Nai Harn Phuket overlooking beautiful Nai Harn Bay. Please contact us for more details at Tel: 076 380 200 Email: fbsec@thenaiharn.com Reservation, The Nai Harn Phuket, fbsec@thenaiharn.com, 076 380 200.

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

Thailand Health & Fitness Expo 2020 The inaugural Thailand Health & Fitness Expo from 30th January to 2nd February 2020 will showcase brands and

22 TIME OUT

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York

1. Which letter of the alphabet does not appear in any US state name?

2. In which year was the Bangkok Post first published?

3. The shortest recorded war in history – between 38 and 45 minutes – was fought between who?

4. Where is Angel Falls, the world’s highest waterfall?

5. Which singer is godmother to Elton John and David Furnish’s two children?

Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Medium

Louvre Across 47. Bothers a lot 1. Urgent 49. Series of arches 4. Chinese food on columns additive 7. Palace of Versailles 51. Opposites 55. Saturate resident 57. Part of Y.S.L. 10. Tel __, Israel 58. Watch feature, 12. Longer than perhaps centuries 59. Lux. neighbor 13. Honey drink 14. Tom and Katie’s kid 60. Grazing spot 61. Designer von 15. Snoopy’s first Furstenberg owner 16. Smirnoff perhaps 62. Fannie or Ginnie follower 17. Opposites 63. Slip up 20. Transmits 64. Georgian, for one 21. Ukraine seaport 24. Valuable rock 25. It may be picked Down 1. Monopoly maker 27. Wonder 2. Egg related 28. Martinique, par 3. Angry venting exemple 4. Chow ___ 29. Opposite of 36 5. Disposed of across 6. Bite like a beaver 32. Dunce 7. Make another 34. Eagle’s org. that blueprint changed its name 8. Good wood 35. Partners’ go9. Actress, Lupino between 11. “Veni, vidi, ___” 36. Opposite of 29 13. Bit of dust across 15. Corrective eye 41. Mauna ___ surgery (Hawaiian volcano) 16. Hulu offering 42. ___ fault 43. No-no drug in the 18. Hawaii’s ___ Coast Tour de France 19. Bay 44. Article at the

22. Gravity-powered vehicle 23. ___ Lingus (Irish airlines) 26. Part of the leg 27. Quartz marble 29. Producer, abbr.

30. Government security agency, abbr.

31. Horse 32. Cousin of a bassoon 33. Subject to reduction 36. Junior high subj.

37. French story 38. Referendum 39. Apple tablet computers 40. Direction in Dijon 44. Washing 45. Reporter’s boss 46. One-named Tejano singer 48. Cozy 50. Give in to 52. Singer Lovett 53. Allege 54. Close in on 55. Technology giant 56. ___ culpa

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 4) Venezuela; 5) Lady Gaga.

1) Q; 2) 1946; 3) United Kingdom and Zanzibar;

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

5.50

US dollars is how much the flag astronauts planted on the moon in 1969 cost.

40

percent of a colony’s worker ants spend the majority of their time doing nothing.

10,916

metres is the deepest any human has travelled below sea level (less than 0.2% of the distance to the centre of the Earth).

221,800

Sunset at Kite Zone. Photo by Kaye Smith Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket? Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

is how many islands Sweden has, only 1,000 of which are inhabited.

This week in history

1.1 million

November 29, 1899 FC Barcelona is founded by Catalan, Spanish and Englishmen. It develops into one of football’s most iconic and strongest teams.

refuses to give up her bus seat to a white man and is arrested for violating the city’s racial segregation laws, an incident which leads to that city’s bus boycott.

November 30, 1982 Michael Jackson’s album Thriller is released worldwide and goes on to become the best-selling record album in history.

December 2, 1804 At Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, Napoleon Bonaparte crowns himself Emperor of the French.

Rosa Parks with Martin Luther King Jr.

Source: Uberfacts

December 1, 1955 In Alabama, seamstress Rosa Parks

December 3, 1992 A Sema Group test engineer uses a computer to send the world’s first

text message via the Vodafone network to his colleague’s phone.

It read “Merry Christmas.”

pounds is how much the average cumulus cloud weighs.

December 4, 1989 King Bhumibol Adulyadej gives a speech expressing concerns about the future of the country’s environment. December 4 is later designated Thai Environment Day. December 5, 2017 The International Olympic Committee bans Russia from competing at the 2018 Winter Olympics for doping at the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 23

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019

Jobs

GE UR

NT

Admin assistant wanted - Part Time

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

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

@thephuketnews

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

NT GE UR Wanted- Designer

HTML Eflyers

Designer and creation of HTML responsive email marketing newsletters. Excellent written English, must be able to use Campaign Monitor. Please email CV - personalassistantphuket@gmail. com

Marketing Executive

Art House Real Estate is looking for Native Russian speaking, basic salary plus commission. info@arthouse. asia, 089 594 6888

Chinese Marketing Manager

Art House Real Estate is looking for Chinese speaking, basic salary plus commission. Art House Development Co., Ltd, info@arthouse.asia, 089 594 6888

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019

Trades & Services

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CORPORATE SERVICES

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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019

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classifieds@thephuketnews.com

MARINE SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

PERSONAL SERVICE

PERSONAL SERVICE

OTHER

ADVERTISE HERE

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019

Buy & Sell BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE Speedboat for Sale

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

CARS, TRUCKS FOR RENT Toyota Fortuner 2007 for sale

200,000 km. Two owners. Smart TRD 3.0 Good condition! Great deal! Call now!! 590,000 THB, Nony, Kathu, Phuket, Thailand, Nony_ntp@hotmail.com, (Eng/Thai) 099 2650808.

UR

G

T EN

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.

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE LIKE BRAND NEW

2014 Ford Focus S white w/ black leather interior, sunroof, full options, one owner, accident free. LED front, black roof, 9,400km.

Ted Blenkers, Chalong Phuket kapitanted@ gmail.com, 0899085199

Mitsubishi Mirage 10/2018

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

COMMUNITY Play Bridge

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

Didier, 080 142 8122.

FURNITURE Lis Anette Bergström

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

MEMBERSHIPS Blue Canyon Family Membership

7 seater for rent

We have a New top-model Sienta 7 seater for rent. Has reverse camera, mag wheels, leather and automatic sliding doors. Available from Sept 7. Price daily or per month.

0848474377. stigisaan@gmail.com

@thephuketnews

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

Golf Membership

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

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

MEMBERSHIPS Loch Palm - Membership

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

Loch Palm Memberships

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

PROPERTY WANTED Allamanda 2 Bed Freehold

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

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

Willing to Sell / Rent Property in Laguna?

Willing to sell or rent your property in Laguna area?

Please contact me raisa@rl-property.com +66 (081) 737 1687 (Viber, WhatsApp, Line) Raisa Sheludkina, Railand Property International., 46., Lagoon Road.,Ch erngtalay.,Thalang.,Phuket 83110., raisa@rl-property. com, 0817371687, 076324448.

House Wanted in Chalong

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

PERSONAL SERVICES Tom Jones Of Philippines

Has been doing a show in different country here in Asia like Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Macau, China, Japan, Canada and here. He is now in Phuket, Thailand. For special occasion please call. Jun Alvarez (AKA), junalvarez331591@gmail. com, 096 592 6297 / 094 947 7712.

28 CLASSIFIEDS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Buy & Sell SERVICES

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Credit and investment in private section

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

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

SPORTING GOODS, EXERCISE Oceanus Speargun for Sale

1 Bed Condo Sale Rawai

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

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 2 or 5 BR OCEAN FRONT CONDO

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

2 bed, 2 bath Stunning Villa

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

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

Luxury Condo Sale

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

2 Big Balcony, Jacuzzi. Location: Kathu, 5 min. Phuket Town and all department stores and International Hospitals. 086-268-7901.

THB 11,5 M, Martin, martinhkt@yahoo.com

White sand beach

29 Rai with breathtaking views and 128 meter of white sand beach frontage on Koh Yao Yai , just 20 minutes from Phuket away , secure Chanote tittle , public concrete road , water, electricity and ready to build for sale direct from owner for only 5.5 mln per Rai. Montha, montha_phuket@yahoo.com, 095 0147888.

OCEAN FRONT LAND

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

OCEAN FRONT VILLA

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

Dream Village Phuket house

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

Villa in Patong prime location

Villa in central Patong , top condition.

Can generate 1.3 MB tourist rental income/y . 3 bed, 3 bath, 160sqm living.

Furnished, garden. Ms. Manatchanok, 0800409411.

Villa Mission Heights Big Pool

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

PROPERTY FOR SALE U

E RG

S NT

AL

PROPERTY FOR RENT

E

RPM by owner

Unique luxury condo 2 bed, 2 bath, 155sqm. Foreign FREE HOLD. Architect remodel in tropical white. Jacuzzi.

All round beautiful views. Completely furnished to a high standard. Very motivated owner leaving Thailand.

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

1 Bedroom Condo Kata For Sale

G UR

EN

Absolute Beachfront Pool Villa

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Absolute Beachfront Pool Villa, 3 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom, fully serviced. Short Term Rental from 35‘000 THB/Week to 195‘000 Month depend on Season. Long Term on Agreement. sunparasol@ gmail.com, +66 91 040 8869

4-Bedroom House for rent

4 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms furnished house for rent. 7 minutes to BIS. Newly renovated. Swimming Pool and Garage. 65,000, Owner, Baan Suan Loch Plam, heitmann@hlbthai.com, 081-8996557 (Eng)/ 088-7602825 (Thai)

Thalang House 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

2 Bedrooms, semi-furnished with next door gym and smiming pool. 199/167 Moo 9 Thepkasattri Rd. Thalang Phuket, 089 882 9246 sawasdeeka84@hotmail.com

Super villa for sale

Condo in Patong for Rent

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

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

Karon 1 Bed Condo for Sale

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

7 Bed Boutique Hotel for Sale

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

A unique opportunity to buy a beautiful, fully licensed and 100% legally compliant boutique hotel business in Cherng Talay.

The resort has full restaurant, alcohol and cigarette licenses. B30,000,000, Mike, phuket@thairesidential.com

PROPERTY FOR RENT 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.

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.

2-Bed Furnished Kathu House for Rent

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

2 Bed Condo Bangtao Phuket

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

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, NOVEMBER 29, 2019

Pavit Tangkamolprasert after winning the Sabah Masters in Kota Kinabalu. Photo: AFP

Pavit tops fourway battle for Sabah Masters GOLF T H A I L A N D’ S PAV I T Tangkamolprasert chipped-in for birdie on the second playoff hole last Sunday (Nov 24) to clinch the Sabah Masters, his second Asian Tour title at the Sutera Harbour Golf and Country Club in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.

After closing with a final round 65, Pavit, who suffered a play-off defeat at the recent Thailand Open, redeemed himself in a four-way battle against compatriot Phachara Khongwatmai, Australian David Gleeson and Aman Raj of India.

Pavit, 30, told reporters it had been an “unbelievable week”.

“It is the best chip in my life,” he said of his hole out.

Gleeson, who led after three rounds, could have wrapped up the tournament on the 72nd hole, but a costly bogey gave him a three-under 68.

Phachara shot a final round 67 and Raj a blistering 63, with all the play-off contenders ending regulation play on matching totals of 13-under-par 271.

In the first play-off hole – which was held on the parfour 18th – Raj bowed out with a bogey.

AFP

SPORT 29

SEA Games fiasco

Philippines in firing line for chaotic preparation plans SEA GAMES Joshua Melvin and Ron Lopez

T

ransport delays, footballers training in the streets and two toilets in one stall: a chaotic final build-up has put the Philippines under pressure before the Southeast Asian Games open on Saturday.

The worst incidents have spilled forth under the hashtag #SEAGamesfail, including scaffolding clinging to an incomplete stadium renovation and a temporary press room built from unpainted cinder blocks.

In one tweet, the Games’ slogan of “We Win as One”, was twisted into “Wiwi as One” to accompany a photo of one venue’s ladies’ room, where contractors had put two toilets in a single stall – an image that has gone viral.

This came on top of the Philippines apologising Sunday for leaving incoming football squads stranded at the airport or stuck waiting hours to check in to their rooms.

As part of that episode, one hotel issued this clarification: “We asked them (the players) if they needed chairs but they declined, preferring the floors so they could lie down to rest.”

Thailand’s men’s footballers trained in the streets near their hotel after their coach complained that the facilities provided were too far away, their coach told the Bangkok Post.

Monico Puentevella, who was organising committee chair in Manila’s 2005 hosting of the Games, was one prominent critic of the preparations.

“You know I’ve been in all SEA Games, Asian Games, Olympics. We never had this treatment before in other countries,” he told a Filipino

Workers at the Aquatic centre in New Clark City, north of Manila, days ahead of the opening ceremony of SEA Games. Photo: AFP TV station.

The Games in Clark, Manila and Subic, which run through December 11, are particularly complex with a record 56 sports across dozens of venues that are in some cases hours’ drive apart, even before Manila’s notorious gridlock traffic is factored in.

Rizal Memorial sports complex in central Manila, the home of both the sparse press room and twin toilets, has come in for particularly strong criticism.

Crews were still swinging from scaffolding on the building’s exterior as of Tuesday, wrapping up a renovation of the historic site, which hosted two sold-out Beatles shows in 1966.

The vast scale of the Games has included erecting a massive sports complex in New Clark City, which

is at least two hours’ drive north from the capital.

The stadium and aquatic centre there looked ready for competition during an AFP visit on Tuesday, though workers were still wrapping up last-minute jobs.

“We’ve been working hard and doing extra work overnight so we can finish… for November 30 for the SEA Games,” Dianeto Tizon, a labourer, told AFP. He was putting the finishing touches on the cauldron that will hold the Games’ flame, a 50-metre (160-foot) tower that has come under fire over its high cost.

It cost Philippine taxpayers nearly US$1 million, a hefty sum that critics noted would have better served the nation’s millions of poor and children.

Earlier in the week construction was still ongoing at a skate park south of Manila, images of which appeared in nervous social media posts from foreign skaters.

Despite this pressure, and Sunday’s mea culpa, some in the upper echelons of Philippine power have insisted minor problems are unavoidable.

“These kind of incidents, given the number of countries participating and the athletes coming here could not be avoided,” presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo, said of the hotel and airport snafus.

“Those are never intentional but…there has been no single incident report of their safety being in danger,” he added.

AFP

Local favourites flounder while Team Hooker take top honours FISH THE EXOTIC WELL IT MAY HAVE BEEN A windy weekend but nothing could keep the Saltwater anglers from braving the elements for three days and chasing the prize as the top team in the Phuket Sportfishing Tournament / PST 2019.

There were lots of fish caught but as always happens in fishing events a few anglers caught most of the fish.

Nearly all of the boats were fishing a similar area and it came down to timing, patience and technique to separate the winners from the also-rans.

Local favourites Team Fish Eagle under the guidance of Sailfish specialist Captain Andrew Inman had a good event and caught 10 sailfish. They probably thought they had the event won again but it was Team Hooker with anglers from Poland, the US and Sweden who put on a clinic and @thephuketnews

Mike Bailey presents Torben Eggert his winner’s certificate. Photo: ETF landed an amazing 15 “sails” over the three days.

I heard from a reliable source that they rented a smaller boat than other competitors and used a strategy of trying to sneak up on visible sailfish and cast live baits to catch their fish.

I know that one of the anglers Russell Kleppinger is a serious Tarpon angler from US, so no doubt he used the experience of catching 100s of big Tarpon to help his team stay atop the other seven teams. However they man-

aged it, congratulations on excellent catches which also included heaviest King fish and Biggest GT. Top lady angler was Kuhn Butija of Team Triple A and Junior honours went to Anton Junior of Russian Team Ardent Angler. As always Rosi’s Bar threw a great party which went on till well into the evening with some anglers celebrating and others drowning their sorrows and planning for next year.

I’m sure after shaking the cobwebs off that more than a few competitors managed to enjoy some of the freshwater fishing offered in Phuket ponds at Chalong Fishing Park, Private monster fishing and Phuket fishing park. A few are booked in to enter our tagged fish event here at Exotic Fishing Thailand and some may even be winners by the time you have read this article.

Speaking of the Exotic Fishing Thailand’s tagged fish event it’s been an exciting start to the five-month event. We have had 12 people enter

and six people win prizes so far in the first month. Prizes have ranged from three days free fishing worth B18,000 to five days free fishing worth B30,000.

The latest winner was Mr Torben Eggert from Denmark, who had fished here for one week with his family catching and incredible total of 2,000kg of fish while not entered in the event. They had caught four tagged fish in the week worth a potential B80,000 in free fishing.

After a week enjoying Thailand’s beaches, they returned on a mission to catch a tagged fish and managed to catch an Amazon Redtail with an orange tag worth five free days of fishing. A perfect ending to a fishing holiday of a lifetime as they described it.

For anyone else looking to test their skills and to win big please feel free to contact us to book a day’s fishing here at Exotic Fishing Thailand the home of freshwater fishing events in Asia.

If you have questions about fishing in and around Phuket please feel free to contact us by email and we will do our best to help you with an accurate answer or direct you to another reliable source.

By Mike Bailey, Exotic Fishing Thailand Co Ltd Email; exoticfishingthailand@gmail. com Telephone; English 0883799377 or Thai 0811995922 facebook; h t t p s ://w w w.f a c e b o o k . com/E xotic-Fishing-Thailand-427820143951674/ Website; www.exoticfishingthailand.com

30 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019

Ferrari’s painful luxury

Team chief seeking to quell ongoing rift between drivers BOX OF NEUTRALS Michael Lamonato michael@boxofneutrals.com

T

he final race of the Formula One season is upon us, but one man will be looking forward to the downtime than most.

Fresh from his drivers crashing into each other just six laps from the end of the Brazilian Grand Prix, Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto must be very much ready for a holiday.

Binotto hasn’t had the season he expected when he was appointed to the top job in January – the Scuderia’s promising but unsuccessful 2018 title tilt and strong 2019 preseason form has given way to a slump of just three wins and a distant second place in the championship this season.

It took until round 13 for Ferrari to take its first victory and round 15 for the team to rectify some of the car’s worst aerodynamic weaknesses.

Though the Italians haven’t won again since then, there’s hope they can capitalise on their late-season momentum to contend again next season under stable regulations.

But with the season-long simmering of teammate rivalry fully boiling

Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto (centre) with drivers Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Photo: Kenzo Troubillard AFP over into disastrous friendly fire in Brazil, the quality of the car is the least of Binotto’s concerns.

The partnership between newcomer Charles Leclerc and veteran Sebastian Vettel came to a head with a hard but fair move by the latter past the former at turn two in a fight for fourth place.

Vettel then used DRS to pull back alongside Leclerc on the run to turn four, but the Monegasque gave the German only the bare minimum space on the outside, and they made

contact when Sebastian jinked to the left to try to compromise Charles’s line into the upcoming left-hander.

The touch was minor but the result was catastrophic: Leclerc’s front-right suspension failed and Vettel suffered a tyre blow-out. Both retired from the race.

The drivers blamed each other.

The stewards blamed neither. Paddock consensus pinned the blame on Vettel but admitted Leclerc didn’t have to squeeze his teammate to the limit.

Binotto was left to pick up the

pieces, perhaps while wondering whether he really should have seen it coming.

His decision to frame Leclerc as Vettel’s deputy during the preseason seemed reasonable given his juniority, but it lit a fire under his young charge to prove the team wrong.

He’s had the measure of his fivetime champion teammate for much of the season despite occasional inexperience-borne mistakes, beating Vettel in the qualifying head to head and leading him by 19 points

on the title table.

Sensing his growing influence, Leclerc pressed home his advantage in the first major flashpoint of the year, ignoring a team order to give Vettel a qualifying slipstream at the Italian Grand Prix. Sebastian was furious, and only after Charles won the race from pole did Binotto pardon him for disobeying the team.

Vettel got his own back in Russia when he too ignored repeated calls to let Leclerc back into the lead after taking first place in a pre-arranged swap at the start. In a cruel twist of fate his power unit failed shortly afterwards, handing Mercedes victory.

So if any trust existed before the crash in Brazil, it’s all but dissolved now, and while that’s been barely manageable as the team has wallowed off the pace this season, Vettel desperation to bolster his reputation playing against Leclerc’s eagerness to turn precocious promise into trophies would be corrosive in championship contention.

But now just this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix remains for Binotto to enforce a ceasefire before he can attempt to assemble an unlikely armistice on which to build Ferrari’s 2020 title campaign.

If he can do that, he’ll really have deserved a break.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019

SPORT 31

Pressure increases for managers under fire FOOTBALL

The Phuket News editor3@classactmedia.co.th

N

ot many predicted former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino being the first to lose his job this season. But it appears Pochettino’s departure could well open the floodgates for further dismissals as we enter the period when underperforming managers are most susceptible to losing their jobs. The heat in the Premier League kitchen is reaching boiling point for some and this weekend could well be instrumental in determining the fate of at least three leading managers.

Following both underwhelming performances and poor results in the last round of fixtures, Unai Emery, Marco Silva and Manuel Pellegrini will be hoping for an upturn in form and fortune from Arsenal, Everton and West Ham United respectively as they take the field this coming weekend.

Arsenal visit Norwich City on Sunday (Dec 1) in what will be a hugely challenging affair for Emery and his team. On paper many would predict an easy ride but Norwich demonstrated a stubborn resolve by digging deep to win at Everton last weekend with a deserved 2-0 victory. Buoyed by this result and a partisan home crowd they will ensure an uncomfortable afternoon for Emery and his charges.

The Arsenal manager continues to baffle and disappoint, chopping team formation and personnel and resulting in many referencing the “square peg into round holes” syndrome. His team looked bereft of any meaningful ideas at home against struggling Southampton last Saturday (Nov 23) where they limped

@thephuketnews

Unai Emery is finding life tough at Arsenal. Photo: AFP to a 2-2 draw that left the home faithful underwhelmed and frustrated, evident when a chorus of boos greeted the final whistle; usually this is merely a pre-cursor to the inevitable and Emery needs a positive result to extend his stay of execution.

Marco Silva finds himself in an even more desperate situation at Everton. The home loss to rock bottom Norwich last weekend was a disastrous result and a daunting run of upcoming fixtures against Leicester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United suggests the struggle will only be prolonged. The cacophony of disdain from the home fans at the conclusion of the Norwich debacle was vehement with calls for the manager’s dismissal clearly evident.

A visit to Leicester City is the last thing Silva and his team need. Leicester currently sit second in the table, a position many experts predict they will maintain until season’s

end, and are on a sparkling run of form. They boast the league’s top scorer in Jamie Vardy, a hugely creative midfield led by the effervescent James Maddison and the best defensive record in the competition.

Silva has flattered to deceive since assuming the helm at Goodison Park, despite being handsomely backed financially by an ambitious board. Their displays have been erratic and the team regularly appears to lack cohesion or identity. Seven losses after 13 games tells its own story – the fact three of these have been against the newly promoted teams explains why they sit perilously close to the trapdoor and are in desperate need for a change of fortune.

One place below them in the table sit a beleaguered West Ham United. They possess the worst current form in the league having picked up only two points from the last 21 available. The fact that they sat in second place in late Septem-

ber further demonstrates their alarming plight. Losing their first choice goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski to injury certainly has not helped matters as his replacement, the Spaniard Roberto Jiménez, has proven a very nervy deputy, delivering a series of very unconvincing displays that seems to have eroded what little remaining confidence his defence in front of him possessed. At the other end of the pitch they are also struggling with a very meek attacking line finding it extremely difficult to create chances, let alone score.

The manager Manuel Pellegrini always carries a cool, assured manner and never seems one for panic. He has vast experience having managed successfully at the highest level with clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester City and states that after 30 years he has faith in his methods and is not worried. However, his calm demeanour surely belies a sense of concern as the situation continues to deteriorate and shows no signs of improving. Many critics observed how the team seemingly gave up after conceding the first goal in their 2-3 loss against Tottenham last Saturday (Nov 23), a worrying sign that morale, confidence and belief have all but disappeared.

Next up is the short trip across London to visit an inform Chelsea side who have been mightily impressive this season under former player Frank Lampard and his policy of trusting youth. Chelsea are playing with flair, creativity and a lack of fear and it will be a sharp test for The Hammers and their brittle confidence.

The owners at West Ham are famously loyal to their managers although another loss could well see Pellegrini bowing down to the exit sign at the London Stadium.

English Premier League 2019 - 2020 Team

MP

W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

1

Liverpool

13

12

1

0

30

11

+19

37

2

Leicester City

13

9

2

2

31

8

+23

29

3

Manchester City

13

9

1

3

37

14

+23

28

4

Chelsea

13

8

2

3

28

19

+9

26

5

Wolverhampton

13

4

7

2

18

16

+2

19

6

Sheffield United

13

4

6

3

16

12

+4

18

7

Burnley

13

5

3

5

20

18

+2

18

8

Arsenal

13

4

6

3

18

19

-1

18

9

Manchester United

13

4

5

4

19

15

+4

17

10 Tottenham Hotspur

13

4

5

4

21

19

+2

17

11 Bournemouth

13

4

4

5

16

17

-1

16

12 Brighton

13

4

3

6

15

19

-4

15

13 Crystal Palace

3

4

3

6

11

18

-7

15

14 Newcastle United

13

4

3

6

11

20

-9

15

15 Aston Villa

13

4

2

7

19

20

-1

14

16 Everton

13

4

2

7

13

20

-7

14

17

13

3

4

6

16

23

-7

13

13

3

1

9

13

28

-15

10

West Ham United

18 Norwich City 19 Southampton

13

2

3

8

13

31

-18

9

20 Watford

13

1

5

7

8

26

-18

8

Live Sports TV Schedule *Times may be subject to change

SPORT

START STOP

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO

Friday 29th Nov Cricket

07:00 12:30

Test 2 – Hamilton New Zealand v. England, Day 1

Cricket

12:30 18:30

Test 2 - Adelaide

Australia v. Pakistan, Day 1

Saturday 30th Nov Rugby Union 22:00 23:55 Gallagher Premiership

Exeter v. Wasps

Formula 1

19:30 21:30

Formula 1

Qualifying – Yas Marina

Soccer

19:30 21:30

EPL

Newcastle v. Man City

22:00 00:00

EPL

Tottenham v. Bournemouth

00:30 02:30

EPL

Southampton v. Watford

22:00 00:00

EPL

Liverpool v. Brighton

22:00 00:00

EPL

Chelsea v. West Ham

Soccer

Cricket

07:00 12:30

Test 2 – Hamilton New Zealand v. England, Day 2

Cricket

12:30 18:30

Test 2 - Adelaide

Australia v. Pakistan, Day 2

Sunday 1 Dec st

Rugby Union 22:00 23:55 Gallagher Premiership Soccer

Harlequins v. Gloucester

21:00 23:00

EPL

Norwich v. Arsenal

23:30 01:30

EPL

Leicester v. Everton

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019

D-day for EPL chiefs under fire > p31

Winner’s podium. From left: Emma Pallant (UK); Michael Raelert (Germany); Imogen Simmonds (Switzerland); Ruedi Wild (Switzerland); Dimity Lee-Duke (Australia); Krzysztof Hadas (Poland) Photo: Laguna Phuket Triathlon

RUNNING WILD

Swiss domination at the 26th Laguna Phuket Triathlon TRIATHLON

RESULTS: 26TH LAGUNA PHUKET TRIATHLON (24 NOV) Men

The Phuket News editor3@classactmedia.co.th

S

witzerland’s Ruedi Wild and Imogen Simmonds dominated proceedings at the 26th annual Laguna Phuket Triathlon last Sunday (Nov 24) at Laguna Grove. Finishing first with a time of 02:21:07, Wild secured his third LPT championship ahead of his toughest contender and three-time LPT winner Michael Raelert of Germany who followed at 02:22:34. Third placed was Poland’s Krzysztof Hadas with a time of 02:26:20.

In the women’s field Switzerland’s Imogen Simmonds clocked in at 02:33:14 and claimed her first LPT title. Following Simmonds in second place was the United Kingdom’s Emma Pallant with a time of 02:39:31; Australia’s Dimity Lee-Duke placed third at 02:46:12.

“It feels amazing today at the race.

[To me] LPT is like home away from home. I feel very good here with all the people and great memories from the past, especially winning for the third time after a good performance.

I’m really happy, and hope to come back again next year!” said Wild.

When asked how the race unfolded for him Wild said, “I started with a good swim knowing that Michael [Raelert] will try to make a gap between him and the rest of the field. I managed to keep in contact with him and we both pushed really hard at the beginning of the bike so we were able to get away and benefit from leading the field from then on. I was able to make a gap and secure the lead in the first two to three kilometres of the run so it helped when I reached the last few kilometres which were always really tough to get through in the heat.”

When asked about her first LPT title, Simmonds said, “I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed. There’s some strong competition out there today so I’ve decided to push hard in the very beginning, and strategy paid off. I had a bit of a gap in the run so it was just the challenge of finishing in the heat. It was amazing to come back [to LPT] and finish the year off with a good race. The crowd were amazing out there supporting us, and all the volunteers were absolutely incredible, so thank you!”

The Phuket crowd cheered on a field of more than 1,000 triathletes

Bike

Run

Overall

1

Ruedi Wild (CHE)

00:23:41

01:11:22

00:43:56

02:21:07

2

Michael Raelert (DEU)

00:23:30

01:11:28

00:45:31

02:22:34

3

Krzysztof Hadas (POL)

00:26:20

01:16:47

00:40:59

02:26:20

4

Tim Meyer (DEU)

00:26:20

01:15:53

00:42:49

02:27:26

5

Per Van Vlerken (DEU)

00:24:51

01:15:10

00:45:35

02:27:43

Swim

Bike

Run

Overall

Women

Competitors tackle the 12km run at the 26th Laguna Phuket Triathlon Photo: Laguna Phuket Triathlon

Swim

1

Imogen Simmonds (CHE)

00:26:32

01:16:49

00:47:32

02:33:14

2

Emma Pallant (GBR)

00:27:51

01:23:15

00:46:03

02:39:31

3

Dimity Lee-Duke (AUS)

00:29:10

01:22:28

00:51:50

02:46:12

4

Sylvia Gehnboeck (AUT)

00:30:59

01:21:10

00:55:56

02:50:54

5

Laura Wood (NZL)

00:27:09

01:28:53

00:55:57

02:54:36

representing 51 countries in hot, challenging conditions across a 1.8km swim, 50km bike ride and 12km run with a US$20,000 prize purse.

Jaray Jearanai was once again the leading Thai finisher (in 02:39:38), claiming his ninth consecutive LPT finish since 2011. Also defending her title as top Thai female athlete was Nichakarn Ruttanaporn, in 03:17:06 who captured her fourth consecutive finish. Thai celebrity athlete Meiji (Anorma) Cook finished her first LPT in 04:15:20.

In the “25 For 25 Sprint” category with the race distance of

25km (comprising a 0.5km swim, 18.5km bike ride and 6km run) Oliver Trott (01:02:24) and Rebecca Kirvan-Rodger (01:18:46) finished first in the men’s women’s categories respectively.

The main event followed on from the LPT Charity Fun Run, hosted on Nov 23, which saw over 1,100 runners participate in the 2km kids, 5km and 10km categories. The Fun Run raised funds for Children First Fund in support of seven orphanages in Phuket, housing more than 400 children, and Kao Kon La Kao Foundation to help hospitals in Thailand. thephuketnews