The Phuket News August 30, 2019

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Phuket women’s club still rocking after 30 years An officer at Phuket Immigration stamps an approval on an extension to stay. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

PHUKET IMMIGRATION EXPLAIN TM30 AND TM28 REQUIREMENTS FOR REPORTING FOREIGNERS Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

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huket Immigration this week made it very clear that foreigners applying for any extension of stay will not be held liable for filing the TM30 form, made infamous in recent weeks by waves of confusion elsewhere in the country.

“No, we don’t hold foreigners responsible for filing the TM30.

Foreigners just need to make sure that they fill in a TM28. The TM30 is the landlord’s job,” Phuket Immigration Deputy Chief Col Nareuwat Putthawiro said plainly on Wednesday (Aug 28).

The TM30 is the form for landlords to report to Immigration within 24 hours of the arrival of any foreign tenants, as required under Section 38 of the Thailand Immigration Act of 1979.

The TM28 form is for foreigners to report themselves to Immigration after staying away from their registered address for more than 24 hours, as required under Section 37 (c) of the same act.

“The TM30 is the house owner’s responsibility, whether the home owner is a Thai or a foreigner,” Col Nareuwat said.

If a landlord refuses to – or is unable to – comply by filing a TM30

to report the foreigner as staying, or returning to stay, at the foreigner’s registered address, that is not the foreigner’s responsibliity, Col Nareuwat explained.

“All the foreigner has to do is submit a TM28. That’s all the foreigner is responsible for. If the foreigner is applying for an extension to stay, they need not worry about whether or not their landlord has reported them through a TM30 – it will not affect the foreigner’s application,” he added.

“They will not be told to leave the Kingdom if their landlord has not filed a TM30 reporting them,” he assured.

However, the requirement for

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foreigners to re-report themselves as staying at – or returning to – their registered address within 24 hours of their arrival by filing a TM28 remains in effect, Col Nareuwat told The Phuket News.

Asked whether foreigners must submit a completed TM28 every time they return to their registered address, Col Nareuwat said, “Yes, they must do.”

Col Nareuwat added that filing a TM28 remains separate from the 90-day reporting requirement, as completed by filing a TM47.

“Yes, please also file a TM47 every 90 days as normal,” he said.

Landlords who fail to report for-

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Brit killed over late night noise Norwegian charged with manslaughter for death at resort Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

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aron Chief Police C ol P r aw it S u tthirueangarun last Friday (Aug 23) released to The Phuket News details of the ongoing investigation into the arrest of a Norwegian man for the death of a British tourist at a resort on Phuket’s west coast Wednesday last week (Aug 21).

According to the initial incident report filed by Maj Techin Deethongon of the Karon Police, who responded to the incident, “We received notice at 4am on Aug 21 that there were tourists fighting at the Centara Grand Resort.

Karon Police went to the scene.

“There we found Mr Roger Bullman, 53 years old, with a cut wound from a sharp object on his left shoulder and he had bruises on the left side of his face.

“British national Amitpal Singh Bajaj, 34, was lying face down in front of his room,” Maj Techin noted.

“His nose and mouth were bleeding. His breathing was weak. He was taken to Patong Hospital directly.

“Then he passed away. Next police and doctors united to

find the cause of death,” Maj Techin noted in his report.

Karon Chief Police Col Prawit, initially very reluctant to release any details of the case, explained to The Phuket News that the incident occurred at about 3:30am early last Wednesday morning.

Mr Bullman, and Mr Bajaj, were staying in adjacent rooms at the resort.

Mr Bullman was staying in his room with his wife, and Mr Bajaj was staying in his room with his wife and young son, he said.

“Mr Bajaj confronted Mr Bullman for making too much noise because his wife and child wanted to sleep,” Col Prawit said, referring to the statements to police from both Mr Bullman and Mr Bajaj’s wife.

“They started arguing, and Mr Bullman broke the door on the balcony joining the two rooms and entered Mr Bajaj’s room. The two started fighting.

Both were fighting inside the room, and (at least one) bottle was used in the fight.

“The fight continued outside the room. Mr Bullman was bigger and stronger, and had Mr Bajaj in a hold with his arm across his neck.

“Mr Bullman choked and

Norwegian tourist Roger Bullman (right), 53, at Karon Police Station after the deadly fight. Photo: TAC hit Mr Bajaj until he was unconscious. A security guard arrived at the scene and saw Mr Bullman on top of Mr Bajaj while choking him with his arm.

“The security guard shouted at Mr Bullman to stop, which he did immediately,” he added.

“Mr Bajaj’s breathing was weak. The security guard called the police and rescue workers, who took Mr Bajaj to Patong Hospital immediately, but Patong Hospital doctors later informed police that Mr Bajaj had passed away from asphyxiation.

“Next, forensic police and police officers are to conduct their investigation,” Col Prawit said.

Maj Techin, the police officer who responded to the incident, told The Phuket News, “The Norwegian suspect admitted that he was arguing (with Mr Bajaj) and then he went into victim’s room through the wood door on the balcony.

“The suspect did admit he had the victim in a choke hold.

The Norwegian man told me that he just wanted to stop the victim, but he used too much strength,” he said.

Maj Techin also noted,

“The victim’s wife told me that her husband and the Norwegian suspect were arguing, and then the Norwegian suspect came into the victim’s room. Then they started (physically) fighting each other. Her husband told her to carry their child out of the room to find help at reception.”

Maj Techin declined to give any further details from the police reports, saying, “That is enough for the public.”

However, Maj Techin did confirm that there was no hotel security CCTV coverage of where the incident took place, but did confirm that hotel security CCTV coverage showed Mr Bajaj’s wife arriving at the reception desk to raise the alarm.

Maj Techin declined to answer what had caused the sharp cut on Mr Bullman’s shoulder as confirmed in his own report after arriving at the scene.

Karon Chief Police Col Prawit said, “I don’t want to reveal that in public.”

Asked to confirm whether Mr Bullman had been released on bail, as confirmed by Maj Ekkachai Siri of the Phuket Tourist Police in his explanation of the incident last Thursday (Aug 22), Col Prawit said, “I

don’t know where he is now after I handed him over to the holding cells at Phuket Provincial Court.

“We sent our request to the court for Mr Bullman be denied release on bail,” he said, but added, “We are holding his passport while the legal process continues. He will come when I need him to appear.”

Maj Ekkachai last Thursday told The Phuket News that Mr Bullman had been released on bail posted at the court, but was unable to confirm how much bail was posted at.

Reports in the Norwegian media said that bail was posted at about B200,000.

Maj Techin confirmed that Mr Bullman has been charged with trespass by an act of violence, which if he is found guilty of will incur a sentence of up to five years in jail or a fine of up to B10,000, or both.

Maj Techin also confirmed that Mr Bullman has also been charged with manslaughter, defined under the Thai Criminal Code as causing the death of a person by inflicting injury upon the body of such person without intent to cause death.

If found guilty of manslaughter, Mr Bullman will face a punishment of three to 15 years imprisonment.

Immigration bring clarity to TM30 kerfuffle Continued from page 1 …eigners staying on their property will be fined, Col Nareuwat said.

“If the landlord ignores this (filing the TM30), they will be fined up to B2,000,” he assured.

“The fine under Section 77 of the act is actually up to B10,000, but the higher fines are used only for hotels or guesthouses that willfully ignore the requirement.

“A foreigner who has filed a TM28 will not be fined for the landlord failing to uphold their responsibility because the foreigner has informed us,” he repeated.

“But if a landlord is intentionally slow or delays in filing a TM30, they will be charged by Immigration police,” he said.

Foreigners at Phuket Immigration. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot In defining “slow”, Col Nareuwat explained that officers will allow for “reasonable” delays, such as the Section 38 app launched by the Immigration Bureau expressly for filing TM30 reports online failing to work or if the foreigner returns to the registered address during a period when the Immigration office is closed.

“The law is very clear

in that it says the reporting must be done within 24 hours, but as long as the landlord – Thai or foreign – has made an attempt to file the report and is not intentionally ignoring their responsibility, we will consider their explanation,” he said.

Col Nareuwat urged any landlords (for TM30) or foreigners (for TM28) who

find themselves unable to file the report within the time frame permitted to take steps to prove the attempt to file the report.

“If the Section 38 app is not working, then take a screenshot so we can see it.

But please make an effort after that to file your report as soon as possible after that,” he said.

“As long as the person is making a genuine effort to file the report, they won’t be fined. We just want them to do their part.

“If there is a genuine reason why the report could not be filed in the appropriate time, and the person can show us, then they can come to the Immigration Office at the next available opportunity. That’s fine,” he added.

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Officials feel the heat over water issues order The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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huket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana presided over the meeting held at Phuket Provincial Hall on Monday (Aug 26) to pass on the message that officers are to start taking active steps to prevent any future water shortages to households across the island after a direct order from Minister of Interior Gen Anupong Paochinda.

Gen Anupong, who also serves as the Commander of the national Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), pointed out that the Privy Council was a “situational observer” in affairs regarding any water shortages across the country, and watching any action taken to resolve water shortage issues, Governor Phakaphong explained.

“Minister Anupong informed that the Privy Council of Thailand as a situation observer had suggested that all relevant officials should solve the problems of local people as ordered by HM The King and apply the knowledge taught

by King Rama 9 to solve problems in each area,” he said.

“Officials should pay attention to drafting plans for solving the problem of a lack of water, and emphasise water management to distribute to local houses,” Gov Phakaphong added.

“Minister Anupong also said that

Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana handed down the message from Interior Minister Gen Anupong Paochinda on Monday (Aug 26). Photo: PR Dept in order to prepare officials for helping people and to solve the water problems, he will send officers from the central government to suggest and plan short and long-term solutions for Phuket,” he added.

Governor Phakapong noted that Phuket had recorded less-than-average rainfall for the period from December last year until now.

“And the central DDPM’s prediction is that the rainfall in August and September will be less than normal, with diminished rain in some areas,” he said.

“The Prime Minister has been worried about this issue and ordered relevant

officials to prepare and solve the problems,” he said.

As of Monday (Aug 26), the Office of Natural Water Resources (ONWR) reported that Phuket’s main water-supply reserve, Bang Wad reservoir in Kathu, contained 1.31 million cubic metres of water – just 12.85% of its 10.2mn m3 capacity. Of that, only 1.04mn m3 of water was usable, the ONWR noted.

Bang Neow Dum reser voir in Srisoonthorn was only 4.49% full, containing 0.32mn m3 of its 7.2mn m3 capacity, the agency said.

Of that water, only 0.21mn m3 was usable, the ONWR noted.

Lady D still banging on the bottom WORKERS ARE PREparing to move the 55-metre superyacht Lady D from its current location off Koh Thanan, about 2.2 kilometres off Phuket’s east coast, after coastal researchers found that the bottom of the boat is damaging corals there.

Sontaya Prapaisub of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) Phuket office, filed an official report of the damage being done at Thalang Police Station on Aug 19.

“We were worried about coral reefs around there, so we inspected the area and found that the middle and front of the yacht are on the sand, but the bottom of the yacht is on a coral reef,” Mr Sontaya explained.

“About 20 square metres of corals have been damaged by the yacht,” he said.

The formal record of the incident was filed with Lt Col Wutthichai Kaewthong of Thalang Police Station, Mr Sontaya confirmed.

Mr Sontaya admitted that his officers had yet to confirm who to pursue for any damage to the reef.

“We have to wait for the @thephuketnews

The 55-metre superyacht Lady D now sits on the shallow seabed off Koh Thanan, damaging corals underneath her hull. Photo: DMCR yacht to be salvaged first, then we can take a look at the damage to the corals and proceed according to the law,” he said.

Mr Sontaya pointed out that any environmental damage done would be subject to Section 16 of the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act, BE 2535 (1992), which incurs a penalty of up to four years in jail or a fine of up to B40,000, or both. “The penalty handed down is up to the judge,” he said.

However, Section 26 of the same act exempts any persons from being held accountable for harm done to wildlife if the harm occurs

while carrying out orders from a government official.

Lady D was moved to off Koh Thanan as a safety precaution after the superyacht caught ablaze at Ao Po Grand Marina on Aug 8.

A source at the marina confirmed that the salvage team is still working on floating the boat as it now is sitting on the shallow seabed.

Lady D has a draught of about 4.5 metres, but how the boat came to be grounded with its hull still intact has yet to be explained.

As of Wednesday (Aug 28), the yacht remained stuck on the coral seabed.

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Australian ambassador honours lifeguard founder THE AUSTRALIAN AMbassador to Thailand, Allan McKinnon, has issued a statement of condolences on the passing of Prathaiyuth Chuayuan, recognised as a “founding father” of Phuket’s lifeguard service.

The statement marked that Mr Prathaiyuth was an important local figure and that Australia had long worked closely with the Phuket Lifeguard Service, including during the Indo-Pacific Endeavour in May that saw Australian Navy vessels land on Patong Beach at an event to support lifeguards.

“On behalf of the Australian Government, I offer my deepest condolences on the passing of Mr Prathaiyuth Chuayuan. Mr Chuayuan was instrumental in improving water safety for tourists and locals in Phuket and was a well-known and loved member of the Phuket community.

“He was friend of many Australians, and I had the pleasure of meeting with him personally in Phuket earlier this year. I greatly appreciate his work in the life-saving community and for bringing Australia and Phuket closer together.

Australian Ambassador Allan McKinnon.

“I convey our deepest sympathies to his family. We honour his legacy and mourn his loss alongside our friends, the people of Thailand,” Ambassador McKinnon wrote.

Mr Prathaiyuth died after suffering a heart attack on Aug 16. He was 57.

He was instrumental in Phuket developing trained lifeguards some 20 years ago – all through Australian support, working with visiting Aussie lifeguards and Phuket-resident Australians David Field and Jayne MacDougall.

Mr Prathaiyuth in 2017 welcomed Australian Foreign Minister at the time Julie Bishop to Patong Beach, where Ms Bishop handed over the first lifeguard training manual translated in Thai, provided through an Australian Government initiative.

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Culture vs construction Sea gypsies call for Governor to halt building of resort Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

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ore than 50 sea gypsies massed at Phuket Provincial Hall on Monday (Aug 26) to protest the excavation of a canal at the Rawai beachfront at the site of a resort being built by Baron World Trade Co Ltd, and to file a formal request to halt construction over how the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was being conducted for the project.

The formal complaint, addressed to Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana, also called for the Governor to suspend all work at the site until disputes over the land being heard by Phuket Provincial Court had been ruled on and until the boundaries of the state land at the site had been clarified.

Niran Yangpan, head of the Rawai sea gypsy community, one of the most impoverished communities on the island, said that sea gypsies in the village were given a questionnaire to fill out about their opinions on the project on Aug 16 – but had no idea that the questionnaire could have been used as part of the EIA. “A group of people came to the village and handed out copies of

Muang Phuket District Chief Wikrom Jaktee receives the formal request on behalf of the Phuket Governor. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub the questionnaire. Most sea gypsy villagers did not know what the questionnaire was for – and showed them to the village community committee,” he explained.

“Further questioning of local villagers revealed that the questionnaire was reportedly part of the EIA process for construction of the Chatrium Hotel Rawai Beach being built by Baron World Trade Co Ltd “So villagers then called for a gathering here (at Phuket Provincial Hall) to ask for it to be clarified,” he said.

The formal request listed five

reasons as to why construction of the resort should be stopped, as follows: 1. Ownership of land where the project is located is still being contested in the Provincial Court.

2. Public land in the area, including the boundaries of the La-on Canal, are still being defined through an investigation by both national and provincial committees, and the results of those investigations have not been released yet.

3. Access to the sea gypsies’ scared “Balai” shrine from the public beachfront is still being claimed as private land.

4. The questionnaire ignores the sensitivity of the sea and Rawai Beach, including local people, especially Rawai gypsies.

5. The EIA process of the project should pay attention to the participants in the context of sensitive areas. Less than 10% of the Rawai gypsies are literate. They have their own spoken language.

“Rawai gypsies oppose how the EIA process is being conducted for this project,” Mr Niran said.

“In this regard, the Governor, who is the chairman of the committee over the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approvals, please consider suspending the project until the investigation to define the public land in the area and the court proceedings over land claims in the area have been concluded first,” he added.

“Moreover, Rawai Beach is a natural boundary as it should be. It is not a straight line as claimed in the private company’s documents. We want the Phuket Governor to order the relevant officials to inspect and survey the areas on Rawai Beach in order to consider which areas are public land that everyone can use,” Mr Niran said.

Road games end with road rage, fines Regional police blitz nets drugs, guns haul A TRUCK DRIVER HAS BEEN FINED B2,000 for his angry antics against a Phuket passenger van driver who refused to let him pass on Monday (Aug 26), while the van driver has been fined B500 for continually driving in the right-hand lane.

The incident came to a head in front of the Mae Som Jit Market on Patak Rd, Kata, where the truck driver, 24-year-old Hattapong Innurak, used his truck to force the van to a halt by coming to a stop askew across the road at about 1:30pm.

Hattapong then got out of his truck and shouted at the van driver, Anupong Sae-ngo, 24, who remained in his van.

Brandishing a spanner threateningly at Anupong, Hattapong even tried to open the driver’s door to the van, which remained locked.

Frustrated, Hattapong slapped the driver’s side rearview mirror, causing the mirrored glass to fall out and break on the ground, before he stormed off to get back in his truck and drive away.

Hattapong’s outburst was caught on video by a motorist stuck behind the truck. The video spread quickly across Thai social media sites.

Hattapong and Anupong were called to present themselves at Karon Police Station. Van owner Soonthorn Chunwon, 53, joined them.

Truck driver Hattapong Innurak, 24, was fined B2,000 for his outburst and threatening behaviour against van driver Anupong Saengo, also 24. Screengrab: Supplied The two drivers explained to police that both drivers had come from Chalong Circle, with Anupong driving his van in the righthand lane while Hattapong was driving behind him in the left lane.

Hattapong tried to overtake the van several times, but could not as Anupong kept moving the van over to prevent him from passing.

Anupong told police that he drove in the right lane all the time.

Police explained that driving in the right lane all the time is illegal according to Sections 33 and 151 of the Land Traffic Act 1979.

Anupong was hence fined B500.

Hattapong was fined B2,000 for causing damage to property. Eakkapop Thongtub

REGION 8 POLICE ARrested more than 3,589 suspects and seized more than 190 firearms – including a “weapon of war” automatic rifle – as well as 1,340 bullets, nearly 172,000 meth pills and more than 6kg of crystal meth in only 20 days during a crackdown throughout Southern Thailand’s upper seven provinces.

Region 8 Police Commander Lt Gen Pongwut Pongsri announced the results of the crackdown at a press conference held at the Region 8 Police headquarters, located at the northern tip of Phuket, last Friday (Aug 23).

From July 20-29 and Aug 3-12, elevated police efforts in crackdowns through the seven Southern Thailand provinces of Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, Ranong, Chumphon, Surat Thani and Nakhon Sri Tham-

The results of the blitz were announced on Friday (Aug 23). Photo: PR Dept marat saw police arrest 238 suspects for illegal firearms and ammunition. Of the 193 firearms seized was an automatic rifle. Also seized were 1,340 rounds of ammunition.

The blitz also saw 2,212 drug suspects arrested in 2,131 cases, Gen Pongwut explained.

The drug raids netted 171,899 pills of methamphetamine (ya bah) and 6,697 grams of crystal meth (ya ice), he said.

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Thai Civilized Party joins Yamil is dead The Peaks probe party Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

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hai Civilized Party leader Mongkonkit Suksintharanon and fellow party members arrived in Phuket last Friday (Aug 23) to question Karon Mayor Tawee Thongcham about the construction of The Peaks Residences condo project at Kata Noi. Mr Mongkonkit, a party list MP, noted that it was his first visit to Phuket, and that it came at the request of local residents calling on him to investigate the construction project, which has found itself mired in controversy after Bangkok MP Sira Jenjaka went public to report alleged death threats over the project.

MP Sira has since filed a slew of formal complaints against the development, including with the Department of Special Investigation, the Department of Land and the Minister of Interior.

Manassanan Nararattanawee, the CEO of Kata Beach Co Ltd, as the owner of The Peak Residence development, held a press conference last

Thai Civilized Party leader Mongkonkit Suksintharanon (2nd from left) speaks with a local resident at Kata Noi Beach last Friday (Aug 23). Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Wednesday (Aug 21) to issue a public statement of assurance that the company was following the law and will continue to abide by the law in any ensuing rulings.

Mr Mongkonkit said last Friday, “We have to check the meeting reports of the Phuket office of the Department of Land to see whether they reported to the Environmental Impact Assessment in Thailand (EIA) committee.

“If they did, that means they did not ignore their duty,” he added.

“The Phuket Governor

at that time was Norraphat Plodthong, but he has already retired, so we have to check the EIA’s process of approval,” Mr Mongkonkit said.

“From the information so far, The Peaks developer did ask for the permit legally, and Karon Municipality also proceeded on this case in line with the law.

“The illegal step could be that they did not report (the project) to the EIA committee, because if the EIA committee did not approve the project, then the permit could not be issued and the developer

Concerns raised over reef shark fishing impact on Maya Bay R ESPECT ED M A R I N E life expert Dr Thon Thamrongnawasawat has called for greater protection of blacktip reef sharks after a haul of the fish was found on sale at a fish market on Koh Lanta, just some 30 kilometres from world-famous Maya Bay off Phi Phi Island.

A school of blacktip reef sharks returning to the waters of Maya Bay was noted as among the first signs that the bay’s marine ecosystem was starting to recover since its closure after years of overtourism, which saw tens of thousands of tourists visiting the bay each year.

“Blacktip reef sharks and many other sharks are not protected animals (in Thailand).

I’ve tried to push for this many times. I hope we can progress, especially for hammerhead sharks and leopard sharks, whose numbers are rapidly falling,” Dr Thon said in a Facebook post last week.

Dr Thon pointed out that the waters off Krabi are an environmental protection area where it is forbidden to catch sharks less than 50 centimetres long. @thephuketnews

Dr Thon raised his concerns after seeing blacktip reef sharks at a fish market on Koh Lanta, only 30km from world-famous Maya Bay. Photo: Thon Thamrongnawasawat / Facebook However, he added that as sharks are not a protected species in Thailand, catching and selling sharks larger than this is not illegal.

“We must push for the protection of sharks, especially these two species (hammerhead and leopard sharks),” Dr Thon said.

“We must have the 50cm rule removed and make it illegal to catch sharks of all sizes in the protected area,” he added.

Dr Thon also called for

greater research on sharks, especially in the Krabi area and in the protected waters off the mainland.

“We need to learn more so that we know how many sharks are needed,” Dr Thon noted.

“Sharks are important to the ecosystem and the food chain. Sharks are also important for tourism, and Krabi is the most reported source of blacktip reef sharks in Thailand,” Dr Thon wrote.

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could not start construction,” he explained.

Mr Mongkonkit pointed out that he was also looking into the allegation that the “Phuket Government ordered to change the land title deed of Katathani Phuket Beach Resort”.

The land deed for the resort overlaps with the Bang Rak Canal, which may cause flooding issues when the water level in the canal is high, he said.

“The Katathani resort may lose a part of their land, as per the Land Act 1954,” Mr Mongkonkit said.

YAMIL, THE BABY DUgong that was under 24-hour care since being rescued from a beach in Krabi last month, died from a fatal digestive condition last Thursday night (Aug 22).

Yamil was taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital at 5pm last Thursday for an operation to remove sea grass from his stomach, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) reported.

Although sea grass is the staple diet for dugongs, the team of Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC) officers along with doctors from Vachira Phuket Hospital and veterinarians from Veterinary Medical Aquatic Animal Research Center of Chulalongkorn University reported earlier that Yamil had an inflamed stomach.

“The food inside the intestine cannot move, and this produces gas which makes the intestine wall thinner, leading to the rupture of blood capillaries and infection… The gas also affects the lungs and makes it difficult to breathe,” the team noted.

Officers spent one and a half hours operating on Yamil, using an endoscopic camera and a tube to spray water to soften the sea grass, of which

Attempts to save Yamil were unsuccessful. Photo: DMCR about 30% was removed. The team planned to remove the rest of the sea grass the next day.

Yamil was taken back to the PMBC at Cape Panwa. His pulse had slowed, and officers had him under close watch, but he went into shock and his heart shopped beating. He was pronounced dead at 9:43pm.

A merit-making ceremony, organised by the DMCR was held at a temple in Bangkok last Saturday (Aug 24) to mark the passing of Yamil and Mariam.

Mariam, the first dugong known to be cared for by humans in Thailand, died on Aug 17 of shock and other reasons, including several pieces of plastic found in her intestine.

She was eight months old, and the 16th dugong to have died in Thailand this year.

The deaths have prompted environmentalists to call for an outright ban on all single-use plastic bags to help preserve marine life. The Phuket News

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

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EDITORIAL

TM30 storm in a teacup

nce again Phuket Immigration has taken its stand in the national spotlight by making it very clear that foreigners will not be held responsible for filing the now notorious TM30 form, requiring landlords who provide accommodation to foreigners to inform Immigration within 24 hours of the arrival of their tenants.

That obligation lies with the owner of the property, not the guests. A simple notification of address completed by the TM28 form is all that is required by those renting or leasing their abodes in order to submit their application for a one-year “extension” to a permit to stay.

Other immigration offices in the country seem to be unable to say that clearly, or just don’t want to.

None of this with the TM30 is new to any hotel or guest-

house operator, for whom reporting guests has been standard for decades, but the problem does rear its ugly head when it comes to new landlords, both Thai and foreign.

After years of a seemingly nationwide push for foreigners to buy condos, Thailand today has more foreign landlords than ever before, and the rapid growth of the Airbnb platform in the country has opened the door for nearly anyone to accept a foreigner – tourist or expat – as a tenant.

That leaves the problem two-fold: Thais who just don’t know the law, and foreigners who either don’t know the law or just don’t understand it because they lack Thai language skills.

The Thai government must roll out a big public awareness campaign to bring this to new landlords’ attention. Enough seems to have been done in

English to explain the TM30 to a cast of expats who felt they were subjected to it.

Many of those same foreigners showed much confusion of the TM30 with the TM28, the requirement for foreigners to re-report as staying at their registered address even if they stayed away for just one night, as required under Section 37 (c) of the now 40-year-old Thailand Immigration Act. That confusion now seems to have been dealt with, too.

Yet none of that progress in explaining the two requirements dismisses the need for simple, streamlined processes to abide by both requirements, for landlords and foreigners staying in the country.

The TM28 24-hour notification still needs a serious review, asking whether it is needed at all, and if it is to remain, how to make it as less onerous as possible.

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Visit thephuketnews.com for all the latest news

HAVE YOUR SAY In hot water

Re: Phuket officials feel the heat over order to prevent water shortages Surely a direct order from the Minister of Interior is all that’s needed to solve the shortages. Kind of have to feel sorry for the Phuket officials that are told to fix a long-term problem without any support or funding from Bangkok.

Foot So and so orders so and so, so so and so orders so and so who then orders so and so to do their job. All the while everyone is saying “it’s OK”.

Jeez. It’s like a Laurel and Hardy sketch, but without the funny bits.

Duncan Worthington Same guys that allowed a resort to be built on national forest land? Good luck seeing this issue get fixed.

Michael White

Tooled up

Re: Truck driver threatens van driver with spanner in Phuket road rage outburst How can a person attacking a tourist van get a fine of B2,000? That will do nothing

to make him not do it again.

Then a B500 fine for bad driving? No wonder nothing changes in Phuket. The truck driver needs a fine in the region of B20,000 for attempted assault with a weapon and damaging Thailand’s image.

Then the bad driving needs to be around B5,000 if they want to make people start to be more respectful on the roads.

Simon Lomas This lunacy won’t end until the police have the power to issue heavy fines or jail sentences – or both!

Geoffrey Morris Apparently, driving in the right lane all the time is illegal according to Sections 33 and 151 of the Land Traffic Act 1979! Well, you wouldn’t know it…

Stephanie Costa

David and Goliath

Re: Rawai sea gypsies call for resort construction to be halted over EIA methods, canal works Certainly a battle of David and Goliath proportions, only this time the game is heavily stacked against the

sea gypsies. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process should have been completed prior to the project construction, not during. As usual, Baron Ltd will likely have to throw more money at the right people to make these issues disappear, likely at a loss to sea gypsies and the environment. Shame shame.

BenPendejo

On the safe side

Re: Legacy: Lifeguard ‘ founder’ dream for water safety to become standard education closer to reality Any safety standard is an improvement. A safety mindset has to begin with the education of children.

Safety is compassion. Safety is empathy. Safety for yourself and others is love and respect.

James Bahr As James Bahr says, any safety is an improvement. I just wish they would make traffic safety classes a standard in schools with a small traffic track they could visit with their classes where they could drive around on go karts and learn about stopping for red lights and waiting for

pedestrians and so on. That would be gold for road stafety in Thailand Zabel Solberg Gynther

Last orders

Re: Proposal for 4am bar, pub closing time draws fire Weird. In the UK the argument has always been the exact opposite. Apparently shorter hours increase alcohol consumption. I’m sure Thailand knows better though. I don’t believe it has any effect at all. You address alcohol consumption by addressing the social issues that encourage it, not by (trying to) force bars to close earlier.

CaptainJack69 Tourism is not Patong and Bangla Rd bars, the parasailing and jet ski areas! You need [options] for families, nature...

Christian Reinecke Extended hours eliminates corruption payments for opening late. They’re already staying open late. Aligning the law with reality doesn’t disadvantage the nature seekers one bit.

Sean M Ulvihill

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

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2019

THAILAND NEWS

AoT to take on Central Village mall in lawsuit BANGKOK

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BANGKOK

An artist’s impression of Central Village luxury mall, beside Suvarnabhumi airport. The Interior Ministry is investigating its legality, which has been challenged by Airports of Thailand on issues including aviation safety.

Photo: Central Pattana Plc. Anupong said.

The interior minister said he was awaiting the report from the TAO. “It will include details of the construction application. The information must be reported as soon as possible,” Gen Anupong said.

The project owner, Central Pattana Plc (CPN) said in a statement on Monday (Aug 26) night it had developed the project legally over the past five years and had legitimate permission for the construction from the Highways Department, the Bang Chalong TAO and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand

regarding the use of land and buildings and access to the highway in front of the project site and aviation safety.

The B5-billion luxury mall had been scheduled to open this coming Saturday (Aug 31). The CPN statement said AoT had blocked the entrance last Thursday (Aug 22).

“The company is confident that the government can resolve the situation so that cooperation will lead to economic and tourism benefits for the country and national development, and about 170 shops and 1,000 employees can start as scheduled,” the company stated.

Land grabbers implicated in fire NAKHON SRI THAMMARAT THE CRIME SUPPRESsion Division (CSD) has launched an investigation into the burning of peat swamps in Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Chalerm Prakiat district with a land acquisition motive suspected to be behind the blazes.

According to a source, the CSD’s intervention follows findings from forestry officials and park rangers that the forest fires were likely to have been started by those seeking to claim the land once it is declared degraded forest.

Now that the blazes are under control local officials have surveyed the damage and found that burned forests covering almost 1,000 rai in the district are divided into blocks of about 30 rai each.

Those blocks had been demarcated by 1.5-metre-tall concrete poles and red paint.

The source said this demarcation has intensified suspicions that the fire was man-made. @thephuketnews

Officials demonstrate an attempt to remove an electronic monitoring (EM) device at the government complex in Bangkok earlier this month. Photo: Bangkok Post

EM tags are ‘faulty’, says Justice office

Bangkok Post

he Provincial Administration Department is investigating the legality of the construction of Central Village mall near Suvarnabhumi airport, which project owner Central Pattana insists is legitimate.

Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda said at Government House on Tuesday (Aug 27) that there might be a problem concerning city planning. It was under the jurisdiction of a local tambon administrative organisation (TAO) and the local district chief.

The airport operator, Airports of Thailand, has challenged the 184-rai luxury mall development, which it said could cause traffic congestion on roads to Suvarnabhumi, and that lighting in the area poses an aviation risk as it could confuse pilots during landing. It also alleges the developer lacked proper authorisation.

The mall is on the side of Highway 370, a road accessing the southern boundary of Suvarnabhumi airport, in tambon Bang Chalong of Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan.

“If the TAO finds the project legal, it should send a supporting report. But if it is not legal, there will be a further investigation and prosecution,” Gen

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Fire is seen destroying Khruan Khreng peat swamp forest in Nakhon Sri Thammarat province early this month. Photo: Bangkok Post Earlier, Kaweewat Yuthong, a village head, met Palang Pracharath Party MP for Nakhon Si Thammarat Rong Boonsuaykwan and informed him that he suspected the involvement of government officials in the fires.

According to the source, the CSD has found that nine people were allegedly involved in surveying and demarcating the swamp’s forest areas and also located a supply store where the

concrete poles were reportedly bought.

The CSD team is gathering evidence to back warrants for the arrest of at least 10 suspects linked to a businesswoman based in Surat Thani.

Firefighters and soldiers teamed up to fight the fires that erupted in late July across five districts of the province. The operation reportedly cost about 300 million baht.

Bangkok Post

THE DEPARTMENT OF Probation has been told to seek compensation or consider scrapping the contract after the Justice Ministry’s fact-finding panel found its electronic monitoring (EM) devices to be faulty.

Thawatchai Thaikhiew, deputy permanent secretary for justice, said the committee highlighted three shortcomings in the tracking devices for those on probation.

According to the findings, the devices can be easily removed and put back on again; some wearers report skin rashes and even infections on their wrists; authorities have been inundated with suspected fake alerts.

This year, between 200 and 700 people per month have been required to wear electronic monitors. During

that time, probation authorities have received almost 100,000 automated tampering alerts and 170,000 warnings of signal failures from the devices.

He said the high number of alerts has prompted authorities to question their authenticity as well as the devices’ effectiveness.

Mr Thawatchai said the defects do not point to irregularities in the department’s procurement of the devices, but rather indicate that terms and conditions have not been met by the provider.

The findings have been reported to justice permanent secretary Wisit Wisitsora-at, he added.

“The department has been instructed to take appropriate legal action. It may consider demanding compensation or an annulment of the contract,” he said.

Bangkok Post

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THAILAND NEWS

BANGKOK Bangkok Post

Online trade fuels killing of hornbills HORNBILLS ARE BEING killed in large numbers due to demand from online traders in Thailand, according to a study prepared by Traffic, an international wildlife trade monitoring group.

Starting from October last year, the study found 236 online posts offering 546 hornbill parts and products.

The study was released this week at the 18th Conference to the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites CoP18) in Geneva, Switzerland.

“This is the first systematic study providing evidence that the trade in helmeted hornbill parts and products exists in Thailand,” said Maethinee Phassaraudomsak, a representative of Traffic and lead author of the report.

Known poaching hotspots for the species are in Indonesia’s Kalimantan and Sumatra, but there has been little information on the poaching and trade of helmeted hornbills (Rhinoplax vigil) in Thailand, according to Traffic.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2019

Agency urges government to step up EV development

A hornbill is kept in a cage after a local resident handed it to a wildlife clinic in Phitsanulok province in July.

Photo: Bangkok Post

THAILAND

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

It could not be determined if the hornbill parts were sourced from within Thailand or not, although in one instance, a post claimed that the advertised casque was from Malaysia, according to the report.

The study also found 94 whole heads of eight other hornbill species, all of which are native to Thailand and are protected under Thai law. Traffic researchers also found that the sale of helmeted hornbill parts went as far back as 2014.

Some 83% of hornbill products sold online come from helmeted hornbills. Popularity is driven by demand for its solid-bill casque, which is carved and used as an alternative to elephant ivory, particularly in China and increasingly in other Asian markets.

While all hornbill species are listed as protected species

by Cites, the helmeted hornbill was recently identified as being critically endangered, or at extremely high risk of extinction.

Traffic has asked governments and social media platforms such as Facebook to help stamp out the illicit trade.

Bangkok Post

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he Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT) is calling for the government to take more serious action in developing the country’s electric vehicle (EV) roadmap to create a local market that can catch up with rapid improvements in electrified cars globally.

EVAT proposed eight actions to promote the EV market, expecting to turn Thailand into an EV society and reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the transport sector.

Yossapong Laoonual, president of EVAT, said the government will play a major role in the shift from internal combustion engine (ICE) cars to EVs, as it expects to promote Thailand as a global EV hub by 2036 with 1.2 million EVs on local roads with 690 charging stations.

EVAT said the first government action needs to be preparation of an EV roadmap and integrated work from relevant ministries.

“Thailand has a plan and a goal, but it does not have deadlines and ministries are working on EV policies separately,” he said.

“EVAT also proposes establishment of an integrated policy committee, chaired by the prime minister or deputy prime minister, to streamline all ministries’ works in the same direction.”

The second action is the

Potential buyers peruse the Nissan Leaf, a battery-powered EV. The EVAT proposed eight actions to promote the EV market, including a personal income tax break for buyers. Photo: Bangkok Post government should consider amending various laws such as allowing electric tuk-tuks and taxis to be registered using clear rules and without hassle.

The third action is to promote the use of EVs in all aspects – introducing personal income tax reductions and non-financial incentives for EV buyers. EV prices should be narrowed to a similar level as ICE cars, with affordable prices of B700,000-800,000.

“Our purpose is to create public awareness and participation of drivers in reducing

pollution and preserving the environment, as Thais are suffering from pollution every year,” said Mr Yossapong.

The fourth action is to request other investment privileges for motorcycle makers to localise production of electric motorcycles because current EV policies emphasise cars, pickups, trucks and buses.

Other actions consist of promoting Thai entrepreneurs in EV development; initiating standards for EVs and related components; expanding charging stations for EVs across

the country; and providing professional courses on EVs in educational institutions.

Mr Yossapong said EVAT will soon meet with related state agencies and ministries to outline all eight actions for an EV roadmap. The government has promoted the EV industry since March 2017, launching investment privileges for companies and listing EVs as an S-curve industry.

“New EV registrations are gradually increasing every year, but they are still limited to EVs on local roads,” he said.

Prescription trial set for October THAILAND PATIENTS WITH NON-COMMUnicable diseases (NCD) will be able to obtain prescription medicines from pharmacies close to their homes from Oct 1.

Two million patients are expected to use the new service, which is aimed at reducing outpatient congestion at state hospitals, according to the Public Health Ministry’s National Health Security Office (NHSO), which developed the measure.

The first phase will cover patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma and mental illnesses before later incorporating more serious conditions.

About 500 pharmacies and 50 private hospitals across the country agreed to join the first phase.

“Patients with a universal healthcare card don’t have to worry about payment

Photo: Bangkok Post at all. They can just come and pick their medicine up,” said Dr Sakchai Kanjanawatana, secretary-general of the NHSO, adding that the drugs will be the same as those prescribed by state hospitals.

The NHSO has spent B180 million on an online database to help dispense the medicines, as well as ramping up storage and logistic services, said Dr Sakchai.

Each participating pharmacy and hospital will get B30,000 per year to pay for logistics, as well as B70 per patient visit.

Dr Sukhum Karnchanapimai, permanent secretary of the Ministry of

Public Health, said that state hospitals are struggling to deal with the high volume of outpatients.

More than half of these do not have critical conditions, and will now be able to pick up medicines in their communities, he said.

The Ministry of Public Health plans to incorporate 17,000 pharmacies countrywide in the scheme.

Sirirat Tunpichart, president of the Community Pharmacy Association, said the service will allow pharmacists to monitor patients more closely.

Patients with NCDs typically visit a hospital every three months, so if they make a mistake with their dose, they won’t receive any guidance until their next visit, said Ms Sirirat.

“Under this service, pharmacists can explain how to take the medicine, follow up and also advise when hospital check-ups are necessary,” she said.

Bangkok Post

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2019

BUSINESS NEWS

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Thai company limited The right way to set up your home-owning company THE PHUKET PROPERTY GUIDE Thai Residential phuket@thairesidential.com

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ost people know that Thai law prohibits landed property ownership by foreigners. This means neither plots of land, nor landed houses or villas may be titled in the name of a foreign national.

But the law has not deterred everyone from the pursuit of their dream house, and the most common way foreigners attempt to get around the law is by setting up a Thai limited company.

As a Thai entity, a company is allowed to own the property, and if done properly it is perfectly permissible. Unfortunately, the correct boxes are not always ticked, and the foreigner winds up with a potential legal hot potato.

There are no issues with foreigners setting up a company in Thailand; it is done every day, and the govern-

Done properly, legally owning your own home in Phuket brings no surprises.

Photo: Cytonn Photography / Unsplash ment welcomes in the inflow of capital into the country. A foreigner may even be a director, but their share ownership will be limited to 49%.

For a company, especially one with foreign directors, to purchase a property, there a few criteria which must be observed: • it should be a legitimate business, and actually generate income; • it should file audited accounts, pay taxes and abide

by Thai company law;

• it must hold board meetings and have minutes of those meetings; and • it must have proper Thai shareholders.

The most important thing to understand is that the company is the legal owner of the property – not the foreigner.

They may be a director, and they may live in the property, but they do not own it (more on this point in a moment).

The approach most foreigners take is to establish a Thai limited company with

JW Marriott Phuket announces new GM HOSPITALITY JW MARRIOTT PHUKET Resort & Spa has announced the appointment of George Varughese as the General Manager, effective Aug 13. He is responsible for the 261-room luxury Phuket resort located on Mai Khao Beach.

Mr Varughese has been with Marriott International for over 25 years and brings to the role a wealth of global experience through his hotel career in Austria, Germany, the US, China, Malaysia,

@thephuketnews

George Varughese, General Manager of JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa. Australia and Thailand. His experience spans several disciplines including four hotel openings. He graduated from the Salzburger Hotelfachschule Bad Hofgastein in Austria and

received his Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) from RMIT University in Melbourne.

Before joining the JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, he was the General Manager of the Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse where he was instrumental in the successful opening, ramp up and positioning of this hotel.

Mr Varughese is also a recipient of multiple company awards such as Leadership Excellence, Sales Leadership and Operations Excellence Awards. The Phuket News

the sole and express purpose of buying a villa. Using Thai nationals as “straw men” (nominee shareholders), who satisfy the 51% Thai shareholding requirement, but with whom the foreigner has zero future relationship.

Such structures run into trouble for two main reasons, both of which are easy for the authorities to verify. First, Thai law does not recognise holding companies, so establishing a company for the sole purpose of buying landed

property is against the law.

Second, the use of nominee shareholders is illegal.

Thai shareholders should ideally have some interest in the company’s success (e.g. as investors). If ever investigated, the authorities would have no trouble identifying sham shareholders, and this would place not only the foreign director, but also the Thai nationals in legal trouble.

So, let’s assume you’ve ticked all the boxes – legitimate business, generating revenue, filing accounts, paying taxes, board meetings with minutes, proper Thai shareholders – there is still one more thing to be aware of: let’s return to the foreign director living in the company-owned villa.

This is perfectly acceptable, but please be aware that it is both a “benefit in kind” to you and “revenue in kind” to the company. In other words, the villa is a perquisite, and you should be declaring the market value of the rent as taxable income.

Furthermore, the company should be paying taxes on the presumed rental income.

(This was covered in greater detail in our April installment titled “Your Shelter In Not a Tax Shelter”.)

Even people trying to do everything correctly often forget this part.

If you have an experienced lawyer in Phuket they can advise you on setting up everything exactly as it should be. Be wary of shortcuts. If you do things the right way, you can enjoy a lovely Phuket villa – your own slice of paradise – without fear of the legal repercussions that hang over those who cut corners.

This article is taken from the 2018/2019 Phuket Property Guide. To view the complete 2019/2020 Thai Residential Phuket Property Guide online, visit thairesidential. com/phuket-property-guide.

You can also contact Thai Residential directly on Email: phuket@thairesidential.com or Tel: +66 9484 11918

10 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2019

Health, fitness to go on show HEALTH

The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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ealth and fitness enthusiasts and professionals from all over Asia will descend on Phuket’s Royal Phuket Marina in early 2020 for the inaugural Thailand Health & Fitness Expo.

A showcase of brands and services related to the health and fitness industry, Thailand Health & Fitness Expo 2020 is 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, and a health and fitness party.

An engaging seminar schedule is designed to foster discussion and learning in the health and fitness industry and will tackle specific topics such as youth fitness and athletic programming, training clients with diabetes, veganism for fitness and athletic performance, and empowering clients to make lifestyle changes.

Organised by JAND Group

Fitness facilities will be highlighted at the expo.

Co Ltd in association with JAND Events, Thailand Health & Fitness Expo 2020 shines the spotlight on one of the fastest growing industries in Asia. Consumers from across a wide variety of demographics are increasingly concerned about health and seek ways to live healthier lifestyles, be it participating in fitness classes, taking steps to improve their diets and nutrition, or using

apps, products and gadgets to monitor health and fitness levels.

With its wide range of products and services on display and an engaging programme of activities, workshops and networking, Thailand Health & Fitness Expo is targeting not only health and fitness professionals but also the general public.

Held at the Royal Phuket

Nutrition will also be on the agenda.

Marina, the event is also a manifestation of Phuket’s unique position as one of the health and lifestyle hubs of Asia, attracting a large population of young and resourceful individuals seeking a healthy lifestyle in the tropics.

Open to the general public, from Jan 30 to Feb 2, 2020, the four-day health and fitness, learning and networking extravaganza is expected to

attract over 10,000 attendees and more than 30 exhibitors.

Expenditure on a holistic approach to health that includes nearly every aspect of life is one of the fastest growing sectors in Asia.

Consumers are increasingly participating in fitness classes and activities, using products, devices and apps that improve wellbeing and eating organic and natural foods,

taking health supplements, and following special diets.

For more information please contact Munlika Boonyawong on +66 (0) 76 600 225 or email munlika.b@jandevents.com or info@thailandhealthandfitnessexpo.com The Phuket News & Window on Phuket are proud partners of this event.

July tourist arrivals rise 4.7% y-o-y TOURISM TOURIST ARRIVALS FOR the month of July rose 4.72% year on year, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MoTS) reported in figures released on Monday (Aug 26).

The monthly year-on-year (y-o-y) increase for July follows a 0.89% y-o-y increase for the month of June, the tourism ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

The 3.33 million tourists in July spent about B167.3 billion, up 3.11% from a year earlier,

Tourists at Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Photo: Bangkok Post / file the figures stated.

Visitors from China, Thailand’s biggest source of tourists, rose 5.81% in July from a year earlier, after dropping 7.1% in June.

Meanwhile, spending by Chinese visitors in July rose

by 7.44%, from B48.974bn in July last year to B52.619bn in July this year.

Foreign tourist receipts make up about 12% of Thailand’s gross domestic product.

The number of Russians visiting during July – traditionally not a strong month for arrivals due to the warm weather back home – fell 6% y-o-y, though spending for the month fell only 2.73% y-o-y.

Arrivals from India rose 25.87% y-o-y, with spending from the subcontinent rising 35.51% y-o-y.

The Phuket News

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2019

PIWC students speak of scholarship success

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2019

12

Tracing the origins of the iconic tom yum

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STILL ROCKING

Celebrating 30 years of the Phuket International Women’s Club Amy Bryant editor1@classactmedia.co.th

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n August 3, 1989, seven ladies, led by Australian expat Jill Crampton, got together for the very first meeting of the Phuket International Women’s Club (PIWC), an informal affair held over a homely lunch.

Little did they know that they were laying the foundations for the island’s oldest charity – a collective force that would go on to change the lives of thousands of young Thais through its scholarship programme and still be rocking three decades later.

The PIWC has been an enduring presence in Phuket, despite the transience of expat life. ‘Meet-and-greet’ coffee mornings help new arrivals settle in; social groups – gardening, mahjong, golf and bridge, to name a few – provide long-term residents with the opportunity to forge meaningful friendships and hobbies; and annual fundraisers bring swathes of the community together in the name of philanthropy.

You might hear the PIWC labelled as ‘ladies who lunch’ but this misses its purpose entirely; the focus of the club is firmly fixed on giving back to Phuket.

The PIWC’s membership reflects the diversity of the island at large; amongst 130 members, 28 countries across six continents are represented. @thephuketnews

Ladies from Thailand, Luxembourg, Hong Kong, France, the US, Poland, New Zealand, the UK and more have all found the PIWC somewhere along their individual journeys.

Sue Arnulphy, from the UK, went along to a PIWC coffee morning at the Royal Phuket City Hotel in 2002, shortly after moving to the island and seeing an ad in a local paper. The then president Linda Cumming and fellow members welcomed her with open arms, and she hasn’t looked back since.

“Joining the PIWC shaped my life here. I have made lasting friendships with women of all nationalities, particularly our Thai members, as sometimes living here is not so easy to navigate and their help in understanding Thai ways has been invaluable,” she explains.

“I learned more about Phuket than I think I would have done otherwise and visited many places around the island.”

Beyond friendship, the community ethos of the PIWC, reflected in its scholarship programme, is also important to Sue, who oversaw the programme in her former roles as vice president, president and treasurer.

“When we interview our scholarship applicants at the beginning of the school year, it is very humbling. I am extremely grateful to Wipa and the ladies who have set up the system whereby we know that every baht raised goes to the students,” she says. “The students are

now doing well in their professions and I am very proud to have been involved.”

Like Sue, Jureewan Smulders-Wongprom, a Thai member of the PIWC since 2008, served as the club’s president and on the scholarship committee, and valued her time spent interacting with local children and teachers in the process.

“I’m so proud as a Thai to see that our poor students get financial help from the expat community,” she explains. “I’m glad to be a part of the group because I’m in the position to both enjoy the activities and help people at the same time.”

Jureewan came to hear about the PIWC through a neighbour and was quick to join. Having spent 26 years as an expat in the Netherlands and as a member of the International Women’s Contact, The Hague, she was well aware of how such clubs ease newcomers into the local community. She soon formed the PIWC’s gardening club, which brings together ladies with a passion for the island’s tropical flora and continues to bloom with each meetup.

“My fondest PIWC moments are with friends of different nationalities, mindsets and ways of thinking. You are never too old to learn once you open your mind,” she says. “There are always jokes about our differences and that’s the charm of the club. I can’t think of my life without it. Imagine the world, like this, without prejudice!”

The diversity of the PIWC is something that well-travelled American expat Missy Devlin values too.

“I loved the women I met at the first lunch. Bright, international, interesting… and most importantly great fun.

My PIWC friends have been amazing in helping me get settled and feel a part of Phuket,” she explains.

Although relatively new to the PIWC, having joined 18 months ago, Missy has already established herself as a vibrant member of the club’s committee, working on their marketing, social media and scholarship programme. She’s no stranger to volunteering her time in this way, having held leadership roles in the Junior League of Seattle and sat on the Board of the Seattle Symphony. She maintains that the PIWC is every bit as professional as these former organisations, with the added bonus that it’s relaxed, personal and has more heart.

“Our purpose is raising money for scholarships. We are very hands-on in meeting and coaching the students,” she says. “In turn, our student routinely support our events with time and money. While successful, they are in most cases the single income earner for their family, so to give to our scholarship fund is a major statement. You know an organisation is on track when its recipients give back.”

Continued on page 12

12 COMMUNITY

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2019

Wipa (left) and Jureewan (right) discuss applications with a teacher.

Teeraworapong, Sithatcha, Wipa and Sutthipan.

As Missy highlights, the PIWC measures its success by its scholarship programme for disadvantaged students which goes to the very core of the club’s tagline “Friends with Purpose.”

It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly at what time in the club’s history the programme was established, but it started to gain momentum and focus after the tsunami in 2004, and has seen over 1,200 students through school and/or university/college and onto fulfilling careers as doctors, nurses, veterinarians, marketing officers, teachers, graphic designers, hoteliers, accountants, engineers, translators, tour guides, secretaries, personal assistants and more.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

At the helm of the programme is Wipa Tanmanatragul who leads the scholarship committee. A graduate of the American Field Service programme, Wipa knows the transformative power scholarships have on their recipients.

The committee interviews students selected by teachers, counsellors and advisers in schools across Phuket – contacts carefully built up over the years – and selects eligible students based on their economic need and potential for academic success. Once chosen, funds are set aside to cover the student’s academic course – funds pooled from events, membership fees and donations from kind benefactors.

It doesn’t end there. The committee works tirelessly to monitor the progress of each and every student, stepping in and providing extra support should they falter. Wipa’s inbox is a constant stream of exam results, and her Line abuzz with messages from grateful students. She tackles it all with a quiet, admirable tenacity.

In a heartwarming and somewhat cyclical show of gratitude, former students are known to donate their time by helping out at PIWC events and even donate money back into the scholarship fund. Three such thoughtful students are Teeraworapong Surarit, Sithatcha Wongkom and Sutthipan Hunyoung, pictured above.

Teeraworapong has been supported by the PIWC since he was 12. The committee had sight of a teacher’s report which described his difficult living conditions and so offered him a ‘continuous’ scholarship to see him through high school and university.

“My father used to have his own garage, but when his health declined, he had to become an employee of the garage instead,” explains Teeraworapong.

My sister has Down’s syndrome and my mum has to spend all of her time looking after her.”

Teeraworapong, now 21, is in his final year at Phuket Rajabhat University (PRU), studying Innovation Design.

Although he had to give up his place at a university in Bangkok to care for his father back in Phuket, he remains grateful for the opportunities the PIWC and PRU have afforded him, and he recalls particular highlights with a childlike glee.

“In my second year of study, one of my seniors introduced me to the Anime Festival Asia fair in Kuala Lumpur and I was able to sell my designs for the first time. I also got to meet and share ideas with my graphic design heroes. It was amazing.”

The peak of Sithatcha Wongkom’s career so far came a year after she graduated as a doctor, a feat she is adamant she wouldn’t have accomplished without the support of the PIWC. “I got the chance to fly to Osaka, Japan and present research about nonrecreational drug use,” she explains, pushing back round, scholarly glasses.

Sithatcha harboured a dream to become a doctor from a young age, but after her father passed away when she was 12, leaving her mother as the family’s sole breadwinner, that dream slipped out of reach.

Wipa (right) has played a vital role in the PIWC’s long history of awarding scholarships on the island.

Fortunately, her teacher singled her out as a high achiever and nominated her for a PIWC scholarship. The six-year scholarship, awarded to her at the age of 18, paid the tuition fees, textbooks and equipment medical college demanded, and Sithatcha, now aged 26, works as a general physician at Patong Hospital.

“The strong impact of the scholarship is that it gave me more motivation to learn,” she says. “I had to keep getting good grades and exam results so I didn’t disappoint the people who have supported me in this way.”

Sutthipan Hunyoung, who the PIWC also guided down the medical route and who works as a nurse in Vachira Hospital’s surgical department, echoed this sentiment.

“It was a motivating pressure to do well to keep the grades up so I could maintain the support. Nursing studies contain a lot of preparation and exams.

I had to work hard,” she explains.

Sutthipan was also 18 when the PIWC agreed to fund her four-year studies. Her parents had separated and her mother was keeping the family afloat on a stretched salary from selling Thai sweets. Now aged 24, Sutthipan is a permanent member of staff at Vachira. But her career highlight, aside from a good sleep after a string of night shifts, took place away from her hospital.

“I was so happy to represent the hospital at a convention at Ramathibodi Hospital [in Bangkok] about wound care after surgery,” she recalls, playing with the hem her lilac hospital scrubs.

“After that, I was confirmed as a permanent government nurse.”

These scholarships are not just helping these remarkable and deserved individuals but their families too. The ripples of the PIWC’s work spread further with each scholarship. May they continue to ripple for 30 years more.

If you are interested in joining the PIWC or wish to donate towards its scholarship programme, visit www.piwc-phuket.com or email info@piwc-phuket.com thephuketnews

CULTURE 13

Culinary mystery THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2019

Looking into the origins of Thailand’s iconic tom yum soup Roman Vorobiev

F

inally it’s official. As announced by the Ministry of Culture, early next year Thailand will seek to have tom yum kung spicy shrimp soup included in Unesco’s intangible cultural heritage list for 2020.

The application should be submitted by March, and right now work is underway to collect as much knowledge and information about tom yum kung as possible, including the history of the dish, classic recipes etc.

At this point, some readers will be raising their eyebrows. Is there anything unclear about Thailand’s iconic soup and the most well-known Thai dish around the globe? The answer is actually “yes, nearly everything.” Tom yum is cooked in every Thai kitchen, with families passing their recipes down through generations, but Thai academics are yet to determine where the dish came from and how it evolved to its current status as a national symbol.

Announcing the plan to enshrine tom yum kung, the minister of culture said the term tom yum consists of tom, a Thai verb for boil, and yum, a Thai noun meaning spicy salad, which uniquely refers to a Thai cuisine belonging to the Central Plains. Kung is a Thai word with a broad meaning referring to prawns and shrimps, he added. In preparing the tom yum kung soup, prawns are boiled with various herbs and seasoned with local condiments, he concluded.

This was basically it for the gastronomic legend of Thailand. And this is

Aromatic herbs have always been the heart and soul of Thai soups and curries. Photo: Takeaway @thephuketnews

what you find in most Thai and English sources too. Pretty scarce.

“I searched for the history of tom yum and came up empty-handed – in my experience, this is almost always the mark of a very ancient dish, one that preceded written recipes and has become such a part of the culture it does not need further explanation,” writes Susan Waggoner of culinary website Fork + Plate.

Susan spoke to Mark Wiens, an American culinary blogger and author residing in Thailand. An inspired explorer of Thai food, Mark not only enjoys the tastes of Thailand but also tries to understand the logic of Thai food with the help of his Thai wife and mother-in-law.

“There’s little information about the history of tom yum, but many say that it’s a central Thai soup that developed due to an abundance of freshwater shrimp. Boiled in water as a soup, the shrimp gave the broth a real fishy flavor, so cooks started experimenting by adding local Thai herbs into the boiling water to balance the fishy flavor. The trio of herbs that worked so well to infuse the broth with a beautiful aroma were kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, and galangal, which are still the three most important ingredients in any bowl of tom yum,” Mark says.

Should we trust a foreigner when it comes to Thai food? Most likely yes in this case, as this is what you can hear from Thai experts such as M. L. Nueang Nilrat.

M. L. Nueang’s road to true tom yum also starts with the trio of kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass and galangal. She provides exhaustive directions on choosing, peeling and preparing shrimps which underlines the importance of this ingredient. Only then things like lime juice and fish sauce are mentioned as added to the soup to give it its final salty, sour and sweet taste.

All this makes it safe to presume that the heart of tom yum is shrimp broth infused with specific herbs and finally dressed to taste similar to yum salad.

Indeed, a really ancient Thai dish would hardly include tomatoes and chilli as both were unknown to Thais before the Columbian exchange with the Americas. Adding straw mushrooms is also unlikely to be an old feature, as shrimps and mushrooms are both sources of protein and duplicate each other. Dairy products were only recently introduced to the Thai diet, so creamy tom yum nam khon should also be considered a modern invention.

“The traditional tom yum broth was a clear soup or nam sai which becomes

Tom yum kung maphrao on nam khon is a version of tom yum with coconut. Photo: Mattes slightly richer in taste and more viscous with the help of fat from prawns’ heads.

The thick broth – what we all know today as nam khon – later came into the picture and involves adding chilli paste, evaporated milk or coconut cream,” confirms Chef Chumpol Jangprai of RHaan restaurant in the Michelin Guide Thailand 2019.

Starting from herb-infused shrimp or fish broth, tom yum kept developing through centuries reflecting the changes in Thai diet and availability of ingredients. For example, the Thaifoodmaster website shares a recipe of a peculiar tom yum, first published in 1890 Thai cookbook Tam Raa Gap Khao by Maawm Sohm Jeen (Raa Chaa Noopraphan). Named tom yum pla chon, the dish is more than just tom

yum with snakehead fish (pla chon).

Maawm Sohm Jeen adds richness to the broth by adding her own fried chilli paste and throws in some shredded green mango as a vegetable component.

At the same time, the recipe doesn’t include kaffir lime or galangal, but still the heart of it is good fish broth, served with seasonings, giving it the desired spicy, salty, sour and sweet taste, characteristic of tom yum.

The 1890 recipe is a good illustration of how diverse Thai tom yum was even 129 years ago. With shrimp or fish, straw mushrooms or tomatoes, cream or shredded mango, it is still a soup loved by every Thai. Yet it remains very intriguing to hear what Thai academics will define tom yum as in their Unesco application.

14 ART

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2019

From Neverland to Baghdad Around the world with Children’s Theatre and Story Theatre THE PLAY’S THE THING! Joel Adams

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here are so many forms of live theatre and sub-genres of those forms that space would fail me to even just list them all here, much less add a description of each, so this month I want to talk about two closely related forms that I have been delving into extensively this past year in Phuket and on my travels to Dubai, namely Children’s Theatre and Story Theatre.

I’ll start with the former. When I say Children’s Theatre, I am not speaking of theatre performed by children but theatre written to be performed for children. There are professional Children’s Theatre companies all over the world, such as the Seattle Children’s Theatre and the Dallas Children’s Theater, two I am personally acquainted with. The cast may or may not include children, but this is quality theatre aimed at entertaining children. The modern history of Children’s Theatre began, in my opinion, in London in 1904 when the Scottish playwright J. M. Barrie first put his unforgettable character Peter Pan on the stage.

Before Barrie and Peter Pan, theatre for children was basically the same

as theatre for adults but it contained messages that adults thought children should hear and learn. That doesn’t sound like a whole lot of fun, does it, kids? Well, that’s what Mr Barrie thought, so he proceeded to invent a new kind of theatre that embodied all the elements that have worked so well from then until now in theatre for children.

First of all, it’s about children who are breaking some of society’s rules. Oh, yes, they learn lessons from it, but they indulge themselves in breaking societal boundaries and stepping outside them.

There is also magic and fantasy, flying with pixie dust, a marvellous land called Neverland and a boy who never grows up and who can fight a pirate with a sabre using only a dagger. Can you imagine the kids’ amazement when the children and the dog started to fly?

There are clearly defined good and bad characters. Children have a strong sense of justice and delight in seeing the villain get his just deserts, and if it is also funny – as with a crocodile who swallowed an alarm clock tick-tocking his way in search of his, Peter’s and our nemesis, Captain Hook – that makes it that much more interesting for kids.

And something no one had thought of before, but is painfully obvious to anyone who knows children: they don’t like to sit still for too long, so Mr Barrie evoked audience participation by having the children help bring Tinkerbell back to life by actively showing they

Joel and the energetic cast of To Freeze or Not To Freeze.

A young Juha (right) with the snacking couple. believed in fairies.

The story is full of twists, turns and what one juvenile audience member called “suddenlys”. One surprise after another. Lastly, the story involves a big St Bernard dog who was played by a man in a suit and flew along with the children. Children love animals.

Theatre for children, therefore, is totally different from theatre for adults.

They want to get involved and they want magic, fantasy, good and evil clearly defined, animals and lots of surprises to keep them glued.

Closely related is Story Theatre, theatre that tells children stories, whether they are age-old stories or new ones adapted for the stage with a narrator, simple props and a fast-paced story­ telling method. Paul Sills developed this method in 1968 in Chicago with his play simply entitled Story Theatre.

Since then, the form has become very popular and there are Story Theatre groups all over the world today.

I have been working with Story Theatre this year, writing plays from the tales of an Arab folk comic hero named Juha. In last month’s article I told you about The Smell of Soup. When I was in Dubai, working at the summer camp of Enana Ballet Academy, I produced my play about that story and another which I called To Freeze or Not To Freeze. On August 22 my cast of nine children from 5 to 10 years old performed this story with wonderful energy and inspiration.

In closing, it was a bitter winter in Baghdad, and Juha and his friends were taking refuge in a coffee shop, drinking tea and coffee, playing backgammon, chess and checkers when the conversation turned, as it will, to the weather. One of the men in Juha’s company said, “The winter is so much harder on us who are older because we are weaker.”

Juha said he was in no way weaker than when he was younger and, to

prove it, he said there had been a marble table in his kitchen when he was a young man and he tried to move it and could not. Today he still couldn’t move it, so that proved he was exactly the same strength as then.

He went on to say that the cold didn’t bother him at all; he could stand in the cold all day and all night if need be and never feel a thing. His friends bet him he couldn’t stay out all night that night. They agreed that if he could, they would treat him to a sumptuous meal, and if he could not, he would treat them to the same. All agreed, Juha went to the town square to stay the night. Several of his friends noticed that across the square from Juha an old couple sat by their house eating hummus and bread by candlelight.

The next morning, Juha came triumphantly to the coffee shop to announce his victory. To his surprise, he was told the candle of the snacking couple had given him heat so he had lost the bet. He protested, but reluctantly had to agree to host them the next night for dinner.

When they arrived, they saw no food ready, but were told to drink tea and chat and that it would soon be ready.

After an hour, they said they were starving and it must be ready by now.

Juha invited them into the kitchen to see how the meal was coming along. A huge pot of stew was suspended from the ceiling three inches above a candle.

His guests protested vehemently that the meal would never cook that way, to which Juha replied, “But I don’t understand. You said a candle a hundred feet away kept me warm, so surely this candle that is only three inches from the pot will cook this stew!”

Joel Adams is building a vibrant theatre community right here in Phuket. You can contact him at theatrixphuket@ gmail.com or by phone on 093 6490066.

Facebook: Theatrix Group thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

COMMUNITY 15

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2019

Decadence at Delico Art and design meet coffee and cake at Phuket’s new favourite bistro CAFE

SOCIETY Amy Bensema bensema.amy@gmail.com

While the bistro has gained popularity due to its decor, it could carry its reputation on the quality of its coffee and cakes alone.

@thephuketnews

A

newly opened coffee bistro on the bypass road, Delico Decoration Coffee & Dessert is an Instagram dream which serves up elegant signature drinks and artfully designed cakes.

Delico Decoration Coffee & Dessert opened its doors in June this year. Since then, the coffee bistro has become a darling on the Phuket social media scene. Pictures of the gorgeous bistro kept popping up on my Facebook and Instagram feeds, so I made a point to trek up to the middle of the island to see what all of the fuss was about, and trust me, I was not disappointed.

Located in a tastefully designed white building, Delico is a bit magical upon walking in. The bistro’s walls are a vibrant blue and there are stunning sculptures, light fixtures, brightly coloured bric-a-brac and accessories everywhere. To be honest, it is a fabulous sensory overload. While the bistro has gained popularity due to its decor, it should be noted that it could carry its reputation on the quality of its coffee drinks and cakes alone.

The day I stopped into Delico, the bistro was buzzing. Almost all of the tables were full and there was a steady stream of customers through the door. I had a chance to meet the owner, who is a lovely young Thai woman with a keen sense of art and design. I questioned her regarding a few items on the menu and she was very thorough with her explanations which I always appreciate.

I took her advice and ordered a few of the signature drinks and a coconut cake, found a table and waited for the refreshments to arrive. The signature popcorn latte arrived first and it is indeed a clever combination: a smooth, silky latte accompanied by a tiny dish of lightly sweetened caramel popcorn.

The sweet, salty taste of the popcorn was the perfect match for the latte. It never occurred to me that popcorn and coffee could go so well hand in hand!

I adored the presentation of the coconut cake: a double stacked cake smothered in white coconut frosting and topped with a bright red flower. The cake was moist and flavourful, featuring massive chunks of coconut flesh which certainly added to the taste. Other desserts in the display case included strawberry cheesecake, lemon tart and an outstanding-looking chocolate mousse. Cakes are priced at B120 which, in my opinion, is completely fair given the ample serving size.

While continuing to admire the bistro and snap photos, I sipped on another signature drink: espresso with grapes. The espresso was rich and the sweetness of the grapes really brought out the full-bodied flavour. Again, I thought the taste combination was excellent. Delico definitely gets an A+ for creativity.

Delico Decoration Coffee & Dessert is open daily from 10am-7pm. I was warned that it gets exception-

ally busy at the weekend, so it’s best to drop in during the week. If you are a fan of this column, or a fan of coffee and pretty things in general, Delico is sure to tick all of the boxes for a lovely coffee bistro experience. To be honest, Delico is a new personal favourite.

Follow Delico Decoration Coffee & Dessert on Facebook (search ‘Delico Decoration Coffee Dessert’) or Insta-

gram (@delico_decoration) for all of their latest updates.

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.

16 EDUCATION

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2019

Curriculum means racetrack. Photo: BISP

The cutting edge of education?

EDUCATION CORNER

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Neil Richards

urriculum: it means racetrack.

From the Latin currere, which means “to run”. And somewhere along the line, in many parts of the world, it has turned into a strange self-fulfilling prophecy.

Preparing young people to live a worthwhile life has, too often, degenerated into a competition for advantage; a grotesque application of Darwinist fears concerning survival of the fittest, where it is imperative to be first past the finishing post, wherever it is lo-

cated or whatever it is conceived to be.

But how can we best calibrate the distance run? By what metric must we judge our success, judge others, judge our children? How may we quantify success? Perhaps more importantly, how can we give our children the edge?

Universities have shown us the way.

At one time, only a small fraction of the population would be expected to attend university, and only a few could meet the criteria. But the world has changed and heaved itself out of its industrial slumber; in the developed world, that means no more jobs for life or even jobs as we once knew them.

Thank goodness for examinations, test scores, grades and standards. By these we are able to judge and differentiate. By these we can measure success.

By these we can chart a path for our children and establish some idea of their “worth”. Like timekeepers we can check the laps, compare times and distance run, and like all good coaches we can construct training regimes to give our children advantage, however slight. Extra training is good, because we know that the competition will be fierce and will doubtless be doing the same – if not more! Now there’s an uncomfortable thought – it keeps us awake at night.

Politicians, too, are tossing and turning. They have embraced the world of measurement, data collection and league tables. And government departments have been created to calibrate and set standards and to hold people accountable. Teachers must respond to the tests by focusing on achieving the

standards set down by the watchdogs of society and ensuring that all paperwork is up to date and then up to date. Only written records and data will be admissible because these can be studied and manipulated; calibration surely is the key when teachers cannot be trusted and governments need to convince themselves.

It appears that education has become too important to leave to the teachers; the primary reality is that which can be measured – how wonderful that Descartes is as relevant today as he was in the 17th century.

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

Phuket officials continue to push for education quality and equality

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huket has been named as one of 20 “role model” provinces in Thailand in terms of decreasing the educational gap, but there’s always room for improvement, announced officials at a press conference on August 20.

The conference, held at Phuket Provincial Hall, centred around the “Project for Education Equality” and was presided over by Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana. Also in attendance were Phuket Education Council President Banthoon Thongtan, the project’s PR Officer Papassorn Sompranon, Kathuwittaya School student Suriya Sulsom and a host of officials and members of the press.

Banthoon highlighted the council’s work towards education equality, improving access to education opportunities, the development of professional skills and strengthening the quality and efficiency of teachers and schools.

“Education is essential in solving societal and economical inequality. It must be raised at every opportunity,” he said.

The council is currently focusing on their “We will not leave anyone behind” project which aims to improve the education of a particular target group in Phuket over the next three years, he added, namely 17,554 primary school students in Mueang Phuket District, 1,751 children who are not currently in education and children at 36 nursery schools which require improvements.

The council chose Mueang Phuket District because of the cultural diversity of the area.

Suriya, Banthoon, Governor Phakaphong and Papassorn.

Papassorn pointed out that, as a result of the island’s continuing development and subsequent employment opportunities, workers are moving to Phuket without changing their civil registration, which can interrupt their children’s education. Other children stop studying on account of their families’ economic hardship caused by high living costs.

Suriya, who is in his final year of secondary education, then addressed the conference, explaining that this was very nearly the case for him after his father, the family’s sole breadwinner, fell ill. Fortunately, with the support of the Project for Educational Equality, he was able to continue his studies.

“I want to say thank you to every official and the Project for Education Equality who help children who lack opportunities in Phuket,” he said.

Suriya’s story highlighted both the excellent work of the Project for Education Equality but also how far the Phuket education system has to improve to ensure students like him do not fall through the cracks.

The Phuket News thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

TRAVEL 17

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2019

The thoughtful tourist A guide to responsible travel in Asia and beyond The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

W

hen visiting or living in a different country, it can be difficult to know exactly how to make a positive impact on the surrounding environment, society and economy. Recent months in Phuket have seen some careless tourists jet-skiing through protected mangroves and littering beaches with plastic, but even travellers with the best of intentions can unknowingly harm their host communities.

Fortunately, student travel company GROUND Asia has created responsible traveller training modules and made them free for anyone interested in travelling responsibly or teaching others how to do so.

The training modules are closely aligned to the values and aims of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and are being made available to everyone – students, teachers, faculty, host communities, education sector suppliers, tour operators and any other interested parties.

The modules teach how to do the right thing when it comes to sensitive issues such as giving donations, child safety, responsible photography and plastic.

The initiative follows a company workshop, held in Mai Chau, Vietnam in March, to address challenges that kept arising during student trips to Asia.

“Best practices from four years of leading student groups in Asia were distilled into new practical guidelines, policies and procedures for all GROUND Asia trips,” says Lauren Groves, GROUND Asia general manager. “The aim is to provide thoughtful, practical and responsible guidelines that benefit everyone in travel, education and related fields.”

The training is “concise, factual and informative”, she says. “We want to lead the conversation about issues, rather than simply dictate behaviour.”

Groves adds that responsible traveller values learned at an early age will give young people and the public at large the skills and perspectives to help them be responsible travellers for the rest of their lives.

Here are just some of GROUND Asia’s top tips for responsible travel in Asia: Responsible giving When you see low-income communities in the places you visit, it can feel compelling to give money and gifts to the people you meet out of generosity and a sense of philanthropy. This well-intentioned act of giving, however, is not always the best thing you could do. Instead: Support the local services of guides, transport providers, food establishments etc. This brings money into the local economy and supports local employment.

Do not give cash handouts to individuals. Giving donations can reinforce negative power dynamics and a sense of “foreign saviour” complex. Instead, consider donating to local NGOs, schools or community organisations for more positive social impact.

Buy locally. By encouraging local entrepreneurship, you are putting money into the local economy, reducing your carbon footprint and lifting up the community through the jobs entrepreneurship creates.

Child safety It’s estimated that 168 million children worldwide are involved in child labour (defined as any work that deprives children of their childhood, potential and dignity). It’s important to minimise harm to children anywhere in the world. With this in mind: Do not support Orphanage Tourism. Children in orphanages are sometimes exploited as ‘attractions’ for tourists and ‘projects’ for volunteers. Children in many orphanages are not orphans but used as attractions in order to earn money through donations.

If you see or suspect child abuse while travelling, report it immediately to the child protection hotline @thephuketnews

These tourists have the right idea with their reusable shopping bags. or the nearest police station/officer.

GROUND Asia’s in-country staff are able to help with this.

Seek out alternatives to giving out money to children begging or selling things on the street. You could support local children’s charities, for example.

Avoid giving gifts directly to children as this can encourage them to leave school or start begging.

Responsible photography In this digital age where we can easily take photos and videos on our smartphones, it’s important to remember the ethics of capturing certain memories on camera.

Remember to ask for permission before taking photographs of local people. And make sure they feel okay to say no to your request.

Consider whether you would want someone to take a photo or video of you in that situation; if not, then don’t take theirs.

Ask permission from parents or responsible adults before taking pictures of local children.

Never disturb wildlife for your photos. It could change animal behaviour and even lead to the destruction of natural ecosystems.

Be sensitive about taking photographs of religious or political sites or people praying.

Plastic waste To make use of non-recyclable plastic waste you find on your travels, make ecobricks. Ecobricks are plastic bottles packed with used, clean and dry plastic to achieve a building block that can be used over and over again.

Making ecobricks is an exciting way that individuals, communities and companies can start their immediate transition from plastic towards greener harmony with the Earth’s cycles while waiting for a solution to completely replace plastic.

There are many ways you can actively reduce plastic pollution in the first instance: Problem: Plastic take-out containers made of styrofoam.

Solution: Bring biodegradable food containers made out of organic bamboo or other reusable containers. Use banana leaves (a locals’ favourite type of packaging).

Problem: Coffee/drinks cups made from plastic.

Solution: Bring your own reusable cups to refill. (We may think using paper cups is a solution but they usually contain plastic too.)

Problem: Plastic straws and bags.

Solution: Bring bamboo/rice/ grass/reusable straws and bags made out of natural materials and keep reusing.

To view the full tourist training guidelines, including these tips and more, and ready-made presentations, visit GROUNDAsia.com and follow the links under the ‘Responsible Travel’ tab.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2019

Aquawalk​Thailand General Manager​Craig Smith and Managing Director Dato’ Simon Foong with Jason Beavan.

ISLAND SCENE 19

Aquaria Phuket is open!

ROLLING IN THE DEEP AT THE GRAND OPENING OF AQUARIA PHUKET Aquaria Phuket, Thailand’s largest saltwater and freshwater aquarium, welcomed its first guests on Aug 23 at its grand opening ceremony. Guests marvelled at sea turtles, giant stingray and Humboldt penguins from South America, just some of the 25,000 animals at the aquarium, located beneath Central Phuket Floresta.

QSI Phuket Director Rob Peters (centre) welcomed leaders of Christian, Muslim and Buddhist faith.

The day of blessing is set to become an annual event.

TRADITIONAL BLESSINGS SET QSI PHUKET UP FOR HARMONIOUS YEAR QSI International School of Phuket hosted its first day of blessing ahead of the start of the academic year. The school was honoured to welcome local religious leaders from Christian, Muslim and Buddhist faiths who performed traditional blessings in an effort to promote peace and harmony.

Guests enjoyed the private reception, held on the hotel’s Peranakan Courtyard.

Artists Mekphat Srinantaphan and Monthian Yangthong.

RAMADA PLAZA CHAO FAH SHOWCASES LOCAL ARTISTS IN ‘CONTRASTS’ Ramada Plaza Chao Fah opened its first art exhibition on Aug 26 in a ceremony presided over by Phuket Vice Governor Thanyawat Chanpinit. The exhibition, ‘CONTRASTS’, which runs until Oct 11, puts art by Mekphat Srinantaphan and Monthian Yangthong on display. Guests observed the vivid colours, textures and depths of Mekphat’s works and Monthian’s intricate wood-carved pieces whilst sipping drinks and listening to local musician Annie play the guzheng.

The proud Centara Karon Phuket team.

CENTARA KARON PHUKET JOINS TRIPADVISOR HALL OF FAME Centara Karon Phuket announced this week that the beach resort has achieved TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame award. Being awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence nine years in a row and inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ is a true source of pride for the entire team, and the management expressed gratitude to all guests who took the time to complete reviews on TripAdvisor. @thephuketnews

Le Meridien Phuket and Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur associates came together for the event.

LE MERIDIEN PHUKET FOOD FEST PUTS MALAY FOOD IN SPOTLIGHT Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort held its Malaysian Food Festival between Aug 21-24, to the delight of its guests. The event showcased Malay cuisine in an exciting convergence of Asian flavours, prepared with the help of visiting chefs Fahmi Bin Sulaiman and Kalai Elumalai who flew in from Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur.

20 EVENTS

FRI

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2019

30 AUG

XANA BAREFOOT BBQ

Back to The ’80s 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.

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

The Sunday Brunch Club Come 4, Pay 3 Green season special! Enjoy COME 4 PAY 3 The Sunday Brunch Club for a limited time. Book your table for the most vibrant Sunday Brunch on the island now.

Dream Member Price THB 1590++. Adult Brunch THB 1890 ++ Kids under 10 eat free (1 paying adult = 1 child free). ** Toddler area open with designated staff, babysitting service, and kid activities. Reservation, Dream Beach Club, reservations@dreambeachclub.com, 098 048 3500.

Experience barefoot dining with freshest seafood from the Andaman Sea while watching a fire performance and listening music from our DJ. Every Monday and Thursday from 18:00 – 22:00 hrs at XANA Beach Club.Price THB 1,450++ fbreservation-lagunaphuket@angsana. com +66 (0) 7635 8500.

TUE

3 SEP

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.

SAT

31 AUG

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.

SUN

1 SEP

Sunday Roast All Day, All Night

Light and Fresh Buffet The Watercourt is presenting a line of tasty Italian Cold Cut, Gourmet Salads, Hearty Soup, Flavourful Desserts and Seasonal Fruit. From THB 1,200 net per guest (Choice of Meat & Seafood grilled - Additional). Banyan Tree, The Watercourt,fb-phuket@banyantree.com, 076 372 400.

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 076-286479 Patong 076-344-914.

All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet Beef, Pork and Lamb – Cauliflower, Broccoli, Peas, Carrots, fried mushrooms, grilled tomatoes – Yorkshire pudding – roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes – gravy, mushroom sauce, mint sauce.

Reservations recommended. B350 P/P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

MON

2 SEP

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.

Thai Night Buffet All you can eat BBQ night 6pm – 11pm: Beef, Pork, Chicken, Burgers, Sausages, Prawns and Squid, Salad buffet, Choice of potatoes and sauces, bread, buns and garlic bread. Reservation recommended.

B395 P/P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

Experience Authentic Thai Food. Let’s take a tasteful journey through Thai cuisine, Baan Talay is feature a tempting selections of traditional Thai food and local Phuket delicacies. Enjoy with a variety of live station; Thai papaya salad, spicy soup and much more to give a true taste of Thailand. THB 950++ per person. Every Tuesday from 6 pm to 10 pm. Reservation, Angsana Laguna Phuket, fbreservation-lagunaphuket@angsana.com, 076 358 500. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

EVENTS 21

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2019

WED

4 SEP

FRI

6 SEP

FRI

13 SEP

SAT

21 SEP

Children First Charity Event Joint Phuket Sundowners hosted by AustCham

Grow Boating Networking Evening - September 2019

Ribs, beats, brews Wednesday 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.

THU

The Grow Boating Networking Evening for September 2019 will be held at The Speakeasy Yacht Club, at The Royal Phuket Marina on Friday the 6th of September 2019 from 5pm onward. There will be a light buffet sponsored by The Speakeasy Yacht Club and special prices on your favourite beverages. Come and join in the fun, everyone is welcome. There is no entry fee, just drop your business card or register at the bar. We hope to see you there and if you know anyone you think would be interested in coming please invite them along.

SUN

FRI

1 NOV

The Exotic Fishing Thailand 1.5 Million Baht Tagged Fish Challenge

Now you see me charity event “NOW YOU SEE ME” is the biggest charity Event in Phuket will be happening here at Café del Mar Phuket on Saturday September 14th 2019 from 8pm. Entrance fee: 1500 baht. This amount goes 100% towards the above mentioned organizations. Galla Dinner: 3900 baht. Including the entrance fee. Dress Code : Glamorous Sexy Disco Soul. Music : Joe Gradante , Nicola Vega , Dj Man . Dj Khansa. Live Performance by Eka Soundz. Bookings & Info : +66(0) 61 359 5500 / ira@cafedelmarphuket.com Or Ira +66846900430.

BACK TO THE ’70s & ’80s EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT

@thephuketnews

SAT

14 SEP

8 SEP

5 SEP

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

Reservations are highly recommended.

You can book on our website at WWW. TWOCHEFS.COM or find us on Facebook at WWW.FACEBOOK/TWOCHEFS THAILAND. Come for the food, stay for the FUN! Reservations, Call us directly at Two Chefs Kata Center 076-330-065, Kata Beach 076-333-370, Karon 076-286479, Patong 076-344-914

Taking advantage of the beautiful surroundings at the Boat Lagoon, the Phuket Sundowners offers a great opportunity to network with like-minded people from the business community. Prior to the Sundowners, we will hold a Panel Discussion on “Asian Regattas – Highlights on Phuket, Towards Sustainability”, with a panel of experts on organising and participating in regattas in Phuket and throughout Asia. Baht 500 for AustCham members, partner Chambers’ members**, and Australian Alumni Members. Baht 900 for non-members.

A charity journey from day into night under the theme “Swing for Good” where you will enjoy a fun golf tournament throughout the day at Laguna Golf Phuket. As the sun sets, sit back and unwind in a unique “Battle of the Chefs” charity dinner gourmet experience, complete with delicious food, free-flow beverages and live entertainment – all to support children in Phuket. Register your interest now at just THB18,000 per team of four and help to raise big bucks for children in need.

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.

EVERY DAY

Malaysia’s Queen of Comedy, Joanne Kam LIVE IN PHUKET! Standup Asia is proud to bring yet another rapturous night of live comedy to the paradise that is Phuket Island! On Sunday 8 September, be prepared to laugh yourself silly with the unique comedy stylings of Malaysian Queen of Comedy Joanne Kam, supported by veteran US comic Matt Davis and Pakistan’s very own Umar Rana! The show, at the illustrious Marriott Resort, Merlin Beach, begins at 8pm with doors opening at 7pm. Magic Rock, Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Merlin Beach.

Prime at Rock Salt Art on a Helmet An expression of the creativity of more than 20 International and local artists... on Helmets! Sculpture, Painting, Dance, Catwalk and more, there are no rules.. no redlights. Join us for the joyride! Free entry.

Catwalk 8:00pm followed by Helmet exhibiton at Home Kitchen at Kalim Beach.

Find out more information online - Facebook: HOME.kitchen.bar.bed

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

22 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2019

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York 1. How many known species of monitor lizard are there?

2. Which nine nations does the Amazon rainforest span?

3. Iron-eating microbes are consuming the RMS Titanic.

It’s estimated that the wreck will completely disappear by which year?

4. Which novel series is described as “a trilogy in five parts”?

5. Which city was the 2019 G7 summit held?

Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Easy

68. French story Across 69. Like the Sabin 1. Gossip vaccine 5. Religious figures 70. Convergence 10. Roseanne of points comedy 71. ___ Grill 14. Table d’___ 15. Whiskey ___ (L.A. 72. ___ Alto 73. Sounds of rock club) disapproval 16. Olympics event 74. Boxes 17. 1965 jazz album 75. Apt. area 18. Nauru capital measurement 19. People movers 20. US tourist attraction 23. Walk-__ (cameos) Down 24. Blood-group letters 1. Think about, with on 25. Stimulating factor 2. Granada greeting 29. Actress, Lupino 3. ___ never happen 32. Old classmates 4. Bar request 36. Bean 5. Store away 38. Antique auto 40. Half a cheerleader 6. 1999 U.S. Open champ cry 7. Eve’s opposite 41. English tourist 8. Former Mets attraction outfielder Tommie 45. Good way to eat 9. “Crime and vegetables Punishment” 46. U.S. Army medal heroine 47. Extend 10. Dupe 48. Bug 51. Time Warner merger 11. Slavish mimic 12. Axis-turning partner winder 53. Fable maker 13. ____ Admiral 54. ___ amis 56. Vienna’s land, abbr. 21. Andrea ___ 22. Ring org.

58. Italian tourist 25. Exceedingly attraction 26. Played over 67. Religious image

27. Persistently chewed on 28. Mutual fund 30. Harry Potter nemesis Malfoy 31. ___ Lingus (Irish airlines) 33. Russian range 34. Nintendo hero 35. Rams and lambs 37. Legal scholar’s deg.

39. Spanish bear 42. Fed. govt. supplies distributor 43. Seeming 44. Southwestern Colorado native 49. Muscat residents 50. “___ out!” (ump’s call) 52. South African wagon circle 55. Throws off 57. Consumers 58. Sort through papers 59. W.B.A. calls 60. Make fun of 61. One foot in front of the other 62. Rum cake 63. Chops off 64. Mideast hot spot 65. Elephant young 66. Like crazy

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) 79; 2) Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana; 3) 2030; 4) The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy; 5) Biarritz, France

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW VIEW ISLAND

This week in history

1

language dies every 14 days. It’s thought that, by the next century, nearly half of the world’s 7,000 languages will disappear.

An artist’s depiction of the Great Fire.

August 30, 1945 The Japanese occupation of Hong Kong comes to an end. British control over Hong Kong is restored.

20

August 31, 1987 Thai Airways Flight 365 travelling from Hat Yai to Phuket crashes into the Andaman Sea 15 kilometres east of Phuket International Airport, killing all 83 on board.

percent of all classified mammal species are bats. There are over 1,200 species of them.

13,000

September 1, 1952 The Old Man and the Sea, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Ernest Hemingway, is first published. He wins the Nobel Prize in Literature two years later.

is how many times faster NASA’s internet connection is compared to the average. It reaches speeds of up to 91 gigabits per second.

443,068

September 2, 1945 Vietnam declares its independence from France, forming the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

people have signed a petition to rename Fifth Avenue, where Trump Tower sits, to “President Barack H. Obama Avenue.”

1 million euros are tossed into Rome’s Trevi Fountain every year. The money is collected for charity.

Source: Uberfacts

September 3, 2016 The U.S. and China, together responsible for 40% of the world’s carbon emissions, both formally ratify the Paris global climate agreement.

September 4, 1998 Google is founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, two Ph.D students at Stanford University, California.

Ghosts of the Past. Photo by Chris Yoon, QSI Phuket’s Student Photo of the Year winner On the climb to Big Buddha. Photo by Amy Bryant Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket?

Email it or to particularly execeditor@classactmedia.co.th Got an unusual beautiful picture of Phuket?

Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

September 5 , 1666 The Great Fire of London ends. 10,000 buildings, including Old St Paul’s Cathedral, are destroyed, but only six people are known to have died.

Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 23

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2019

Jobs

Events Operations Manager

Phuket Weddings and Events successful Rental Supplies and Event Support Division is looking for an innovative and articulate Operations Manager to further develop the brand. Hotel experience is preferred within F&B and/or Operations with strong leadership and management skills. The role includes managing client enquiries; corporate inventory; logistics; staffing and on-site installations and support. Applicants should have a good knowledge of local venues and contractors, must have excellent communication skills in English and Thai and be passionate and focused. This is a great opportunity for the right applicant to expand their future prospects in an exciting and rewarding position where everything is possible. Full time position in Cherngtalay; excellent package and bonus scheme. Please contact us on 062 698 2426. Fern Chaiyaporn, fern@ phuketweddingsevents.com, 062 698 2426. @thephuketnews

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

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Urgent required

Asia Marine Ltd., a yacht managemet company in Phuket, is looking for Chief Accountant. Candidate must be graduated in accounting field, English speaking, min 5 years’ experience in management, extensive corporate and personal tax experience, expertise working with Quickbooks and financial statements.

Interested candidates, please email your CV with photo to chatpassorn@asia-marine.net Mobile: +66 8 1823 4736 40,000-55,000, Chatpassorn, 20/99 Moo 2, Thepkassattri Rd., T. Kohkeaw, Muang, Phuket 83000, chatpassorn@ asia-marine.net, 0818234736, 076238805.

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Accountant

Assistant to an entrepreneur. Managing a variety of new startups as well as personal accounts. Must be a qualified graduate accountant, speak perfect English.

Will be required to Create/ Interrogate management accounts and provide accurate information feed back. +447968753409 simon.phillips@ct-automotive.net

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 25

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2019

Trades & Services

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

ADVERTISING SERVICES

CLEANING SERVICES

CORPORATE SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

@thephuketnews

26 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Trades & Services

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2019

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

OTHER

TRAINING

ADVERTISE HERE

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 27

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2019

Buy & Sell BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE

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FORD WILDTRAK 2014 FOR SALE

Big A S+S Swan 55

S+S Swan 55, must let her go. Getting too old! In perfect running cond. El winches Yanmar, all sails and more. bigasail@yahoo.com, 0869401860.

2.2L Double Cab 4WD 6 GearAutomatic. One owner. 50,000km. ARB Crash Bars. New Tyres. English: 081-958-1055 Thai: 081-606-5772 580,000 baht, pauljames@expathotel.com, 0819581055

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.

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

CARS, TRUCKS FOR RENT

Car for sale

Chevrolet Trailblazer LTZ 2.8 CC. 4X4 For sale English 095 420 9662 Thai 082 629 1419 janthisa jaikwang, 199/14 หม ู ่ 5 ตำ�บลศร สี นุ ทร อำ�เภอ ถลาง จังหวัดภ เู กต็ , info@lifestyleinthailand.com, B 725,000

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.

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Car For Sale

Ford Fiesta 2012 For sale English 095 420 9662 Thai 082 629 1419 Janthisa Jaikwang, 199/14 หม ู ่ 5 ตำ�บลศร สี นุ ทร อำ�เภอถลาง จังหวัดภ เู กต็ , B 250,000 info@lifestyleinthailand.com, 0826291419

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 Pa­ klok A Thalang 83110 Phuket, stigisaan@gmail. com, 0848474377.

CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE Car for sale

Bought 30th Dec 2015 we paid baht 1,500,000 sell for 890,000 or nearest offer. 062 956 5777.

@thephuketnews

@thephuketnews

CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE

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The Phuket News

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

BABY GRAND w/ DISC PLAYER

“Classic” Baby Grand Piano with “Disc Player”. In perfect condition. 7 years old. Original price 428,000 THB. 170,000, Phuket Town, daryldavies9@gmail. com, 080 159 5239

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!

PROPERTY WANTED U RG

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3 Bedroom Condo Wanted

Looking for 3 Bed Condo/Apartment any area of Phuket for 3million Thai Baht or thereabouts. Please email mick11468@gmail.com. Thanks! B3,000,000, Mike

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.,Cherngtalay.,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.

SERVICES Credit and investment in private section

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

Please feel free to contact us for more information.

Georgette, GEORGESVALLER@financier.com

28 CLASSIFIEDS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2019

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Buy & Sell 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.

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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

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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

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OCEAN FRONT LAND

1 Bedroom Condo Kata Sale

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

2 Bed Condo Bangtao Phuket

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

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 English/German. Email: picharly@gmail.com, B4.9mill.

Royal Phuket Marina 2 Bed

2-Bedroom Royal Phuket Marina Condo. Seen to be believed. 195m2 Stylish, Tastefully-Decorated Condominium Fully Furnished Overlooking Yacht Marina an absolute bargain @ 13.5 Million BahtTina, phuket@thairesidential.com, 948411918.

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

1 Bed Condo in Kamala

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Phuket Town 1 Bed Condo

Wonderful 1 Bedroom Condo near Central Festival area. Just 10 minutes to Panwa Beach. A must see!!! Fully furnished and conveniently located. Amenities close by as well as tourist attractions. Full condo facilities. B2,500,000, Tina, phuket@ thairesidential.com, 0948411918.

OCEAN FRONT VILLA

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.

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

Great 1 Bed Condo just 200m fromKamala Beach. Comes with pool and on- site restaurant. Fantastic location and not to be missed. Fully furnished with appliances. Homestay or investment. B5,417,000. Call Andy. 083 800 1888

Apartment Block in Soi Ta-Eiad

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

1 Bed Condo Sale Rawai

RPM by owner

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

Amazing residential block for sale comprising of 5 x 190sqm fully furnished 3 Bedroom Units. Highest quality fixtures and finishing’s with exceptional build quality. All units have internal surround sound systems and wireless internet routed in the walls. Full Western kitchen in all units. Rooftop Salt Water Swimming Pool with 8 person Jacuzzi and bar. Spectacular panoramic views. Units currently being rented out with almost 100% occupancy, so fantastic investment opportunity. Potential returns of 9% per annum. B61,500,000, Tina, phuket@thairesidential.com

PROPERTY FOR SALE

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7 Bed Boutique Hotel for Sale

CONDO FOR SALE THE DECK PATONG

@thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE Super villa for sale

The Phuket News

Karon 1 Bed Condo for Sale

PROPERTY FOR RENT 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.

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Shop Space for Rent (31 SQM)

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Sell your products at one of Phuket's most successful five-star Resorts! Le Meridien Phuket has one 31-sqm shop space for rent. Sumalee Intana, Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort 29 Soi Karon Nui, Karon, Muang 83100 Phuket Thailand, sumalee. intana@lemeridien.com, +6676370100.

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

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

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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)/ 0887602825 (Thai)

Paul MOORHOUSE

‘Frontline’ sea view villa overlooking G Ao Yon Bay and the southern islands.

UR Magnificent property with private elevator, 4 bedroom suites/6 bathrooms as well as 2 living areas, European design kitchen, games room, bar, sauna, steam room and wonderful pool deck with in-ground jacuzzi, infinity pool and waterfall. Fabulous property reduced to 65 million Baht for quick sale. 0898737075.

1 Bed Condo in Kamala

MontAzure Twinpalms Residence-Great condo located in Kamala. The ultimate in luxury.

Has got to be seen to be believed. Fantastic facilities in this resort condo. B15,800,000, Tina, 0872699206.

Condo in Patong for Rent

Full-furnished studio with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, living room, kitchenette, mountain view, and free wifi.

2 Rooms available; 66 sq.m and 88 sq.m. Start from 25,000 THB/month, Jane, social@karonseasand. com, 062 842 4861.

Property for rent YAMU

Very big house. 400sqm, Land 4400sqm. Available 1st May. 4 bedrooms- 4 bathrooms , swimming pool.

Close BIS, UWCT. Must see. Long term lease 110,000 baht/month including pool+ garden service. Khun DIDIER, aouichedidier@hotmail.com, 093 717 9343 (English+French)/ 089 552 9303 (Thai).

PROPERTY FOR RENT

COMMUNITY

Rawai 1 Bed Seaview Condo Sale

Fantastic seaviews. Fully furnished. Condo facilities including pool and gym. Close to amenities. This 53sqm condo at Babylon Sky Garden is a great buy. B4,297,277, Andy, phuket@ thairesidential.com

Villa in Patong prime location

One of the last Villas available in Patong. in top condition. 24 hour security. 3 bed, 3 bath, 160sqm living. Fully furnished, garden.

Ms. Manatchanok, 0800409411

Villa Mission Heights Big Pool

3bed, 3 1/2 bath, 330sqm living, 900 sqm land, very quiet area, 2 km mission hill golf, 6km UWC, 8 km airport. owner finance. 0870608400 engl/ german 12.9MB, picharly@gmail. com

Beach Front Land

* 128 meter of white sand beach frontage * amazing views * 9 Rai , Secure Nor Sor 3 Kor tittle * located on Koh Yao Yai * 20 minutes boat drive from Phuket * public road with water and electricity * ideal for high end development * ready to build * sale direct by owner *ONLY 11.9 Mill. Baht / Rai montha_phuket@yahoo.com, 095 014 7888

Renovated 3bed Home Boat Lagoon

AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY: Beautifully renovated & decorated 3bed+mezzanine, 250 sqm contemporary house featuring: boat berth, rooftop jacuzzi, open kitchen, wine cooler, 2 parkings, storage & laundry area. B 75,000 per month, Henry Cumberlege, hcumberlege@gmail.com

Stunning Ocean Views!

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

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

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2019

SPORT 29

Vietnam shock Thais in Asean showdown FOOTBALL

Thailand coach Akira Nishino talks to his players at the team’s training camp. Photo: Bangkok Post

Bangkok Post

Nishino ‘nervous’ as qualifiers draw near

T

hailand suffered a shock 1-0 loss to Vietnam after extra-time in the final of the AFF Women’s Championship in Chon Buri on Tuesday night (Aug 27).

Huynh Nhu scored the winner after 93 minutes. Although she was sent off for taking off her shirt to celebrate the goal, the home team failed to get an equaliser.

Defending champions Thailand had several stars who featured in the World Cup, including forwards Suchawadee Nildhamrong (Miranda Nild) and Kanjana Sungngoen.

It was the Chaba Kaew’s first tournament after their disastrous campaign at the 2019 Women’s World Cup. After France 2019, coach Nuengrutai Srathongvian and manager Nualphan Lamsam both quit.

They have been replaced by coach Naruepol Kaenson and manager Sirima Panichcheewa.

FOOTBALL

Thailand’s Suchawadee Nildhamrong (right) in action against Vietnam. Photo: Bangkok Post Meanwhile, I ranian women fans will be allowed to attend a men’s football World Cup qualifying match in the Islamic republic in October, the official IRNA news agency quoted a Sports Ministry official as saying, amid heightened pressure from Fifa.

While foreign women have been allowed limited access to matches in Iran, Iranian women have been banned from stadiums when men’s teams are playing since the Islamic revolution in 1979.

Fifa wrote to the Iranian Football Federation in June asking it to provide a timeline

Jazz remains favourite in Indonesia GOLF JA ZZ JANEWATTANAnond will be bidding for his third Asian Tour win of the season at the Indonesia Open, which teed off on Thursday (Aug 29).

The Thai came close to achieving it at the Sarawak Championship in Malaysia two weeks ago. He was one shot off the lead after three rounds only to run out of steam on the final day.

As the highest-ranked player in the field this week

@thephuketnews

Fr o m l e f t J C R i t c h i e , Jazz Janewattananond, Daniel Chopra and George Gandranata pose with the Indonesia Open trophy.

Photo: Bangkok Post at No.58, Jazz is one of the favourites to lift the trophy on Sunday (Sep 1) at the Pondok Indah Golf Course.

“I missed the event last

year. I like this golf course.

I got a lot of memories as I have played here since I was really young,” said Jazz, currently the Asian Tour Order of Merit leader.

South Africa’s JC Ritchie believes the Indonesia Open can be his springboard to more success.

Ritchie, who is leading the Order of Merit on the Sunshine Tour, will have his title ambitions put to test against a strong field, alongside Indonesia’s No.1 Danny Masrin and Jazz.

Bangkok Post

towards women being able to buy tickets for the qualifiers, or face consequences.

“Women can go to Tehran’s Azadi stadium to watch the match between Iran’s national team and Cambodia in October for the Qatar World Cup qualifier,” Deputy Sports Minister Jamshid Taghizadeh said.

THAILAND COACH AKIra Nishino admitted that he felt a bit nervous during his first training session with his players ahead of two upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

“I last coached a team [the Japanese national side] at the 2018 World Cup so returning to coaching makes me feel a bit nervous,”’ he said at the War Elephants’ training camp at Bangkok’s Le Meridien Suvarnabhumi hotel.

Nishino has picked an initial squad of 33 players which will be trimmed to 23 before Thailand’s first two games in the qualifying round for the 2022 World Cup. The Thais will meet Vietnam at home on Sept 5 and travel to Indonesia on Sept 10.

The other two teams in the group are the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia.

A group of players reported to the training camp on Tuesday (Aug 27) and another group joined them on Wednesday (Aug 28).

However, Belgium-based Kawin Thamasatchanan and Japanese league stars Theerathon Bunmathan, Chanathip Songkrasin and Thitiphan Puangjan will join the team on Sept 2.

Nishino said the quartet will be the core of his team.

The Japanese said he selected the players after watching them play in Thai League 1. “Thai players have the potential. My first task is to help them play well together and have good teamwork,” he said.

Bangkok Post

30 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2019

Brady backs Luck over shock early retirement GRIDIRON

AFP

T Koepka pips McIlroy for Photo: AFP

PGA Player of the Year GOLF WORLD NUMBER ONE Brooks Koepka was named PGA of America Player of the Year for a second straight year on Monday (Aug 26).

Koepka, who successfully defended his PGA Championship crown this year, edged out Rory McIlroy for the honour despite the Northern Ireland star’s win in the PGA Tour Championship on Sunday (Aug 25).

McIlroy, who pocketed $15 million for his win at East Lake in Atlanta, earned the PGA’s prestigious Vardon Trophy for a third time.

The Vardon Trophy is awarded to the player with the best scoring average

across the year.

A s wel l a s h is PGA Championship repeat in May, Koepka’s year included victories in The CJ Cup at Nine Bridges and the World Golf Championships-FedEx St. Jude Invitational.

The four-time major winner also topped the season money list and was fourth in the Vardon Trophy standings.

Koepka missed out on the opportunity to crown his season with victory at the Tour Championship on Sunday after stumbling on his final round.

The 29-year-old from Florida led by one shot heading into the fourth round, but posted a two-over-par 72 over the final 18 holes as McIlroy surged to victory.

AFP

om Brady has given his backing to Andrew Luck following the Indianapolis Colts quarterback’s stunning decision to quit the National Football League at the age of 29.

Luck, one of the most highly rated quarterbacks in the league, shocked the sport last Saturday (Aug 24) after confirming he had decided to walk away from the game following an injury-plagued career.

“I haven’t been able to live the life I want to live,” Luck told reporters. “It’s taken the joy out of this game… the only way forward for me is to remove myself from football.”

The Colts star was criticised by some media commentators over the move, while Indianapolis fans booed the quarterback as he walked down the sideline after the team’s pre-season game against the Chicago Bears.

However six-time Super Bowl champion Brady, who will be 42 when he starts his 20th season in the league with the New England Patriots next month, said Luck had every right to call time on his career.

“It is his life,” Brady told Boston’s WEEI sports radio on Monday (Aug 26).

“Everyone has the right to choose what he wants to do.”

“He had a great career, and he was a

The Colts quarterback’s shocking retirement changes the entire complexion of the NFL, in 2019 and beyond. Photo: AFP great player. Everybody wishes they could be healthy all the time. It is a contact sport, and he’s certainly had his fair share of injuries, so guys retire at different times.

Meanwhile former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman also hit back at criticism of Luck’s retirement, lashing out at Fox Sports radio show host Doug Gottlieb.

Gottlieb had provoked uproar by ridiculing Luck’s retirement on Twitter last Saturday (Aug 24).

“Retiring because rehabbing is ‘too

hard’ is the most millennial thing ever. #AndrewLuck,” Gottlieb wrote.

Three-time Super Bowl winner Aikman – who is also employed by Fox Sports i was unimpressed.

“That’s total b****** Doug,” Aikman wrote. “What qualifies you to decide how someone should live their life? So you’re now the authority on what motivates Andrew Luck?

“And if his decisions don’t fit into what you think is best for him then you rip him?

Guess that keeps you employed ... Nice.”

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2019

SPORT 31

Palace, Newcastle stun Premier League big boys FOOTBALL AFP

M

anchester United and Tottenham suffered shock home defeats by Crystal Palace and Newcastle as Liverpool and Manchester City laid down another marker that they seem set to do battle for the Premier League title again this season.

Liverpool’s 3-1 win at Anfield was a reality check for Arsenal, as Jurgen Klopp’s men maintained a two-point advantage over City, who were also 3-1 winners at Bournemouth.

Below the top two, the other four of the “big six” have already suffered defeat this season, but Chelsea did pick up their first win under Frank Lampard in thrilling fashion, 3-2 at Norwich.

Here, AFP Sport takes a look at three things we learned in the Premier League this weekend: United rebuild, a work in progress Lost amid the condemnation of the social media trolls who racially abused Marcus Rashford on Saturday was the stark reality that Crystal Palace's shock 2-1 win at Old Trafford showed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s overhaul of Manchester United remains some way from completion.

Jordan Ayew’s opening goal for Palace exposed the flaws in Solskjaer's defence even after the combined £130 million (B4.856 billion) spent on adding Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka to the back four.

United striker Rashford’s costly penalty miss sparked the racist jibes, but it was possible for United to have survived that mistake after Daniel James curled in his

Manchester United’s Anthony Martial (C) has an unsuccessful shot under pressure from Crystal Palace’s Martin Kelly at Old Trafford last Saturday (Aug 24). Crystal Palace won the game 2-1. Photo: Lindsey Parnaby / AFP second goal for the club in the 89th minute.

However, emphasising United’s creaky foundations, Palace defender Patrick van Aanholt was able to find space to shoot past David de Gea's dismal attempted save in stoppage-time to hand Solskjaer’s team their first defeat of the season.

While it is far too early to panic, United have only one win from three games and it is questionable whether they have banished the defence lapses and lack of cutting edge up front that undermined them last season.

Luiz shows Arsenal’s long road ahead Arsenal also headed to Liverpool filled with early-season optimism after two wins to start the campaign and a seemingly fruitful transfer window.

Club-record signing Nicolas Pepe made his first start at Anfield and demonstrated the trickery and pace that should see him form a fearsome front three alongside PierreEmerick Aubameyang and

Alexandre Lacazette.

However, the difference between the sides is that Liverpool’s own stunning attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, is backed up by arguably the world’s best defender in Virgil van Dijk.

By contrast, Arsenal left adding a much needed centreback till the end of their summer shopping and David Luiz’s deficiencies were cruelly exposed as he conceded a stupid penalty for a shirt tug on Salah before being embarrassed by the Egyptian for Liverpool’s third goal.

There are plenty of similarities between the current Arsenal and Liverpool prior to Van Dijk’s signing for a then world-record fee for a defender in January 2018.

Since then, Jurgen Klopp’s men have won the Champions League, reached another final and came within a point of winning the Premier League last season.

A similar upg rade is needed for Arsenal to make the leap.

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Run #1752: Saturday August 31 Run Start Time: 4pm Hares: Singha, No Hope Location: Thalang Battleground Memorial Park Directions: Head north from Heroines Monument towards Thalang. At the main traffic lights in Thalang turn left back towards Cherngtalay. After approximately 600 m turn RIGHT HHH on the sharp bend, follow the road towards the airport for approximately 900 m and turn LEFT HHH into the Showgrounds. Follow the road around to the laager. Beer Truck will be marked. From Cherngtalay turn left at the police station traffic lights and head towards Thalang. Turn LEFT HHH at the sharp bend marked as the airport shortcut just before entering Thalang. Follow the road as above.

HARE NOTE: The HARES are NOT responsible for valuables or dogs on the run. If you must take them it is your responsibility to take care of them.

Bus pick-up: Patong @ Expat Hotel: 14:30 | Kamala @ Aussie Pub: 15:00 More info: phuket-hhh.com

@thephuketnews

Too high a bar for VAR The Premier League set its stall out not to overturn subjective refereeing calls using VAR for its introduction to English football this season unless a grievous error has been made by the official on the pitch.

That has certainly been the case for penalty appeals.

City were denied a strong claim against Spurs last week when Erik Lamela wrestled Rodrigo to the floor, whilst both the champions and Tottenham were left bewildered when they were not awarded spot-kicks on VAR reviews on Sunday.

Harry Kane and David Silva were taken out by opponents, who did not play the ball, yet the original call of no penalty stood.

However, offsides and handball decisions are not being judged on the same criteria and are therefore far easier to overturn.

The two-tier system is proving confusion to players, coaches and fans with no one clear what “clear and obvious error” means.

English Premier League 2019 - 2020 Team

MP

W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

1

Liverpool

3

3

0

0

9

3

+6

9

2

Manchester City

3

2

1

0

10

3

+7

7

3

Arsenal

3

2

0

1

4

4

0

6

4

Leicester City

3

1

2

0

3

2

+1

5

5

Manchester United

3

1

1

1

6

3

+3

4

6

Burnley

3

1

1

1

5

3

+2

4

7

Tottenham Hotspur

3

1

1

1

5

4

+1

4

8

Brighton

3

1

1

1

4

3

+1

4

9

Sheffield United

3

1

1

1

3

3

0

4

10 Crystal Palace

3

1

1

1

2

2

0

4

11 Bournemouth

3

1

1

1

4

5

-1

4

12 Everton

3

1

1

1

1

2

-1

4

13 Chelsea

3

1

1

1

4

7

-3

4

14 West Ham United

3

1

1

1

4

7

-3

4

15 Wolverhampton

3

0

3

0

2

2

0

3

16 Aston Villa

3

1

0

2

4

5

-1

3

17

3

1

0

2

6

8

-2

3

18 Southampton

3

1

0

2

3

5

-2

3

19 Newcastle United

3

1

0

2

2

4

-2

3

20 Watford

3

0

0

3

1

7

-6

0

Norwich City

Live Sports TV Schedule *Times may be subject to change

SPORT

START STOP

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO

NRL

Broncos v. Eels

Friday 30th Aug Rugby League Cricket

17:00 19:00

21:20 02:00 2nd Test, Kingston

West Indies v. India, Day 1

Saturday 31st Aug Rugby Union

19:00 21:00 Currie Cup – SF1

Golden Lions v. Griquas

22:10 00:00 Currie Cup – SF2

Free State v. Sharks

Rugby Union

14:30 16:30

Mitre 10 Cup

Waikato v. Auckland

Rugby League

14:30 16:30

NRL

Sea Eagles v. Storm

16:35 18:30

NRL

Roosters v. Panthers

18:30 20:30

EPL

Southampton v. Man United

21:00 23:00

EPL

Man City v. Brighton

21:00 23:00

EPL

Chelsea v. Sheffield Utd

21:00 23:00

EPL

Crystal Palace v. Aston Villa

23:30 01:30

EPL

Burnley v’ Liverpool

Soccer

Cricket Motor Racing

21:20 02:00 2nd Test, Kingston 19:45 21:30

West Indies v. India, Day 2

Formula 1

Qualifying, Spa-Francorchamps

20:00 22:00

EPL

Everton v. Wolves

22:30 00:30

EPL

Arsenal v. Tottenham

Sunday 1st Sept Soccer

Soccer

18:00

Cricket

21:20 02:00 2nd Test, Kingston

Motor Racing

SPFL Rangers v. Celtic

England v. Ireland West Indies v. India, Day 3

19:00 19:45

Formula 1

Raceday, Spa-Francorchamps

19:45 22:30

Formula 1

Belgium Grand Prix

Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2019

Out of Luck as NFL star retires at 29 > p30

EYES ON THE PRIZE Ferrari Targets First Win in Belgium BOX OF NEUTRALS Michael Lamonato michael@boxofneutrals.com

Y

ou would’ve been hard-pressed in February to find anyone willing to believe Ferrari would be winless after 12 rounds, but that inglorious statistic is the Italian team’s reality as Formula One resumes from its midseason break this weekend.

Despite preseason testing suggesting the red car would be the one to beat in 2019, Ferrari was immediately shown up at the first round in Australia, where it was 0.7 seconds off the pace and failed to finish

on the podium.

There have been brighter moments since then – Charles Leclerc would’ve won in Bahrain had his engine not failed him and Sebastian Vettel was leading in Canada before cutting a chicane and copping a penalty – but in the main 2019 has offered only disappointment for Maranello.

With nine rounds remaining it sits a distant second in the constructors standings, 150 points behind Mercedes and only 44 ahead of Red Bull Racing.

The difference between expectation and reality comes down to different approaches to the aerodynamics regulations introduced this season.

Ferrari’s front wing tells the

tale of an errant aero philosophy. Starting thin and low at the outside edges and sloping up towards the centre, it theoretically offers a more stable car but less overall downforce.

On the other hand Mercedes and Red Bull Racing’s inverted solution has allowed both to pile on performance-buying downforce and forge further from the Scuderia’s grasp.

It’s left Ferrari at a disadvantage at most circuits, where its rivals have struck a better balance between downforce and straight-line speed.

The Italian team has had opportunities to use its classleading power unit to strike back at tracks that demand low downforce and high power – Bahrain, Azerbaijan, Canada

Ferrari’s German driver Sebastian Vettel steers his car back to the garage during the first practice session of the Formula One Hungarian Grand Prix on Aug 2, 2019. Photo: Andrej Isakovic / AFP

and Germany – but it’s found ways to throw away its chances through mechanical problems or driver error at each.

Fortunately for Ferrari its best two chances to maximise its engine advantage are still to come – the imminent Belgian Grand Prix on September 1 and Italian Grand Prix on the following weekend take place on renowned power circuits.

The Belgian Grand Prix at the famous Circuit de SpaFrancorchamps tempts drivers to keep their foot planted on the throttle for 70% of the 7.004-kilometre blast through the Ardennes forest, but the Italian Grand Prix tops even that: up to 80% of the Autodromo Internazionale Monza, nicknamed the ‘Temple of

Speed’, is taken at full beans.

In 2018 Ferrari deployed its engine advantage to full effect in Belgium to comfortably control the race, but in Italy it failed to turn a front-row lockout into victory after Vettel crashed and Kimi Raikkonen succumbed to superior Mercedes strategy.

“I think [Belgium and Italy are] more power-sensitive, so we should certainly be more competitive there,” Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto said. “But there is nothing that is given.

“We will try to prepare ourselves the best to seek the first victory.”

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, his team having won all but two of the 12 grands prix so far this season, admitted

he expects a sterner test this weekend.

“I have no doubt that the conversation could be totally different than the one we’re having right now,” he said after victory in Hungary. “It’s going to be difficult for us.”

But execution, forever a Scuderia weakness, will be key in the face of the slick Mercedes and wily Red Bull Racing, which enters as an unknown quantity with its always-improving Honda engine. That the team will start favourite in both grands prix ratchets up the pressure to finally score a win in 2019.

The championship might be lost, but there’s pride on the line in a season that once promised so much for Ferrari.

Phuket officials whittle down routes for ‘Bike Un Ai Rak’ mass-cycling event CYCLING PH U K ET OF FICI A LS LED

by Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana this week started stepping up their plans for the second Bike Un Ai Rak (“Warmth of Love”) cycling event, to be held at the end of the year.

This year will be second year the event will be held nationwide.

Last year, more than 5,000 people registered to take part in the event in Phuket, which sent cyclists on a 27km route from Narisorn Rd in Phuket Town, then head south to

cycle past Wat Chalong and then head back to the finish line at Phuket Provincial Hall His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun (Rama X) presided over the opening of the Bike Un Ai Rak 2018 event in Bangkok before leading a 39km round-trip ride from the Royal Plaza to the Lad Pho Park in Samut Prakan’s Phra Pradaeng district.

Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana presided over a meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall last Wednesday (Aug 21) to discuss the possible routes for this year’s event, saying the options are down to two

Last year more than 5,000 people joined the ‘Bike Un Ai Rak’ event in Phuket. Photo: File possible routes, although a date has yet to be set for the event.

Last year the event was held on Dec 9 – first Sunday after Dec 5, which is now honoured as the special day of commemoration of

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, ans is traditionally observed in Thailand as Father’s Day. “The suitable route should pass Phuket’s historical places, and there must be some rest points and a total 40km long round-trip,” Gov Phakaphong said.

Under consideration as one of the possible final routes is a course starting at Phuket Provincial Hall and heading to Saphan Hin. Riders will be given some time to join social service activities, and then ride to Phuket Old Town and exit town on Thepkrasattri Rd, past Wat Tha Rua and the Tha Rua Chinese shrine,

then turn back at the Heroines’ Monument and back to the finish line at Provincial Hall.

The other route under consideration is the same route from Phuket Provincial Hall to Saphan Hin and then north to the Heroines’ Monument, but continuing to Wat Phra Nang Sang in Thalang, then returning south and turning left at the Heroines’ Monument towards Pa Khlok, passing the mosque at Baan Pak Chit and finishing at Tha La Beach, where participants will pick up trash and plant sea grasses as community activity.

The Phuket News

thephuketnews