The Phuket News 06 April 2018

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FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

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ARMY DENIES PATONG HOTEL EXTORTION > PAGE 3

SAVING MAYA

NEWS

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Smart Bus rolls into action on the west coast

LIFE

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Arnaud crafts happiness into a work of art

Maya Bay will be closed to any visitors during a four-month period this year from June to September. Photo: Kavin Tao

BAY TO BE SEALED OFF FOR CORAL RECOVERY, HIGH SEASON VISITOR NUMBERS TO BE LIMITED Shela Riva & Tanyauk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

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n a historic move to preserve one of Phang Nga Bay’s best-known and most-visited sites for natural beauty, Maya Bay off Phi Phi Island will be closed to all visitors from June 1 to September 30.

The four-month closure is to allow the marine environment to recover from damage by heavy tourism caused by some 4,000 tourists a day visiting the site.

After the bay is re-opened to tourists in September, visitor numbers will be limited to 2,000 tourists a day.

The Chief of the Hat Nopparat - Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, Worapoj Lomlim, confirmed the closure to The Phuket News last Friday (Mar 30).

“After the most recent meeting of the marine national park consultation committee on Wednesday (Mar 28), it was agreed that Maya Bay will be closed to all visitor access during the monsoon period for four months,” Mr Worapoj said.

“There were several meetings

about this, on Mar 1, Mar 22 and then Mar 28 to discuss the possibility of closure to allow the reefs and marine environment to recover. At the most recent meeting on Mar 28 it was finalised,” he said.

“Tourists and visitors can still take photos from boats. As long as the boats do not pass over any coral reefs,” he confirmed.

The news follows Dr Thon Thamrongnawasawa telling The Phuket News in an exclusive interview on Mar 21 that the bay needs to be closed off to tourists entirely in order for corals

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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and the marine ecosystem to recover comprehensively.

Dr Thon, a marine activist who serves as the Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Fishery at Kasetsart University in Bangkok and as official advisor to the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), has long led the fight to protect Maya Bay before overtourism kills the attractive marine life in the area.

“My first choice is to close Maya Bay entirely to let the corals there recover. But if that will not be done, then we must close the bay entirely...

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The meeting specifically laid down what is to be done to help prevent road and marine accidents during the Songkran holidays. Photo: PR Dept

Songkran safety tops local officials’ agenda PH U K ET G OV E R NOR Norraphat Plodthong has called on the heads of the main government offices and major businesses on the island to make safety the top priority during the upcoming Songkran festivities, to be celebrated nationwide April 12-16.

Specifically to be targetted are road and marine transport safety, the officials were told at the Phuket Provincial Office on Tuesday (Apr 3).

“Many tourists visit Phuket every year during the Songkran festival for long holidays.

Many people travel by road and sea, so during this period road and marine transport are very busy and have many accidents,” noted a Phuket PR

office report of the meeting.

“Phuket (will) set up an operations centre to prevent and decrease road and marine accidents during Songkran.

The centre will be the main place to record and evaluate accidents in Phuket,” the report added.

The meeting also followed up on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between educational institutions and motorbike rental operators to assist with vehicle checks and promoting road safety.

Gov Norraphat last year vowed to take action over road deaths and injuries after Phuket suffered four deaths and 70 injuries in 67 accidents during the Songkran holidays.

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

New ferry routes, island speedboat services vetted, approved > page 4

Chinese tourist dies amid lifeguard fiasco The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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64-year-old Chinese tourist was pronounced dead after he was pulled from the water unconscious at Patong Beach on Wednesday (April 4).

The tourist, Teng Yiding, 64, from the northeastern Chinese province of Liaoning, which borders North Korea, was pulled from the water just after 11am.

A Patong Municipality Fire & Rescue Department officer at the scene, who asked not to be named, told The Phuket News that he was notified of the incident

by Patong Police at 11:15am.

Patong Municipality Fire & Rescue Department staff and Kusoldharm Foundation rescue workers were soon at the scene.

“When we arrived a lifeguard (sic) was trying to revive the man. They were administering CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), but his condition was still very worrying and his pulse was very weak,” the municipality rescue

Chinese tourist Teng Yiding, 64, is rushed off Patong Beach with a weak pulse on Wednesday (April 4). Photo: Patong Municipality Fire & Rescue Dept official said.

“We carried him off the beach as quickly as we could and rushed him to Patong Hospital,” he added.

“His family is at Patong Hospital now.

Patong Police are now investigating what caused the incident,” the municipality rescue official said.

The municipality rescue official later confirmed to The Phuket News that the “lifeguard” on duty was actually a qualified former Phuket lifeguard who

was still patrolling Patong Beach free as a volunteer.

The death of tourist Mr Teng, in front of his wife, Wang Enmei, 62, while on holiday in Phuket, comes amid a now deadly embarrassing fiasco of Phuket being unable to organise having qualified lifeguards patrolling the beaches, with government contractee LP Laikhum Co Ltd more than a month late in upholding its B13 million contract to have lifeguards on the beaches from Mar 1.

Concerns grow over enforcement of closing Maya Bay to tourists Continued from page 1 ...for four months a year and limit the number of people accessing the bay outside this four-month period to just 2,000 people a day,” Dr Thon said.

“We should also limit the number of boats arriving at Loh Samah Bay to just 100 boats a day,” he added.

Loh Samah Bay is located on the south side of Phi Phi Lei Island. From there, tourists were to be able to walk the 250 metres across the small isle to see Maya Bay firsthand, as espoused in the initial policy

How to ensure that tour boats stay out of Maya Bay is worrying officials. Photo: Dickson / Flickr announced by Chief Worapoj last year and again re-iterated as recently as Feb 15 this year.

That idea has now been

turned on its head. The bay will be closed to all tourists for four months.

However, Chief Worapoj on Tuesday (April 3) told The Phuket News that he had no idea how to enforce the ban or the limit on visitors when Maya Bay re-opens.

He begged for extra officials, in line with Dr Thon’s stance explained in his interview on Mar 21: that to effectively protect the area, more officers need to be stationed at protected sites to ensure the ban on visits is enforced.

“We will do what we can.

Everything we do for enforcement depends on the number of officials we have,” Mr Worapoj said on Tuesday.

“We do not have enough to look over all the tourists who come here. There are far too many tourists for park officials to handle,” he said.

Mr Worapoj refused to elaborate on whether the same marine conservation measures will be introduced at any other areas in the national park.

“Ever y national park should do the same for pre-

serving the environment,” was all he would say, before terminating the conversation.

Meanwhile, Dr T hon praised the move, but warned the great challenge lay in how to resolve the huge number of tourists visiting the area.

“The move to preserve Maya Bay is exactly what is needed to protect the marine environment, but while officials are doing this, the number of tourists visiting other areas is continuing to grow,’ he said.

“At least we now have the right attitude, that the

Department of National Parks is not choosing tourism as its priority, but instead is choosing to protect Thailand’s natural marine resource. This is the main point. That we are joining together to protect our marine environment.”

Asked which other sites in Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi should have the same level of protection, Dr Thon said, “I agree with this policy at any national park that has coral reefs. It is reasonable to close off areas for their own conservation.”

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smokers to Army denies extortion, Beach be warned at Surin sets sights on hotel boss Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

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he Commander of Royal Thai Army Region 4, which covers all of Southern Thailand, has ordered army litigation officers to move ahead with filing a complaint of defamation with police against the management of a hotel in Patong.

The move follows the hotel management and a “concerned party” posting a video clip on social media claiming that a group of army officers went to the hotel to extort money from the hotel management, Army Region 4 Commander Lt Gen Piyawat Narkvanich told the press last Sunday (April 1).

Gen Piyawat said he had already received written clarification from Lt Col Surasak Peungyeam, Deputy Commander of the 25th Military Circle, which is based in Phuket, about the incident.

Col Surasak explained to the press that he and several other army officers went to the hotel on Tuesday, Mar 27, to investigate a complaint filed

Sub Lt Wattanachai Klongpradit of the Royal Thai Army 25th Military Circle (2nd from right) is filmed at the meeting at the hotel in Patong on March 27, as seen in the video posted online. Image: Screengrab to him by a former employee of the hotel. The employee had claimed that he had been unfairly dismissed by the hotel’s management after he took five-days business leave on Dec 25-30 last year.

Col Surasak also said that the meeting with the hotel’s management was “secretly” video-taped and the video posted on social media accusing soldiers of extorting money from the hotel.

The video was posted on YouTube.

In response to the hotel management’s complaint that the soldiers arrived at the hotel carrying side arms, Col Surasak noted that doing so was required while soldiers were on duty. He also noted that the employee had filed in his complaint that some members of the hotel’s management were influential figures.

Two Patong Police officers were transferred to a training academy in Surat Thani immediately on Monday after Col Surasak filed a formal

complaint with Patong Police Chief Col Anothai Jindamanee that morning. The officers were found to be accompanying the hotel management figure concerned in a “protection” role.

“These two policemen should not be around this hotel general manager. Police have their own job to do, not to follow this man around,” Col Surasak said.

However, it was not made clear why soldiers were investigating a wrongful dismissal claim in the first place.

CHERNG TALAY TAMbon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor) Chief MaAnn Samran has assured that signs will posted at Surin Beach to warn tourists and other visitors not to smoke on the beach and not to drop their cigarette butts on the sand.

Mr MaAnn said he was unaware of how bad the problem of cigarette butt litter at Surin Beach was until The Phuket News sent him photos of how many butts had been picked up by a reader at the beach in just 30 minutes.

“Thank you to The Phuket News for informing us. It is not correct to drop butts on the beach. It makes the beach look dirty,” Mr MaAnn said last Friday (Mar 30).

“Today I asked officials here at Cherng Talay OrBorTor to contact Patong Municipality and have four warning signs made in the same design as used at Patong. The signs will be installed as soon as we can,” he added.

However, Mr MaAn n confirmed their will be no penalties enforced on those found smoking on or littering Surin Beach.

“As we have no law to

Signs will be posted to remind visitors at Surin Beach not to smoke or drop cigarette butts on the sand.

Photo: The Phuket News / file enforce like at Patong Beach, we can only post warning signs and ask for people’s co-operation,” he said.

“We will also set up two smoking areas to encourage people to smoke there and not on the beach,” he added.

Patong Beach is the only beach in Phuket where are a smoking ban is in force under laws enforced by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR).

Under the DMCR’s campaign, it is illegal to smoke cigarettes – and in Thailand that includes vaping – at 24 beaches in the country.

Any persons caught breaking the law face a fine of up to B100,000 or even up to a year in jail.

Tanyaluk Sakoot

‘Smart Bus’ rolls into history along island’s west coast THE PH U K ET SM A RT BUS started rolling from Phuket International Airport last Sunday (April 1), marking the end of the service’s extended trial period and becoming the first public bus service in action along the island’s west coast.

The service is operated by Phuket Smart Bus Co Ltd (PKSB), an affiliate of the Phuket City Development Group of companies (PKCD).

Formed in 2016 by a consortium of 25 investors, driven by key people from prominent Phuket business families, PKCD at its launch vowed to bring a “Singapore-style” network of buses to Phuket within five years.

In turn, PKCD has launched the

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Phuket Smart Bus into public service in less than 18 months.

The buses now have 12 set stops (called “bus stations”) to pick up and drop off passengers, PKCD Executive Director Watchara Jaru-ariyanon confirmed to The Phuket News on Tuesday (April 3).

“There are 12 stops in each direction along the route, from Phuket International Airport to Rawai Pier and back again. Fares range from B50 to B170, depending on the distance travelled,” he explained.

The first Smart Bus of the day departs Phuket airport at 6:45am and the last bus departs the airport at 7:15pm each night.

Likewise, the first Smart Bus departs Rawai Pier at 6:45am each day with the last of the day departing Rawai Pier at 7:15pm each night.

Details of where the buses stop – including Kata Night Plaza, Karon Circle, Jungceylon in Patong, Kamala and Surin Beach – and the fares are all posted on the website PhuketSmartBus.com, Mr Watchara noted.

Details of each bus’s current location and the exact location of each bus stop are all listed on an interactive map (posted at https:// phuket.cloud/bus/), he added.

However, Mr Watchara admitted, “The bus stops are not convenient

yet because we can only pick up or drop off passengers, then the bus has to leave after a very short waiting time. This is not flexible enough for people who want to use the Smart Bus. “We are asking through Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong for a bus stop at Phuket International Airport where the bus will be allowed to park. The Smart Bus needs time to wait for passengers.

“I can’t confirm at this stage how long the bus will be allowed to park at the bus stop at the airport.

We are still figuring that out,” he added.

Mr Watchara reminded would-be

The Phuket Smart Bus is now in action along the island’s west coast, from Phuket International Airport to Rawai Pier. passengers they need to purchase an e-money service “Rabbit” smartcard in order to pay for their fares.

“The card is sold on the bus by bus hostesses at B500 each, of which B100 is the card fee and B400 is the value left remaining on the card,” he said.

Tanyaluk Sakoot

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PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

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New ferry routes approved Phuket Airport pier ferry service yet to get green light

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he project to build a pier near Phuket International Airport as a base point for a ferry service has not yet been approved, Phuket Marine Office Chief Surat Sirisaiyat has confirmed to The Phuket News. The confirmation follows reports in the media that construction of the pier had been approved.

“The concept is still being researched and senior officials at the Marine Department head office in Bangkok are considering what is possible,” Mr Surat explained last Friday (Mar 30).

“The Marine Department in Bangkok is responsible for this project. There have been

LEFT: Marine Department Director-General Chirute Visalachitra. RIGHT: The plan as presented in the Marine Department’s feasibility study. Photo/Image: Marine Dept no updates yet,” he added.

Mr Surat presented a notice issued by the Marine Department on Mar 28 confirming that the project was still under consideration.

However, what has been

approved are five ferry routes to improve sea transport across Phang Nga Bay. “The five ferry routes have been approved, but this project is still in its early stages.

We have still yet to confirm

exactly which piers are to be used in providing these ferry services, and even if piers have to be built to make the project possible,” Mr Surat said.

“These ferry services are expected to be popular among foreign tourists and they would help reduce congestion of tourists using Phuket International Airport, Krabi International Airport and reduce traffic on the roads,” Mr Surat added.

The five ferry routes are: • Ao Por pier in Phuket – Chong Lad pier on Koh Yao Yai – Tha Laen pier in Krabi • Chong Lad pier on Koh Yao Yai – Manoh Pier on Koh Yao Noi • Ban Hua Hin pier in Tambon Koh Klang of Koh Lanta District on the Krabi mainland – Klong Mad pier

on Koh Lanta Noi • Koh Pu / Koh Jum in Krabi to Ao Thong Lang pier in Koh Lanta District • Koh Lanta Yai – Koh Por, both in Krabi Also approved is a series of speedboat services connecting Ao Por in Phuket; Leam Lan pier on Koh Yao Yai; Ton Sai Pier and Leam Tong Beach on Phi Phi Island; and Saladan pier on Koh Lanta in Krabi.

“Next we must consider which piers will be suitable to link the five ferry routes. We have not made any decisions on which piers to use yet. We have distributed our plans to water transport companies.

Whether or not these ferry services are actually launched depends on private investors,” Mr Surat said.

The driver of the truck said that the brakes had failed.

Ice truck overturns after brake failure THE DRIVER OF AN ICE truck and his passenger sustained minor injuries last Friday (Mar 30) when their vehicle’s brakes failed while going up a hill in Chalong causing it to roll backwards, overturn and collide with a wall.

Chalong Municipality council member Suppawattakan Kunnaluck was notified of an accident at Soi Sai Nam Yen on Chao Fa West Rd in Moo 6 Chalong from a local resident at about 9:30am.

Mr Suppawattakan arrived at the scene, a curve on a hill on Soi Sai Nam Yen, to find a six-wheeled ice truck emblazoned with “Happy Cystal Co Ltd” turned over in the middle of the road. Its rear-end had impacted a wall.

The driver, named only as “Sang”, age not provided,

and his friend who was a passenger had sustained minor injuries.

Mr Sang told Mr Suppawattakan that he was driving the truck which was full of ice to cross over the hill. When he arrived at the scene, he tried to change gear but failed.

He tried to stop the truck to change gear but the brakes did not work which caused the truck to go backwards.

He decided to manoeuvre the vehicle to avoid a collision with a power pole but the truck turned over and collided with the wall.

Luckily there was no other vehicles in the area at that time.

The ice company was called to move the truck and the vehicle insurance company was contacted.

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Historical park market to preserve traditions The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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huket Governor Norraphat Plodthong officially declared the Pracharat Market at the Phuket Historical Park in Thalang open last weekend, marking the beginning or a new era for the renowned site of the annual Heroines Festival each year.

Gov Norraphat officially opened the market last Saturday (Mar 31), joined by Phuket Vice Governor Thawornwat Kongkaew, Phuket Provincial Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) Sakchai Kunanuwatchaidet, Phuket Cultural Office Chief Uthai Pattanapichai and Ministry of Tourism and Sports Phuket office Chief Sirawee Waloh.

“We are happy and willing to develop the Phuket Historical Park. The park has been used (for years) for the annual Heroines Festival as a traditional tourism attraction.

We are turning this venue to be a Phuket historical tourism place,” Gov Norraphat said.

“This is the first step for the continuing Pracharat Mar-

Cultural displays will feature at the Pracharat Market at the Phuket Historical Park in Thalang. Photo: NNT ket as a ‘traditional market (for/of) happy locals’. This way we can connect traditions and locals together. Local administrative offices are also supporting this,” he added.

Gov Norraphat explained that four budgets totalling B300,000 had to be approved last month to make the new traditional market a reality.

“Phuket received B100,000 of budget from the Phuket Cultural Office, which is also providing cultural shows (at the market),” he added.

Gov Norraphat also reminded people that the park will be the site for Songkran festivities on April 12-16.

“Religious ceremonies and pouring of scented water on the hands of revered elders will be part of the festival.

There will be no alcohol to make sure that foreigners who join the festival understand the Thai New Year Festival,” Gov Norraphat noted.

“We hope that this place will maintain its original, real Thai traditions. We will continue to encourage for Thai traditional wedding ceremonies to be held here,” he said.

“We have asked for a cooperation from market vendors to keep the place clean. Please avoid using plastic or foam to preserve this place as much as

Phang Nga thief caught pedalling A SUSPE C T WA N T E D under a court warrant issued five years ago in Phang Nga was arrested while cycling in Srisoonthorn last Saturday morning (Mar 31).

Kittikorn Somsert was arrested at 10:30am while riding past a police checkpoint on Soi Faktong, said Capt Suchart Luecha of the Thalang Police.

“Kittikorn looked suspicious as he was loaded with bags,” Capt Suchart said.

Kittikorn was found in possession of a Nikon D7200 camera, Calvin Klein and Giordano watches, a Yamaha

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According to police, Kittikorn looked suspicious as he was cycling while loaded with bags. Photo: Thalang Police guitar and B3,370 in coins.

“When asked, Kittikorn first talked in circles but finally admitted that he had stolen all those things from a house in Pa Khlok. We took Kittikorn to

the house and later to Thalang Police Station for questioning,” he added.

“Not long after that, local lawyer Panuwat Somrit came to the station to report that his house had been robbed. Mr Panuwat confirmed that all items seized from Kittikorn belonged to him.

“Kittikorn was charged with house theft. We also found that on Mar 25, 2013 the Phang Nga Provincial Court issued a warrant to arrest Kittikorn for another house theft, in Thai Muang District in 2012.”

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possible,” Gov Norraphat said.

“The site is still under construction and under development. Everything will be finished soon. We believe that this place will be the most promising attractions in Thalang, and in Phuket, generating income for the local people and the community,” he added.

Phuket Cultural Office Chief Ms Uthai said “This Pracharat Market aims to support Phuket tourism strategies.

The strong point is Phuket is an important historical province. Local people can sell local products as well as provide local wisdoms.

“There are more than 50 shops in the market that sell local products and food. Traditional shows and activities are presented in the market,” she added.

“The market will be held on Saturdays, this month on April 7, 14 and 21. Songkran festivities will be held here on April 12-16. People are invited to join the festival at the Phuket Historical Park from 4pm to 10pm,” Ms Uthai added.

PHUKET NEWS

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Foreign MMA fighter forces thief to tap out POLICE A R E LOOKing an accomplice who hastily fled the scene of an attempted break-and-enter at a small resort in Chalong early on Monday morning (April 2) after his friend was forced to tap out while being overpowered by a foreign MMA fighter staying at the resort.

Capt Suthichai Kongkangwankietkul of the Chalong Police told The Phuket News on Wednesday (April 4) that he was called to the 2 Home Resort, located in a small side street off Soi Ta-iad, renowned for its popular MMA and Muay Thai training centres, at about 3am.

“When I arrived, I saw the man, Chatchai Sitthipanya, 39, being held by foreigners,” he said.

“Mr Chatchai first told me that he had just come to the resort to see a friend, but witnesses and people at the scene said they didn’t know him and he later admitted that he went to the resort to commit the crime,” Capt Suthichai explained.

Caught trying to break into a room at the resort, Chatchai Sitthipanya was soon forced to submit.

Photo: Maitree Wong “Right now I am hunting for the second thief who was with Chatchai that night, and I am still investigating the case for more details,” he added.

In the meantime, Chatchai has been charged with trespass and attempted burglary, Capt Suthichai confirmed.

“Already in my investigation I have found out that Chatchai has committed the same behaviour eight times before, in Chalong and Phuket Town,” he added.

Tanyaluk Sakoot

Opinion 6

OPINION

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FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

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EDITORIAL

Protecting the prize jewels

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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. Degree in business management. Spare time spent sailing or with family.

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T

he news that national parks officials have resolved to forbid tourists from entering Maya Bay – the crown jewel of Had Nopparat Thara – Phi Phi Island National Park – during a June-September “recovery period” and to limit visitor number during the tourism high season has been well received as a positive step.

Maya Bay is under intense environmental pressure as the most visited national park in the country, with about 4,000 visitors a day and a total of 1.7 million visitors last year.

The move is no small step for officials, long scoffed at for allowing the mighty tourism baht to dictate if and how to start protecting the region’s natural beauty from over-tourism.

The Maya Bay restrictions will hit the state in the pocket, located as it is in the most profitable national park in the

country, which last year alone collected a reported B669mn in entry fees.

Indeed, Ao Phang Nga National Park right next door is the second most heavily visited park in Thailand with 1.3mn tourists last year putting B390mn into the state’s coffers.

Together with Mo Ko Similan National Park, which made B307mn last year, this trio of national parks, whose visitors commonly use Phuket as their jumping off point, raked in just over B1 billion last year.

To put that in perspective, all Thailand’s national parks combined last year generated B1.8bn in total.

However, the move has been criticized for being poorly thought out – impractical in a country that struggles to enforce many similarly well intended laws due to bureaucratic inertia and corruption.

Just how the ban will be en-

forced has yet to be revealed.

Had Nopparat Thara – Phi Phi Island National Park in particular has come a long way since 2015, when the-then park chief Chaithach Boonphupantanti was transferred after he was unable to account for an estimated B30mn a month in park fees that went missing under his watch.

Those figures alone highlight how just how lucrative Maya Bay is for the tourism industry. If parks officials are serious about preserving the jewels of Phang Nga Bay, they will roll out similar restrictions at other popular yet environmentally fragile sites, further reducing tourism income.

Regardless, limiting visitor numbers is a welcome move that was long overdue. Just look at Coral Island, which has already lost three-quarters of its coral reefs to the devastation wrought by unfettered tourism.

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HAVE YOUR SAY Here we go again

Re: Phuket’s new ‘lifeguards’ late, to go on show It is a pity that they do not have a area lifesaving club with some permanent/paid members and others who are volunteer lifeguards like here in Australia.

Crispy It’s like watching The Three Stooges. Same crap every year, 10-month lifeguard contracts.

Tourists and locals use the beaches all year round.

The old lifeguards did the best job under the circumstances (no proper equipment) worked long hours for small money. Putting their life on the line every day. But they had to go through the crap every year to bid on a new contract that no one else would bid on.

Paddy ...................................................

Culture crash

Re: Phuket Opinion: The buses aren’t the issue The issue isn’t the bus and it’s not safety, it’s more scary than that. It’s part of the culture, specifically a commonly accepted belief that our actions are not related to our fate. Fate

is predetermined so relax and enjoy life.

People with this belief have no need of safety or associated precautions that are merely a hindrance to living a care-free lifestyle. There’s no way to bring about a quick change.

Anon Excellent ar ticle, and of course completely true, but in order for this to happen, there needs to be a change in the culture here where people can actually be held responsible for their actions, as opposed to blaming the road, the brakes, the rain, the bus or any other excuse.

Society needs to make people responsible. Not an easy change when there are no consequences for law breaking.

Discover Thainess ...................................................

Smoke and mirrors

Re: Phuket beach smokers to be warned at Surin But, dumping raw sewage on the beach is okay? The roads all around Bang Tao are a total disaster and have been for years. The land behind Surin Beach, which is adjacent to some of the most expensive

hotels in Phuket, looks like a landfill or quarry. And MaAnn thinks it’s the cigarette butts that make things look dirty!

Timothy Of course in the good old days when one could relax in a lounger, with a parasol to keep the sun off and a table for your beer or lunch, there was also a coconut shell for your butts. The vendors would empty these as well as generally keep the beach clean. How things have gone downhill in the last four years.

Marcher ...................................................

Fleeced in silence

Re: Russian coral bleachers sent home after court fine Court rulings are public. If relevant authorities refuse to mention/talk about it then the question is: Why? Why can the public/press not know?

What are officials trying to hide? Maybe there was no fine at all? Or maybe the bail of B150,000 is missing?

Sorry, you now can go back to Russia?

Kurt Well done Phuket officials,

you just did lots of damage to tourism because of dead coral chunks. I hope you’re proud of your achievements.

I’m guessing that none of these official morons wants to divulge the fine amount because it will just confirm that it was all about ripping off tourists. I hope the cost to Phuket tourism far exceeds the thousands of baht you stole from these girls.

Ben Pendejo Just be sure to give any offending Thais the same treatment, or the tourists will stay away from Thailand.

Xonax ...................................................

Who’s searching the searchers?

Re: Phuket Prison ‘all white’ as search fails to find drugs Of course they couldn’t find any drugs. They couldn’t find any prostitutes in Pattaya and they couldn’t find any illegal shows in Patong. They don’t know clubs are open after closing time, even though the public know about them being open!

Malczx7r

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FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

Watch saga ‘just a plot to attack PM’ BANGKOK

Bangkok Post

H

av i ng ke pt qu iet during the luxury watch controversy for months, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon last Sunday (Apr 1) broke his silence to insist the whole affair was designed to attack Prime Minister Prayut Chano-cha.

Gen Prawit is suspected of dodging a law by not declaring all his assets to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) after being spotted wearing 22 expensive watches and a diamond ring.

While the NACC is probing the allegation, the deputy prime minister, in a rare interview on the case, claimed last Sunday that an “opposite side” may be using him as part of a political attack on the prime minister.

His remarks come as Gen Prayut is under criticism for trying to prolong his power, with help from Gen Prawit, after a general election that is expected to take place in February next year. Few politicians or democracy advocates

Deputy PM Prawit Wongsuwon claims he is the innocent victim in the wristwatch scandal, ‘used by the opposite side to hit the prime minister’. Photo: Madaree Tohlala / AFP are keen on the idea.

“It hurts, doesn’t it?” Gen Prawit asked last Sunday. “I’m a victim used by the opposite side to hit the prime minister in the leg.”

The deputy prime minister last Sunday reiterated that all the watches were borrowed from his best friend whom he had known since their school days at St Gabriel’s College.

He was speaking of billionaire Pattawat Suksingwong

who died early last year. The late businessman was an avid collector of more than 200 watches and some were lent to him, according to Gen Prawit.

“Pattawat was very rich.

He had given me his watches for more than 20 years. When I got bored with one, I returned it to him and he gave me new one,” Gen Prawit said.

Such a routine proceeded for a long time before the controversy erupted. Gen Prawit

was first seen in public wearing a Richard Mille watch, worth millions of baht, and a diamond ring when he raised his hand to shield his face from the sun during a cabinet photo session last December.

“I’m not stupid,” Gen Prawit said. “I’ve worked as a minister for many terms.

Why don’t I know about the asset declarations?” he asked, while admitting he should have clarified things sooner.

THAILAND NEWS

7

Motorcyclist now charged with killing old scavenger BANGKOK A CHARGE OF PHYSICAL assault causing death is being brought against a motorcyclist seen on video attacking an elderly scavenger in Bangkok, after the old man died in hospital last week.

Narathorn Sodtiyang, 21, had earlier been charged with assault causing injury.

Huai Khwang police chief Kamphon Rattanapratheep said Narathon would now face the harsher charge of assault causing death after Charoon Maneepan, 82, was pronounced dead at Rajavithi Hospital at 10:50pm last Thursday (Mar 29).

The charge was brought against him under Section 290 of the Criminal Code.

Col Kamphon said Narathorn would be summonsed to acknowledge the charge.

Mr Charoon’s relatives would also be questioned.

On March 14, Narathorn surrendered to Huai Kwang police and admitted assaulting Mr Charoon in a fit of anger.

He claimed the elderly man knocked down his motorcycle with his push-cart tricycle in narrow Soi Chan Muang 2 in Din Daeng area on the evening of March 13 and drove off without offering to assist him.

CCTV camera footage shows Charoon Maneepan, 82, being high-kicked in Soi Chan Muang 2 in Din Daeng area, Bangkok, on March 13. Photo: via Bangkok Post Narathorn denied reports on social media he was using a mobile phone while riding his bike at the time of the accident and not paying attention.

He was held in police custody on assault charges.

Mr Charoon was hit with a high, swinging leg kick and then knocked off his tricycle cart to the ground. He was left bedridden and suffered from pressure sores. He was treated at Rajavithi Hospital, but his family later took him home.

Last Thursday they took him back to the hospital, suffering from a high fever.

His daughter Nida Maneepan said hospital staff gave Mr Charoon CPR for about 30 minutes after he went into cardiogenic shock, but were unable to resuscitate him.

Doctors said he had a blood infection, she said.

Bangkok Post

Rarely seen turtle eggs saved from beach PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN OF FICI A LS A N D M A R I N E animal researchers at Sam Roi Yot National Park relocated 79 turtle eggs found on a public beach in Sam Roi Yot district to a safer place on Tuesday (Apr 3).

They were found in front of a hotel by Itthirat Chanthon, 30, an environmental conservationist and volunteer who was patrolling

@thephuketnews

the beach.

According to local villagers, this is the first time in 30 years that turtle eggs have been found on a beach in the area.

Their sand nests were about 80 centimetres wide and 30cm deep.

The species of the turtles will not be known until the eggs hatch.

Park chief Rungroj Asavakultarin said this was good news for conservation efforts as the eggs indicated a healthy local marine ecosystem.

He said the officials agreed to

move the eggs to a site on Laem Sala Beach in the same district to ensure they hatch safely.

Fences were erected to keep other animals away from the nesting site and guards will be deployed around the clock to keep poachers at bay, he added.

The initial plan was to relocate the eggs to a research centre in Chumphon, but officials decided against it out of concern that mishandling, long hours of travel and hot weather could result in them

being damaged.

Mr Rungroj urged the public to notify park officials if they spot turtle eggs or other marine animals so appropriate measures can be taken to protect them.

Early last month, park officials at Koh Si and Koh Mieng in Mu Koh Similan National Park in Phang Nga found 108 endangered green sea turtle eggs and moved them to a safer place.

Meanwhile, officials said last month a turtle hospital will be set up at Phang Nga naval base to treat

Turtle eggs found on a public beach in front of a hotel in Sam Roi Yot district in Prachuap Khiri Khan. Photo: Itthirat Mee Noi Chanthon / Facebook ill sea turtles and serve as a research centre.

Bangkok Post

8

THAILAND NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

Bus safety checks ordered More accidents with substandard buses means stricter measures NATIONWIDE Bangkok Post

A

ll private bus operators providing passenger services during Songkran must pass a newlyintroduced vehicle safety check with the Department of Land Transport, officials announced on Monday (Apr 2).

These stricter measures were launched after two more in a slew of fatal accidents involving substandard doubledecker buses last month left several dead and injured.

Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said that private buses will only be allowed to operate during the upcoming holidays if they receive an operating certificate from the department, which will reportedly have to be displayed on the buses themselves.

The Transport Ministry said last week it would gradually begin to ban unregulated double-decker buses from operating long routes following the incidents, in an announcement similar to one made in

Buses prepare to take on passengers at the busy Mor Chit terminal in northern Bangkok.

Officials claim that only re-inspected double-deckers will be allowed on the highways during Songkran. Photo: Bangkok Post / file 2016 aimed at outlawing the highly-dangerous buses.

While no official date has been set for an official ban, the Songkran holiday from April 12-16 has prompted transport authorities to come up with concrete measures to keep up with the number of passengers expected to use provincial buses during this period.

Private buses and van op-

erators are required to register with Transport Co Ltd, a state enterprise which oversees provincial bus and van operations under the department’s authority.

Privately owned vehicles are normally required to take fare-paying passengers during holiday seasons when passenger numbers soar. According to Transport Co Ltd reports,

around 600,000 passengers are expected to use their services during this year’s Songkran.

Over 7,000 double-decker buses nationwide are registered with the company.

Mr Arkhom said the DLT conducts inspections on public transport vehicles twice per year. Vehicle safety checks for private buses during Songkran, however, will be conducted in

addition to those inspections, he added.

“Long-term measures, such as the next step [regarding the ban on double-decker buses], are awaiting submission to the land transport policy committee,” he said.

“What we can do now, as a short-term solution, is regulate the quality of these buses.

“If a bus belonging to a private operator is found to be substandard in any way, all the remaining buses from that company must be inspected [by department officials] immediately,” Mr Arkhom added.

DLT director-general Sanith Phromwong said on Monday that the department has already begun revoking the certificates of substandard buses. The department chief made the comments in an update on two major cases involving double-decker buses last month, both of which killed several passengers.

According to him, the DLT has taken away certificates from the operator of a vehicle that crashed into a concrete pillar in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Wang Nam Khieo district

late last month, as well as the company which owns the double-decker bus that burst into flames last Friday (Mar 30), killing 21 passengers and injuring 27.

Mr Arkhom said after a press conference that new requirements regarding the structural integrity of the buses’ bodies, seats and regulations for using noncombustible materials will be enforced from the beginning of next year.

In a related development, Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon has instructed the Royal Thai Police to increase vehicle checkpoints during Songkran countrywide, adding that bribery during this period will not be accepted.

“This year we have enlisted the cooperation of all involved parties, including the private sector. We do not want to see deaths during Songkran festivities,” he said.

“Commanding officers must also ensure their subordinates conduct their duties with integrity, and issue traffic tickets in a straightforward manner.”

Drugs worth B1.7bn seized in north CHIANG RAI A CA RG O OF 9.4 M I Llion methamphetamine pills (ya bah) and 788 kilograms of crystal meth (ya ice) was found on the back of pickup truck after the driver abandoned it and fled near the Mekong River in Wiang Kaen district late Monday night (Apr 2).

A team of soldiers and police led by the Pha Muang military task force spotted the white Toyota pickup, a tarpaulin covering its cargo, travelling on Huay Luek-Wiang

An officer examines sacks containing drugs seized in Chiang Rai. Photo: Chinpat Chaimon Kaen road along the Mekong River around 11pm.

As the team moved in to halt the vehicle the driver

quickly stopped it and ran off. Underneath the tarpaulin they found 47 fertiliser sacks containing 9.4mn ya bah pills and 788kg of ya ice hidden in tea packets. Authorities said the drugs were worth around B1.7 billion on the street.

The truck had Bangkok licence plates. A search was launched for the fleeing driver along his likely escape route.

Two other pickup trucks, with Phayao and Chiang Rai licence plates, were stopped along the way and the three men in them held for questioning.

Bangkok Post

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

ASIA NEWS

9

Power to the people

Lives transformed as electricity finally reaches Elephanta Island INDIA Peter Hutchinson

D

eepa Bhoir used to sit in darkness outside her island home and stare at Mumbai glowing in the distance. Now she stays up late watching soap operas – one of millions of Indians whose lives have been transformed by a drive to get power to every corner of the country.

Bhoir and her husband Sasuram are among hundreds of villagers on the Unesco world heritage-listed island of Elephanta to have had mains electricity installed in their houses for the first time.

Local officials hope tourists, who take a short boat ride from the bustle of Mumbai to visit the island’s famed 5thcentury caves, will now spend more time and money there, boosting local businesses and jobs.

“We’ve waited decades for this and we’re so happy. Now I can watch all my favourite shows without any interruptions. The TV is almost always on!” Bhoir says, grinning.

The island is renowned for its temple caves dating back more than 1,500 years and is home to around 1,200 people.

But despite living just 10 kilometres from India’s financial capital, islanders have spent much of their lives without power.

“Lacking electricity was depressing and we faced numerous hardships,” says Sasuram, explaining that he and Deepa would often sleep outside during the summer to try to keep cool.

“It was sweltering inside.

We would lie and look at the glittering lights of Mumbai and long for electricity to live fuller and more satisfying lives,” the 54-year-old adds.

Residents used kerosene lamps and candles until the late 1980s when they received diesel generators that provided intermittent electricity between 7pm and 10pm every night.

They were, however, unreliable and expensive and the limited supply meant the Bhoirs’ two children regularly did their homework by candlelight.

Deepa and Sasuram were often unable to charge their phones or other electrical devices. They felt cut off from the world and battled boredom.

“We would go to sleep early because there was noth@thephuketnews

A recently fitted electricity supply metering board sits on the wall of a house in a village on Elephanta Island near Mumbai. Photo: Punit Paranjpe / AFP ing much to do. But now we stay awake to midnight or 1am watching our favourite shows.

It’s a welcome change,” says Deepa, 43.

More than 16,000 Indian villages have been electrified since Prime Minister Narendra Modi was elected in 2014, according to government data.

There are still an estimated 33 million households without electricity and Modi wants them all to have power by the end of the year.

A meter was installed in the Bhoirs’ home in February after the Maharashtra state government completed its 250-million-rupee (B118.58mn) electrification project for the island.

Engineers spent three

months laying a seven-kilometre undersea cable that connects a mainland substation to transformers in each Elephanta village.

In brightly painted homes, ceiling fans whirl at high speed as light bulbs illuminate dark rooms struggling to keep out the stifling early summer heat.

“It’s been 70 years since India’s independence and we’ve been promised electricity for so long. I’m just glad to see it before I die,” says 69-year-old Bhagwan Tali.

Elephanta, also known as Gharapuri, meaning “the city of caves” is a world away from Mumbai. Monkeys outnumber humans and there are no cars on the island, just a miniature railway.

The only shops are stalls selling snacks and trinkets for tourists.

“My business is weak as most cold drinks, ice creams and chocolates can’t be sold,” says 52-year-old shopkeeper Surekha Bhagat, eagerly waiting for her stall to be hooked up to the grid.

Elephanta has one school

– for children under 16 – and there is no hospital, leaving the elderly and sick vulnerable during a medical emergency.

Every week, Tulsa Bhoir makes the one-hour boat trip to Mumbai to buy fresh vegetables, milk and other foodstuffs. The 43-year-old hopes electricity will spur

infrastructure.

“I’m excited to see how our island changes for the better,” she said.

Devendra Fadnavis – the chief minister of Maharashtra state, of which Mumbai is the capital – has said electricity means there is “tremendous scope for tourism” on Elephanta.

Every day several thousand people visit the island’s seven caves, which contain ancient Hindu carvings, but leave before the last boat at 5:30pm and rarely venture into the villages.

Officials hope electricity will persuade them to spend the night. Some locals – including Sachin Bhagat, who wants banks and ATMs to open on Elephanta – are already planning to offer their modest houses as homestays.

“T he villagers aren’t afraid of change but are embracing it,” the 34-year-old says. “We want development so that our lives will become much easier.”

AFP

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

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FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

BUSINESS NEWS 11

Airport woes continue

Chief assuages fears raised over Songkran influx TOURISM The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

F

ollowing a slew of complaints about the lack of seating and long queues to clear immigration, Phuket International Airport General Manager Petch Chancharoen has gone public to claim that “everything is fine” at the facility.

Mr Petch told the press last Sunday (April 1) that Phuket airport was able to process 60,000 passengers arriving and departing on more than 350 flights per day.

“Currently Phuket International Airport is rated under the Airports Council International Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Passenger Satisfaction Survey. It is a global benchmarking program that measures passengers’ satisfaction while they are at the airport,” Mr Petch said, without explaining Phuket airport’s actual ranking in the survey.

However, he added, “I confirm that every part of the airport will be fully operational in June. We will be able to provide more space for passengers in some areas of the airport from April 4 (Wednesday), ahead of the travellers arriving and departing for Thai New Year (Songkran).

“Phuket International Airport will definitely be able to provide services for passengers during this period. Plus the air conditioning has been fixed and other little things will be changed or upgraded for the best service,” he said.

Only three days earlier (Mar 29), Mr Petch announced, “We estimate some 56,720 passengers a day will pass through Phuket International Airport between April 11 to 17, an increase of 16.89% over the same period last year.

“There will be 337 flights per day, an increasing of 15.17% over the same period last year.

“On Friday April 15, passengers will reach up to 61,365

Queues at Phuket International Airport as recently as last Friday (Mar 30). Photo: Dev Zed / Facebook

and flights will reach up to 355,” he said.

“We will increase staff to facilitate passengers, and they will be wearing blue jackets so that they will be easily recognisable.

“Phuket immigration officers and other staff will be ready to service passengers.

Staff will assist with transportation and traffic to continually provide services for passengers,” he added.

Mr Petch’s defence of the airport follows a foreign traveller blasting the airport for

Skål Bangkok taps Wood for President HOSPITALITY WELL-KNOWN AND WELL-RESPECTED travel and hospitality guru Andrew J Wood was elected President of Skål International Bangkok at the professional group’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Lancaster Hotel Bangkok on March 28.

Mr Wood has been a Skål member for 26 years and is not new to the position, having held the post of Club President from 2008 to 2010.

In his time as a member of Skål he has served as National President of Skål International Thailand and International Councillor from 2006 to 2010.

In 2010 he was elected to Skål International’s Executive Committee and accordingly relinquished all his club and national positions.

He is also active at regional level and is Acting Vice President Southeast Asia for the Skål Asian Area.

Mr Wood is a travel writer and a regular contributor of travel articles to The Phuket News and other publications.

Commenting on the election Mr Wood said, “The Bangkok Club has had a long and illustrious history in the travel and tourism industry in Bangkok since 1956. My thanks go to my predecessor President Eric Hallin and the board of officers of the Bangkok club.

I am delighted that Eric has also been elected VP to provide the continuity that the club needs to move forward. “ “Bangkok is the most visited city in the world with over 21 million visitors annually.

Beating London, Paris and New York. Tourism is booming in Thailand and is set to once @thephuketnews

Newly elected President of Skål International Bangkok Andrew Wood. again reach record heights. I am absolutely convinced that the Skål Club of Bangkok can also grow and blossom, to be one of the world’s largest Skål clubs,” he added.

“Skål International has over 14,000 members worldwide, in 354 clubs in 83 countries.

I see no reason why the Bangkok Club cannot grow to be one of the biggest too. My goal in the next two years is to be one of the top five largest Skål clubs in the world,” he added.

At the club’s AGM the following committee members were also elected: Vice President: Mr Eric Hallin Secretary: Mr Glen Grosic Treasurer: Mr Nicholas Moberg Membership Director: Mr Tom Sorensen Young Skål Director: Dr Scott Smith PR and Communicat ions Director: Ms Sunny Yu Events Director: Khun Pichai Visutriratana Auditor: Mr Tomislav Babic The Phuket News

long immigration queues as recently as last Friday (Mar 30) in a social media post that ricocheted across Thai social media platforms and news websites.

“In 10 years having been in and out of Thailand on a very regular and frequent basis, this is the FIRST time I can see hundreds of people queuing at Immigration on both sides of the airport!!,” the foreigner posted in English on Facebook under the user name “Dev Zed”.

“Queues are st ar ting

straight from the main corridor used to navigate within the airport!” he added.

The post came less than a week after members of National Legislative Assembly (NLA) standing committee for transportation inspected Phuket airport and called for more space for passenger seating instead of the large number of shops at the airport.

Committee Deputy Chairman ACM Boonyarit Kerdsuk said the inspection tour, conducted on Mar 25, was aimed at following up on the ongoing renovations and inspecting services at the airport following many complaints from passengers, tour companies, media and even other government departments.

The recommendations came at a meeting held after Mr Petch led the committee on a tour to inspect the renovations, customer service areas, check-in counters, immigration service and seating areas in both the domestic and international terminals.

ACM Boonyarit said there

was not enough seating at the terminals, as about 60% of the area had been set aside for shops, and that some of the shops even obscured the beautiful landscape views of the runway and the sea.

“There should be adequate space for passengers to wait for their flights. It should be at least 70% for passengers and 30% for shops,” he said.

“We do not want Phuket airport to become another mall,” ACM Boonyarit said.

He added that better services for both arrivals and departures, including immigration, customs and police, must be developed.

“There should be more and better air conditioning as well. Some areas in the domestic terminal are very hot because of the unfinished renovations,” he said.

ACM Boonyarit also suggested that airport staff make more announcements on how flights are to be affected by any repairs or maintenance to the runway, especially during the April holidays

12 BUSINESS NEWS

Warning issued over debt ECONOMICS S I A M C O M M E RC I A L Bank’s (SCB) research house the Economic Intelligence Center (EIC) has raised a warning flag about a potential reacceleration in household debt after the household debt-to-GDP ratio at the end of 2017 edged up for the first time in two years.

The centre needs to monitor household debt this quarter, said chief economist Yunyong Thaicharoen.

But higher household debt at present should not be worrisome as consumer loan growth is largely driven by auto loans and mortgage borrowing by mid- to upper-income segments, where purchasing power remains healthy, he said.

The research unit’s comments came after the family debt-to-GDP ratio was found to have risen to 77.5% at the end of December from 77.3% in the preceding three months.

That was attributed to autoloan growth, in line with the car sales uptick.

The country’s household debt-to-GDP ratio peaked at 80.8% at the end of 2015, falling to 77.3% at the end of March last year.

Household debt surged by B494 billion to B12 trillion

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Phuket most expensive in national wage hike WAGE RATES

The purchasing of new cars, especially at exhibitions like the Bangkok International Motor Show 2018 are a key factor behind rising household debt. Photo: AFP at the end of last year, from B11.5trn a year ago.

“The passive deleveraging of household debt since 2016 opened people up to new loans.

But banks need to monitor the situation amid the still-weak purchasing power of lowerincome earners,” he said.

The household debt of lowincome earners, particularly in the farming sector, remains high, dampening spending in this segment. That, coupled with increased unemployment and declining overtime hours, suggests the current economic expansion is not fully benefiting some segments of the labour market, he said.

Thailand’s unemployment ranks increased by 73,210 in 2017 to 500,000, accounting for 1.18% of total workers, Mr Yunyong added.

Bangkok Post

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

N

ew minimum wage rates came into effect last Sunday (April 1), with Phuket among the three most expensive provinces in the country to hire base-wage workers.

Under the new wage rates, the minimum wage in Phuket shifted from B308 to B330 per day.

The Federation of Thai SMEs Association (FTA) said the increase in minimum daily wages were a top concern for the private sector, prompting a request to the government to implement remedial measures to cushion the impact of the hike, reported the Bangkok Post.

“We want to monitor any negative impacts, which take one to two months to measure, to local small and mediumsized enterprises [SMEs], which are expected to be affected by the wage hike,” said FTA President Noppong Teeravorn.

“The FTA hopes the wage

The new base wage rates effective from April 1, with Phuket among the most expensive. Image: PR Dept hike will not create huge, negative effects for the SME sector.”

The Cabinet in late January endorsed nationwide daily minimum wage hikes of B522. The highest increases will occur in Phuket, Chon Buri

and Rayong.

The new hike was based on an overall inflation rate of 0.4% and the country’s economic expansion.

Nonetheless, Kreingkrai Thiennukul, Vice-Chairman

for the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), said the private sector is not worried about this issue because the new wages are acceptable and were approved by the national tripartite committee, calling the increases “only slight”.

Leading figures in key Phuket industries in January played down the impact of the rise in the minimum wage.

“This will not have a big effect on medium to large developers in Phuket,” Watchara Jaruariyanon, CEO of Vasi Co Ltd and a key figure in the Phuket’s construction industry, told The Phuket News.

“It will affect medium to large construction projects by at least 3%, but smaller contractors will feel the effects more with prices for such projects to increase by about 5%,” he said.

Somyos Wongboonyakul, President of the Phuket Fishery Association, however, was full of derision for the concept of a minimum wage in Phuket.

“It is bulls**t, they [the government] never looks at the reality here. Look up the cost of living in Phuket,” he said.

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

A night of glamour at PHAB Gala Dinner

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

14

Laguna Food & Music Festival is ready to rock

16

THE ART OF JOY

Sculptor extraordinaire Arnaud Nazare-Aga talks about his quest to spread happiness

Arnaud Nazare-Aga and some of his sculptures on exhibition at Kata Rocks until April 28. Photo: Supplied.

Mark Knowles editor1@classactmedia.co.th

A

rtist in residence at Kata Rocks, Arnaud Nazare-Aga, has extended the extraordinary exhibition of his captivating handmade sculptures.

Arnaud’s signature style is defined by sensual curves and a gentle roundness. His vivacious works often elicit amusement, smiles and laughter from those who view it and also offer an insight into Arnaud’s joyful philosophy of art and life.

Born in Paris in 1965, Arnaud received architectural art training while being educated at a Buddhist community in Burgundy. Later in life Arnaud embarked on a life-changing artistic journey and established the PAJ’Art Studio in Bangkok. The Phuket News recently spoke to Arnaud about his life and work, his influences and his lifelong quest to spread joy through art.

You’ve said you want to “contribute to the universal search for happiness”, why is sculpture uniquely suited for this and how do you try to achieve it?

Every living being seeks happiness, they have some idea of how to @thephuketnews

get it through different means; family, friends, social environment, work, luxury, sex, fame, food, drink and other things. I think art is contributing to human happiness in a very profound way, just like spirituality or sometimes religion.

I began my work as an artist aged 18 by building Buddhist temples, as well as sculptures representing Buddha or deities of Tibetan Buddhism. They were very colourful and very soothing.

These achievements made me happy and deeply satisfied internally.

The techniques I developed in my work as an artist today are somewhat different, but it is certain that I continue to have a strong influence in creating harmonious, colourful, joyous and luminous sculptures. I regularly receive comments from collectors who thank me for making them pieces that give them happiness on a daily basis, it is an immense joy for me.

Which other artists have inspired you and your sculptures?

As for my influences, except for Tibetan and Bhutanese art, it is certainly Nicky de Saint-Phalle for bright colours and round shapes, there is also the Stravinsky fountain in Paris,

made with her husband Jean Tinguely in 1983. This realisation of contemporary art amazed me. I was 18 years old, this is the year when I started my apprenticeship in architectural art and meet a few famous Parisian artists in their studios. Other artists like Picasso, Dali and Miro as well as many Impressionist artists also influence me in my work.

How would you describe your approach to sculpture to someone unfamiliar with your work?

As the work is in three dimensions, the shape is not the same according to where one is placed. A child will not have the same vision as an adult of the same sculpture. All my sculptures are multicoloured, I choose bright colours that give a positive energy. In Tibetan Buddhism colours are considered to have a strong influence on the human mind.

My sculptures today have nothing religious, but I wish it to exude a positive influence by the shape and the colours. Also, an essential part of my work is the very bright surface...which gives it a kind of vibration that we feel when we turn around, the colours change according to the orientation.

Do you think Kata Rocks provides an interesting space to showcase your work?

Kata Rocks is a sublime place to exhibit works like mine. This place is very clean, the walls are white and where better to place colourful sculptures, they give a lot of cheerfulness to all. I also think that people who attend this place have a special interest in art.

My last monumental exhibits were at places where water is very present, just like Kata Rocks. I think my sculptures really have their place next to the sea, swimming pools or other water ponds.

All of Arnaud Nazare-Aga’s sculptures on display at Kata Rocks are for sale. His cheeky artwork is prominently displayed in the resort’s Oceanfront Clubhouse and playfully placed in the lush surroundings of the resort’s iconic infinity swimming pool. The exhibition offers prospective art aficionados a unique chance to own one of his colourful, creative sculptures, from now until April 28. There are small panels next to each sculpture displaying information and pricing details.

For more information please contact: info@infiniteluxury.com

14 EVENTS

Glam, Glitz and Glitter Phuket Hotels Association Benefit gala dinner set to be spectacular The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

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he Phuket Hotels Association, a non-profit group of hoteliers focused on promoting a positive image for Phuket while supporting community-based projects, is hosting a benefit gala dinner on Saturday, April 28 to raise funds for 20 or more hospitality scholarships and traineeships for local residents. The “Glam, Glitz and Glitter” event will take place at the Latitude Marquee, Laguna Phuket from 7pm until midnight.

Last year, the Phuket Hotels Association Benefit (PHAB) gala dinner drew 300 guests and raised over B4 million (US$130,000) for the scholarship fund.

This year’s event is expected to welcome up to 350 guests with a spectacular

evening of cocktails, dining and entertainment, including a live, silent auction with a similar target figure.

The auction will showcase some of the best prizes ever donated for a fundraiser on Phuket as the members have offered incredible experiences in Thailand and through their affiliated hotels worldwide. Just some of the top prizes to date include a chef’s degustation menu at Bangkok’s two Michelinstarred Gaggan, as well as three-night stays in a number of Accor, Anantara, Trisara, Dream Group and Marriott Group hotels worldwide.

All proceeds from the benefit will be used to support the education of 20 plus young scholars and trainees from Phuket, who would otherwise be unable to fund their education. The training will last from three to four years and cover vocational and degree courses,

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

Revellers on the dance floor at the inaugural Phuket Hotel Association Benefit gala dinner in 2017.

Seven-piece swing band Mark Zitti ei Fratelli Coltelli will be flying in from Italy to perform. as well as overseas learning – helping to pave the way for a new generation of hospitality managers, chefs and other key personnel for the island’s tourism sector.

According to Anthony Lark, President of the Phuket Hotels Association, businesses that donate to the auction will also benefit from the fundraiser.

“By donating to a good cause and sponsoring this event, companies will not only support the local community, they can also raise their profile and connect with the key customers working in the island’s influential travel and tourism industry,” he said.

“Glam, Glitz and Glitter” will begin with welcome drinks while live musicians perform for the guests. This will be followed by an elaborate international buffet dinner featuring live cooking stations from Phuket’s best hotels and drinks prepared by the island’s most creative mixologists. The entertainment highlight will be live music from Mark Zitti ei Fratelli Coltelli, a seven-piece swing band who are flying in from Italy to support the event for the second year in a row. Professional dancers from Revelare Dance Phuket will swing to Mark Zitti’s music. Phuket’s most indemand DJ, Benjamin Jenkins (Ben

Jay) will also take to the stage to fuel the party with one of his floor-filler sets. The entertainment is arranged courtesy of Worldwide Event Consulting (WEC) and Inspired Event Travel Asia / Creative Concept CCAV’s James Drysdale is handling the event management and supplying the decorations, lighting and sound.

The Phuket Hotels Association has 70 member hotels with a shared goal of promoting the spectacular biodiversity, culture and beauty of Phuket as a vacation destination. This is achieved through educational scholarships, environmental initiatives and localcommunity and tourism-development programs.

EVENT DETAILS Date: Saturday, April 28 2018 Venue: Latitude Marquee, Laguna, Phuket Time: Welcome drinks at 7pm, dinner at 7:30pm Tickets: B3,900 net (inclusive of food and selected free-flow drinks) VIP Tickets: B4,900 net (VIP seating inclusive of food and premium free-flow drinks) Dress Code: Great Gatsby Email: events@phukethotelsassociation.com Website: phab.phukethotelsassociation.com

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

EVENTS 15

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

Phuket youths to shine Big cash prizes up for grabs at 7th annual Youth Talent Competition The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

Within a short space of time the Youth Talent Contest became a ‘must enter’ event for young musicians on the island.....

@thephuketnews

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he seventh edition of Phuket Academy of Performing Arts’ (PAPA) annual Youth Talent Competition will be held on Sunday, April 29 at the Hard Rock Cafe in Patong.

The competition was started in 2011 to provide an opportunity for many of the musically talented students in Phuket to showcase their talents to the public. Within a short space of time the Youth Talent Contest became a “must enter” event for young musicians on the island, creating a buzz in school music rooms across the island.

“We start getting phone calls from parents up to six months before the event to find out when it will be taking place again and asking if they can enter their child,” said event organiser Gary Crause.

Each year the event evolves a little, and this year sees the introduction of a category for band and duos with the organisers rolling both the Battle of the Young Bands and the Youth Talent Contest into a single event.

United World College Thailand (UWCT) international school has again sponsored the cash prizes for all of the first, second and third place contestants across all four categories. Legend Music Recording Studio has sponsored recording time for all of the first place winners to record a song and the Phuket Ice Arena has sponsored some double skating packages.

Class Act Media are the event’s chosen media partner, and all of the winning recordings will be featured on Live 89.5 FM! Spaces are limited to 40 entrants in the solo part of the contest, and 10 duos and bands for the band

Chanon Cserepy took home first place as an instrumentalist at last year’s PAPA Youth Talent Competition. part of the contest. The entry fee is B700 per contestant for solo entries, and B1,000 for duos and bands. The contest is judged by an independent judging panel that will be announced on the day and the fun starts at 11am on April 29 at the Hard Rock Cafe Phuket!

The Phuket News, Novosti Phuket, The Phuket News TV and Live 89.5 are proud media sponsors of this event.

CATEGORIES AND PRIZES Junior Vocals 8-12: 1st B3,000 plus recording at Legend Music 2nd B2,000 3rd B1,000 Senior Vocals 13-18 1st B5,000 plus recording at Legend Music 2nd B3,000 3rd B1,500 Senior Instrumentals 13-18 1st B5,000 plus recording at Legend Music 2nd B3,000 3rd B1,500 Duo’s and Bands 1st B15,000 plus recording at Legend Music 2nd B10,000 3rd B5,000

16 EVENTS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

From left: The festival will include performances by Bodyslam, Joe & Kong, Russian pianist Ivan Sharapov and Black ‘n’ Blue.

Big names at Food & Music Fest

A weekend of tasty treats and live performances to support a great cause The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

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op restaurants in Phuket as well as popular music acts have confirmed to participate in this year’s “East-Meets-West” Laguna Phuket Food & Music Festival. The festival is back by popular demand on April 2729 following the success of the inaugural event in 2017 as the resort’s newest platform to raise funds for charity.

Ringing in the mood of festivities on April 27, gates will open from 4pm to the free-entry “East-Meets-West Laguna Phuket Food & Music Festival” (LPFMF) at the resort’s “Laguna Grove” by the tranquil lagoons. Guests and visitors can enjoy a wide range of pop-up food booths selling international and Peranakan cuisine from Phuket’s

top restaurants, local vendors and Laguna Phuket resorts. There will also be authentic Phuket fare prepared by local tourism community groups, food trucks, a dining garden and a picnic area to enjoy. All this will be accompanied by exciting culinary shows and vibrant musical performances that showcase the best of both worlds. “Kidz Happy Hour” will also be available from 5pm-6pm in the Festival’s “Kidz Fun Zone”.

More than 30 of Phuket’s top restaurants have confirmed to showcase their selected menus over the weekend, including Blue Elephant, Kenny Rogers Roasters, Naughty Nuri’s and Floating Donut Company’s BBQ on the lagoon, to name just a few. As for authentic Phuket fare, guests will enjoy a wide range of local cuisine by the Thai Peranakan Association and Phuket tourism community groups amidst many other Phuket restaurants’ food stalls.

A live cooking demonstration at last year’s Laguna Phuket Food & Music Festival. Photo: Supplied For the music element, LPFMF’s first day will coincide with the return of the “Laguna Phuket Charity Concert” (LPCC) featuring Thailand’s leading rock bands Bodyslam and Sweet Mullets and is organised in support of Phuket Panyanukul School, a school for children with special needs. The concert will take place at 8pm (gates open at 6:30pm) with 6,000 people expected.

The festival will continue on April 28 and April 29 at Laguna Grove from 4pm until late, with musical acts on stage from 8pm to offer an experience like no other for all visitors. Saturday, April 28 will feature famous Russian pianist and opera singer Ivan Sharapov, followed by Phuket’s Black ‘n’ Blue band. LPFMF 2018 will conclude on Sunday, April 29

with a highlight performance at 8pm by popular Thai duo Joe & Kong and then Black ‘n’ Blue closing the night.

The festival is also a platform to raise funds for the Children First Fund, specially set up in 2017 in conjunction with Laguna Phuket’s 30th anniversary celebrations with an objective of “Nourishing Hearts, Inspiring Dreams” by supporting children in Phuket orphanages.

Throughout 2017 (starting in May), the Children First Fund (CFF) used funds raised from the 2017 Laguna Phuket Food & Music Festival and other fundraising activities to enable the delivery of sustenance to seven orphanages in Phuket, which house more than 400 orphans and underprivileged children, on a monthly basis.

Proceeds from the festival and highlight charity concert of the night will go to the Children First Fund to continue supporting these seven orphanages in Phuket this year.

Charity concert tickets (April 27) and VIP-zone tickets for April 28 and April 29, priced at B400 and B500, available at Central Festival Phuket, Limelight Avenue, Phuket Indy Market in Phuket Town and Laguna Tours Office in Canal Village or online at: lagunaphuket. com/foodandmusicfestival. For more information, please visit the website or call 076 362 300 ext 1404 or email: ticket@lagunaphuket.com and follow Facebook/LagunaPhuketResort.

Khao Phuket and Live 89.5 radio are proud to sponsor this event. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

EDUCATION 17

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

Hands on learning in Chiang Mai Satree IPC students head north to discover local culture and traditions Brittany Martens

Each activity was focused on group participation and applying the knowledge they learned about different herbs to create their own product.

@thephuketnews

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ach year, students and staff from Satree Phuket School’s International Program Cambridge (IPC) attend the annual outside classroom learning (OCL) event, also known as the “Week without Walls”. This year’s event took place in the northern province of Chiang Mai, where students and teachers took part in authentic learning activities influenced by northern-style traditions.

Upon arrival to Chiang Mai, students and staff paid a visit to Sirikit Botanic Garden, located in the lush mountains of Doi Suthep. Students got the chance to explore multiple exhibition conservatories and glasshouses, as well as the canopy walkway which offers a view of the botanical gardens from the tree tops.

The following day was spent at the Bo Sang Handicraft centre, where local artisans taught students how to make handmade umbrellas and parasols out of saa paper (from the Mulberry tree) using a variety of different techniques. As a group, students were able to participate in the making of their own parasols, as well as hand paint them to their liking.

Later that day, students and staff visited Pa Bong village, renowned for its handmade, woven bamboo products. Students were not only educated about the history of the village, but also experienced first-hand how to make small handicrafts out of bamboo, such as fans, flowers, and baskets. The final component of the day consisted of dinner and a performance at Khum Khantoke, where tasty, authentic northern style Thai food was served, along with a series of entertaining, classical dances from Thailand.

The third day was spent on the outskirts of Chiang Mai at Doi Inthanon National Park. Everyone received the opportunity to tour the park, with its beautiful gardens and waterfalls, as well as to learn about the area’s history and sustainable agriculture practices which help to supply other areas of Thailand with food.

As an additional incentive, students and staff received a private tour of the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand, complete with time-lapse videos of space and information about how Thailand tracks its weather conditions.

In the final days of exploring around Chiang Mai, the Pa Hom Herbal workshop was a favourite destination for many students. Located in the village of Baa Kluay, which relies primarily upon agriculture for its livelihood, Pa Hom Herbal Workshop concentrates on the creation of herbal health products and medicines.

Satree students had the opportunity to learn from the lovely “Maw Hom”, a specialist in this field, who demonstrated the process of making herbal compress balls and lip balm from local, natural resources.

Each activity was focused on group participation and applying the knowledge they learned about different herbs to create their own product.

Satree IPC students visited Pa Hom Herbal Workshop to learn about and make their own herbal health products.

The last few days in Chiang Mai ended with trips to different night markets to rewind after a long day of activities and try out some tasty local food.

Before heading back to Phuket, students and staff spent the final day at Yupparaj Wittayalai School, a sister school of Satree Phuket IPC. The school performed a welcoming ceremony, followed by student-centred workshops, including how to make the traditional

northern-style dish, khao soi, as well as how to dance and play the drums to classical, northern-Thai music.

As part of the learning process of each OCL trip, students reflected on their personal experiences by completing a daily journal, as well as a video presentation to share with future students, educators and parents about their unique adventures exploring Chiang Mai.

18 ISLAND SCENE

Celebrity Ink Patong Manager Aaron Bigham and The KEE Resort & Spa Assistant Marketing & Communications Manager Onanong ‘Onny’ Promchit.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

The KEE Resort & Spa GM Seksith Loetumponpisal (3rd from right) poses with guests.

The KEE Resort & Spa GM Seksith Loetumponpisal (3rd from left) with his staff.

Members of the Patong Hotel Association.

THE KEE SKY LOUNGE IN PATONG HOSTS GRAND RE-OPENING PARTY The KEE Resort & Spa’s rooftoop bar and restaurant the KEE Sky Lounge last Saturday (Mar 30) hosted a Grand Re-opening Sky Deck Party to celebrate the venue’s new nautically themed makeover. Guests enjoyed refreshing drinks while they took in the beautiful sunset views of Patong Bay.

From left (rear): The Pros Team of Sean, Paul, Matt and Blake with their caddies.

From left: The Nett Winning Team of Paul Judge, Dominic Judge, Brendan O’Neill and Ben Robinson.

LAGUNA GOLF PHUKET HOSTS INAUGURAL 'BEAT THE PROS' SCRAMBLE The inaugural Laguna Golf Phuket “Beat the Pros” 4-Person Scramble teed off last Sunday (Apr 1). A total of 15 teams participated in what was an extremely enjoyable afternoon. Scramble is always a fun format, the team format produced a few eagles, many birdies and even more cheers, groans and screams! The weather was okay and the course held up pretty well after overnight rains. The Pros Team scored a respectable 57 (14 under) and they were eventually beaten by just two of the 14 teams on the day.

Amari’s Pierre-Andre Pelletier welcomes Chinese actress Cristy Guo upon her arrival at the hotel.

From left: Able Wanamakok and Kiranee Narabal.

AMARI WELCOMES CHINESE TV SUPERSTAR ACTRESS CRISTY GUO

HOST AND MC KIRANEE NARABAL SPEAKS AT INSPIRED PHUKETIAN

Amari Phuket’s representative, Pierre-Andre Pelletier, Regional Vice-President, Operations – Southern Thailand, Vietnam and the Maldives, on March 29 gave a warm welcome to Chinese actress Guo Xiao Ting, also known as Cristy Guo, upon her arrival to stay at Amari Phuket. Cristy is popular on Chinese TV in the show ‘A Legend of a Modern Man Gets Back to Qin Dynasty’ and is a social media influencer with more than 2.6 million followers.

Kiranee Narabal, who has worked variously as an educator, business consultant, national TV news anchor and freelance MC gave a speech at Inspired Phuketian at Skye Lake Club on March 29. Ms Kiranee spoke on the theme of “Following The King’s Footsteps” about applying King Bhumibol’s Sufficiency Economy Philosophy to the modern economy. This event was proudly sponsored by The Phuket News and Live 89.5. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 19

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

From left: AFT President Maria Veleddie Foz, The Philippines Ambas sador Mar y Jo A Bernardo-Aragon and Class Act Media GM Jason Beavan.

Dozens of Filipinos living in Phuket attended the event.

Newly elected officers of the Association of Filipinos in Thailand were sworn in on the day.

Delicious Filipino food was prepared by community members.

THE PHILIPPINES AMBASSADOR ATTENDS AFT OATH-TAKING CEREMONY The Philippine Embassy Bangkok last Thursday (Mar 29) held a Consular Outreach program in Phuket to provide passport, civil registry and notarial services to Filipinos living on the island. This particular occasion was particularly special as Mary Jo A Bernardo-Aragon, Ambassador of The Philippines to Thailand, attended to oversee the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected officers of the Association of Filipinos in Thailand – a non-profit, socio-cultural and charitable organisation of Filipino nationals.

From left: Kiranee Narabal, Pranee Sakulpipat, K. Ritthipong Nupun, Benoit Metanomski, Kanokkittika Kritwutikon, Isaya Sinbussakorn and Bella Thirapan Narongkool.

From left: Mr Suppachai Sakulpipat and Assistant Professor Pranee Sakulpipat.

PULLMAN PHUKET ARCADIA HOSTS ‘DIVERSITY – HeForShe’ EXHIBITION Pullman Phuket Arcadia is hosting an art exhibition entitled “Diversity – HeForShe”, which showcased work by local artist Mr Ritthipong Nupun in order to highlight AccorHotels stance on gender equality. The exhibition by Ratthipong is an exemplification of Pullman brand’s signature global art initiative – which seeks to bring the vision of artists and designers around the world to life.

Local government officials and market organisers at the market’s opening.

Governor Norrapaht (third from left) poses with representatives from Angsana Laguna Phuket.

PHUKET GOVERNOR OPENS NEW ‘ROYAL FIELD’ MARKET IN THALANG Phuket Governor Norrapaht Plodthong last Saturday (Mar 31) presided over the opening of the new Talad Thung-Na-Luang market in a field in Thalang just south of the Two Heroines Monument. Governor Norrapaht said he hoped the new evening market would help boost local tourism and support small market vendors in Phuket. The next markets will be held on April 7, 14 and 21 from 4pm to 10pm and also during the Songkran festival period from April 12-16. @thephuketnews

20 EVENTS

FRI

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

6 APR International Student Cooking Competition and Food Fair

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

ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ RIBS Come join us for our WEEKLY BBQ EVERY FRIDAY served ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in All You Can Eat BBQ Pork Ribs, Chicken and Sides for ONLY 445 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

QSI Phuket is proud to announce their 2nd Annual Cooking Competition and Food Fare. On April 6 student teams from across the island will compete to impress celebrity chefs at our Kathu Campus. Visitors will also be able to enjoy the island’s epicurean delights sold by local vendors and restaurateurs. Join us for food and family fun from 11 am to 3pm.

Caribbean Sun Splash Fundraiser The Rotary Club of Patong Beach celebrates a “Caribbean Sun Splash” Fundraiser to benefit the children of Phuket. The 3000 baht per person ticket includes a sumptuous Caribbean buffet dinner, welcome drink, an entertainment extravaganza featuring EKA Soundz, plus Latin DJs with salsa and fire dancers.

Online Auction, Live and Silent auction prizes plus a raffle and prize for most the colourful costume. (http:// www.biddingOwl.com/PatongRotary). Buy your tickets online at: phuketticketmaster.com

Thailand’s first Michelin-Star Chef

BBQ Buffet on Saturday Night

Saffron restaurant presents Thailand’s first Michelin-Star Chef, exclusive 6-course set dinner 3,500 net per person food only, 4,800 per person with premium beverage pairing. Reservation, Banyan tree Phuket, +66 76 372 400.

Come and join us along the shores of the Andaman Sea for an unforgettable experience of freshest seafood, generous selections of BBQ items, tempting desserts and delicious drinks At Cosmo Restaurant from 06.30 pm – 10.00 pm Price 1,950 THB for adults and 975 THB for children under 12 For further information and reservation, please contact +66 76 380 200 or fbreservation@thenaiharn.com.

SUN

8 APR

Healthy Vegan Buffet at DiLite Restaurant A Taste of Malaysia A taste of Malaysia @ Ginja taste, tantalize your taste with the authenticity of Malaysian cuisine, learn from master Malaysian chef: cooking workshop plus dinner enjoy a la carte or 5-course degustation set menu Sumptuous Malaysian buffet. F&B dining experience team, JW Marriott Phuket, fbdiningexperience@marriotthotels.com, 076 338 000 ext.3748.

Come to Thanyapura’s DiLite Restaurant to enjoy a healthy vegan buffet every Monday to Saturday. Lunch: 12pm to 3pm Dinner: 6pm to 8:30pm. Price: Lunch B350 and Dinner B550. Information and bookings call 076 336 000 or visit: thanyapura.com/hotel/dining/

SAT

7 APR

All you can eat BBQ Ribs night Phuket Oilfield Classic 2018 Phuket Oilfield Classic 2018, Friday April 6 at Laguna Golf Phuket, Saturday April 7 at Blue Canyon. Register online now at: events@foremanagement.com. The Phuket Oilfield Classic 2018: events@foremanagement.com

Boat Lagoon Weekend Beats & Bites Music & Food & Fun. 6-7 April 2018 from 6:00pm till 10:00pm at Lagoon Quay.

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

neck massages; Exciting kids’ entertainment; And a lucky draw. Take part in our Charity Auction to support Phuket’s unprivileged children, with the chance to throw our Executive Chef into the pool! Price: B1,950 net per person includes free flow fruit juices and soft drinks, B2,850 net per person includes free flow of selected beverages. For reservations contact Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort: fnb.phuhr@hyatt.com or call 076 231 234 ext. 5106.

Go Live Sunday Seafood Brunch The Banyan Tree Brunch experience offers a generous selection of live fresh, local and imported seafood with exceptional lobster dishes, Japanese starters, mouth-watering meats, Asian wok and Western grill treats. Gourmet cuisine, exceptional service, live jazz and tranquil surroundings, The Banyan Tree Brunch has something for everyone! Every Sunday 12pm 3:30pm, Prices start from B2,800 net per person. For reservations email: fb-phuket@banyantree.com or call 076 372 400.

Sunday Roast All Day, All Night Come enjoy a Traditional Sunday Roast EVERY SUNDAY at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in our Traditional Sunday Roast ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT for ONLY 445 Baht! Enjoy a Large ALL YOU CAN EAT selection of your favorites! Featuring: Roast Aussie Beef, Pork Loin and Chicken. Roasted or Mashed Potatoes. Roasted Mixed Vegetables Flavored with Thyme and Garlic. Yorkshire Pudding and Red Wine Gravy. Enjoy Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - RESERVE Your Table Now Online at bit.ly/ TwoChefsReservations Check out more details on our website at bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents Reservations, Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong., Kata Beach 076-333-370 Kata Center 076-330-065 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344-914.

MON

9 APR

Traditional Sunday Roast

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.

Served from 2pm. Your Choice of either Roast Beef, Chicken, Loin of Pork or Leg of Lamb Served with Roast & Boiled Potatoes, 3 Fresh Vegetables, Yorkshire Pudding & Gravy. Only 350 Baht. Includes a Free Glass of House Red or White. See: www.otools-phuket.com

Thailand SUP Festival 2018

The Pool Linner at Hyatt Regency

The Thailand SUP Festival is the biggest stand up paddleboard event in Thailand. This year will be the 5th annual event. It will be a fantastic event with technical races, sprints and relays, fun races for kids and families, SUP Yoga and lots of great prizes. Come down to LUX Beach Club on April 7. Visit: thailandsup festival.com or email: info@thailandsupfestival.com

Revolutionizing Phuket’s Brunch scene, here is how you brunch Hyatt Regency Phuket style! Wake up late or get active early, then spend your entire Sunday afternoon relaxing, dining and indulging by the pool, in great company or solo! Features: Six hours of freeflow beverages and buffet by the pool; Tunes by our resident DJ & live music; Complimentary shoulder &

Bill Bailey Live in Phuket Tickets B1,000-3,000. Ticket holders get 25% off your total food and beverage bill in the resort’s outlets. Tickets available from the venue, ticketflap.com and comedyfest.asia Magners International Comedy Festival Thailand, Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach.

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.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

WED

EVENTS 21

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

11 APR

THU

12 APR Happy Songkran Fest @ Anantara

RETRO NIGHT – BACK TO THE 70S & 80S Sala Wednesday nights ribs, beats, brews.

Devour our succulent pork rib set complete with sweet corn chowder, blue cheese salad, moist cornbread and finished it off with a bread and butter pudding.

DJQ 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 B1,600, Half Rack set B1,200, bucket of craft brews B800. Reservations, SALA Phuket Resort and Spa. Email: events@sala phuket.com or call 076 338 888.

Asian Night Market Buffet on Wednesday Night

Don’t miss out on our newest, exciting weekly event at Two Chefs. Come and join us for our special Flambé 300g Australian grass-fed rib eye steak served with a creamy peppercorn sauce, roasted vegetable medley and potato gratin for ONLY B495. Have a sweet tooth?

Treat yourself to the Two Chefs banana flambé served with vanilla ice cream for ONLY B95. 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 8pm 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/TWOCHEFSTHAILAND/ COME FOR THE FOOD STAY FOR THE FUN! Reservations: Call us directly at Two Chefs Kata Center 076 330 065, Kata Beach 076 333 370, Karon 076 286 479 or Patong 076 344 914.

FRI

13 APR

Come and enjoy a culinary journey through South East Asia. Sample from our bustling night market stands with an array of sumptuous dishes from Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Cambodia and much more. At Cosmo Restaurant from 7pm to 10pm. Price: B1,450 for adults and B725 for children under 12. For further information and reservations please call 076 380 200 or email: fbreservation@thenaiharn.com

Songkran Thai Dinner Buffet Celebrate the magic of Songkran, Thailand’s New Year, with our tempting Thai dinner buffet at The Andaman Kitchen. This fantastic festive feast includes well-known dishes from all four corners of Thailand!

The evening will be accompanied by traditional Thai performances and Serng Pong-Lang dance. Reservations, Marriott Resort Phuket, Naiyang Beach. Email: hktnb.restaurant@marriott.com or call 076 625 555.

Festive Thai New Year celebrations by the beach.

Celebrate Songkran in style with an evening full of entertainment and epicurean experiences. From predinner drinks to a Thai inspired seafood barbecue buffet. Revel in the fire and flair of live cooking stations, featuring an unrivaled bounty, brimming with the Andaman’s freshest fish and seafood and even a whole sucking pig. With myriad mouthwatering food options as well as a live DJ, traditional Thai performances and fire dance, this new year will surely be one to remember. Reservations at Beach Lawn at Anantara Maikhao, Phuket call: 076 336 100.

SAT

21 APR

SAT

PHAB 2 – Glam, Glitz and Glitter The Phuket Hotels Association, a nonprofit organisation of hoteliers focused on promoting a positive image for Phuket while also supporting community-based projects, is hosting a benefit gala dinner on Saturday April 28 to raise funds for 20 hospitality scholarships and traineeships for local residents. The “Glam, Glitz and Glitter” event will take place the Latitude Marquee at Laguna Phuket from 7pm until midnight. Tickets available at: phuketticketmaster.com

Stargazer 4th Annual Phuket Talent Contest Grand prize B35,000, second prize B20,000 and third prize B10,000. Show your talent and send your profile to stargazer@ccshideaway.com before April 14. Free entry before 7pm afterward B200 includes a drink.

Food and drink for special prices. Reservations at CC’s Hideaway, Kata Beach, Phuket: 076 333 222.

WED

25 APR

Blue Horizon World Corporate Golf Challenge Thailand 2018 – The National Final The Blue Horizon World Corporate Golf Challenge Thailand Tee’s off on February 10 at Laguna Golf Phuket. The WCGC Thailand Series has six qualifiers around Thailand culminating in Phuket on April 28 for the National Final. The winner of WCGC Thailand will travel to Portugal to represent Thailand in the WCGC World Final in June. For more information please email Laguna Golf Phuket at: events@foremanagement.com or call 095 075 0368.

ANZAC Day at Phuket Yacht Club Members of the public are welcome to lay a wreath (please notify us beforehand) and a light breakfast will be served afterwards. Please register your attendance

by April 20. Australian Consulate-General Phuket and Phuket Yacht Club. Email: phuket@daft.gov.au

FRI

27 APR

World Cup League @ BISP Term 3 Dates: April 28, May 12, May 19, May 26, June 2, June 9 and June 16, 2018. Age/Time U9: 9:30-10:30 U11: 10:30-11:30 U15: 11:30-12:30 *Girls may play down one age group. Package Includes – World Cup Team Kit, Participation Medal and Seven Saturdays of Matches. Price: B3000 if you register and pay before April 8, B3500 if you register any time after April 8, 2018. To register for the World Cup League please contact: infobisp@cruzeirothailand.com

SUN Phuket Bike Week 2018 PHUKET BIKE WEEK 2018 “World Ride Together”.

This legendary event in Asia will celebrate its 24th anniversary over April 11-21, 2018. The excitement will take place in Patong Beach from April 11-14 and in Phuket Boat Lagoon from April 20-21. The event highlights include Motorcycle Exhibition and Grand Dinner, Miss Phuket Bike Week Competition, Custom Bike and Tattoo Contest, Bike Parades “Ride for Peace”, “Green Road” Prevent Global Warming, Music Festival and Party and bike accessories and apparel for sale. Patong Beach and Phuket Boat Lagoon. Contact info@phuketbikeweek.com or call 081 691 9346.

@thephuketnews

Songkran Pool Party @ Crowne Plaza Phuket Panwa Beach April 13 is Songkran’s day, so get wet ‘n’ wild at our fantastic pool party. Experience fresh seafood on the ice including oysters, prawns, and New Zealand mussels.

Followed by sumptuous grilled meats and much more.

Complete the delightful meal at the dessert stations serving both Thai and international favorites. The party atmosphere is enhanced with a Live Band and Live DJ. Price: B1,500++ per person from 12pm to 4pm. Special promotion: Come 3 Pay 2! For reservations email: fb@crowneplazaphuket.com or call 076 302 900.

28 APR

29 APR

Laguna Phuket Food & Music Festival 2018 Get your grub and groove on at Laguna Phuket Food & Music Festival 2018, April 27-29 at Laguna Grove.

Gate opens from 4pm. Entry is free to a wide range of food booths selling international and Peranakan cuisine from top restaurants, authentic Phuket fare by tourism community groups, dining garden and picnic area with culinary shows and musical performances that showcase the best of both worlds. Tickets available for Charity Concert on the Night. More info at: lagunaphuket.com/foodandmusicfestival or by calling 076 362 300. Tickets at: ticket@lagunaphuket.com

Youth Talent Contest 2018 The 7th edition of the Youth Talent Contest for the island’s young singers and musicians is running again on April 29 at the Hard Rock Cafe in Patong. Awesome cash, recording and skating prizes for the winners! For full details visit the Phuket Academy of Performing Arts’ Facebook page or email: papa@legendmusic.net

22 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York 1. On which island is Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, located?

2. Where and when was the first Formula One race held?

3. In which movie would you hear the line ‘Stop calling me Shirley’?

4. Which organ in the human body produces insulin?

5. The extinct Elephant Bird was native to which island?

Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Medium

Across 1. Mount Blanc, for one 4. It comes before “while” 8. Badger 14. X-Men co-creator Stan 15. Ad headline 16. Join up 17. Certain degs.

18. Hospital directive 19. “To do” list 20. Get some fresh air or get a system going?

23. Words with “new world record” 24. Worker bee 25. Bond class 29. Military greenhorn 34. ‘’Three cheers’’ recipient 36. Croquet site 37. Communicating vacation vistas 44. Demonstrate 45. Nero wear 46. Legally seize 50. Stingy person 55. Nifty 57. Creamy middled cookie 58. They contain continual updates 63. Unruffled 65. Recherche

material 32. Farm mother 33. “Star Trek” rank, abbr.

35. Make a choice 37. Air setting at the service sta.

38. Physics law Down 39. Be soaking wet 1. Nearly 40. Low card 2. Skydiver, at first 41. Electrically 3. Former Spanish charged atom currency 42.

Special effects, 4. Biblical birthright abbr. seller 43. Put out 5. Grate 47. Writing style of old 6. Creamy salad Latin manuscripts 7. Not so hot 8. Soccer maneuver 48. Pester 9. Long haired rabbit 49. Small amount 10. Lot 51. ____ long way 11. Breaks a 52. Big-horned Asian commandment sheep 12. “Lucy in the Sky 53. Staggerer With Diamonds” 54. A spoonful of subject, reportedly medicine, e.g.

13. Pilot’s 56. “Survivor” announcement, contestant’s prop for short 58.

Betting game 21. Miss Bobbsey 59. Caustic substance 22. Silent approval 60. Pearl City setting 26. Taoist energy 61. Malayan weapon 27. Egg protector 62. Eat like a bird 28. Unit of work 63. Milk soaked bread 30. Kind of shot 64. The lion 31. Waterproofing 66. Pie-mode filling 67. Radio antenna 68. Snappy 69. Turkey part 70. Kind of cut 71. Seed cover 72. Irritate

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) Oahu; 2) Silverstone, England, May 13, 1950; 3) Airplane or Airplane II (also known as Flying High); 4) Pancreas; 5) Madagascar

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

1

in 4,233 US high school football players eventually make it to the NFL.

3

Academy Awards was won by Sylvester the Cat, more than any other Looney Toons character.

54

years is how long a person can eat out at a different restaurant every night in New York City and not eat at the same place twice.

120,000 livres (or almost $4 million today) is how much Marie Antoinette had to buy accessories and clothes each year.

1.81 trillion

kilograms of TNT exploding releases the equivalent amount of energy to that released by a magnitude 9 earthquake.

Source: Uberfacts

Cape Panwa mangroves. Photo by Jethro Rimando Abagao Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket? Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

This week in history April 6, 1896 In Athens, the opening of the first modern Olympic Games is celebrated, 1,500 years after the original games are banned by Roman emperor Theodosius I.

the title ‘Lady of the English’.

April 7, 1767 Empress Matilda, the daughter of King Henry I of England and also known as Empress Maude becomes the first female ruler of England during the civil war known as the Anarchy, adopting

April 9, 1960 Dr Hendrik Verwoerd, Prime Minister of South Africa and architect of apartheid, narrowly survives an assassination attempt by a white farmer, David Pratt, in Johannesburg. (See photo.)

treatise, are accidentally discovered by construction workers in Shandong.

April 8, 1820 Created around 130 -100 BC, the Venus de Milo is discovered on the Aegean island of Milos.

April 11, 1981 A massive riot in Brixton results in almost 300 police injuries and 65 serious civilian injuries.

April 10, 1972 Tombs containing bamboo slips, among them Sun Tzu’s Art of War and Sun Bin’s lost military

April 12, 1606 The Union Flag (better known as the Union Jack) is adopted as the flag of English and Scottish ships.

Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

Jobs

@thephuketnews

CLASSIFIEDS 23 The Phuket News @thephuketnews

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Jobs

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FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

Trades & Services

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

ADVERTISING SERVICES

CLEANING SERVICES

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

EDUCATION

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

MOVING SERVICES

PERSONAL SERVICES

PERSONAL SERVICES

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Trades & Services

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

POOL SERVICES

PROPERTY SERVICES

PERSONAL SERVICES

PROPERTY SERVICES

OTHER

ADVERTISE HERE

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FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

Buy & Sell

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

JOBS nt

Live in housekeeper wanted rge ULive in housekeep wanted for house in Kata. Must understand English and love dogs. Excellent conditions. 31/3 Soi Plukjae Kata Phuket. Contact: Lillian Dinic: lil@ladolcevitare. com.au or call 080 690 5248.

BAR, RESTAURANT Bar staff wanted

nt

e Urg

Blondie Bar 2 at Otop Market Patong requires Bar Staff. Thai nationals only. Good salary and room provided.

Phone Mick: 081 087 6114.

BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE sa nt e g r

le

FOR SALE SILVERCRAFT 31

ALMOST NEW 35 HOURS ONLY, STILL U UNDER WARRANTY EXTRAS GRAB RAILS COVERS. AVAILABLE NOW THAI REGISTERED AND TAX PAID SEA TRIAL AT SHORT NOTICE OK. Offers over 4.6 million Baht, new price 4.863,000 inc extras and reg etc contact etc. offers over 4.6 Million, William, wfphelps@ me.com, 0869430333.

6.2m Hypalon Stingray RIB

“Ready to go” w 175hp 4str Suzuki w 130hrs, 8hp aux, dble axle trailer, Garmin 521S, 160l fuel, & full set of gear. Top condition.Harry, 0812731740.

t sa n e rg

le

Boat For Sale

72' (22m) Thai Trawler partially-converted U as Tour Boat Business. Rebuilt from top to bottom three years ago (spent just over 1MB) including engine as was planned to use for a tour business, owner had to return to the UK unable to return (very ill son). Some weather damage and need some repairs. Engine has only done only 6 hours, has new 12 kua generator. Currently in Hua Hin. Viewing can be arrange. Must sell within the next few months. Open to all reasonable cash offers. Contact Shayne on 093 418 9529 or shayne.inbox@gmail.com

BUSINESSES FOR SALE MINI RESORT - Near Laguna

Luxury Villas, 4 and 3 bedroom, pool, office/Apt, 1/2 Rai, well furnished - tropical garden setting. Now on vacation rentals, a money maker. Only THB 13.5M - 089 594 4067.

Restaurant for sale

Thai food, Seafood restaurant at Karon beach for sale. 1,500,000 Million Baht, George, Karon Beach, georgiospolyno@ gmail.com, 081 088 1451 George, 082 283 3154 May.

SURIN: LUXURIOUS BAR-RESTAURANT SALE

Totally renovated, Italian design & furniture, all-new imported kitchen & bar equipment, ready to operate. Large Bar, DJ booth, garden lounge, rooftop. Seats 50 indoors, 50 in garden, 40 rooftop. Pablo: 080 143 5541.

CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE sa nt e g r

U

le

2012 Ford Ranger 2.2 Open Cab

78,000km. Six-gear manual transmission.

Looks and feels like a new car, treated like a baby by its single owner. Engine clean as. Full set of new tyres. B500,000. Call 081 427 5168. @thephuketnews

HOME IMPROVEMENT Flat roof waterproofing

We do flat roof waterproofing with 20 year warranty by installing quality four layer slate spotted bitumen torch foil + crack repair! Andreas Ruthe, 22/5 Moo1 Kamala Kathu, office@ tcm-asia.com, 086-9439834,076-385081.

MOTORBIKES FOR SALE Kawasaki Z300 ABS for Sale

Kawasaki Z300 ABS for sale. Good condition, from owner. Year: 2015. Colour: yellow and black. Price: B150,000. Bo in Cherngtalay/Pasak, email: cherngtalay@gmail.com or Call 076 615 810 or 076 615 811.

OTHER Loch Palm Golf Club

Lifetime family membership for sale, Annual fee 2018 paid. B300,000. Contact Mr Mons Billgren: monsbillgrenl@gmail.com or call 086 275 3493.

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Property in Phuket!

Looking to buy property in Phuket?

International Property Advisory (IPA) can help! Give us a call today on 076 604 260/ 098 064 4408/ 080 886 9660 Email: info@ipa. black, utopia@ipa.black Website: www.ipaphuket.com

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Chatta Real Estate

REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT. Chattha Real Estate and Professional Rental Management in Phuket. SELL-BUY-RENTMANAGEMENT-MAINTENACE-GUARANTEED RENTAL. Inquire NOW! www.chattha.asia, 076 636 244 or 090 179 6635. Contact Chanapa at Chattha Real Estate Co., Ltd., Email: info@chattha.asia

PROPERTY FOR SALE 80m2 freehold condo in Patong

Freehold 80m2, 2-bedroom apartment in quiet condo with swimming pool in Patong. Ideal investment in most active tourist area in Phuket. B5.9 million. Contact Michel GUILLIEN, Andaman Beach Suites, Unit 1604, Patong, Phuket. Email: mguillien@gmail.com or call 097 920 2339.

OFFERED FOR SALE

OFFERED FOR SALE A profitable and intimate 20 room garden resort situated on Koh Lanta, Krabi at the end of Long Beach just a 2 minute stroll to the sea. Set in lush gardens, the bungalows are tastefully finished each with their own full – length verandas.

Ideally located in Phra Ae village, with many amenities in the immediate area. The resort benefits from: • A delightful swimming pool (guest use only) • Car-park • Free-WIFI throughout the resort • Room-service • A combined restaurant & bar adjacent to the pool with state of the art Western kitchen • A beautiful tropical garden • Private manager’s accommodation (screened from the resort) • staff quarters • Private electricity supply • Ample water supply & storage For further information, please Email gardenisland.pp@ gmail.com For the attention of Ms. Chorladda CHUANCHOM with the following details: 1. Full name of potential Buyer 2. Full contact details, i.e. , Mobile phone number 3. Brief explanation of experience (if any) in the service industry The Vendor is genuine & the price is opportunistic. Genuine inquiries only please.

Unique Investment Opportunity

Unique investment opportunity Not to be missed 5 pool villas big land, large entertaiment areas, parking garages and private gates.

More info www.thegardenkptphuket.com www.thegardenkptphuket.com

28 CLASSIFIEDS

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Buy & Sell

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE Nicklas Klodner

2-Story Villa in a Gated Community @ Pruksa The Plant Kathu. Cornered Land Plot 170 sqm, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Indoors 140 sqm. With furniture ready to move in B8,100,000, Nicklas Klodner, The Plant 144/15. Email: nicklas.klodner@gmail.com or call +6680 519 7719.

RPM owner direct

Unique luxury condo 2 bed, 2 bath, 155sqm. Foreign FREE HOLD. Architect remodel. New Jacuzzi. Views to lake, mountain, marina, pool etc. Completely furnished to a high standard, toothbrush only required.

Owner leaving Thailand. Priced at 16MB for quick sale. Contact Brian (Owner) 089 054 4354, 076 360 943. bggvirgo@gmail.com RoyalPhuketMarinaCondos.com

Amazing 1-bedroom house in great area

Brand new one bedroom house with full kitchen and car parking and ready to move in, right in the heart of Rawai. Perfectly priced home on the most desirable street of Rawai, so don’t miss out! B2.9M for quick sale. Contact Benni by email at: b_gholami@ hotmail.com or call 088 168 5032.

Building for Sale

One unit building for sale in business area Boat Avenue near Villa Market Laguna. Three and a half-storey, 24 square wah. Khun Mhee (owner), 49/23, Cherngtalay. Email: anmehee@hotmail.com or call 095 545 0017 or 086 346 2622.

Freehold studio at low price

Freehold 36m2 studio, opposite the Lotus Tesco hypermarket of Phuket Town, freehold condominium; perfect for long stay or for investment B1.9 million. Email: mguillien@ gmail.com or call 097 920 2339.

Single house for sale

Located the way to Yamu Paklok, from the main road 500m, 55 SQW, 3 bedrooms, 2 restrooms, with modern kitchen, 2 cars parking, free space 140 SQM. 3.5 Million Baht, K. Suwit: suwitlap5@gmail.com, 081 895 6969.

5-bed pool villa, 1.2 Rai

3 detached buildings, L-shaped open plan living, Western kitchen, guest suite, pool 11mx5m, quiet residential area. 1.2 rai plot. THB19,750,000. Contact Mrs Simpson by email: thaivillaonline@gmail.com or call 084 447 7248. More info at: thaivillaonline.com

PROPERTY FOR RENT For Rent Kata Beach

Nice one bedroom apartment modern furnished, 68 sqm first floor close to indoor pool-sauna-elevator. B25,000 per month. Exclusive electric, minimum rental period 6 months. Tel: English 064 532 3637, Thai 094 803 5944. Email English: villaonroof@ gmail.com or Thai: maliwan_kaewmeesri@yahoo.com

3-Bedroom Western Villa

Near Laguna, has all, full kitchen, quality furniture.

Live in tropical garden, good security, secluded.

6/M lease: B20,000/M. Call 089 594 4067.

PROPERTY FOR RENT

New Rawai Villa Rent & Sale

House for sale (Acacia) @ 88 Land PuriAnda Villa. With 2-Bedrooms, furnished, kitchen, private pool and sala. Land 350 and house 165 m2. 2kms to Nai Harn. Short or long term rent only B60,000. Sale: B8.9m. info@purimasproperty.com or 081 538 4588.

COMMUNITY

PROPERTY FOR RENT

Chalong Office, Workshop/Store

300sqm office on 2 floors with all services incl.3 phone lines + 300sqm undercover workshop/store with 4m ht & 3 phase. Chanote 0.5rai.

B12,000,000, Simon Jupe, 29/4 Soi Nayai, Chalong, Phuket 83130. Email: simonj@cscoms.com or call +66 (0)87 883 2542

New Modern Villa 5 Mins Ao Po Grand Marina.

200 sqm, land 500 sqm, 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, swimming pool, close to UWCT school. Including: pool/garden/wifi/TV.SAT/services. Google map: tiny.cc/deltaho. Contact owner (Alain): mrdupouy@yahoo.fr. 65,000/ month, Alain, 57/3 Moo.3 Soi Ban Bang Pae,T. Paklok, T. Talang, Phuket 83110. Email: mrdupouy@yahoo.fr or call 081 893 5270.

Property 5 Mins Ao Po Grand Marina.

Very big house 750 sqm, Land 4,000 sqm, available 15 June, 5 bed rooms, 6 bathrooms, swimming pool, jacuzzi, close to UWCT school, including pool/ garden/service/wifi-tv/sat.

Google map: tiny.cc/deltaho, Contact owner (Alain): mrdupouy@yahoo.fr. Long term 145,000/Month, Email Alain: mrdupouy@yahoo.fr or call 081 893 5270. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

SPORT 29

All set for Songkran ACST 6s and Thalang 7s cricket tournaments return to ACG CRICKET Neil Quail

B

illed as Phuket Cricket Week, the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) award winning ACST 6s and Thalang 7s international cricket tournaments are again soon to grace the ACG with their unique balance of youth and experience, passion and flair, offering spectators a wonderful opportunity to enjoy one of the best sporting and social events Phuket has to offer.

Already, 20 teams are scheduled to participate at the ACG from April 11 to April 22, while the ACST organisers are anticipating another successful competition, with two very important additions to this year’s occasion that will undoubtedly generate interest among the cricketing communities both locally and abroad.

For the first time, the ACST and ACG are extremely proud to announce that the Tripa-

‘Fun in the Sun’ for Phuket Cricket Week at the ACG from April 11-22. Photo: Neil Quail Cricket Week at an exhibition level during the tournament.

ACST chairman, Michael “Cat” Maher expressed his delight with this year’s developments in saying, “The ACST welcomes all teams to our events. It will be a pleasure to have the Tripathi Blues along and it will hopefully encourage more teams of all backgrounds to enter

thi Group sponsored Tripathi Blues – an all-women’s team from New Delhi – will compete for the International Thalang 7’s title being played from April 20 to April 22.

In addition, the organisers are very pleased to include the newly founded Thalang Tiger’s Youth Development Academy team, which will also be involved in Phuket

What’s on at the ACG Date

Time

Activity

Fri April 6

5pm

Children's Cricket Coaching

Thur April 12

All Day

Grand Asian Cricket Sixes Tour

Fri April 13

Songkran

Fifteenth Annual Competition

Sat April 14-Sun 15

All Day

International Teams from around the world

Fri April 20

All Day

Thalang Asian Cricket 7s Tour

Sat April 21

Day Two

Three Day International Tournament

Sun April 22

Final Day

Includes Indian Women’s Team

Phuket’s 2017 cricket heroes.

PISAC Primary Athletics: Thirty four Year 3 - 6 girls and boys students

represented BISP against KIS, Headstart and UWCT at Headstart International School on March 22 at the annual PISAC primary U11 athletic event. BISP students performed exceptionally well in their individual events and as a school resulting in first place in the team results for BISP. @thephuketnews

this fun event.

“Both events (6s and 7s) have helped raise substantial sums through the kindness of its worldwide participants to assist the next generation falling in love with the game through the new Thalang Tigers Youth Academy, and we would like to thank the ACG for their continued and invaluable support as the Phuket

Cricket week continues to flourish,” Cat added.

Newly appointed ACG general manager, Jason Robertson of Phuket Golf Coaching also remarked on the upcoming tournament, “We at the ACG are delighted to welcome back the prestigious ACST Phuket 6s and Thalang 7s to our shores once again.

“This year looks to be bet-

ter than ever as we have teams from Bangladesh, India, Hong Kong, Australia, Abu Dhabi and Thailand – all battling it out for the respective titles and bragging rights as the best 6s and 7s teams in Asia.

We’d also like to thank the sponsors for this event, with special mention to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Arinara Resort in Bang Tao and the Aussie Pub in Kamala for their wonderful support.”

The International Sixes competition will be held from April 11 to 15, with a rest day on April 13.

The International Sevens competition will be held from April 20 to 22.

Spectators and visitors can enter the ground, park their vehicles and enjoy the cricket spectacular from the ACG Clubhouse for free, with a variety of off-pitch activities for sports enthusiasts, families and children alike.

For more information, please contact Jason Robertson. E: patongcricketclub@gmail.com

30 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

Registration now open ‘Angsana Laguna Phuket Golf Masters’ to take place June 17-23 GOLF The Phuket News editor3@thephuketnews.com

R

egistration is now open for the inaugural Angsana Laguna Phuket Golf Masters – scheduled to take place June 17-23. In partnership with Asian Golf Services, this 72-hole event will be the first of many to feature the deluxe five-star Angsana Laguna Phuket resort as official tournament hotel, situated on Phuket’s glorious Bang Tao Bay. The competition will in-

clude two rounds at Laguna Golf Phuket and two other rounds at Blue Canyon Country Club Lakes Course and the spectacular Red Mountain Golf Club. Participants will experience the very best accommodation, food and drink that the island has to offer with the opportunity to win some great prizes.

Paul Wilson, AVP/Group Golf Director of Laguna Golf, said, “We wanted to make this event as enjoyable as possible, allowing recreational golfers of all standards to experience the excitement of a friendly

An aerial view of Laguna Golf Phuket, one of three courses where the event will be held. Photo: Laguna Golf Phuket golf competition. In running the event across three unique golf courses, participants will

be able to enjoy some of the best golf in Thailand.”

Prizes and trophies will be

awarded to the best players on each of the four days of competition and the event will be organised in accordance with the rules of golf and other local rules, which will be published and approved by the tournament committee. The maximum accepted handicap will be 40 for female participants and 30 for male.

Prices will vary according to room type, optional tours to Phang Nga Bay, Phi Phi Island and other Phuket attractions will be included for nongolfers. Michal Zitek, Area General Manager of Angsana

Laguna Phuket, said, “This mini-tournament will be the perfect opportunity to enjoy some fun and friendly golf with a competitive element, while experiencing the beauty of Phuket. This will be an annual event and we are also using this to launch a series of ‘stay and play’ packages staying at Angsana Laguna Phuket. These will be available year-round for those who cannot attend the event”.

For more information on this event and to register visit: phuketgolfevent.com

Up to 12 classes of boat expected for ‘Top of the Gulf Regatta 2018’ Continued from page 32 ...“Together with Ocean Marina Yacht Club we are supporting this initiative

by Disabled Sailing Thailand and hope to give people with disabilities the opportunity to sail, and perhaps in the future, the chance to compete in the Paralympics.

“We believe making the sport more accessible is key to growing sailing in the country,” said Wil-

liam Gasson, co-chairman of the Top of the Gulf Regatta Organising Committee.

Regatta co-founder and host, Ocean Marina Yacht Club is the regatta’s permanent home and as South East Asia’s largest marina facility it provides a convenient and safe base from which to organise a regatta of this size and diversity. Up to 12 classes of boats are expected

this year including keelboats and multihulls, one-design Platus competing for the Platu Coronation Cup, a series of dinghy classes, Optimists competing in the Thailand Optimist National Championships and for the second consecutive year the IOM Class of radio controlled boats.

Competitors are coming from as far afield as Australia, Japan and the UK, to name just a few of the

more than 25 countries that will be taking part this year.

Taking place prior to the Asian Games in Jakarta in August, many countries are sending their national teams and Olympic sailors to compete, including Thailand who will have their full national sailing squad racing in preparation for the regional championships.

“We are looking forward to a

strong line-up of international and Thai sailors, and expect more than 200 boats and over 600 sailors in total this year.

“The one-design Platu class has a very high level of sailing talent as do the keelboat and multihull classes with many sailors from Singapore, Hong Kong and beyond coming to compete at the regatta,” said Gasson.

The Phuket News

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Run #1679: Saturday April 7 Run Start Time: 4pm Hares: Murkury, Manneken Pis Location: Near Patong Viewpoint Directions: If coming from Kathu enter Patong and midway to the beach turn left at the lights onto Panmeuang Rd. Drive past Jungceylon to reach the 4-point (Karon) intersection at the southern end.

Turn left onto Soi Nanai and follow around curves.

Just beyond the small bridge turn right onto Hassip Pee Rd. Drive up the steep hill 300 for metres and turn right. Minding the narrow lane climb to the top.

Pass the viewpoint on your right and continue down 100m then turn left and into the laager area.

Please mind making tracks or getting stuck in the mud if we’ve had heavy rain in the days before.

Bus pick-up: Patong @ Expat Hotel: 3pm Kamala @ Black Cat’s Bar: 3:30pm More info: phuket-hhh.com

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

SPORT 31

PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Nobody can ever guarantee a catch

MAIN SPONSOR

The overall competition winner will receive a 3 day/2 night stay in a Sri Panwa one bedroom luxury private pool villa including daily breakfast plus a 120 minute spa treatment for two persons. Total prize value: B123,000 The monthly competition winner for April 2018 will receive a B3,000 voucher to spend at Islander Bar & Restaurant in Rawai.

FISHING

EPL PREDICTIONS MONTHLY STANDINGS

CAST AWAY

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Jimmy Stewart info@fishinginphuket.com

W

elcome to sweaty April me hearties.

Now that we are coming up to Songkran and the “cooling off” season, hopefully things will improve as it did about this time last year when I remember sitting at my keyboard, as now, hot, sticky and also being hit over the head by a big lump of writer's block. But I soon came out of the doldrums when checking my records from March-April last year which chronicled my 4th Marlin in my 16 years’ experience fishing out of Phuket.

Once again, where these supposedly experienced fishermen get the idea they can arrive here and land a Marlin on a day trip “guaranteed” is well beyond me, you don’t go to a golf course and demand a hole-in-one.

But me hearties, historically speaking, this is the time to catch the big ones, for while checking my historical annals, I reported last year that: “Dorado, Mena 1, Fish Eagle and Mena 1 again all catching a Marlin within a few days of each other”.

And now the Phuket Sportfishing Club posted this picture of a 72.5 kilogram fish which originally I thought was one of the big Tuna, but now I believe it to be a Chinese Mackerel (Scientific name: Scomberomorus sinensis – Seerfish being a term for numerous large

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The 72.5kg Chinese Mackerel caught in the 7th annual Phuket Sportfishing Club comp. Photo: Supplied

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Mackerel) caught in their 7th annual “March” competition.

So although things might be “slow” in general there are trophy fish out there and this beastie is definitely “up there”, and only a kick in the behind off a world record.

I see Chalong circle is now getting a bit more “free flow” and the pier repairs are moving forwards at a rate of knots.

Could this be the “power of the press” or something more probable, like the importance of losing considerable amounts of money on a daily basis?

It’s well seeing that Phuket’s road system has not got a similar “toll” or earning capacity structure.

So me faltering fisheroos, where are all the fishing reports, as I have heard nothing but “it’s too bloody hot and the fish are going deep or out to the ocean.”

Well me cockleshell heroes, that don’t fill the cooking pot or the column inches!

For those who don’t speak Thai, I have been assured that there is a Thai word for logic

but I am still trying to find evidence of this in practice: Let’s have a water festival when there is a water shortage – logic! Allow sewage to flow freely into the sea, yet you can’t feed the fish for conservation reasons. Let’s build the Chalong terminus for the new light railway – where?

Over the underpass.

Although this would not surprise those of us who have stayed any length of time in “The Land of Smiles”.

Any further contributions delving into the topic of “Thai logic” should be sent to The Comedy Department of The Phuket News.

As usual, tight lines to all.

Jimmy – fishinginphuket.com

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Premier League fixtures Saturday April 7

Live Sports TV Schedule *Times may be subject to change

SPORT START STOP Friday 6th April

Rugby Union 14:30 Rugby Union 12:00 Saturday 7th April Rugby Union 12:10 14:30 16:40 22:10 Rugby Union 19:55 Rugby Unin 12:00 Soccer 18:00 Soccer 18:30 21:00 23:30 Soccer 21:00 Soccer 21:00 Motor Racing 21:30 Sunday 8th April Rugby Union 12:00 Rugby Union 21:30 Soccer 20:15 22:30 Motor Racing 21:00 21:45

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO

16:30 20:00

Super XV Hong Kong 7’s

Hurricanes v. Sharks Day 1

14:10 16:30 18:30 00:00 22:00 18:30 20:00 20:30 23:00 01:30 23:00 23:00 23:00

Super XV Super XV Super XV Super XV Aviva Premiership Hong Kong 7’s EFL EPL EPL EPL EPL EPL Formula 1

Sunwolves v. Waratahs Chiefs v. Blues Brumbies v. Reds Lions v. Stormers Bath v. Leicester Day 2 Norwich v. Aston Villa Everton v. Liverpool Stoke v. Tottenham Man City v. Man United Watford v. Burnley Leicester v. Newcastle Qualifying, Sakhir

18:30 23:30 22:15 00:30 21:45 00:15

Hong Kong 7’s Aviva Premiership EPL EPL Formula 1

Day 3 Exeter v. Gloucester Arsenal v. Southampton Chelsea v. West Ham Raceday, Sakhir Bahrain Grand Prix

Match

Time in Thailand

Everton

vs

Liverpool

Bournemouth

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Crystal Palace

9pm

Brighton

vs

Huddersfield

9pm

Leicester

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Newcastle

9pm

Stoke

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Spurs

9pm

Watford

vs

Burnley

9pm

West Brom

vs

Swansea

9pm

Man City

vs

Man Utd

11:30pm

6:30pm

Sunday April 8 Match

Time in Thailand

Arsenal

vs

Southampton

8:30pm

Chelsea

vs

West Ham

10:30pm

Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

Phuket Cricket Week set for Songkran > p29

OFF-TRACK DESERT DUAL

Ferrari’s German driver Sebastian Vettel drives during the Formula One Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 25. Photo: Paul Crock / AFP

Bahrain In’t Circuit to present rounded and fulsome challenge BOX OF NEUTRALS Michael Lamonato michael@boxofneutrals.com

T

he grand prix circuits of Australia and Bahrain could hardly be more different, but Ferrari and Sebastian Vettel will be hoping the sand-swept desert track brings them good fortune all the same.

The Italian team didn’t shy away from the fact that it lucked into victory at the opening round of the season, capitalising on Mercedes bungling Lewis Hamilton’s strategy to snatch the win from the reigning world champion in Melbourne.

More than putting the red

team atop the drivers and constructors standings, the win will have been an important morale booster for the Scuderia, which has built a car not lacking finish compared to its German rival.

But while strategy and the difficulty of overtaking on the Australian circuit worked in Ferrari’s favour by allowing it to work around its weaknesses, the more season-typical Bahrain International Circuit will present a more rounded and fulsome challenge to this year’s cars.

T he plethora of long straights will surely play into Mercedes’s hands with its class-leading power unit, but Ferrari has form around the desert track. Vettel is not only the reigning Bahrain win-

ner, having beaten pole-sitter Hamilton to victory last year, but the German is the equal most successful driver with Fernando Alonso at Sakhir.

Ferrari is also the most successful constructor, winning five Bahrain grands prix to Mercedes’s three.

But while all eyes will be on the unfolding championship narrative on track, teams will have their attention diverted towards the paddock, where F1’s commercial rights holder will reportedly make a presentation laying out its vision for the sport for 2021 and beyond.

Now more than a year into its tenure, the Liberty Media triumvirate of CEO Chase Carey, marketing head Sean Bratches and motorsport boss Ross Brawn has well and truly

exhausted the goodwill of its honeymoon period, with some of F1’s big-hitting teams growing impatient with the direction of the sport under a new American watch.

To a certain extent the new powers are hamstrung by old deals done in the dying days of Bernie Ecclestone’s reign, but with the clock ticking down to the expiry of the current commercial and regulatory framework in 2020, the impetus to outline a cohesive vision and direction for Formula One has grown increasingly dire.

The first major attempt at setting down a pathway came late last year, when the commercial rights holder unveiled with the governing body, the FIA, its blueprint for a new power unit from 2021. It was al-

most immediately shot down by Mercedes, Ferrari and Renault, the top three engine builders.

It was met with such distaste that Ferrari, the sport’s longeststanding participant, threatened to walk away from Formula One, citing unagreeable alterations to the ‘DNA’ of the competition.

While some of the commercial and other regulatory aspects of the 2021 package can be deferred until closer to the deadline – though Liberty Media, a listed company, would surely prefer to get things done as sooner rather than later for stability’s sake – agreement on a new power unit is urgent, with the most expensive part of the modern F1 car requiring long and cost-intensive developmental lead time.

Further, some of the potential new engine builders – amongst them Aston Martin, Cosworth and possibly the Volkswagen Group – have already signalled that the deadline for their involvement is imminent.

With the attraction of new marques to the sport a stated aim of the expensive regulatory change, any delay would be a high-stakes gamble hedged against the growth of the sport in the medium-term.

The 2018 Formula One season might yet be young, but longrunning grudges will be the name of the game in Bahrain.

Don’t forget to listen to Live89.5 each and every Saturday at 9am and 5pm for the Box of Neutrals radio show.

Top of the Gulf Regatta to increase accessibility to sailing SAILING ORGANISERS OF THE TOP of the Gulf Regatta Presented

by Ocean Marina have been promoting sailing in the Gulf of Thailand for 13 years and as the

award-winning regatta enters its 14th edition, held Apr 27 to May 1 at Ocean Marina Yacht Club, organisers are looking to make the sport more accessible with a demonstration of the all-new S\ V14 – a boat designed especially for people with disabilities and

built in Thailand.

“Top of the Gulf Regatta has always viewed sailing as a sport for all and since year one we have supported youth sailing with Optimist and dinghy classes in the regatta. We will again host the Thailand Optimist National

Championships which is the pinnacle of competitive youth sailing in the country, and will this year have a demonstration of the S\ V14, a boat built in Thailand and designed especially to be sailed by people with disabilities...

Continued on page 30

One-design Platus will be competing for the Platu Coronation Cup. Photo: Guy Nowell thephuketnews