The Phuket News 24 August 2018

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RAT CARCASS IN ‘PLA RA’ CAUSES STIR > PAGE 3

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Law office raids target nominee property deals

LIFE

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Mixed reality ‘game changer’ fails to impress Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kowsurat (left) speaks to the press at Chalong Pier, as Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong (2nd from left) looks on. Photo: PR Dept

PHUKET PUSHES CABINET TO SPLASH B508MN ON MARINE SAFETY IN WAKE OF ‘PHOENIX’ DISASTER The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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huket Governor Norraphat Plodthong has requested a budget of more than half a billion baht from the national government to splash out on improving marine safety.

Governor Norraphat explained his plan to request the huge budget to Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kowsurat at the Phuket Yacht Control Centre at Chalong Pier last Sunday (Aug 19).

The move comes in the wake of the Phoenix tour boat disaster, which capsized and sank on July 5, killing 47 Chinese tourists.

Mr Weerasak and Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MoTS) Advisor Apichart Jeerapan were present in Phuket in person last Sunday to be updated on the progress of the implementation of Phuket’s maritime safety measures and Phuket Marine Safety Plan, and of aspects related to the disaster.

Present to report on their respective areas were Governor Norraphat

and Vice Admiral Somnuk Preampramot, Commander of the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command, and Wiwat Chitchertwong, Acting Chief of the Phuket Marine Office.

Governor Norraphat reported that he had set up teams to oversee safety regulations at 24 piers in Phuket used by boats carrying tourists.

Also, all 24 piers will be upgraded with CCTV cameras, publicity signs, and a computer system to be directly updated with each boat’s information and each boat’s travel itinerary, he added.

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“In addition, I will set up a rapid mobile unit to randomly inspect boats and tourists’ safety,” he said.

“Next I will focus on the development of Chalong Pier. I will set up training sessions for officials to learn about the DEPA-designed database system. Then I will accelerate the upgrading of the pontoons and walkways to accommodate a large number of tourists from boats.

“We have set up nine projects, for which the budget is B144,034,000 to develop Chalong Pier for better security and safety to serve the...

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018

More Phuket monkeys to be sterilised next month > page 4

Plagued by storms

Chinese tourist drowns at Racha Strong wind, waves delay ‘Phoenix’ salvage A 32-YEAR-OLD CHInese tourist drowned at Koh Racha Yai last Sunday (Aug 19) less than 48 hours after arriving in Phuket on holiday with his family.

Capt Somkiet Sarasin of the Chalong Police was informed at 1:40pm that Zhang Guojun, from Beijing, had been pulled from the sea at the main beach on Koh Racha Yai. Attempts to revive Mr Zhang on the beach failed, yet rescue workers continued their efforts while rushing him back to Chalong Pier by speedboat, but he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Mr Zhang arrived in Phuket on holiday with his family last Friday (Aug 17) and checked in at the Ban Raya hotel on Koh Racha the next day, police confirmed.

The family had scheduled to check out from the hotel last Sunday and was to board their return flight home on Thursday (Aug 23).

While waiting to board their boat to return to Phuket, all four members

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S Rescue workers bring Mr Zhang’s body to shore at Koh Racha Yai last Sunday afternoon (Aug 19). Screengrab: Tourist Police of the Zhang family entered the water to swim despite red ‘no swimming’ flags posted on the beach, police noted in their report.

All four were soon in dire need of assistance in the strong surf.

Three members of the family were rescued safely, but Mr Zhang was already unconscious and unresponsive when pulled from the water, police said.

Chinese consular officials have been notified of Mr Zhang’s death, Capt Somkiet confirmed in his report.

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trong winds and large waves have continued to delay the refloating of the sunken tour boat Phoenix, which sank in a storm on July 5 with 89 tourists on board.

In total, 47 Chinese tourists were killed in the disaster.

The Phoenix now lies on the sea floor at a depth of 45 metres some 1.5 nautical miles off Koh Hei (Coral Island).

Wiwat Chitchertwong, who is currently the Acting Director of the Phuket Marine Office, told The Phuket News on Wednesday (Aug 22), “All the equipment and tethers have been attached, but some of them still need to be positioned in the place so the boat can be safely raised to the surface.

“Strong wind and waves have made it too dangerous for divers to do this so far. As soon as the wind and waves calm down, we will be able to finish the project and raise the boat,” he said.

However, he added, “We hope to have the boat back on land as soon as we can, and right now I cannot give you an

All the tethers are in place, with the salvage team just waiting on clear weather in order to refloat the ‘Phoenix’, which lies at a depth of 45 metres off Koh Hei. Photo; PR Dept exact date, but we will make sure that it is safely done.”

“It is possible that we might even have the boat refloated by this Friday (Aug 25),” he said.

The Marine Department began its own preparations to refloat the Phoenix on Aug 2 after the owner failed to recover the boat within the time frame given.

A salvage operator has been hired to recover the Phoenix at a cost of approxi-

mately B10 million.

That cost will be passed on to the boat’s operating company to pay, confirmed Marine Department DirectorGeneral Jirut Wisanjit during his visit to Phuket on Aug 13 to inspect the progress made on recovering the boat.

Mr Jirut explained that the Marine Department on July 11 ordered the owner of the Phoenix – 26-year-old Phuket resident Woralak Rerkchaikarn – to recover the boat from the

bottom of the bay, giving 20 days to complete the recovery.

“With the deadline passing on July 31 and no action taken to recover the Phoenix, the Marine Department will do it and order the boat owner to pay for the cost of the recovery,” Mr Jirut said.

The Phoenix will be taken to Rattanachai Shipyard in Rassada, on the east side of Phuket Town, where investigators and experts will have 30 days to inspect it, he added.

Tourism Minister unveils ‘Phuket Marine Safety’ plan

Continued from page 1 ...public and tourists and to enhance our tourism image,” Gov Norraphat said, affirming a report by state news agency NNT last Saturday (Aug 18).

However, Governor Norraphat dropped the bombshell that the budget to be requested will be a staggering B508 million – a factor that NNT failed to report.

The request was presented to the Cabinet at the mobile meetings for Southern Thailand held in Ranong and Chumphon on Monday and Tuesday (Aug 21-22).

Tourism Minister Weerasak later confirmed to the Bangkok Post that the budget request had been received by the Cabinet.

“I have asked for approval for a Marine Surveillance and Assistance Centre at Chalong Bay with a budget of B508,110,000 to provide fast and effective surveillance, disaster prevention and mitigation, safety and security,

as well as standard and quality of safety precaution,” Gov Norraphat said last Sunday.

“All of this is to provide assistance to tourists, fishing boats or other vessels in Phuket and nearby provinces,” he explained.

Tourism Minister Weerasak gave his approval for the request.

“Phuket province is an essential tourism destination for tourists.

Marine safety and security is worth the investment,” he said.

Minister Weerasak last Sunday also confirmed the clampdown on information released to the media in the wake of the Phoenix disaster.

“We must be careful to present news about the progress of the cause of the accident as the cause of the accident is unclear,” Mr Weerasak said.

“So all sectors are cautious about providing information that may affect the image of the country.

Therefore, the relevant government departments must report all issues

direct to the Minister of Tourism and Sports only,” he said.

Phuket Marine Office Acting Chief Mr Wiwat gave his report on the ongoing investigation into the disaster. “A commission has been set up to investigate the cause of the incident,” Mr Wiwat said.

“The commission must find out the facts, especially regarding the boat ignoring the weather warning, the boat operator’s skill to control the ship and control the crowd of passengers on board. If the incident happened because of the physical aspects of the boat, we will find out.

“Also of concern is that when the passengers were scrambling to get out of the boat, they could not, causing loss of life,” he added.

“However, since this incident I have set up training courses for boat drivers and tour guides. All courses are designed to increase the knowledge and awareness of the safety of passengers and tour-

ists,” Mr Wiwat said.

Chalong Police Chief Col Paksayot Thanongsak who is leading the police investigation into the disaster, reported, “The boat owner, the captain and related persons have been charged with negligence.”

Col Paksayot did not confirm whether any officials had been charged or even identified as under investigation for any role they might have had in allowing the boat to put to sea.

“For other parts of the investigation, it is necessary to recover the boat. We need to check the integrity of the boat or any defects the boat might have had. Only then can we present any possible causes for the accident,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Warataya Konglertwarakorn, Senior Specialist at the Phuket branch of the national insurance regulator the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC), reported, “Bangkok Insurance

Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong (left) explains some details of the plan at a meeting last week. Photo: NNT Company has paid compensation to relatives of 46 of the dead. Only one compensation remains to be paid due to the beneficiary’s account number. Officials are asking for a new account for that person now.”

Siriwalee Worlor, Chief the Phuket office of the Tourism Business and Guide Registration Office, reporting on the state-paid compensation, said, “On Aug 20, four more persons will receive compensation. For one person we have asked for a new account number. For the other 42 victims, compensation has been paid.” thephuketnews

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Law office raided over nominee land transfers The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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fficers from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and Thailand’s Board of Investment (BoI) raided a legal consultancy in Phuket on Wednesday (Aug 15) on suspicion of using nominee shareholders and breach of the Foreign Business Act by transacting land transfers.

The office, located in Soi Bangtao 1 in Cherng Talay, was the Phuket branch of DFDL, which has offices throughout Southeast Asia.

The Thailand operations, notably the company’s offices in Phuket and on Koh Samui, are under investigation for illegal use of nominee shareholders and hence for illegally engaging in the sale and transfer of land of B2 billion in the past year alone.

Acting under orders by DSI Director-General Pol Col Paisit Wongmuang and Deputy Director-General Pol Maj Suriya Singhakamol and armed with court-issued search warrants, the joint taskforce,

Head of the Phuket Consumer Protection Office, Somnuk Harem (right), and officials carry out an inspection of the well-known local supermarket. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

‘Pla ra’ with a hint of fermented rat Raids on the law offices in Phuket and Samui were to obtain evidence of Thais being used to transfer money for foreigners buying and selling land, houses and villas. Photo: DSI which included investigative staff from the Central Institute of Forensic Science, carried out co-ordinated raids in Phuket, Bangkok and Samui.

The raid on the Cherng Talay office in Soi Bangtao 1 was led by Piyasirivat Wattanavrangkul, a specialist in investigating fraudulent loans.

The office was believed to operate by using Thai employees and foreign shareholders, and to have false documents to cover up the true investor details on the premises.

The second raid in Phuket, led by Special Case Special Investigator Worapot Kamiam, targetted the premises at 123/9 Moo 5, Cherng Talay, which was the accounting office for foreign clients, said the DSI in its report.

The DSI reported that evidence seized indicated that foreigners had engaged in the trading of more than 80 plots of land in the area, including villas and detached houses.

The company engaged in land transactions involving

American arrested for B235mn fraud

AN AMERICAN ACTOR staying in Phuket as a tourist has been arrested in connection with a multinational scam operation based in Singapore that has allegedly defrauded Thai investors of B235 million.

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) announced late Tuesday (Aug 21) that American citizen Derrick Matthew Kellor was taken into custody in Phuket by Phuket Immigration and DSI officers on Monday (Aug 20).

Details of the location and time of Kellor’s arrest were not revealed.

Kellor was wanted on a warrant for his arrest for his involvement with Eagle Gates Group Co Ltd, which has allegedly defrauded victims through a joint investment scheme in Thailand and abroad.

The company, which has been operating for more than 10 years, claims to be a stock index trading company from the United States, but siphoned money off for its own use, reported the DSI. The company has two main roles of operation, with one group of agents holding investment seminars to lure investors, and another group to process the transactions, the DSI noted. @thephuketnews

American citizen Derrick Matthew Kellor is questioned after he was taken into custody in Phuket by Phuket Immigration and DSI officers on Monday (Aug 20). Photo: DSI The DSI reported that it had received complaints from about 250 people who petitioned the agency to investigate the company’s operations in Thailand.

Together, the complaints reported a total of about B235 million being misappropriated.

The DSI reported that Kellor was one of 32 people (23 Thai nationals and nine foreigners) wanted on arrest warrants for the case.

So far 13 suspects – Kellor and 12 Thais – have been arrested, the DSI noted.

During questioning, Kellor told officers that he was an actor working in China, and was hired by a Singaporean to be Executive Director of

Eagle Gates Group Co Ltd in order to build credibility and reputation for the company.

The DSI noted that they would investigate Kellor’s role further.

The DSI also reported that their investigations had discovered more than B1 billion in investment had been transferred out of the victim’s bank accounts.

The agency confirmed that it would expand its investigation to trace transactions through the specified bank accounts and that other relevant agencies including the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) will be assisting in the investigation.

The Phuket News

foreigners in Surat Thani, Phang Nga, Phuket and Krabi that totalled more than B2bn per year, the DSI noted.

The firm is under investigation for allegedly having Thai representatives invest money in one company then transferring the funds to other companies in order to carry out the sale of land and other forms of real estate.

The DSI noted that under the Foreign Business Act BE 2542 (1999) it is illegal for foreigners to trade land.

THE PHUKET CONSUMER Protection Office has ordered all bags of fermented fish, ‘pla ra’ in Thai, be removed from the shelves of all stores of a well-known local supermarket after one customer found a rat carcass inside one of the bags.

Head of the Phuket Consumer Protection Office, Somnuk Harem, visited the main branch of the well-known supermarket on Monday (Aug 20) following photos of the rat carcass in a bag of pla ra circulating on social media.

Mr Somnuk, who declined to name the store in question, together with other officials inspected 26 bags of pla ra and told the supermarket man-

ager to take all bags of the traditional northeastern Thai seasoning off the selves at all of the supermarket’s outlets.

“The manager told us that all their fermented fish is ordered from one supplier every week from the north of Thailand. When the product arrives it is already bagged, but staff have to weigh the bags and put on price labels.

“The item is then placed on the shelves for sale,” Mr Somnuk explained.

“The manager said they didn’t know who produced the product, but said they had never had problems with the item in the past,” he added.

Eakkapop Thongtub

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Guard change in Patong

Corruption officers ‘in exile’, volunteers unit dissolved Tassanai Orarigdech – who replaced Col Chaiwat – was transferred instantly by order of Acting Inspector-General of the Royal Thai Police, Gen Suchart Teerasawat.

Also transferred instantly in the same order were Capt Adul Boonrat of the Patong Police, along with Snr Sgt Maj Jakthiporn Nakpongphat and Patong Traffic Police Chief Snr Sgt Maj Worachat Thappun.

Those transfers came while the Patong Police were embroiled in a scandal over extorting money from a seafood restaurant.

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atong Police Chief Col Anothai Jindamanee this week confirmed that none of the officers transferred out of Patong while under investigation for alleged corruption have returned to their posts in Phuket’s busiest tourism town.

The news also comes after Col Anothai swept away the previous 35-strong team of police volunteers who for have for years assisted tourists in need of police services, with Col Anothai saying that he wants to make a “fresh start” with his own team comprising Thai and foreign volunteers.

Regarding police transferred out of Patong amid corruption investigations, Col Anothai told The Phuket News on Tuesday (Aug 21), “No, none of them have come back."

“They were transferred because they had been accused of being corrupt, and while the investigation into their activities is still ongoing, there is no reason to have them posted back in Phuket.”

Col Anothai says that none of the officers under investigation for corruption have returned. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub / file Col Anothai urged people to have faith in the Royal Thai Police investigating their own officers.

“Do not worry, we will try our best with our investigations. Please keep confident in the Royal Thai Police,” he said.

Patong Police last year faced a slew of allegations of corruption that spiralled to include even previous Patong

Police Superintendents.

On Nov 10 last year, Patong Police Chief Col Chaiwat Uikam and his Deputy Chief Lt Col Somsak Thongkleng were both transferred to Surat Thani on pending an investigation into receiving bribes from entertainment operators amounting to a staggering B100 million a month.

Days later, on Nov 18 last year, Patong Police Chief Col

VOLUNTEERS OUT Col Anothai on Tuesday also confirmed that he had dissolved the contingent of police volunteers who have assisted tourists in Patong for years, to be replaced with recruits.

“We will open applications for police volunteers soon,” Col Anothai said.

“We are still working on the qualification required and the conditions of work.

We have yet to decide these things, but will finish this as soon as possible.

“I need to carefully specify the duties involved, as the main job of the volunteers in Patong is as translators and assistants, they do not have any power like police officers have,” he added.

Col Anothai was vague on his reason for dissolving the long-serving team of volunteers, only offering the explanation, “They were out of time.”

He added that he came to his decision after talking with other police and people in Patong area.

The new volunteers to be selected will be foreign and Thai, he noted.

“We will check their criminal records, their health and fitness, and they will all undergo a ‘Thai Patong culture course’,” Col Anothai said.

The ‘Thai Patong culture course’ is to educate foreigners about the types of Thais that are in Patong, he said.

“They will get certificates and ID cards, and maybe new uniforms,” Col Anothai added.

“We are also looking for volunteers to look over tourists at the beach,” he said.

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Wildlife officials arrest loris tout Unofficial parking crew

A SLOW LOR IS TOU T was arrested by officials at Koh Naka Yai last week after the tout was reported by tourists.

Khao Phra Ta Khao Wildlife Sanctuary officers joined with police and arrested one suspect touting a slow loris on the beach at Koh Naka Yai at 3:30pm last Wednesday (Aug 15).

“We caught him through a tip-off given by a tourist. His name is Nattapon Kensing, 26, from the northeastern province of Bueng Kan. He confessed that he had the slow loris for making his living and that he charged tourists between B50-B100 for taking a photo,” Khao Phra Thaew Non-Hunting Area Conservation Centre Chief Piyawat Sukon explained.

“He also led us to another slow loris which was being kept behind the Nikki Bar on the beach at Koh Naka Yai,”

Wildlife officers with police arrested slow loris tout Nattapon Kensing, 26, at Koh Naka Yai. Photo: Khao Phra Thaew Non-Hunting Area Conservation Centre Mr Piyawat said.

“I remember that Nattapon used to do this activity in Karon, Phuket, so we are having his police records checked. However, Nattapon has been taken to Thalang Police Station for questioning,” he added.

“The two seized slow lorises will be taken to Phang Nga Wildlife Nursery Station

where they will be rehabilitated,” he said.

Mr Piyawat also clarified to The Phuket News that he welcomed anyone to report sightings of illegal possession and mistreatment of wild animals directly to him on 089-873-7749.

“You can report these sightings to me directly. I speak basic English, if you are a foreigner, please speak simply and say what animal you saw, where, and when, or other important details,” he added.

The Phuket News can confirm that Nattapon was previously arrested back in February 2015 when he was found touting a slow loris on Bangla Rd in Patong.

Nattapon was charged with possessing a preserved animal (Loris) without permission and abusing and or humiliating other people.

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cleared to collect ‘tips’ POLICE HAVE PULLED in for questioning four men who have been collecting money from people parking near the Robinson department store in Phuket Town, but say at this stage the men have done nothing wrong.

Lt Col Pongpob Prasobphichai of the Phuket City Traffic Police and officers went to the scene after 6pm last Thursday (Aug 16) after receiving complaints that the men were collecting money as if they were city council workers.

“The men did not threaten anyone and made no claims to be working for the city municipality. One of them had an ID tag around his neck, but it was only his Thai ID card,” he said.

“The men explained that they were just making some extra money by chance after

The motley crew of unofficial parking attendants are clear to collect ‘tips’ say police.

Photo: Phuket City Police their full-time jobs each day, as there are no municipal workers collecting parking fees after 6pm."

As such, Col Pongpob said police were powerless to take any action against the men.

“All they do is help people to park. People don’t have to pay them anything, and if they do intimidate anyone, people can call 191,” he said.

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Sewage in canal spurs wastewater inspections The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

A monkey sits at the monkey viewpoint at Koh Siray. Photo: Natural and Wildlife Education Centre

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utcry by local residents has spurred Phuket officials into dredging a canal in Kamala, on Phuket’s west coast, that has turned stagnant with the black water reeking of the foul stench of sewage so it can flow freely into the sea.

Work began on clearing the canal, which empties directly onto Kamala Beach, last Friday (Aug 17) after the Phuket Provincial Office of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) and Kamala Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor) received a slew of complaints through the ‘Pineapple Eyes’ community Line Group.

The group acts as a community watchdog for atrocious acts of pollution across the island.

An officer at the Phuket MNRE office, who asked not to be named, told The Phuket News last Friday, “We started the dredging from 2pm. The water in the canal stinks because there is nowhere for the water to go.”

The officer said the work was being carried out in co-ordination with the Kamala OrBorTor and the Kathu District Office.

Kamala OrBorTor Deputy Chief Executive Nopporn Karuna told The Phuket News that previous attempts to

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5

More Phuket monkeys to be sterilised next month

Tourists look on as workers clear the sand so that the filthy black water, reeking of sewage, can flow freely into the sea. Photo: Kamala OrBorTor clear the filthy canal had been made, but failed due to the heavy weather Phuket has been experiencing over the past two weeks due to the onslaught of the southwest monsoon.

“We started to dredge the sewage out of canal on Aug 10, but we could not continue because of the weather. The monsoon season hit on that date,” he said.

Mr Nopporn blamed businesses in the area for the foul condition of the water.

“We are planing to inspect suspicious hotels in the area from Monday (Aug 21),” he said.

Kathu District Chief Somprad Prabsongkram concurred.

“We are not sure where the dirty water came from, but we will have officials inspect the wastewater from hotels in the area,” he said.

THE DIRECTOR OF THE Natural and Wildlife Education Centre at Khao Phra Theaw has confirmed that a further 250 monkeys will be sterilised as part of an ongoing project aimed at limiting the growing monkey population.

Meanwhile, the chief, Pongchart Chouehorm, has also stated that the proposed monkey warning signs in four languages – English, Thai, Chinese and Russian – that were announced by Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong on Aug 2 have now been installed at Rang Hill, Toh Sae Hill and Koh Siray.

Speaking to The Phuket News’ Thai-language sister paper Khao Phuket on Tuesday (Aug 21), Mr Pongchart said, “Since the sterilisation project began, we have been

monitoring the behaviour of monkeys at the designated area. Most recently my team went to Koh Siray and found that the monkeys are living as normal. There has been no change in their behaviour since the sterilisation took place.

“We can identify those monkeys that have already been sterilised by the ‘P’ tattoo on their chest, the P stands for Phuket province,” Mr Pongchart explained.

“The sterilisation of the monkeys was much-needed as their behaviour was becoming annoying and a nuisance to tourists and we are satisfied with the results.

“Ours next step will be to sterilise a further 250 monkeys in September,” he added.

Chutharat Plerin

Opinion 6

OPINION

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EDITORIAL

Beach uniforms anyone?

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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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editor3@classactmedia.co.th Originally from the UK; Has over six years experience as editor and reporter for Phuketindex.com magazine and website, and InPhuket magazine.

W

hile local government officials try to convince Chinese officials and tourists that Phuket is a safe place to travel by putting on their marine safety inspection shows following the deadly Phoenix boat disaster, people are still drowning on Phuket’s west coast beaches without a word being said about it.

It is already clear that the island’s current lifeguard situation isn’t working. Sadly, it is also very clear that very little is being done to change this.

But let’s take the issue away from the lifeguards – be they qualified to international standards or not – for once and let’s turn our attention to the ignoramuses who continue to ignore the red flag warnings on the beaches and also choose to go into the sea after dark when lifeguards are no longer on duty.

editor1@classactmedia.co.th Twenty years experience in the I n t e r n a t i o n a l m e d i a m a r ke t , creating content for Paramount Pictures, Mar vel and the BBC. Having previously lived on the island, David returned to cover regional lifestyle and cultural stories.

He originates from the UK.

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to what will, which is obviously only if Phuket wants its drowning incidents reduced.

There are currently an estimated 335,425 active Royal Thai Armed Forces personnel in the country, and for the sake of it let’s just say there are 25 beaches on the west coast. If the Royal Thai Armed Forces were to provide just 30 personnel for each beach (750) that would be a tiny percentage of their estimated personnel.

This might seem like a drastic measure, but with the current drowning situation clearly not getting any better, and with people continuously ignoring warnings, it might be the only option.

It is clear that the red and yellow uniforms don’t have the desired effect on the public, but perhaps some camouflaged military uniforms and matching sidearms might just do the trick.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Foul stench of sewage in black-water canal spurs Phuket hotel wastewater inspections Russian Phuket expat hunted as mastermind of B100mn crypto fraud Phuket officials concerned over tourist drug users, ‘epidemic’ in Patong Body found floating off Kata Beach Phuket law office raided over nominee land deals for foreigners Truck driver blames reckless tourist for motorbike slam Wildlife officials arrest slow loris tout off Phuket Phuket Town ‘unofficial parking crew’ cleared by police to collect ‘tips’ Wind, wave, flood warning in effect of Phuket, Andaman B20bn Central Phuket to open Sept 10

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HAVE YOUR SAY

DAVID JACKLIN

Lifestyle Editor

Only those people who choose to ignore the red flag warnings or go for a swim after dark know why they do it, and sadly it is clear that lifeguards can do very little about it.

To be fair, lifeguards actually have no power when it comes to stopping people ignoring the red f lags, all they can do is advise them against it, advice which is clearly ignored.

Perhaps these ignoramuses know that lifeguards have no power to stop them and so still go into the water.

Perhaps these ignoramuses come from countries where the power of a whistle means nothing, let’s be fair, there are plenty of countries like that.

But if the power of the lifeguards and the power of the whistle don’t stop people going into the dangerous surf then attention must be turned

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

Pineapple Eyes

A reader’s letter sent in this week.

Dear Govenor and all members of the Pineapple Eyes app. I want to ask you dear Govenor if your award winning initiative for the Phuket environment, by involving the whole Phuket community – Thai, Farang and even tourists – of the need and importance of being a good citizen.

Cleaning Phuket with Our Hearts and Hands has made a huge difference.

Not just environmentally but, if not more importantly, giving people a platform for action and providing us with positive results. It would be a travesty if our new Govenor did not understand the long term value of this simple but effective community project.

When people are listened to they feel valued and empowered and want to continue being citizens.

If this project is abandoned, like many others when the transition of Governors occurs, trust and value is lost.

It’s essential for the whole of Phuket to follow on with your project going from

strength to strength.

It will ensure accountability from above and rewards those doing the right thing.

Your legacy will live on.

I would love to be part of the team who meets the new Govenor with you, outlining the positive impacts of this project. I know everyone involved would join me. Those with far more knowledge and skills than I, Sir. This one project should not be forgotten and it’s continuation should be non-negotiable please. If members agree please show our Govenor with your comment please.

Thank you.

Debra

White van man

Re: Truck driver blames reckless tourist for motorbike slam Drive regularly on Thai roads and you will see the vast majority of Thai truck drivers out of control, speeding down hills, crossing over double lines into oncoming traffic, weaving all over the lanes and so on.

There are too many serious accidents involving trucks, they are a huge problem, yet this moron is blaming the

victim because he’s a tourist.

Typical.

Pauly44

and as such, ghosts prefer to dwell in there.”

R Sole

Personal Responsibility

Gardening leave

Re: Chinese tourist drowns at Racha Ultimately, tourists are responsible for their own safety.

Do they ignore warnings? Do they know how to swim? Do they swim alone? Yes, Phuket refuses to follow accepted procedures for a tourist centre.

Yes, Phuket should provide qualified lifeguards. But, the tourist is responsible if they swim in dangerous conditions that they have been warned about. Stupid is as stupid does.

Foot

Re: Phuket Opinion: Passing the baton Fine ‘Opinion’. 10 Governors in 10 years! It makes one think that this one year Phuket station is a reward for Governors before they retire.

Something like: “Take is easy, relax, do some merit ceremonies, keep the press printing words and promises said.

Be nice and smile to foreign diplomats, make empty promises.” Phuket needs another kind of Governor to restore its lost image.

Kurt

Avoiding the yin

Training day

Re: Phuket to hold mass merit-making event for Phoenix victims They should be very careful of who and to which deities they make merit to, as we are nearing the middle of the Hungry Ghost month.

Alas, Chinese persons should know this warning: “Do not swim in the lake during this Hungry Ghost month. Lakes and underwater are more yin

Re: Phuket pushes to splash B508mn on marine safety When will we be informed officially by the Phuket Harbour Department where and when all the boat crew training courses will be held and how to register all staff working on tour boats? Up to today, as a boat tour operator, we have not received an official letter about those training courses!

Asterix

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

8

THAILAND NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018

Govt in B3 billion push to free up teachers NATIONWIDE

Bangkok Post

Tun Hung Seong, dubbed the ‘Iceman’, was sentenced to death last Thursday (Aug 16) by a Thai court. Photo: AFP

Malaysian ‘Iceman’ gets death sentence BANGKOK A M A LAYSI A N DRUG dealer dubbed the ‘Iceman’ was sentenced to death last Thursday (Aug 16) after he was convicted of running a narcotics network that funnelled huge profits into legitimate businesses.

Tun Hung Seong was arrested in April last year after a tip-off that he had hired a man to smuggle nearly 300 kilograms of crystal meth (ya ice) through the violence-scarred south.

Investigators believe he acted as a gatekeeper to the Malaysian drug market just over the border and laundered money through karaoke bars, hotels and restaurants.

The Bangkok court convicted Tun, 65, on drug trafficking charges alongside two Thai women and a Taiwanese man.

All four were sentenced to death, although the sentences of the Taiwanese man and one of the Thai women were reduced to life imprisonment due to their “useful” confessions.

Situated along the drugrunning routes of the “Golden

Triangle”, Thailand provides overland routes for the smuggling of ya ice from factories in lawless parts of neighbouring Myanmar and Laos, in a trade estimated to be worth $40 billion (B1.334 trillion) a year.

Drug seizures across the region have shot up to record levels in recent months.

Malaysian authorities in May said they seized a record 1.2 tons of ya ice from Myanmar hidden in tea packets, believed to be the largest ever in the country in terms of value and weight.

Thailand torched more than six tons of narcotics in June, most of it ya ice.

From October to July this year, some 1,705 drug cases were reported in the kingdom, compared to 453 in the same period the year before.

Suspects convicted of serious drug offences face harsh sentences in Thailand in one of its many overcrowded prisons.

The country carried out its first execution since 2009 in June, after previously sending signals it would abolish the practice.

AFP

T

he Education Ministry has set aside a budget of B3 billion to recruit administrative staff for staterun schools to free up teachers so they can concentrate on teaching.

Addressing a meeting of senior education officials in Chumphon, Education Minister Teerakiat Jareonsettasin said school teachers under the ministry’s supervision will no longer have to do general chores starting from Oct 1.

The Office of Basic Education Commission (Obec) is authorised to spend B3bn to outsource people to handle administrative work for schools across the country, he said.

“We have to reduce burdens on teachers. Starting on Oct 1, teachers won’t have to do administrative work.”

Dr Teerakiat was speaking at a meeting of senior education officials in the southern province of Chumphon which this week hosted a mobile cabinet meeting.

The move also forms part of the ministry’s efforts to improve the work environment and boost the quality of living for teachers, which includes building new accommodation and repairing existing buildings.

Obec will have to amend the regulations involving accommodation for teachers to better meet their needs,

If the plan works, new administrative hires will do the paperwork, allowing teachers to get back to class. Photo: Bangkok Post / File he added.

According to Dr Teerakiat, Obec is also expected to scale down or even scrap projects or activities deemed unnecessary so there will be funds left to implement other development schemes.

As for the procurement projects, large schools are allowed to carry them out while small schools are advised to have the Office of Educational Service Area handle procurement.

He said the ministry has come under fire over the efficiency of its education management, but things are improving despite budget cuts.

The ministr y has, for example, introduced a new

training program for teaching personnel nationwide. It has helped bring down training costs substantially, from B9bn spent on the previous scheme to only B2bn.

Also, he said the schools and teachers will not have to fight with the Obec now that a new evaluation system is in place.

Under the new system, schools are responsible for their own academic quality and performance and the Office of Nation Education Standards and Quality Assessment (Onesqa) will conduct external quality evaluations and make suggestions where needed.

Dr Teerakiat also urged

teachers to help defend the government’s policies to push up educational standards and projects to enhance the livelihoods of teachers. The minister expressed concern such policies and projects might be in danger of being discontinued after a change of government.

He said it was up to the ministry’s personnel to stand up for initiatives that are worthy of being maintained.

“I am not wooing votes but I’m concerned about politicians undoing the policies.

“So if politicians try to make changes, please try to raise an objection because our intention is to make teachers’ lives better,” the minister said.

Murder suspect handed over by Cambodia BANGKOK THE PHUKET BAR OWNER SUSpected of being one of two gunmen involved in a double-murder in Chonburi late last month was flown to Bangkok on Tuesday night (Aug 21) after being handed over to Thai police by Cambodian authorities at the border.

The 39-year-old owner of Pum Pui bar on Bangla Rd in Patong, Panya Yingdang, also known as ‘Sia Auan’, is the key suspect in the murder of a young man and woman by two gunmen at Buddha Mountain in Chonburi on July 29.

He fled to Cambodia after the shooting.

He was escorted to a car immediately after the helicopter arrived at the Thai Police Aviation Division on Ram Intra Rd in Bangkok’s Bang Khen district about 9:33pm.

He was to be questioned by the national police chief this morning (Aug 22).

Panya is alleged to be one of the two gunmen who shot Paweena Namuangrak, 20, and her male friend Anantachai Jari-

Phuket bar owner Panya Yingdang, aka Sia Auan, wanted for the murder of a young man and woman in Chonburi, has been handed over by Cambodian authorities. Photo: Police via Bangkok Post tram, 21, in the parking lot at Khao Chee Chan, also known as Buddha Mountain, in Chonburi’s Sattahip district on July 29.

Investigators suspect jealousy and vengeance were the motive for the killing as Ms Paweena had worked in his club and was said to be his favourite girl.

Panya disappeared after the shooting, his pickup found abandoned near

the Cambodian border in Sa Kaeo. He was arrested in Prey Veng province in Cambodia last Wednesday (Aug 15), reportedly heading to Vietnam.

He was charged with illegal entry into Cambodia.

Five other suspects in the double murder are already in police custody.

Bangkok Post thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018

ASIA NEWS

9

No end to the heartache Korean family reunion brings bittersweet memories KOREAS Jung Hawon

T

he first reunions in years of families divided by the Korean War evoke bittersweet memories for Kim Jong-gyu, whose few hours with her brother in 2014 – under the watchful eyes of the North’s agents – were probably their last ever together.

“I felt so lucky and so happy to see that my brother was alive,” said the 83-year-old.

“But seeing him for only a few hours after being separated for several decades was really harsh,” she said. “It was way too short, and too heartbreaking.”

Kim is one of the dwindling number of people left whose families were torn apart during the 1950-53 conflict, which sealed the division of the Korean peninsula. Most have died without ever seeing their loved ones again.

Since 2000, the two Koreas – between which all civilian communication is banned – have held 20 rounds of family reunions, largely when their

volatile relations have eased.

The latest meetings are the first in three years, a period during which the nucleararmed North has carried out three atomic tests and scores of ballistic missile launches.

The South’s President Moon Jae-in and the North’s leader Kim Jong Un agreed to resume the gatherings at their first landmark summit in April, held in the Demilitarised Zone that runs across the peninsula.

The reunion saw a total of 181 Southerners cross the frontier for three-day visits to meet their relatives at the North’s scenic Mount Kumgang resort, with one group going on Monday (Aug 20) and a second following today (Aug 24).

Participants are chosen by lottery – after which checks are carried out to ensure their relatives are still alive – and are seen as extremely lucky.

But the short, highly-choreographed events meant to help assuage wounds that have burned for more than a half century barely allow them the chance to try.

Each time, the Southerners and Northerners are confined

Kim Jong-gyu, 83, who is one of the dwindling number of people left whose families were torn apart during the 195053 conflict, speaking during an interview at her home in Yeongju, southeast of Seoul.

Photo: Jung Yeon-je / AFP

to two different hotels and allowed to see each other only over two meals and a separate two-hour session, limiting their overall reunion to a total of only about six hours.

The years have often taken their toll and some find it hard to mend the decades apart, clinging to senile or

Taiwan’s spinning street artist TAIWAN

ISAAC HOU IS ONE OF Taipei’s best-known street artists, famous for his mesmerising acrobatics using a giant spinning hoop.

The 37-year-old Taiwanese American is a master of the metal cyr wheel, whirling himself around while stretched out inside the ring.

He performs on stage and television but still busks, drawing crowds in various spots around Taiwan’s capital, mainly in the shopping district of Xinyi.

Hou, who also practises the Brazilian dance-like martial art capoeira, as well as ballet, jazz and tango to balance his body, says he finds street performing liberating.

“The reason I wanted to become a street performer is because I saw it as a job without an unpleasant boss, having a great deal of freedom, a way to travel,” Hou said.

After high school, Hou @thephuketnews

Taiwanese American street artist Isaac Hou performs with a cyr wheel in Taipei. Photo: AFP travelled around the world doing odd jobs and learned kung fu at the Shaolin temple in China, going on to hone his acrobatic skills at circus performance schools in Denmark and Russia.

He turned to the cyr wheel as an alternative to torch juggling, which he had started to do for a living.

“I wanted to get away from doing fire so I wouldn’t have problems with the police chasing me around,” said Hou, who is married to Polish-Canadian dance teacher Magdalena Zieba.

But the freedom he finds

as a street artist also has its complications.

“It’s hard to maintain a good schedule for a long period of time. When you have too much free time it’s easy to get distracted,” he said.

When Hou starts losing his way, he says the key is to just keep going.

“I guess what works for me is to keep putting one foot in front of the next, to keep doing something even if it seems pointless, to try to go out and do things and see people.”

AFP

almost-deaf parents or siblings, tearfully shouting “Don’t you remember me? It’s me!” before bitterly giving up attempts to communicate.

At Kim’s reunion in 2014, some Northerners were seen bellowing speeches extolling the ‘Great General’ and a Southerner sang the praises of Lord Jesus to their relations from the other side, who looked visibly uncomfortable.

Another was traumatised by the sight of her emaciated family members.

“I saw one (Southern) lady crying in the bathroom during the reunion, beating her chest and murmuring repeatedly ‘I shouldn’t have come’,” Kim said. “She was apparently shocked at the sight of her relatives who looked so poor.”

Her brother Kim Hui-yong – aged 88 at the time – was paralysed on one side.

“I had so many questions to ask and had so much (to) tell... but I chose my words carefully and spoke what I thought was

really necessary,” Kim said.

“I was afraid for his safety just in case... you never know how and when one could get into trouble in the North.”

The eldest son among six siblings, Hui-yong set off from the family’s hometown in rural southern Yeongju county in 1942 aged 17 – when Jong-gyu was six – to look for work.

At the time the resourcerich northern part of the peninsula was more developed than the agrarian south, and he eventually got a job at a factory in the now North Korean city of Hungnam before the war broke out.

“My brother was the smartest one among six children of my family, and losing him was losing a bright light in my family,” said Kim, who was accompanied by two younger sisters not even born when Hui-yong left.

Their parents missed him all their lives, his mother often staying awake past midnight listening to a locomotive rum-

ble by a nearby station, hoping that her son might finally be on a train returning home.

Both her parents and two other brothers passed away before seeing him.

“They died one by one, passing the dream of being reunited with the oldest brother to the next,” she said. “Then it was my turn... and I saw the whole family’s dream finally come true.”

The two siblings tearfully said goodbye, although her brother told Kim: “There could be a day when we will meet again. Let’s bid farewell without crying.”

Back at home in Yeongju, Kim goes to church every Sunday to pray her brother is still alive and healthy, and for the two Koreas to reunify.

“But I don’t think I’ll see him again,” she said. “I think he must be dead by now.

“At least I saw him once, though only for six hours. I am blessed.”

AFP

10 WORLD NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018

Drugs and late nights Micro-engraver hand-carves phrases, symbols onto tiniest of surfaces UNITED KINGDOM Joe Jackson

U

sing Botox, betablockers a nd the stillness of the night, Graham Short produces miniature engravings like nobody else.

Often dubbed ‘the world’s smallest engraver’, he handcarves phrases and symbols onto the tiniest of surfaces, from pinheads to the edge of a razor blade.

Selling for increasingly large sums, the master craftsman goes to “ridiculous lengths” to achieve the required precision.

Short takes beta-blockers to slow his heartbeat to get the steadiest possible hand, and injects his eyelids with Botox to relax their muscles.

The 72-year-old works from midnight to dawn to minimise vibrations from outside.

“I know it’s a bit extreme...

I’m so obsessed with it,” he said from his home-studio in the suburbs of Birmingham, central England. “I don’t think anybody else would go to these lengths.”

He claims he’s the only person doing miniature engraving and says “that’s what drives me on”.

Once complete, often after months of work, his pieces are displayed in a lit case under a microscope, illuminating

An image of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II engraved into the eye of a needle. Photo: AFP

Micro-engraver Graham Short works on engraving a pin head in his studio in Birmingham, central England. Photo: AFP intricacies invisible to the naked eye.

They are typically bought by art investors with one piece, a collection of works fusing English, Arabic and calligraphy, fetching £200,000 (B8.42 million).

He sold an engraving of Queen Elizabeth II’s head on a piece of gold lodged in the eye of a needle to a Scottish dairy farmer for £100,000.

(B4.21mn).

He also engraved ‘nothing is impossible’ on the sharp edge of a razor blade, which sold for £50,000 (B2.1mn) to a gallery in northern England.

Short left school aged 15 with no academic qualifications, but got an apprenticeship with an engraving company

before starting out on his own.

He spent decades as a stationary engraver for clients including the royal family and department store Harrods.

In his spare time he tried his hand at miniature engraving, first working under two magnifying glasses and now using a microscope.

His first project, carving the Lord’s Prayer onto the head of a two-millimetre-wide gold pin, took decades to complete as he juggled his business and family life.

“When I finished that I couldn’t stop looking at it,” the father-of-two recalled. “It had taken over my whole life.”

As traditional engraving work dropped off in the digital age, Short began to

devote himself entirely to his miniature craftsmanship.

He has created 48 works over the last 15 years, he estimates, some made to order.

Among the most eye-popping was engraving the word ‘love’ onto a grain of salt, which was then balanced on an eyelash plucked from the eye of the client’s wife.

The customer, a Russian oligarch in London who wanted a novelty Valentine’s Day gift, had made his fortune in the salt mines of Siberia.

Short rose in prominence in Britain after engraving miniature portraits of Pride and Prejudice author Jane Austen onto four £5 banknotes in 2016.

He gave them away in

a Willy Wonka-style treasure hunt, spending the notes randomly across the country.

One of them was later auctioned for £6,000 (B252,605), while two others were kept by their finders and another remains in circulation.

“I couldn’t believe the interest, to be honest,” he said.

Short repeated the stunt this summer, carving England’s World Cup goal-scoring hero Harry Kane onto six more £5 banknotes.

Four are still waiting to be found, another will be presented to the Football Association and he wants to give the sixth to the player himself.

“They’ve asked me to go to a football match in London and present it to him,” Short said.

Short pushes himself to engrave on ever-smaller surfaces, hitting the limits of the human body.

“The smaller I go, the stiller I need to be. I need to be absolutely motionless,” he explained.

He tried meditation and

breathing techniques but found them insufficient, so he turned to a regime of exercise – swimming 10,000 metres daily – and beta-blockers.

“When I’m working, I eat them like sweets and I can get my heart rate down to 20 beats a minute,” he said.

“Then I try to engrave when I’m absolutely dead-still between heartbeats.”

A normal resting heart rate for adults is 60 to 100 beats.

Short injects his eyelids with Botox every three months to ensure there is “no distraction from eye nerves and muscles” Perhaps unsurprisingly, he does not enjoy creating his artworks but revels in the outcome.

“The best part for me is when it’s finished and it’s in the gallery under the microscope and somebody comes in... and they’re absolutely knocked out,” he said.

“I absolutely love it, because I know I’ve done something that no-one else can do.”

AFP

Morocco’s ancient city of Volubilis rises again MOROCCO SI T UAT ED I N A FERT I LE plain at the foot of Mount Zerhoun, the sprawling remains of Morocco’s oldest Roman site – Volubilis – have survived pillage and long periods of neglect.

After decades of decay, however, custodians of the now closely guarded ancient city have turned the page and are bringing back the tourists.

The site, nestled among olive groves near the city of Meknes, boasts a new museum and visitor centre and has been attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors.

They stroll along the main artery lined with porticoes and the remnants of vast mansions, whose mosaic floors testify to a prosperous past.

A triumphal arch, a classic symbol of Roman architecture,

sits at the top of what once was the main compound.

Known in Arabic as Oualili, the city was named a Unesco World Heritage site in 1997.

The ancient city has “known several civilisations, from the Mauritanian era to the Romans through the Islamic period”, according to Mohamed Alilou, topographer and assistant conservator of the site.

Volubilis was founded in the 3rd century BC by a Moorish community, before being annexed by the Roman Empire in 42 AD. At its peak, it would have counted up to 15,000 inhabitants.

Threatened by civil wars across the empire, the Romans evacuated the city in 285. It didn’t regain its splendour until the arrival of Arab conquerors in the 7th century.

In the 8th century when the Idrisid dynasty erected the city of Fez as its new capital, Volubilis fell once more into disuse.

At the end of the 17th century, Sultan Moulay Ismail sent thousands of slaves to plunder Volubilis’s marble columns for the construction of his palace in Meknes.

“On the track leading from Volubilis to Meknes, we found capitals (of columns) abandoned by slaves, who fled when they learnt that Moulay Ismail was dead,” said Alilou, who has been watching over the site for more than 30 years.

Excavations at Volubilis began in 1915, along with research programs and restoration work.

But renewed interest in the site brought with it looting, especially during the period of French colonial rule from 1912 to 1956.

One particularly striking case in 1982 made headlines when a marble statue of Bacchus – the Roman god of wine – disappeared.

In a desperate bid to find the relic, King Hassan II dispatched gendarmes who “interrogated,

abused and beat” peasants who “didn’t know Bacchus from Adam and Eve”, according to Moroccan press reports.

The effort was in vain and the statue was never found.

“The people here are still traumatised,” said a resident of nearby Moulay Driss Zerhoun.

Moroccan media frequently warn that the country’s heritage – archaeological finds, mosaics and ancient coins – is being looted.

But in Volubilis, Alilou says that looting is a thing of the past.

Today “the site is fenced off and well guarded”, he said. “We have a team of 14 guards who work day and night, cameras are everywhere.”

Mustafa Atki, another Volubilis conservator, said the whole issue of looting was “sometimes exaggerated”.

Since the opening of its museum in 2013, the ancient city has

Tourists walk through the ruins of the ancient Roman site of Volubilis, near the town of Moulay Idriss Zerhounon in Morocco’s north central Meknes region.

Photo: Fadel Senna / AFP attracted several hundred thousand visitors a year.

“In 2017, for the first time we past the 300,000 mark,” said Atki.

Alilou said the ancient city covering 42 acres has yet to reveal all of its secrets.

“A third of the site, especially the western quarter built in the Islamic era, has not been excavated,” he said.

AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018

BUSINESS NEWS 11

Dot Property Thailand Awards All Inspire, Blue Horizon big winners as awards honour industry’s best Hua Hin – Sivana HideAway Best Villa Development Hua Hin – Red Mountain Real Estate Contributors Category Best Construction Company Phuket – Utopia Development

SPONSORED

A

total of 24 awards were bestowed upon developers, projects, real estate agents and companies during the Dot Property Thailand Awards 2018 exclusive presentation ceremony at Radisson Blu Plaza Bangkok last Thursday night (Aug 16).

All Inspire Development and Blue Horizon were among the night’s big winners that also saw the People’s Choice Award for Best Developer Thailand announced.

“We are incredibly proud to announce the Dot Property Thailand Awards 2018 winners.

These are truly the country’s best real estate developers, projects, companies and agents and they should all be applauded for their commitment to excellence. Our awards program continues to grow and this year’s presentation ceremony is a testament to that,” Ben Neve, Dot Property Business CEO and founder, proclaimed.

The ceremony was an event the teams from All Inspire Development and Blue

@thephuketnews

All Inspire Development and Blue Horizon were among the night’s big winners that also saw the People’s Choice Award for Best Developer Thailand announced. Photo: Supplied Horizon will remember for years to come. The former was presented with Best Developer Bangkok while the latter garnered honours for Best Developer Phuket. It was one of three awards on the night for Blue Horizon. The firm’s Grand Himalai development scored Best Investment Project Phuket and Best Mixed-Use Project Phuket.

The most anticipated moment of the evening came when the winner of the People’s Choice Award for Best Developer was revealed. All Dot Property Thailand Awards 2018 winners were eligible for this honour which was voted on by the public in the weeks

leading up to the ceremony.

The votes were tallied and All Inspire Development was presented with the People’s Choice Award for Best Developer Thailand this year.

Developers and agents from Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Samui, Hua Hin, Krabi and Isarn were honoured. Phuketbased Utopia Development took home a pair of awards while Mai Khao Beach Condotel also claimed two honours on the night.

Dot Property Thailand Awards 2018 list of winners: Developer Categories: Best Developer Bangkok – All Inspire Development

Best Developer Phuket – Blue Horizon Development Categories: Best Investment Project Phuket – Grand Himalai Best Mixed-Use Project Phuket – Grand Himalai Best Condotel Phuket – Mai Khao Beach Condotel Best Affordable Condominium Phuket – Mai Khao Beach Condotel Best Villa Architectural Design Phuket – Utopia Maikhao Seaview Villas Best Mid-Range Condo Development – Bayview Paradise Best Waterfront Development Krabi – Koh Jum Beach Villas Best Luxury Villa Development

The Dot Property Thailand Awards also launched a new addition to the awards series; Thailand’s Best Real Estate Agencies presented by Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®. This special section of the awards highlighted 11 leading real estate agencies and pays tribute to the important role they play in the property market.

Thailand’s Best Real Estate Agencies 2018 presented by Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® winners: • Accom Asia • Bangkok Residence 88 • Century 21 Skylux • Horizon Homes • Isan Real Estate • Pattaya Foreigner Service • Pattaya Realty • Phuket Buy House • PhuketCondo.Net • St. James Properties

• Vauban Real Estate The Dot Property Thailand Awards 2018 are organised by Thailand Property and Dot Property Thailand in conjunction with Dot Property Magazine. The Dot Property Awards series spans Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines. More than 100 winners were honoured in 2017.

“With the addition of the People’s Choice Award for Best Developer and Thailand’s Best Real Estate Agencies 2018 presented by Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, the Dot Property Thailand Awards 2018 has established itself as the can’t miss awards series in the Kingdom,” Adam Sutcliffe, Dot Property managing director, Thailand, says.

“We salute all of this year’s winners for being the best.

We would also like to thank Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® for helping us provide Thailand’s real estate agents with a platform to shine,” he says.

For more information visit DotPropertyAwards.com

12 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018

Building a new heart of Phuket

B20bn Central Phuket mega-mall ready to open on Sept 10 RETAIL The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

C

entral Pattana Co Ltd (CPN), the development arm of the Central Group, has announced that the grand opening of ‘Central Phuket’ will be held on Sept 10, marking the formal opening of the B20 billion project.

Speaking at a press launch at the Centara Grand Beach Resort in Karon last Wednesday (Aug 15), Wallaya Chirathivat, Deputy CEO of Central Pattana Plc, said, “Central Phuket is ready to open on 10th September.

“Central Phuket helps to emphasise us as a global player and it is in line with the provincial development policy to elevate Phuket to be one of the most complete travel destinations in the world. The positioning of Central Phuket is set to be ‘The Magnitude of ‘Luxury & Leisure’ Resort Shopping Destination’, a seamless combination of Luxury and Leisure lifestyle in one place,” she added.

Ms Wallaya explained that ‘Central Phuket’ consists of two buildings: Floresta focuses on tourists and customers who prefer a luxurious lifestyle, enjoy shopping for leading brands and like to visit world-class attractions.

The second building ‘Festival’, the original building and the one best known by local residents, aims to attract family-group customers who regularly visit the shopping centre to shop, enjoy good food and watch movies, Ms Wallaya explained.

“We also plan to develop an international and regional convention centre as well as a world-class hotel,” she added.

Of note, the building for years known formally as ‘Central Festival Phuket East’, located on the east side of the bypass road across from ‘Central Festival’ and known best as the home of the HomeWorks store,

From right: CPN Deputy CEO Wallaya Chirathivat, CPN Chief Operating Officer Pakorn Patanapat and CPN Executive Vice President – Marketing Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana Ph.D. Photo: Supplied is not included in the definition of ‘Central Phuket’.

Central Phuket is located on 111 rai of land with a total ground floor area (GFA) of 400,000 square metres.

The Phuket News noted that the new building Floresta will have parking space for 3,000 vehicles, adding to the 1,000 parking spaces already available at the Festival building.

The two buildings are connected by an elevated pedestrian bridge.

Situated on a prime location on Wichit Songkram Rd, Central Phuket is the largest retail space in Phuket and in the South of Thailand; fulfilling the needs of locals and tourists comprehensively, covering free independent travellers (FIT), tour groups and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) in one place, noted a release issued last Wednesday.

“We believe that with our expertise and long experience in developing shopping centres and hotels in Phuket, Central Phuket will be a mega project that will help to support a huge leap in growth for Phuket’s economy, create jobs and income for people and fully support

the tourism industry. Visit Phuket and you may no longer need to shop in or travel to Bangkok or overseas,” Ms Wallaya said.

“This project highlights our excellence on a global scale in three aspects: a ‘World-Class Project’ – it is a world-class mega project and Central Pattana’s luxury flagship store, a fulfilling shopping experience making Phuket the perfect ‘Beach Lifestyle Destination’ comparable to the French Riviera or Miami and Hawaii in the USA; ‘World-Class Experience’ – creating a world-class experience that elevates Phuket to one of the ‘Global Luxury Destinations’, meeting the ‘Luxury & Leisure Lifestyle’ travel trend of people from around the world, with a selection of global brands and launching international events throughout the year under the concept of ‘The World Comes to Play’; and ‘World-Class Attractions’ – the new destination for tourists from all over the world with the ‘World’s First Ever’ attractions.

Visiting Central Phuket will fulfil all types of lifestyles: eat, shop and have fun throughout the day,’

she added.

Pakorn Patanapat, Chief Operating Officer of Central Pattana Plc, at the press launch last Wednesday spoke on the changes in tourism trends of the new generation of travellers, saying, “Nowadays, the new generation of travellers have their own unique style of travel, focusing on ‘exploring new experiences’; we have to meet the needs of luxury travel while providing these travellers with adventure, entertainment and activities as well as giving a touch of local living.

“CPN is the first shopping centre developer in Phuket to initiate the ‘Luxury & Leisure Lifestyle’ trend.

We have integrated it into Central Phuket in order to offer unique leisure activities that represent the authentic charms of Phuket and Thailand in combination with world-class unparalleled luxury in one place, aiming to fulfil all needs with a total of over 400 luxury bridge line and lifestyle brands and restaurants.”

In addition, Central Phuket will be home to several world-class attractions: Tribhum – a 3D virtual adventure in the world’s first fantasy walk-through, which will officially open in October; Tales of Thailand – the largest indoor market reflecting Thainess lifestyle from the four regions of Thailand; and Aquaria – Thailand’s newest format of aquarium – to open in January, 2019 – and other services to support tourists from all over the world.

“Central Pattana is also aware of the importance of environmental sustainability in Phuket, especially the problem of waste,” Mr Pakorn added.

“This environmental project is CPN’s first model for full-cycle waste reduction. We support the activities of systematically reducing, separating and properly disposing of rubbish.

“We are holding roadshows together with our CPN volunteer team in order to provide up-to-date

knowledge on how to separate rubbish for communities and schools in Phuket, cultivating young people to be good citizens. We are joining hands with the municipality to encourage the use of cloth bags to reduce the use of plastic bags,” he said.

The highlights for the Grand Opening on Sept 10 include firsttime, world-class performances in Thailand, such as an innovative live performance of 360-degree theatrical experiences entitled ‘Star Catcher’ by the ‘Creativiva’, the world-famous performance show from Canada, and international street shows including ‘Bubble on Circus’, soap-bubble art created by artists from Italy and ‘The Balloon Show’, creative balloon art performed by an artist from Japan.

Celebrity Thai actors and actresses such as ‘Pope Thanawat’ and ‘Bella Ranee’ will perform in a show entitled ‘The First Glorious Light of Phuket’, and there will also be the ‘The Sealumination’ lighting show on display each night from Sept 10-16.

“We will also hold other worldclass signature events beginning at the end of the year and through the new year i.e. Phuket International Music Festival and Phuket International Countdown 2019 for the first time in Phuket to help enhance the province as the destination of choice for people around the world to visit during New Year and as one of the countdown landmarks that everyone eagerly anticipates under the concept of ‘Central Phuket – The World Comes to Play’,” Mr Pakorn noted.

The Sept 10 opening of Central Phuket makes good on the promise

by Central Group Executive Chairman and CEO Tos Chirathivat in March this year.

Meanwhile, the quietly-underconstruction “Central Patong” shopping mall in the heart of Phuket’s busiest tourism town is slated to be complete by year’s end with hopes that the new mall will be open in time for the new year.

First Chevrolet 2S Service Centre opens in Phuket AUTO CHEVROLET THAILAND held the grand opening of its first new Chevrolet ‘2S’ Service Centre of Thailand in Phuket last Thursday (Aug 16) with its dealer, TK Automobile.

The centre, located on the bypass road, is open Monday to Saturday, from 8:30am to 5:30pm.

“To expand the service coverage and customer care, Chevrolet plans to open the new 2S centres offering service and spare parts under the concept of stand-alone at nationwide

by 2019,” said Piyanuch Chaturaphat, Sales and Marketing General Director of Chevrolet Thailand.

“The first new stand-alone Chevrolet 2S service centre in Phuket is a facility set across 900 square metres with four car service bays,” she added.

The first new 2S service centre will be a role model, providing service that includes four car service bays, aftersales vehicle servicing, repairs and warranty work by qualified and certified Chevrolet technicians, noted a release issued at the launch.

“While vehicle service is per-

formed, customers can relax in a lounge designed and decorated as a comfortable living space for their enjoyment. This is to better serve Chevrolet customers in Phuket and nearby provinces where there are no Chevrolet service centres,” it added.

Ms Piyanuch noted, “The launch of the new 2S service centre reinforces our commitment to the Complete Care customer promise of providing our customers with convenience and world-class experience because customers are at the centre of everything we do.”

Chevrolet Complete Care pro-

gram offers a wide range of services, including an optional new service program which reduces the cost of a standard service by 40% on average per interval for 2019 Colorados.

This is to ensure that the customers will get a valuable service from Chevrolet, added the release.

“In the first half of 2018, Chevrolet Thailand’s sales has increased by 4% compared to the same period last year. Leading the charge was the Colorado, which saw 11% sales continue to increase compared to the same period last year,” added Ms Piyanuch.

The Phuket News

Piyanuch Chaturaphat, Sales and Marketing General Director of Chevrolet Thailand, at the launch last Thursday (Aug 16).

The new 2S service centre is located at 108/201 Moo 5 Chalermprakiat Rama 9 Rd, Rassada, Muang, Phuket 83000. For more information contact the Chevrolet call centre at 1734, or visit www.chevrolet.co.th thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018

Gay marriage in Buddhist Thailand

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018

14

Toning bodies whilst cleaning the beaches

15

Nice promotional CGI shot, but does the tech deliver? Image: Magic Leap

ONE GIANT FLOP The ‘game changer’ for mixed reality stumbles

David Jacklin editor1@classactmedia.co.th

H

ave you ever heard of Magic Leap? If not, you’ll be surprised to learn that this American start-up company, founded in 2010, has raised an enormous US$2.3 billion for a previously non-released technology platform development programme employing more than 1,500 employees. For those that do know about Magic Leap’s existence, you’ll also know that whilst there has been much hype about the potential of their technology, supported by the occasional ‘life changing’ CGI image or two, the actual method and product has been shrouded in total secrecy for the past seven years of development.

Magic Leap is a ‘mixed reality’ platform. The company prefers to differentiate this as ‘spatial computing’.

In essence it’s the ability to enhance your surrounding ‘real’ environment with the integration and interaction with menu systems, 3D objects and animations. The current technological limitation and delivery method is for the user to wear a headset tethered to a wearable device which projects content into your field of vision... ideally with as much spatial accuracy as possible to prevent breaking the illusion that it’s actually ‘there’. It’s fair to say that the intensity of ‘real-time’ information processing and tracking, paired with a @thephuketnews

wearable computer powerful enough to deliver this experience seamlessly has to this point been lacking. Microsoft’s offering, The HoloLens, has been in the market for several years, and whilst it has its primitive uses in commercial training with an increasing potential in education, it certainly has underwhelming consumer value. So, is Magic Leap the next case of Emperor’s New Clothes?

And what have they been doing with all of this time and money? According to the company founder and CEO, Rony Abovitz, with a company statement that is unlikely to calm the investors’ nerves, “When we’re not here talking about mixed reality and the future of computing, we’re busy putting robots in your kitchen and making music you can touch.”

Well that’s alrighty then. No further explanation needed. Please carry on.

And so they did. Right up to August 8 when the Magic Leap One headset and developer’s kit was unleashed to a poised world… most notably without a convincing domestic android nor ‘touchy-feely’ semiquavers in augmented sight.

So the first technical journalist reviews are out. Now brace yourselves.

Guess what? After billions of dollars spent and promises of floating ginormous sea mammals in your school gymnasium – and why is this the visual pinnacle of our future? – they’re far from encouraging.

The Verge’s Adi Robertson wrote a hands-on review of the launch product, describing the experience as a ‘flawed glimpse’ of the potential in this field of technology.

“Based on an afternoon with Magic Leap, the Magic Leap One Creator Edition is a functional, thoughtfully designed headset with some very real advantages over competitors like the Microsoft HoloLens. But it doesn’t seem like a satisfying computing device or a radical step forward for mixed reality.

“While not as restrictive as Microsoft’s HoloLens, the Lightwear (headset) has a limited field of view that constrains the experience. Some objects appeared cut off unless I turned my head or took a few steps back. I don’t suggest anyone run out to buy one – maybe not for years. I found many of Magic Leap’s technically impressive demos to be little more than a novelty.”

And MIT Technology Review was also less than complimentary.

“Yet while the experiences in the demo room are fun and visually impressive, none of it is truly mind-blowing.”

“I want to feel like those robots are actually coming after me. I want the life-size whale coming out of the gym floor. And I want to forget that I’m weighed down by a headset and pocketsized computer, peering at this visually enhanced world one rectangle at a time.

For this to happen, the hardware will have to get still smaller and better.”

“More to the point, cool as the gadget

is, the question remains: can Magic Leap turn it into a money-making business?”

So where is this going? I’m not sure even Magic Leap know. They’re certainly keen to promote a magical idea of a technically-enhanced future, but with little direction on what this will actually achieve. And will they be the ones to do it even if the roadmap to a digitally enhanced future is imagined? Whilst Magic Leap have constrained any serious questions or information from within the company with strict non-disclosure agreements with all employees, and some clearly PR-orchestrated positive statements… various leaks from within the company have confirmed what we’ve secretly been wondering all along.

“Either management doesn’t appear to have a clue, or they are in on a very giant scam.”

“Unless you’re drinking the Kool-Aid you’ll quickly see how much of a facade this company is.”

Ouch. Perhaps they’ve been too busy working on a mixed-reality experience for their investors? One in which cryptocurrency literally falls off the swooning purple trees straight into their clean, glowing hands, neatly obscuring their regal butt-naked frames. The Garden of Eden this is not.

Check out the unforgettable first experiences created by Magic Leap Studios at www.magicleap.com

14 CULTURE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018

All for One, or One for All?

Why gay marriage has been a no-go in Buddhist Thailand Gay union is a complex cultural issue. Photo: freestocks.org Jason Alan Jellison mitnoy@live.com

Many foreigners mistake Thai tolerance for liberalism because Thais are not Puritanical.

A

lthough once thought of as a ‘gay man’s paradise,’ Thailand has done a lot in recent years to dispel that notion. There is still no gay marriage to be found here and many foreign guests, dignitaries and tourists would like to know why… and, as usual, the answer all comes down to culture.

The first key to understanding Thailand’s sluggish sleepwalk towards gay marriage actually traces back to Western colonialism. Polygamous marriage was a key feature of many Oriental marriages prior to the colonisation of Southeast Asia.

While Siam (Thailand) managed to avoid being directly colonised, it did so through a series of concessions to the Western powers. In the 1930s, Siam removed polygamous marriage from its legal code in an effort to integrate with Britain, America and France. The practice still goes on unofficially and is a prominent theme on Thai soap operas.

Thus, it would not be unfair to say that history – or the unconscious effect that it often has on its descendants – has proven to be the first sedative preventing Thailand from making the leap into gay marriage. Yet, the story only begins here.

Because the Thai institution of marriage has come under Western pressure before, there is good news and bad news. The good news is that Thai people are not generally concerned about a corrosive effect on marriage as an institution because, after all, Thai marriage underwent significant legal reform in the early 20th century and is still standing.

The bad news, however, is that according to some reports up to 50% of Thais think that homosexuality is ‘wrong,’ and this includes Thais presently aged between 15-25. That percentage may read as alarmingly high to many Western readers, but when one understands ‘street karma’ it becomes easier to understand why some Thai people think that gay people are being punished in this life for sins of a past life.

Thus, much like in early ’90s America, gay people find themselves consigned to ‘certain’ social roles. In Thailand, they struggle to step outside of those roles because gay parenting is something of a Thai taboo.

Bud Lake and Manuel Santos were two gay, would-be adoptive parents in Bangkok and they became famous for using a Thai surrogate to carry their child in 2015. While they were eventually successful in starting a family, they managed to ignite a legal and societal firestorm that still smolders today.

In the West, the empirical evidence clearly demonstrates that a traditional, nuclear family is indeed what’s best for children. However, it has also been proven that single parents and gay parents can often do just as well; even if some people don’t find it to be ideal.

Yet, that lesson struggles to resonate in Thailand because most families stay together for a lifetime,

and often live together for a lifetime.

Hence, the thought of such a radical departure from life’s most common paradigm seems incomprehensible to many Thais.

It is common for foreigners to mistake Thai Buddhist tolerance for liberalism; but ‘tolerance’ and ‘liberalism’ are two fundamentally different things. ‘Tolerance’ does not accelerate the leap into gay rights.

Many foreigners mistake Thai tolerance for liberalism because Thais are not Puritanical. Unlike in the historical West, Thailand does not crush any outward sign of homosexuality with their fists… but that does not in any way indicate that Thai society endorses homosexuality or gay marriage.

Thailand is mainly Buddhist and many great teachers of Buddhism have had to walk-back inflammatory statements that they made about gays prior to the 21st century. Twenty years ago, for example, the Dali Lama was quoted as saying, “From a Buddhist point of view, men-to-men and women-towomen is generally considered sexual misconduct.”

The Dali Lama has no authority in Thailand, but some prominent Thai monks have said very similar things.

While Buddhism’s teachings may be timeless, the awareness of LGBT issues is timely, and so many monks have had to re-evaluate their views of scripture.

Meanwhile, a few savvy Western activists have tried to improve the situation by increasing LGBT awareness in Thai society. However, this has somewhat backfired because educational campaigns work best only when a society is totally unsympathetic; but outright intolerance has never been the case in Thailand.

Throughout Siamese history, homosexuality was never criminalised.

Thailand also permitted many unsavoury things that were simply disallowed in the historical West, such as gay bathhouses, prostitution, gay taverns and, nowadays, rather unsavoury social media applications.

Thus, foreign educational initiatives often fail in Thailand and, instead of eliminating anti-gay bias, it actually

could be argued that foreign gay rights activists sometimes have achieved precisely the reverse of what they intended.

Yet, there is more to Thailand’s estrangement from equal marriage rights than just societal issues. There is, of course, politics. One might be surprised to learn that recent polls show a growing level of support for civil unions in Thailand. This could mislead people into believing that Thai politicians would be eager to pounce on the issue.

Yet, chronically-changing governments, a revolving door of discarded constitutions, ever-changing legislative priorities, endless committees, Asean instability and even a dose of good oldfashioned bias have all served to rain on the parade.

Additionally, many gay rights proposals have turned out to be Trojan Horses. For example, a recent proposal for civil unions would have granted equal marriage rights with one hand, but would have also raised the homosexual age of consent from 17 to 20 with the other hand. There is a newer attempt at civil unions that will supposedly be voted on next month, but it mainly covers asset management and does not grant the same rights as a traditional marriage.

Finally, gay marriage in Thailand could continue in its sleepwalk thanks to the radically-changing geopolitical condition which is rapidly departing from and/or fighting a liberal world order. Thai politicians eye a paltry 30 countries in which gay marriage has been codified into law – leaving 160 to go. They also see conservative uprisings in many of the 30 progressive countries on LGBT issues.

Yet, a recent poll on gay marriage did show a 61% approval rating for some kind of marriage equality. Thus, Thai politicians find themselves stuck in a tug-of-war between the security of tradition and the unknowns of change.

Regardless of the upcoming vote, gay marriage will continue to struggle in Thailand until Thai society either embraces it as a holistic addition to their society, or until the pressure from the outside world becomes simply too great to ignore. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

COMMUNITY 15

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018

Good deeds, good intentions Clean the Beach Boot Camp making us all feel a little respect

W

hilst loving the world-class beaches we have on offer across the island, it’s a little difficult at times not to be disappointed at how badly they are maintained and An incredlooked after. On a recent trip to Panwa, with stunning views from a resort across ible effort Chalong Bay, the eye was sadly brought by one down to the mountain of waste lapping man’s goal to make the shoreline, and my spirits with it. As Aretha would sing, “All I’m askin’ is for a little respect.” a difference.

There’s little point just harping on about it. There is reform afoot with business practices and education, but this will take time. What we need is positive action and inspiration at an individual level that brings about immediate change.

A step in the right direction, nay, a true giant leap, are the efforts of Krix Luther and Clean The Beach Boot Camp (CBBC).

The principle is simple. Events are organised on a number of beaches across the island. People turn up for a beach workout with a qualified trainer. They sweat it out on the sand for an hour. After the initial calorie burn, they finish the job by cleaning up the beach of rubbish for another hour. Sounds like a worthwhile local effort? Why not. But after launching the event just over five years ago here in Phuket, CBBC is now operating in nine countries, has conducted over 1,800 clean-ups, collected over 500,000kg of rubbish, and made over 32,500 people a little healthier in both body and spirit.

What drives it to be so successful? My belief is in the simple answer that it is free. No, not because we are all cheapskate conservationists, but because by being free the intention of all involved, from the instructors to the ‘volunteers’, is entirely for common good.

Clean The Beach Boot Camp is the brainchild of Krix Luther, a previous Muay Thai champion turned health and fitness specialist and personal trainer. So how did CBBC first come about?

“I’d started an early morning boot camp on Nai Harn Beach, but there was so much rubbish. It was too dangerous to train. So I asked the group if they could help me clear up the beach for 40 minutes, and I’d not charge for the session. They stayed far longer than 40 minutes and we all felt rather good. CBBC was born.”

Krix assures me that whilst ‘Boot Camp’ sounds a little harsh, in reality the sessions are designed to accommodate people at all levels working at their own pace. Initially, as an ice-breaker, people are paired up for a dynamic stretch and movement patterns prior to timed exercises for the main workout, which enables everyone to go at their own pace. A yoga session is used for the cool-down period.

“It began as an expat event, but we increasingly get locals, and we now have a Facebook page in Thai language,” Krix proudly declared. “Good deeds backed by good intentions. It’s such a nice way to bring the community together.”

CBBC has grown organically in the past few years to other areas of the globe. Inspired by the workouts in Phuket, personal trainers and friends who had relocated started asking if they were able to run events in their environments. From Angola to Kuwait, Bali to Hong Kong the word is spreading and beaches Krix Luther takes the volunteers through their paces. are gleaming once again.

So how do people join?

“It’s as easy as just turning up and getting involved,” said Krix. “We have a local chapter Facebook page that details the events which happen every two weeks at different locations.”

It’s very worthwhile mentioning that there’s also a donation system on David Jacklin editor1@classactmedia.co.th

@thephuketnews

Sorting through the haul for recycling. the CBBC website for those that want to support, but perhaps not so physically. All the set up equipment, gloves and rubbish bags are paid for by CBBC, and sponsorship is always welcome to support their ‘not for profit’ charitable efforts.

Clean The Beach Boot Camp is an incredible effort by one man’s goal to make a difference, and a legion of people who not only know, but can ‘feel’ the effects of what he’s bringing about.

There’s positivity in the air. Time to look both up and down the beach again with pride.

Bags of rubbish cleared from each beach clean.

The Clean The Beach Boot Camp website can be found at www.cleanthebeachbootcamp.com Local events are listed at www.facebook. com/CleanTheBeachBootCamp/

16 GARDENING

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018

A Whiter Shade of Pale

Exploring the purest beauty of our most fragrant of tropical shrubs GREEN THOUGHTS Patrick Campbell

Many of these flowers are fragrant, almost as though Mother Nature decided that their pallor needed something extra to attract the attention of pollinating insects or nature-loving humans.

W

hite has so many associations – positively, it intimates innocence and purity; adversely, coldness and sterility. In Thailand, judging by the dominance of white in floral garlands, it is often identified with good fortune. Most lucky leis contain two or three white flowers – buds of jasmine and Indian milkweed (calatropis) plus a pair of creamy magnolias (champaca) for good measure. Moreover, the white spectrum is equally well represented in the average Phuket garden – from the pure white of the day and -flowering jessamines, the boxwoods and bauhinias, to the creamy-tinted flowers of brunfelsia or buddleia paniculata. And it is a blessing that so many of these flowers are fragrant, almost as though Mother Nature decided that their pallor needed something extra to attract the attention of pollinating insects or nature-loving humans.

To illustrate the point, over the years, the two most-perfumed plants in my garden have been the racemes of buddleia and fiddlewood (citharexylum spinosum). Both are relatively insignificant visually, but the scent of the tiny flowers is rich and intense, especially in the morning. A word of warning.

The fiddlewood is sometimes sold as a buddleia, but a buddleia it ain’t. It has distinctive, bright green leaves (the buddleia’s are grey-green and rough to the touch), and it grows rapidly. I have a couple bought in containers a year ago and one is already outdistancing all the other shrubs. Unless you want a specimen tree or some rapidly acquired shade, it is not for the cottage garden.

Orange Jasmine. Photo: GNNick

Thai Leis often contain buds of jasmine and Indian milkweed.

Other white bloomers are more tractable. Take the gardenia (Cape jasmine or put chin). A member of the madder family (rubiaciae), it is beloved of florists worldwide, because of its large, scented blooms and glossy, evergreen, leaves. Its tubular or funnel-shaped flowers are usually creamy white and exist in any number of cultivars, which range from semi-double varieties such as “Magnifica” to the double blooms of “Mystery”. Preferring rich, acidic soil, the gardenia is a good choice for a substantial pot, since it is a shallow rooting plant and in the tropics will need some protection from the sun. And it will take readily from cuttings.

The tabernaemontana (put farang) has flowers that superficially resemble those of the single gardenia. Five-

Wrightia religiosa. Photo:TopTropics.com

petalled and curved, they remind me of propellers and look as though they should be revolving in the breeze.

This evergreen shrub has small, shiny leaves and will, given the right conditions – which means regular watering – flower for much of the year. Need I add that it is fragrant, especially at night. Also easy to propagate from seeds or cuttings, it is, like the gardenia, available at most garden centres.

Equally famed for their perfume is the family of jasmines. The common version, jasminum officinale, was hardy enough to thrive in my London garden.

It is a vine which can, if unchecked, reach 30 feet in height. But it is not really a shrub for the tropics, and its relatives do better here. I am thinking of jasminum sambac (Arabian Jessamine), well known in Thailand as mali son. Its white flowers are starshaped and appear in clusters all year round. And unlike most varieties, it is tolerant of dry soil. Other jasmines you can try are jasminum multiflorum (star jasmine or mali phueng) and rex (royal jasmine or pan yii). Both have evergreen foliage, both are climbers, both need moisture at their roots and some support for their branches. Given these favourable conditions, they will bloom for most of the year. The royal jasmine produces two or three white flowers at the end of each vine; multiflorum has eight-petalled blooms which are covered with fine yellow hairs.

The favourite variety here is probably the orange jasmine (murraya paniculata or dok kaeo). It is not a vine and thus needs no support. In a couple of years, it will grow into a neat, tree-like bush some four metres high. It has a spicy fragrance which attracts butterflies, and it will tolerate semi-shade. While I am not a fan of the Thai propensity for pruning and clipping shrubs into symmetrical shapes and hedges, the orange jasmine will tolerate such treatment and for this reason is widely grown in Phuket.

So too wrightia religiosa (mok baan), a white flowering shrub from the apocynaceae family. It is a familiar plant here, usually grown as a hedge, or arranged as a front line of earthenware pots. I confess I am a little perplexed by this vogue, since the flowers are of little consequence, pendulous and bell-shaped, but miniscule. Moreover the light-green leaves are pretty insignificant and the whole plant has a very open structure. To its credit, it is evergreen, and it does bloom for much of the year. And, dare I say, it is yet another of those white shrubs that smells divine.

Maybe I should change my opinion…

Patrick has been writing for 10 years about gardening in Phuket and allied topics. If you have horticultural or environmental concerns, please contact him at drpaccampbell@gmail.com. Many of his earlier creative and academic publications can be found at Wordpress: Green Galoshes. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

HEALTH 17

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018

Journey to a better health

Citycare provides an alternative approach to healthcare needs The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

O

ver recent years there has been a noticeable and positive shift in public opinion towards complimentary medicine and alternative therapies.

Whilst increasing numbers of patients have explored different treatments beyond the mainstream Western medical approach, these remain external, private practices which an individual must research and explore for themselves. It seems surprising due to the acknowledged benefits of alternative treatments that they are not more integrated into healthcare centres so that they can be regulated under medical control.

For those who are keen to gain a more holistic approach to medicine, they would be wise to visit the new Citycare Medical and Wellness Center.

The brainchild of Dr Gerald Tur and Bernard Bilardello of the Citygate property development company, the Citycare Center, Kamala, has been three years in planning and development, and is finally opening its doors on Sept 22 at 10am sharp.

The new centre will consist of three floors with a wide range of medical services. The first floor will comprise Western medical services. However, the second floor is dedicated to alternative medicinal practices, and the third floor provides a wellness centre for lifestyle improvement, including a gym with personal trainers and nutritionists. In addition, a separate building with 48 rooms will provide living quarters for patients who wish to remain on-site for medical programmes or treatment schedules.

Dr Gerald Tur explained the reasoning behind this novel, integrated approach.

“Citycare will provide the best treatment according to what you need.

Patients at the centre will receive a medical assessment, but this does not mean that you will necessarily be advised on a medical or drug-based course. It’s about finding the best treatment needed for any condition.

“The cure is not always chemical,” Dr Tur continued. “Lifestyle changes and diet can often produce the required effect. The centre is there to help people understand that in many cases a change in bad habits can cure without the need for medicine.”

All the staff have been selected specifically to follow this ethos. They are required to be medically qualified but have an open mind to a variety of treatments and possess complementary skills. @thephuketnews

The idea of a holistic medical centre that provides first-class Western diagnosis as well as integrated alternative practitioners and services on site is clearly a more forward-thinking approach to wellbeing. One wonders why this is not a standard set up in effective treatment in public health services. Of course, as well as acceptance of other practices, financial considerations could be an issue.

But Dr Tur also wishes to make the range of medical options available to people at a reasonable price. “We want to provide a quality of service that is better than local hospitals, but more cost effective than the high-end private care.”

“When clients come to us, they have already made up their mind that exploring a wide range of medical treatments is more beneficial for them. We want to be the best at not only providing outpatient hospital services, but also be effective at treating other complex conditions such as insomnia, anxiety or pain management with more holistic treatments.”

The centre has engaged in a partnership with the Bangkok Hospital and Siriroj International Hospital in providing further support and healthcare options to patients on the island.

Citycare boasts a fully equipped emergency room, surgery theatre and ambulance with qualified Western medical doctors as part of their Outpatient department. There will be an on-site pharmacy providing both chemical and natural medicine. The Western medical services will also include screening facilities such as X-ray, ECG heart monitoring and physiotherapy.

Moving up a floor, the alternative treatments include psychology, hypnosis and acupuncture to name but a few of the services on offer.

Most intriguing of all is the introduction of facilities for ‘Quantum Medicine’ and diagnosis. Apparently this treatment is in development at the Nasa Research Park, California, to prevent astronauts getting sick on long space missions where limited treatment would be available. The controversial method claims to use wave signals to detect pathology in the human body long before physical signs begin to emerge. According to Dr Tur, as example, a blood test is primarily a limited ‘picture in time’ of an individual’s current state. Whilst the theory behind the quantum medical technique is that it is able to screen a patient’s function and health status across a wider period of time to obtain and detect a more complete health status.

As well as an in-house gym with instructors giving supporting health plans at no additional charge to the core treat-

Dr Gerald Tur with the development plans.

Design Model of the Citygate complex. ment cost, the Citycare Center will also provide aesthetic treatments by having one of the top Thai plastic surgeons as part of the team. The aesthetics department will also introduce the latest approaches and technical machinery such as micro-liposuction.

All-in-all it’s an overwhelming range of medical services under one roof. The center is most certainly a unique and alternative proposition to our island’s healthcare needs. And this leads to Dr Tur’s vision for the future.

The Citycare Medical and Wellness Center.

“I want the Citycare Center to build up an identity and strong reputation for delivering quality across our full range of holistic care. And we have plans to expand our services with more floors, offering more choice and the latest and most effective treatments to our patients.”

The Citycare Medical and Wellness Center is located at 71/21 - Moo 3, Kamala, Kathu 83150. Call 088-201-0404.

Website at www.citycarephuket.com

18 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Stuart J. Bromley CIC Fund Chairman, Jeniffer & Wicky and K. Natthaphong.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018

Desmond & Grenville.

Harry & Ragu.

David, Ian, K. Paew & Mike.

AUSTCHAM PHUKET SUNDOWNERS AT NOVOTEL PHUKET PHOKEETHRA A strong turnout from Phuket’s business community turned out at the Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce (AustCham) Phuket Sundowners networking event at the Estrela Sky Lounge at the Novotel Phuket Phokeethra in Phuket Town last night. The event was organised in collaboration with Amcham, the BCCT, Franco-Thai and NTCC, and the Australian Alumni, and saw Pakorn Partanapat, Chief Operating Officer of Central Pattana PCL (CPN), speak at a Members Briefing on ‘Central’s Retail Developments and Opportunities in Phuket’ before the networking event.

Piyanuch Chaturaphat (centre), Sales and Marketing General Director of Chevrolet Thailand, at the launch.

Presenting the facilities at the opening of the Chevrolet ‘2S’ Service Centre.

FIRST CHEVROLET 2S SERVICE CENTRE IN PHUKET HOLDS OPENING EVENT Chevrolet Thailand held the grand opening of its first new Chevrolet ‘2S’ Service Centre of Thailand in Phuket last Thursday (Aug 16) with its dealer, TK Automobile. The new centre, located on the bypass road, is open Monday to Saturday, from 8:30am to 5:30pm.

Supika Kitdee, Julian Lowry, Almario Villanueva and Karl Hersler.

Maria Sabrina Tedeschi explaining each pairing.

LE MERIDIEN HOSTS ITALIAN EVENING FEATURING TEDESCHI VINEYARD Last Friday (Aug 17) Chef Jacopo Dimichele from the Portofino restaurant, Le Meridien, Phuket, presented a fabulous five-course menu paired by premium labels of Veneto, Italy’s Tedeschi vineyard. The vineyard, which has been in production since 1630, was represented at the event by family member Maria Sabrina Tedeschi. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 19

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018

The lucky winners and event sponsors.

Lt Gen Acra Tiproch, Igor, Alexi and Maj Gen Apithai Insawangpob.

Jenny, Esa, Igor, Alexi, Jason & Alex.

THE DOT PROPERTY THAILAND AWARDS HONOURS INDUSTRY’S BEST A total of 24 awards were bestowed upon developers, projects, real estate agents and companies during the Dot Property Thailand Awards 2018 exclusive presentation ceremony at Radisson Blu Plaza, Bangkok last Thursday night (Aug 16). All Inspire Development and Blue Horizon were among the night’s big winners that also saw the People’s Choice Award for Best Developer Thailand announced.

The PIWC lured a few husbands into the frame.

Roy, Cynthia, Mike and Missy enjoying the get together.

PIWC HOLD FUNDRAISING CHARITY DINNER FOR SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS The Phuket International Women’s Club and partners met last Saturday (Aug 18) for a hearty social and charity dinner generously supported by Mom Tri’s Wok Gallery Kitchen.

A raffle auction was held to raise funds for the group’s education scholarships for less privileged children in Phuket. Since 1990 more than 700 scholarships have been offered.

Staff and children attend the ceremony.

BISP CELEBRATES 22 YEARS OF EDUCATION AT FOUNDATION DAY British International School, Phuket (BISP) celebrated its 2018 Foundation Day on August 10. The ceremony marked the 22nd anniversary of the school’s opening.

Prayers were offered at the shrine at the main entrance, and the school staff wished for good fortune for everyone, followed by offerings to the monks and a traditional dance ceremony. @thephuketnews

Those talented in the arts present their wares.

FUSION MARKET BRINGS ARTS AND CRAFTS TO THE GREEN MAN The Fusion Market was held last Sunday (Aug 19) at The Green Man pub, Chalong.

The event included a range of stalls presenting arts and crafts, cheese, cakes and also live music performances. And, of course, The Green Man Sunday roast.

20 EVENTS

FRI

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

24 AUG Charcoal Friday Charcoal BBQ at Bedega, featuring premium beef cuts, cooked live in the dining room on our charcoal broiler with the unique sear and smokiness only charcoal could deliver. Starting from THB 1,200++. Reservations, Bodega & Grill, Angsana Laguna Phuket, fbreservation-lagunaphuket@angsana.com, 076 358 500.

Mussels night @ Shakers

SAT

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 Reservation, Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Kata Beach 076-333-370 Kata Center 076330-065 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344-914.

25 AUG

Traditional Sunday Roast at O’Tool’s 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

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

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

Go Live Sunday Seafood Brunch - Only July and August

An Italian Evening Enjoy a selection of Italian antipasti, cold cuts, premium cheese, marinated olives, grill vegetables, homemade pickles, caprese skewers, bruschetta and homemade breads - all complemented by free-flow Italian beverages. B1,999 net per person for antipasti buffet and free-flow Italian beverages. Enjoy 25% OFF when you dine with four persons or more. Reservations at Dusit Thani, Laguna, Phuket: dtlpfb@dusit. com or call 076 362 999 ext.7303.

SUN

The Banyan Tree Brunch experience offers a generous selection of live fresh, local and imported seafood with exceptional Lobsters dishes, Japaneses 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 12.00 - 15.30, Prices start from THB 2,800 net per person. **Come 4 pay 2 so 50% off or come 2 and get 25% off. Reservations, Banyan Tree Phuket, fb-phuket@banyantree.com

Sala Sunday Night Steak & Seafood Premium barbecue main course, including imported Australian Rib Eye, full rack of Lamp or whole Phuket Lobster accompanied by buffet of delicious appetizers.

Live music from 6.30pm. Premium BBQ. 1,700*Baht.

Reservations, Sala Phuket, events@salaphuket.com 076 338 888.

MON

27 AUG

26 AUG

All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet

Healthy Vegan Buffet at DiLite Restaurant 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/

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018

Sunday Roast All Day, All Night Come enjoy a Traditional Sunday Roast EVERY SUNDAY at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach

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

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

EVENTS 21

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018

MON

27 AUG

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 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

7 SEP

THU

20 SEP

PIWC - September luncheon

Simmer & Spice Curry buffet, great variety, vibrant flavours. Every Monday from 18.30 - 21.30. Reservations, SALA Phuket, events@salaphuket.com, 076 338 888.

WED

FRI

31 AUG 7 SEP - Phuket Sundowners hosted by AustCham Taking advantage of the beautiful surroundings at the Boat Lagoon, the Phuket Sundowners offers a chance to enjoy an evening on the docks with the resting vessels, while networking with like-minded people from the business community. Prior to the Sundowners, we will hold a Panel Discussion on the “The expectations of the Phuket Hotel and Tourism industries from the Phuket marine industry, and vice versa”, with panel details to be released shortly.

29 AUG

13th PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards 2018

Sala Wednesday nights ribs, beats, brews.

Devour our succulent pork rib set complete with sweet corn chowder, blue cheese salad, moist cornbread and finish 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.

THU

SUN

@thephuketnews

All you can eat Thai Tapas menu An array of unlimited tapas-size table serving of travelers’ and locals’ favorite Thai dishes, Kantok is the perfect place to devour the best of the best Thai cuisine at once, from mouth-watering appetizers and savor soup of Phuket specialties and soul satisfying desserts. Only THB 750-net per person. Serving daily from 11am-11pm. Reservations, Kantok Restaurant, Burasari Phuket, 076 292 929.

2 SEP

Stephen Carlin - Phuket

2018 King of the Mountain Phuket Trail Run

Don’t miss out on our newest, exciting weekly event at Two Chefs. Come and join us for our special

MON

The King of the Mountain Trial Run is hugely popular amongst both locals and visitors to the island. The route takes its runners along steep hilly terrain and past beautiful waterfalls within the Khao Phra National Park that surrounds Thanyapura. With a choice of 3 distances (4km fun run, 8km trail and 15km trail), there is something for everyone at this event. Please contact for more details. events@thanyapura.com, 076 336 000.

EVERY DAY

17 SEP

Returning for its landmark 13th annual gala dinner, the PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards, persented by Kohler, is the longest-running and biggest event of the regional PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards programme, which was first launched in Thailand in 2015. With a professionally run awards system supervised by BDO, the world’s fifth largest auditing and accountancy firm, the Thailand Property Awards is the premier and most credible industry awards in the country, with the top and emerging names in real estate celebrating the best developers, projects and designs.

30 AUG

RETRO NIGHT – BACK TO THE 70S & 80S

September lunch will be held at Little Paris in Boat Avenue. 11.30am for 12.00noon. 700 baht members and 850 baht for guests. info@piwc-phuket.com

The Alternative Comedy Experience and fresh from his critically acclaimed run at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe, Stephen Carlin returns to South East Asia with his new show “The Opinionater”. Come and see why Carlin has been chosen as one of Stewart Lee’s ten best comedians ever. “Announcing the arrival of a new comedy original” Herald Singapore’s hilarious and only openly gay comedian Sam See along with Britain’s Graham Whistler come to Phuket at Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach as part of Stand Up Asia’s monthly comedy tour. They brought Doug Stanhope and Bill Bailey to Thailand and promise to bring the best international comedians to Phuket every month. Tickets on the door 600 baht or else buy your (limited) early bird tickets now for only 350 baht. www. ticketflap.com/stephencarlin-phuket Marriott Resort Phuket, Merlin Beach

Sunset Social Everyday from 5 p.m to 6 p.m. 50% off on selected drinks. Reservations, XANA Beach Club, 076 358 500.

22 TIME OUT

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York 1. In which city would you find the famous Lotus Temple?

2. Which California valley is famed as one of the premier wine regions in the world?

3. What does the online chat acronym ‘WEG’ stand for?

4. The bombardment of which sea fort in South Carolina started the American Civil War? 5. In July 2008, who was acquitted of the murder of BBC Crimewatch presenter Jill Dando and freed from prison?

Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Medium

Across 1. Kind of nerve 6. Turkish title 10. Pith helmet 14. Skin layer 15. Flourish 16. Unfledged hawk 17. Delivers upsetting news 20. “The ___ of All Fears” (Affleck movie) 21. Peach or plum 22. Muse of music 23. In a poor manner 25. Pipe type 26. ___ income fund 28. Kvetch 29. Chinese brew 32. Former Indian coins 33. Story element 34. Metallurgist’s materials 35. Stand firm 38. Charge 39. Dethrone 40. Instant 41. Quick on the uptake 42. Hill’s opposite 43. Determined in advance 44. Practice

45. ___ fire 46. Spanning 49. Deviation 50. Moorbad Gmos, for one 53. Speak frankly 56. Not give a ___ 57. Anatomical network 58. Seed coverings 59. Bind 60. Leavings 61. Crow’s home

12. Arthropod appendage 13. Castaway’s home 18. Getting on, in Glasgow 19. Short end 24. “Wellaway!”

26. Zitone, e.g.

27. Ready to be drawn 28. ___ quarters 29. Queen Mary 2, e.g.

Down 30. For this reason 1. 15 and 31, e.g.

31. Long suit 2. Indiana town where Cole 33. Chicken farmer Porter was born 34. Baddies 3. Glenn Miller, for 36. Alternately one 37. Panama 4. Sitter’s handful 42. “I dare you!”

5. Place that might 43. Swamp thing honor checks 44. Dropped a line 6. “___ Road” (1969 45. Convex flower release) clusters 7. Thick porridge 46.

Far from ruddy description 47. “Get outta here!”

8. Civilian 48. Swiped population 51. Lot of loot 9. Walk about 52. Vaulted polygon 10. Little laugh 54. Giant Giant 11. ___ and 55. Before, of yore terminer

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) New Delhi; 2) Napa Valley; 3) Wicked Evil Grin; 4) Fort Sumter; 5) Barry George

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

2

Volkswagen Beetles only were sold in the car’s first year of production, 1949.

72

percent of people said they’re authentic at work, taking an average of two to three months to show their true selves.

80

percent of office kitchen teaspoons disappear within five months, according to one study.

400

years old is how long that Greenland sharks, a native species of the North Atlantic, can live, scientists have discovered.

28 billion

US dollars has been given away

by Bill Gates since 2007, roughly 48% of his net worth, and which is estimated to have helped save six million lives.

Source: Uberfacts

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

This week in history Aug 24, 1967 Led by Abbie Hoffman, the Youth International Party temporarily disrupts trading at the New York Stock Exchange by throwing dollar bills from the viewing gallery, causing trading to cease as brokers scramble to grab them.

Aug 25, 1823 American fur trapper Hugh Glass is mauled by a grizzly bear while on an expedition in South Dakota, inspiring many tales of his

Aug 28, 1898 American phar macist Caleb Bradham’s beverage ‘Brad’s Drink’ is renamed ‘Pepsi-Cola’.

survival, including major films such as The Revenant.

Aug 26, 2009 Kidnapping victim Jaycee Dugard is discovered alive in California after being missing for over 18 years.

On June 2, 2011, Phillip Garrido was sentenced to 431 years to life imprisonment for kidnapping, imprisonment and sexual assault.

His wife Nancy was sentenced to 36 years. During her 18 years as captive, Dugard bore two daughters.

Glass and the bear. Image: Unkown Aug 27, 1883 Four enormous explosions destroy the island of Krakatoa and cause years of climate change.

Aug 29, 1997 Netflix is launched as an internet DVD rental service.

Aug 30, 1918 Fanni Kaplan shoots and seriously injures Bolshevik leader Vladimir Lenin, prompting the decree for Red Terror. Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018

Jobs

@thephuketnews

CLASSIFIEDS 23 The Phuket News @thephuketnews

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CLASSIFIEDS 25

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018

Trades & Services

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

ADVERTISING SERVICES

CLEANING SERVICES

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

@thephuketnews

26 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Trades & Services

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

MARINE SERVICES

MOVING SERVICES

POOL SERVICES

PROPERTY SERVICES

OTHER

ADVERTISE HERE

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 27

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018

Buy & Sell

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

JOBS BUSINESS FOR SALE

Teacher wanted for child

Native English qualified teacher needed for child 5yo with autism. Speech, ABA, occupational therapists will have priority. High salary, flexible working hours. European nations only. ksenia, dcondosale@ gmail.com

U

NT Live-in housekeeper wanted GE R 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.

G UR

T EN

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T EN

SA

LE

SURIN: LUXURIOUS BAR-RESTAURANT SALE

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

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Bar staff wanted

T EN

SA

LE

Astounding Health Opportunity

Blondie Bar 2 at Otop Market Patong URGASEA Launching Phuket! U.S Revolutionary Health product requires Bar Staff. Thai nationals only. and opportunity. Monday August 27th 6.30pm Chanalai Good salary and room provided. Phone Hillside Resort, Soi 24 Patak Rd, Karon Beach. International Mick: 081 087 6114. speakers along with Dr Ray Dixon Australia. Please register for free presentation (Thai translated). Drraydixon@hotmail.

BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE com, 0624488838.

FOR SALE AIR BERTH M320

250,000THB INC.VAT FOR BOAT UP TO 32 FEET/ 9.5 METRES. CONTACT: ASIA YACHT AGENCY CO.,LTD VIA CONTACT@ASIAYACHTAGENCY.COM, 081-894 -3234- FRENCH / ENGLISH — 086269-0808 THAI / ENGLISH. G UR

T EN

SA

LE

Boat For Sale

72’(22m) Thai Trawler partially-converted as Tour Boat Business. Rebuilt from top to bottom 3 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. Offers over THB 500,000. Contact Shayne on 0934 189 529 or shayne.inbox@gmail.com

CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE

Hyundai Veloster TURBO

Hyundai Veloster Turbo 39,000km, Price from new 1,749,000 THB, full service book, 4 original rims with tyres with only 6,000km, all options. m.arnskjold@gmail.com, 0836351440 ENG / 084-3058363 TH. U

E RG

NT

SA

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2012 Ford Ranger 2.2 Open Cab

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.

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE For Sale

New set of Kasco G7 golf clubs RH R FLEX. Driver 10.5°, 3 Wood 15°, U4 Hybrid 19°, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, P, S irons. Milled head putter. 11 clubs, 4 head covers, graphite shafts except putter. B25,000. Bob Mather, Kathu. Contact: bobmather_4@ hotmail.com, 095 549 2748.

OTHER Hotel Laundry Services

Exceptional commercial laundry services in Patong. Increased capabilities are allowing us to expand to support 500 additional rooms.Competitive, Chonticha, Patong, candkservicespatong@gmail.com, 0991658538.

Accountancy,Bookkeeping,Tax

Accountancy, Bookkeeping, Australian Taxation, GST, VAT, Business Advisory Anabel Da Silva, PO Box 161, Palmyra, Western Australia, 6957, anabel@dasilva-accounting.com, +61 40 400 6236.

POOL TABLES AMAZING DEAL NOT TO BE MISSED!

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.

Like new English Riley Pool Table for sale.

Measures 320cm long by 170cm, comes with six pool cues and cue rack as well as game counter. Pick up in Chalong no delivery. Only 50,000 THB. Adam 091 016 1167.

CARS, TRUCKS FOR RENT

REAL ESTATE SERVICES

GE

R NT

EN

T

CARS FOR RENT

We offer car rental at affordable prices.

Monthly from B10,000. Daily from B400.

Call us and find out what we offer. B10,000 monthly. Stig Johansson, 110/78 Moo 2, T Paklok, A Thalang, 83110 Phuket. Contact: stigisaan@gmail.com, 084 847 4377.

UR

@thephuketnews

HOME IMPROVEMENT

CHATTHA Property and Rental Management Service in Phuket

Our services: Housekeeping, Garden, Swimming Pool, Maintenance and Repair. www.chatthamanagement. com office: 076 636 244 or mobile: 090 179 6635.

Chattha Management.

28 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Buy & Sell

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE PROPERTY FOR SALE 5 bedrooms family home

BEAUTIFUL 5 BEDROOMS HOME CENTRALLY LOCATED | 2 MINS FROM BIS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL | 10 MINS TO PHUKET TOWN | 15 MINS TO CENTRAL FESTIVAL | 15 MINS TO SURIN BEACH | SECURE GATED CHILD FRIENDLY COMMUNTIY | ALL GROUNDS IMMACULATELY MAINTAINED 19.8M, Abby, Woodlands estate, Koh Kaew , Phuket, abby.barnhurst@icloud.com, +66 840896521.

4 Pool villas - 1 Rai for sale

Reduced price from 32.9 MB to 24MB (only 6 MB for 1 villa). Bali-Thai Style pool villa 3 bed, 3 bath. Located Pasak, Bangtao beach, Phuket. More info: (+66) 96-8956392,(+66) 94-282-2893 or Umaphorn.fg@gmail.com

Land & House for sale

Villa 225sqm. incl. 75sqm terraces on Freehold Chanote Land: 1 to 6 rai on SUKORN ISLAND, Trang province. Price THB 7,150,000 - THB 15,250,000. Owner, Koh Sukorn, Trang province, ddsukorn@gmail.com, 081 537 1957.

New Modern Villa – 5 Mins to 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. Pa Khlok, T. Thalang, Phuket 83110. Email: mrdupouy@yahoo.fr or call 081 893 5270.

RPM owner direct

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

Foreign FREEHOLD. 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 RoyalPhuketMarina Condos.com

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.

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

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

COMMUNITY

PROPERTY FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE Luxury Villa

With private boat morning and jacuzzi.

Email paradise11@mac.com for pictures, plans and price.

PROPERTY FOR RENT

Kamala Condo

Modern fully furnished 2B/R, 2 bathroom condo , 90 SM, min 3 months. Quite & secure. Wifi&cable TV included. 4 condos in this building. Small garden.12,000, bkeenan2010@hotmail.com, 084 716 0502.

Ready 01/07/2018

Penthouse for Sale

432.44 SQM Penthouse for sale: 320 Degree view of Patong bay and city.

Private pool. 22nd floor (top floor) at the Andaman Beach Condominium, Patong, Phuket, Thailand.

Condo Facilities: Two tennis courts, 10 x 24-metre swimming pool, fitness & game room, restaurant, parking. 60 Million Baht O.N.O., Songpan, songpanpirom@hotmail.com, 081 737 8662.

Rent. The Heritages Suites, nice 2 bedrooms, 2 bathroom, Jacuzzi, 160sqm. Modern furnished. Lease long term (minimum 1 year). Parking, pool, fitness. Close KIS, Lotus. 39,000 per month, Owner, Kathu, Thai 089 552 9303 / Eng 093 717 9343.

Pool Villa For Rent PhangNga

4-Bed Pool villa nearby Natai beach. Surrounded by nature. North of Phuket, 25 mins from airport. Idea for retired/long term stay family. Yupadee: miakcg@yahoo.com, 081 926 3286.

PROPERTY WANTED Looking for property in Laguna

Willing to sell or rent your property in the Laguna area? Please contact me: raisa@ rl-property.com or +66(0) 81 737 1687 (you can use Viber, Whats App or Line) raisa@rl-property.com thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018

SPORT 29

Right down to the wire

Wins for Blues and Kashmiri assail Patong Whites’ lead CRICKET Neil Quail

D

ramatic wi ns for both Patong Blue and Kashmiri CC in the C&C Marine league last Sunday (Aug 19) have assailed Patong Whites’ lead atop the table, now bringing all three teams to within four points of each other, but crucially with a game in hand for the Blues.

Stormy conditions greeted the players for the morning match, with the local derby of Patong White versus Patong Blue due to begin at 10am, but driving rains delayed the start until nearly 11am, which in turn diluted the number of overs to be played from 20 down to 15 on a greasy outfield and slippery wicket.

Deputising for the recovering Seemant Raju, Anthony Van Blerk wielded the captain’s armband for the Whites, but on losing the toss to Blue’s captain Alex Runhaar, was forced to concede the advantage of batting first.

Opening for the Blues, Manish Sadarangani (31) and Matthew Kohler set about their task in differing styles, with more controlled stroke-play coming from the former and typical boundary bombarding efforts from the latter.

On 17 from eight deliveries faced and looking comfortable, Kohler attacked a short ball from Jason Robertson, but his flat-bat smash just didn’t

Stuart Hamilton successfully appeals to Umpire John King for the wicket of Roshan Jay Photo: Suthida Huadkham have the height to carry over a stretching Prakash Jha at deep long-on, and with that, the loss of Blue’s first wicket on 48 after four overs.

The relatively inexpensive dismissal of the usually potent Kohler brought Manish’s brother Rishi to the middle, and the brothers Sadarangani pushed the score along to 78 in the eighth over, when Van Blerk punished Rishi for straying from his crease in trying to reach a ball from Jha, ending his innings on 19 runs.

Moments later in the same over, Van Blerk’s deft digits again penalised the Blues with another stumping as Ali drifted from safety in chasing yet another deceptive delivery from Jha. Joining Runhaar, with the score on 83 for three, new batsman Shaad’s cameo ended abruptly with a calling debacle, being run out by

Robertson without facing a single delivery.

Going into the last over, Hamilton was given the ball and the left-arm spinner enjoyed a flurry of wickets, first trapping the big-hitting Roshan Jay LBW, then seeing Swart safely snatch up Saju Abraham before Swart again showed his athleticism in diving to catch last-man-standing Runhaar (26) off the very last ball, giving Hamilton figures of three for 12 off just two overs, with Robertson also picking up a trio of Blue’s wickets.

Facing an achievable 140 from their 15 overs, Patong White changed their usual opening line up, bringing Ike Bekker into the firing line alongside Michael Flowers with an evident plan for attack.

But their scoring off the bat was curtailed by impressive, if at times wayward, pace from Shaad, who eventually broke

the opening partnership with an edge from Flowers finding the gloves of Blues keeper, Rishi in the fourth over and the score on a paltry 30 runs.

Bekker, now joined by Jha and assisted by somewhat errant bowling, elevated the score to 85 in the ninth over before Jha (24) was clean bowled by Manish, shadowed

by Bekker in suffering a similar fate at the hands of Shaad soon after.

With Robertson and Hamilton given 33 to win off the last 30 balls, Patong White would have been eyeing the win and four points, but a few lean overs and the combination of the Sadaranganis to stump Hamilton ensured the Blues now held the advantage – despite their inability to hold on to crucial catches at times.

In vain, Robertson (13 not out), accompanied by Van Blerk (19 not out), desperately

Caddy Shack strengthen lead atop PPL POOL THE TWELFTH ROUND OF PATONG Pool League (PPL) saw table-toppers Caddy Shack strengthen their lead at the top of the table following a 9-2 win over mid-table team Kiki Sports Bar. In week 12 action, played last Thursday (Aug 16), Caddy Shack were drawn at home to Kiki and the league leaders got off to a flying start with Mark, Paul Elvey, Dr Ben and Shaun all winning their singles and doubles games.

Jack and Mac playing for Kiki won their singles games picking up the only two points Caddy Shack gave away on the night as Caddy Shack also won the beerleg in two straight sets.

Elvey described the evening as a serious but not too serious affair and guaranteed that everybody had fun, something confirmed by Kiki Sports Bar despite their defeat.

Elsewhere, Red Light Bar played away to Ting Tong Bar, who had a very good start with Paul, Parnee, Ian and Nick all @thephuketnews

Aaron Roberts alias Azza is the bar owner from Wombat and has been playing in the PPL for many years.

Photo: Supplied winning their singles and doubles games.

However, Gwen and Tony from Red Light also won their singles and doubles games and Red Light fought back to win the beerleg in a three-setter.

A late league comeback has been predicted by Ting Tong owner Paul, who was said to have been quite emotional following his team’s 7-5 win.

Simon & Oil’s played away at Genius and Simon & Oil’s Luke and Bruce both won their singles and doubles games, as did Nong Fern and Ken playing for Genius. This meant the game went down to the beerleg which was won in three sets

by Simon & Oil’s giving them a 7-5 win.

Meanwhile, Caddy Shack’s nearest rivals Natalie Bar had an away game against Kwans Birdie Team who currently sit at third in the PPL table.

Ricky and Se from Birdie Club both won their singles and doubles games but so did Andy and Andrew playing for Natalie Bar. Natalie Bar was leading 4-5 going in to the beerleg in which Birdie Team played very strong and won in two sets. This resulted in a 6-5 for Kwans Birdie Team.

Finally, Wombat Bar played host to Martin Swiss and it was a great night for Wombat’s Frank who seven-balled his opponent in his singles game and won his doubles. Frank was backed up by Azza and Brett who also won their singles and doubles games.

Martin Swiss were able to win three singles games but after that all the doubles games and beerleg were won by Wombat who put in a very strong performance and took a much-deserved 8-3 victory over Martin Swiss.

Matt Pond

tried to regain the upper hand, while the Blues tightened their bowling just in time, resulting in 12 runs being required off the last ball for a White victory – a feat possible in this format where a 6 off the final ball bowled is rewarded with 12 runs!

Unfortunately, Van Blerk’s effort could not offer another twist to the tale, ending the game with a hard-fought 11run win for Patong Blue.

While the White’s batting may not have been the most productive on this occasion, Patong Blue will certainly need to address a worrying bowling display that cost almost 50 runs in extras.

Sunday’s second matchup saw a buoyant Kashmiri CC take on the Goan Panthers, both with wins from last week’s games.

Unfortunately for the Panthers, it was a day at the office for Kashmiri CC, if that day was a Friday leading into a bank holiday weekend with staff planning an early departure to avoid the traffic.

Batting first, Kashmiri CC opened with the demolition duo of Muhammad Aa’rif and Imtiyaz Mushtaq, both in confident form following last week’s 190 run partnership and Aa’rif’s explosive century.

It was the turn of Imtiyaz to dominate proceedings on this occasion with Aa’rif in a supporting role as his skipper smashed a magnificent 101 not out off 64 balls, including

seven 4s and three 6s while Aa’rif steadily made his way to 68 not out, ending Kashmiri’s innings on an impressive total of 196 without loss from their 20 overs.

A batting masterclass from the Kashmiri’s was then followed by a solid bowling performance in restricting the Panthers to 77 off 15 overs, with only Mayur Deuskar (19) and Prem (13) reaching double figures, while extras again featured heavily in providing more than double the combined runs scored by Panther’s other batsmen.

Malik Iqbal starred for Kashmiri CC as his team’s outstanding bowler with figures of three for 19 off his four over spell, while Imtiyaz secured the Man-of-the-Match award for his exploits with the bat.

This Sunday (Aug 26) features only one C&C Marine league fixture in a catch up game for both Easy Living and Patong Blue. A win for the Blues will see the team join their Patong counterparts at the top of the table, with the top three teams then having played the same number of games (seven), and leaving only one game each to play in the standard league format.

Phuket cricket is always looking for new players, sponsors and teams. Please contact us via the Phuket Cricket Group or ACG Facebook pages, or e-mail Jason@acgphket.com for more information.

30 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018

Mango and Shot bars do battle After week 4, top two placed teams keep their 100% records intact POOL Barry Craig

W

eek 4 of the Rawai Pool League (RPL), played on Monday night (Aug 20), saw Division A’s Mango Bar and Shot Bar keep their 100% records intact. League leaders Mango Bar played out a convincing 0-7 away win against Masaya Bar, and after four consecutive 2-0 singles wins, Mango’s Thong moves one point clear of teammate Gregg and Blacksheep’s Nani to lead the individual rankings.

Presenting their opponents with mangos seems to be working!

Shot Bar, who hosted Pita Bar, had a more difficult evening. After leading 3-1 from the singles, Shot saw their lead overturned with Pita initially leading 1-0 in the beerleg. It was left to the deciding frame of the night for Shot to secure their fourth win from four.

Meanwhile, Black Sheep maintained third spot in the league with a narrow away win to a spirited Tropical

‘Lin’ playing for Roses Bar during their home match 7-0 win over Moonlight Bar. Photo: Philipp, Roses Bar Sands, with the beerleg again deciding the match winners.

Close finishes continued over on Wiset Rd, where Black Pearl hosted Orange Bar. In the night’s third 4-3 scoreline, Black Pearl saw out their opponents in the beerleg.

Maybe Orange Bar could employ Mango Bar’s strategy with a gift of oranges to their opponents?

Current champions, White Hart hosted Spot Bar. The first leg saw Jig take on Jikky.

Jikky went in-off when it looked like she could tie the game. What followed saw Spot lose five of the six games, with only Eddy managing to get some points on his team’s board. The beerleg saw an incredible finish by Shot’s Mini – she fired the cue-ball off the cushion to cannon back into the black, potting it into the middle.

Future Bar had to play well to record a 5-2 win against Freedom Bar, who had Dave

back among their ranks. The draw saw both captains faceoff in the first leg but Barry caused an upset winning 2-0 against Tom. With Wayne and Fod on form, they were able to secure their second win of

the season.

Incredibly, in Division B, Roses Bar has only lost one leg in their four matches since joining the league this season. They easily saw out their visitors Moonlight Bar with yet another 7-0 ‘cleansheet’ victory.

Hot on their heels, Stor Bar recorded a very strong 6-1 win against visitors White Hart BBQ at the Banana Complex.

Nick and Ying played solidly for the hosts. Gero tried to get his team back in the game, but with a few frames decided by lucky shots on a fast table, it was in vain.

The girls from Pink Sheep put in a great performance on their visit to The Islander. It was to-and-fro on the singles legs, but the Islander A boys managed to win both doubles to record a good 5-2 victory.

Meanwhile, just metres away next door at Black Bull,

Islander’s B team suffered defeat in a game that would play out in much the same way. Black Bull’s win was sealed when father and son doubles team, Franck and Kevin Bayard, won their team’s ultimate doubles leg win.

In a match between league newcomers, The Stoned Crab moved into mid-table with an away victory at O’s bar. A strong doubles and beerleg gave them a well deserved 2-5 victory.

Baroque Bar’s Pang performed well to win the first game at Kilt’n Haggis, but in the end the home team proved much too strong running out 6-1 victors.

For more information about Rawai Pool League, including rankings, schedules and bar locations please visit http:// rawai.pl

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018

SPORT 31

PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Is it the beginning of the end for Mourinho?

FOOTBALL

Kieran Canning

J

ose Mourinho warned of the troubles that could lie ahead for his Manchester United side, but the Portuguese must still accept much of the responsibility from a 3-2 defeat at Brighton that has the Red Devils’ season off to a bad start.

The concern for United is now whether Mourinho is capable of stemming the tide to turn things around in a way he wasn’t in his third season at Real Madrid or in his second spell at Chelsea.

On those occasions his fall even came from a position of strength he isn’t afforded now having won the league in the previous season.

This time round after a trophyless campaign, Mourinho clashed with the club’s board over their failure to significantly strengthen his squad, particularly at centreback.

Mourinho’s point was illustrated in a disastrous defensive display at the Amex in which United conceded three times in the first-half with centre-backs Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly at fault.

However, the club’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward could point to the fact that £60 million (B2.487 billion) has been spent on Bailly and Lindelof in the past two seasons since Mourinho took charge as justification for not trusting his manager with more cash to splash.

“The centre backs melted and you can’t do that in the Premier League,” said former United captain turned TV pundit Gary Neville on Sky Sports.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho. Photo: AFP “When Manchester United are so publicly in the transfer window looking for defenders, what belief does that give them?

“They know they’re on borrowed time and I have to say Bailly and Lindelof were poor. They are the ones Jose has signed.

“It has been poor recruitment. That back four aren’t good enough to win the title.”

Woodward hinted on the final day of the transfer window that the club had to take a more long-term view than Mourinho.

Despite signing a new contract till 2020 in January, the growing feeling is Mourinho will do well just to see out the current campaign.

Woodward’s long-term view also included holding on to Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial despite their rifts with Mourinho.

Pogba was again entrusted with the captain’s armband at Brighton, but his admission he didn’t show the right at-

titude was hardly one of an inspirational leader.

“They had more hunger than us. I put myself first, that my attitude wasn’t right,” said the French World Cup winner.

Martial had been publicly criticised by Mourinho and fined for failing to return to the club’s pre-season tour in

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS

Run #1699: Saturday Aug 25 Run Start Time: 4pm Hares: Murkury, Rampant Rabbit Location: Kathu - Shell petrol station Directions: If coming from from Patong, continue past the CalTex petrol station and then the Kathu intersection heading towards bypass road / Tesco Lotus. A few metres before the Shell petrol station turn left (HHH) into a concrete soi, continue a short distance further to laager site (HHH). If coming from Tesco Lotus / bypass road, head towards Patong and just past the Shell petrol station turn right (HHH) and continue to laager site.

Bus pick-up: Kamala @ Black Cat’s Bar: 2:45pm Patong @ Expat Hotel: 3:15pm More info: phuket-hhh.com

What’s on at the ACG Date

Time

Activity

Fri Aug 24

4:30pm

Senior Cricket Training

2:35pm

Rugby Championship - NZ v AUS (TV)

6:30pm

Premier League Football (TV)

Sat Aug 25 Sun Aug 26 Wed August 29

C&C Marine ‘8 by 20’ League 10am

Patong Blue v Easy Living CC

4:30pm

Senior Cricket Training

Celebrate your team’s success in style at the ACG. Photo: Suthida Huadkham @thephuketnews

the United States after the birth of his second child.

The Frenchman was recalled to the starting line-up in the absence of the injured Alexis Sanchez, but failed to impress before being hooked on the hour mark and barely exchanged a glance with his manager as he left the field.

Mourinho began the weekend by telling local rivals Manchester City “you can’t buy class”, angry at the depiction of his tactics as overly defensive in a behind-the-scenes documentary on City’s title-winning campaign last season.

The worry for United is whether Mourinho’s football is now not only not entertaining compared to the free-flowing football of City and traditional rivals Liverpool, but no longer effective at getting results with a disaffected squad.

A big response is needed when Tottenham visit Old Trafford on Tuesday (Aug 28) to avert a crisis spiralling before the opening month of the season is out.

AFP

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The overall competition winner will receive a 3 day/2 night stay in a two bedroom private pool villa including daily breakfast plus a 90 minute spa treatment for two persons at Baba Beach Club Phuket. Total prize value: B130,000 The monthly competition winner for August 2018 will receive a B3,000 voucher to spend at Islander Bar & Restaurant, Rawai.

EPL PREDICTIONS MONTHLY STANDINGS

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English Premier League 2017 - 2018 Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Manchester City Liverpool Chelsea Watford Tottenham Hotspur Bournemouth Everton Leicester City Manchester United Crystal Palace Brighton Newcastle United Southampton Wolverhampton Burnley Cardiff City Arsenal Fulham West Ham United Huddersfield Town

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0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2

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6 6 6 6 6 6 4 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0

Live Sports TV Schedule *Times may be subject to change

SPORT START Fri 24th August Rugby Union 23:55 Rugby Union 14:30 Aussie Rules 16:30 Rugby League 15:00 17:00 Sat 25th August Rugby Union 14:30 Rugby Union 20:00 22:10 Rugby League 16:30 Soccer 18:30 21:00 23:30 Soccer 21:00 21:00 Soccer 23:15 Aussie Rules 13:30 16:30 Motor Racing 17:30 Sun 26th August Rugby Union 19:55 Soccer 19:30 22:00 Soccer 21:30 Aussie Rules 13:30 Rugby League 13:10 Motor Racing 19:00 19:45

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Golden Lions v. Griquas Taranaki v. Manawatu Port Adelaide v. Essendon Warriors v. Panthers Cowboys v. Eels

16:30 22:00 00:10 18:30 20:30 23:00 01:30 23:00 23:00 01:15 16:30 19:30 21:30

Rugby Championship Currie Cup Currie Cup NRL EPL EPL EPL EPL EPL EFL AFL AFL Formula 1

New Zealand v. Australia Sharks v. Blue Bulls Western Province v. Cheetahs Roosters v. Broncos Wolves v. Man City Arsenal v. West Ham Liverpool v. Brighton Bournemouth v. Everton Southampton v, Leicester Notts Forest v. Birmingham Fremantle v. Collingwood Sydney Swans v. Hawthorn Qualifying, Spa-Francorchamps

21:45 21:30 00:00 23:30 16:30 15:10 19:45 22:30

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Argentina . South Africa - replay Watford v. Crystal Palace Newcastle v. Chelsea Fulham v. Burnley St Kilda v. N Melbourne Dragons v. Bulldogs Raceday, Francorchamps Belgian Grand Prix

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editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018

Mango and Shot bars do battle at top of the RPL > p30

ADIÓS ALONSO

Two-time champion set to retire from F1 at end of season Fernando Alonso reacts in the pits following a relay during the 86th Le Mans 24-hours endurance race, at the Circuit de la Sarthe on June 16 in Le Mans.

Photo: Jean-Francois Monier / AFP

BOX OF NEUTRALS Michael Lamonato michael@boxofneutrals.com

T

wo-time Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso will retire from the pinnacle of motorsport at the end of the season to pursue other racing challenges.

The Spaniard, who beat title-winning rivals Kimi Raikkonen and Michael Schumacher to the 2005 and 2006 championships respectively, will be replaced at McLaren

by Renault driver Carlos Sainz.

“After 17 wonderful years in this amazing sport, it’s time for me to make a change and move on,” he said. “I have

enjoyed every single minute of those incredible seasons and I cannot thank enough the people who have contributed to make them all so special.”

Alonso is widely regarded as one of motorsport’s foremost talents and will leave Formula One with 32 grand prix victories and 22 pole positions.

However, the 37-year-old’s last race win came while driving for Ferrari at the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix. He left the Scuderia at the end of a winless 2014 season in an ill-fated move to McLaren, which has been anchored to the bottom half of the grid ever since.

The team’s switch from the problematic Honda engine to Renault power this season has done little to improve its

competitiveness, and Alonso’s frustration with his lack of options at teams higher up the grid was a factor in his decision.

“I’m having one of the happiest times ever in my life but I need to go on exploring new adventures,” he said. “Let’s see what the future brings; new exciting challenges are around the corner.“ Though Alonso hasn’t yet publicly committed to another racing series, his goal to win the unofficial motorsport ‘triple crown’ – the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix, the World Endurance Championship (WEC) 24 Hours of Le Mans and the IndyCar Indianapolis 500 – will logically take him to IndyCar to check off the famous 500-mile race, the only

leg left for him to complete.

The Spaniard tried his hand at the American open-wheel series when he entered the 2017 Indianapolis 500, which he led for 27 laps before retiring with an engine failure 21 laps from the finish.

A full IndyCar series entry would presumably be conducted in tandem with the final three rounds of the 2018–19 WEC season, which Alonso currently leads with his Toyota teammates after victory at the first two races at Spa-Francorchamps and Le Mans earlier this year.

But though Alonso is broadening his motorsport horizons, he has deliberately left the door open to a Formula One return with McLaren should the historic English

team recover its competitiveness.

“My heart is with the team forever,” he said. “I know they will come back stronger and better in the future and it could be the right moment for me to be back in the series; that would make me really happy.”

McLaren finds itself with enormous shoes to fill in Alonso’s wake, with the Spaniard providing a dependable bar against which the team’s recovery has been measured.

In Sainz the team has a highly rated replacement, but the younger Spaniard cannot be expected to perform at his best in his first season with a team roiling with internal turmoil.

Further, the identity of Sainz’s teammate is unknown,

with current driver Stoffel Vandoorne out of contract and leaving management unimpressed in his sophomore F1 season.

The sport will also feel the loss of Alonso’s star power.

The Spaniard is a motorsport drawcard with a worldwide following, and though his failure to find a team able to provide him with a race-winning car highlights the inequality rife within the sport, the absence of his raw competitiveness will be felt regardless in 2019.

Formula One will be undoubtedly poorer without Fernando Alonso.

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

Register for 25th Laguna Phuket Triathlon, Sprint and Charity Fun Run TRIATHLON LAGUNA PHUKET INVITES runners and triathletes to register for the 25th Laguna Phuket Triathlon (LPT), inaugural ‘25 For 25 Sprint’ triathlon and 2nd annual LPT Charity Fun Run ‘Run for Fun, Run for Kids’ that raises funds through Children First Fund (CFF) for more than

400 children in seven orphanages in Phuket.

The registration booth will open on September 3 – September 5 at Central Festival Phuket (2nd Fl, IT Zone from 11am-8.30pm) and in Bangkok on Saturday September 8 at CentralWorld (3rd Fl, Atrium Zone from 10am-10pm).

The first 100 entries are eligible to participate in fun games and get a free gift! Registered run-

ners and triathletes are required to show their confirmation email to participate.

Registration is also available online at www.LagunaPhuketTri. com until November 11.

The 25th Laguna Phuket Triathlon will take place during November 17-18; November 17 is for the LPT Charity Fun Run (5km, 10km and 2km kids run) and November 18 is the Laguna

Phuket Triathlon race day (standard LPT comprises 1.8km swim, 50km bike and 12km run and the inaugural ‘25 For 25 Sprint’ includes 0.5km swim, 18.5km bike and 6km run.

Hotels and resorts within Laguna Phuket wil be offering special rates during the race weekend.

Learn more at www.LagunaPhuketTri.com or Facebook @ LagunaPhuketTri

The Laguna Phuket Triathlon comprises a 1.8km swim, 50km bike and 12km run. Photo Supplied thephuketnews