Month: January 2012
- World News
Phuket Media Watch: Balloon crash kills 11; New planes for HK Airlines; Saudi executions soar; US unemployment falls
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH– World news compiled by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Hot air balloon crashes in New Zealand, killing 11 Phuket Gazette / News WiresPHUKET: Eleven people were killed yesterday morning when a hot air balloon crashed near a town on New Zealand’s north island, police said. There were no survivors.The accident happened at 7:25am local time (1:25am…
Read More » - Phuket News
Phuket Red Cross raffle winning numbers announced
PHUKET: A huge crowd was on hand at Saphan Hin park in Phuket Town last night for the draw of winning prize numbers in the annual Phuket Red Cross Fair charity raffle. Leading the top local and national officials who took part in the random draw was Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha. The lucky holder of ticket number 38352, who has…
Read More » - Phuket News
Phuket Football: Saved by Muang Thong Utd!
PHUKET: Despite losing at home 4-1 to Bangkok FC last night, FC Phuket and their supporters left Surakul Stadium in jubilation knowing that the the team’s future is now secure: Thai Premier League (TPL) powerhouse side Muang Thong United has promised to support the team in the 2012-2013 campaign. The good news, delivered before the start of play, was made…
Read More » - Opinion
Phuket Opinion: Thailand’s lethal roads are not a secret
PHUKET: The UK’s Channel 4 recently aired a documentary entitled ‘The Undocumented Dangers of Thailand’s Roads’. The Phuket Gazette is grateful to Channel 4, as should be Phuket’s tourism professionals, for putting the dangers of our roads in the minds of tourists precisely when needed: just before the start of the nationwide “Seven Days of Danger” road-safety campaign which ended…
Read More » - Phuket News
‘Wrong place, wrong time’: Phuket axe victim’s parents say
PHUKET: The parents of stabbing victim Vorasit “Pla-wan” Issara held a press conference yesterday to explain that their son was simply “in the wrong place at the wrong time” and lucky to survive multiple wounds inflicted by staff in a vicious attack at the Rachada Pub early Wednesday morning. Meanwhile, police will widen their investigation and question additional witnesses –…
Read More » - Phuket News
Storms strip Phuket wrecks of markers
PHUKET: Recent storms have again made two wrecks in Chalong Bay a hazard to mariners. Markers attached to the wrecked boats by the Phuket Cruising Yacht Club had until recently made both of the wrecks visible to sailors. However, recent weather has stripped away the markers, making both wrecks invisible during high tide. “Please exercise caution when maneuvering close to…
Read More » - Phuket News
Phuket Computer Clinics head for midweek
PHUKET: With Phuket Gazette Live Wire columnist Woody Leonhard hunkered down writing Windows 8 All-In-One For Dummies, the long-standing free Phuket Computer Clinics are taking a new turn. Until Woody emerges with a new 860-page book under his arm, around May or June, compatriot IT guru Seth Bareiss will hold free computer sessions on alternating Wednesday afternoons, from 1pm to…
Read More » - Phuket News
Praise swells for rescue of Phuket tourists from sinking speedboat
PHUKET: High praise has been rolling in for the crew from Phuket’s Prestige Divers who rendered assistance to a tourist-laden speedboat that quickly sank off Koh Yao Yai in Phang Nga Bay on Thursday. “My crew did a fantastic job. It all happened within 10 minutes. We were on a normal day trip to Phi Phi when at about 10:30am…
Read More » - Phuket News
Alien landing in Phuket tonight, and other events
PHUKET: Today will be packed with fun events across the island, as the Phuket high season for tourism hits full stride. Over in Patong, people who think they have seen just about everything Bangla Road has to throw at them might want to stop by Seduction disco at about 10pm, when a half-alien, half robotic being is widely rumored to…
Read More » - Thailand News
Weird World News: Fake plastic surgeon takes advantage of transsexuals; a massive tumor gets lopped off; and a little girl gets liposuction for Christmas
Phuket: Put a little on, take a little off: with the New Year in full swing everyone seems worried with how they look. This week’s Weird World News line-up features some of the more disturbing makeover headlines of the week, from having an 89 kilogram tumor removed to giving a seven-year-old girl a voucher for liposuction.Filling up the trunk with…
Read More » - Phuket News
Phuket PDL Darts: Week 10 wrap-up
PHUKET: It was a lethargic start to the new year by both Hemingways sides, the heavy Christmas sessions obviously taking their toll. There were plenty of tons and some 140s this week, but no 180s. Even with a strong line up, Shakers found themselves 6-0 down before getting on the scoreboard, when newcomer Nik (Shakers) held his own against curly-haired…
Read More » - Phuket News
Phuket “Pla wan’ stabbing: “I’m sorry,’ says pub owner
PHUKET: The owner of the Rachada pub in Phuket Town yesterday apologized in person to Vorasit “Pla-wan” Issara, General Manager of the Sri Panwa Resort, for the attack that led to him being stabbed in the stomach and hacked in the neck with a makeshift axe. “I am very sorry about what happened. I will call my staff together and…
Read More » - Phuket News
New Phuket Police chief to tackle drugs, traffic woes
PHUKET: Phuket Provincial Police Superintendent Chonasit Wattanavrangku today met Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha to formally introduce himself and to deliver a New Year’s gift basket. At the 11:30am meeting at Provincial Hall, Maj Gen Chonasit said his priority since he started work as the Phuket Provincial police chief on December 29 has been to ensure the safety of the public…
Read More » - Phuket News
Assault on Phuket’s “Pla-wan’ draws royal sympathies
PHUKET: The attack on the 31-year-old Sri Panwa Resort General Manager Vorasit “Pla-wan” Issara early on Wednesday morning has prompted a gift of flowers from HRH Princess Sirivannavari Narirat, hand delivered by Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha today. Mr Vorasit is currently receiving treatment at Bangkok Hospital Phuket in Phuket Town for injuries sustained in the incident. He was stabbed in…
Read More » - Phuket News
Phuket expat, 74, faces deportation over loan sharking
PHUKET: A 74-year-old American man and a woman from the Philippines are facing being deported to their home countries after being arrested and charged in Phuket with working without a work permit and overcharging interest on private loans. Lt Col Somkid Khaosang, Duty Officer at Thalang Police Station, said that Anthony Thomas Granata, 74, and Ressel Alostor Alpay, 39, were…
Read More » - Phuket News
FC Phuket coaches step down
PHUKET: FC Phuket’s worries continue with the announcement from club director Soranan Sanae that Sompong “Rock Rhino” Wattana resigned as head coach yesterday. Director Soranan said “Coach Sompong still has responsibilities with the Port Authority of Thailand and hasn’t had much time to train the players. We have asked Coach Apichart “Mo” Mosika to caretake for tomorrow’s game in his…
Read More » - World News
Phuket Media Watch: Chinese news round-up
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news compiled by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Collapse at coal mine in southwestern China kills 9 Phuket Gazette / News Wires Nine workers have been killed and two others are injured after a collapse at a coal mine in southwestern China, local authorities said on yesterday. The accident happened at around 5:20 p.m.…
Read More » - Phuket News
Phuket prepared for Indian weddings in 2012
PHUKET: The island is prepared to host a number of lavish wedding ceremonies for Indian couples tying the knot in 2012, with top Phuket officials offering their help to smooth the way for wedding parties. Among those planning to hold ceremonies were the parents of one couple who met with Phuket Governor and head of the local Tourism Authority of…
Read More » - Phuket News
Phuket tourists dive in to help Methee’s grieving parents
PHUKET: A man who has asked to remain anonymous has contacted the Phuket Gazette in response to the story covering the unfortunate death of Methee Khunsuinhu, who died as a result of a drowning accident at a lagoon near Nai Harn Beach on New Year’s Day. The man, a foreigner who lives and works in Phuket, expressed his deep condolences…
Read More » - Phuket News
Phuket Sports: Tuffers at the Village tonight
PHUKET: Former England cricket international and TV personality, Phil Tufnell will spend an evening with Phuket cricket enthusiasts and VIP guests at The Village Coconut Island tonight. Absolute World have organized an informal BBQ and drinks event where Phil will share anecdotes of his outstanding cricket career and experiences of winning the popular reality TV show “I’m A Celebrity, Get…
Read More » - Thailand News
New Year goes off with a final bang
A NEW Year’s Eve celebration went horribly wrong for one family on Koh Samet after a woman shot three bullets into the air to mark the start of 2012. As Rampha Suphasi, 48, lowered her gun it accidentally discharged again, hitting her husband Thanakit Suphasi in the chest. Mr Thanakit, also 48, promptly fell down dead. Police arrived at the…
Read More » - World News
Phuket Media Watch: Bishop quits; Hybrid sharks; Volcano activity; Face failures
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news compiled by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Catholic bishop in California quits after admitting he fathered two kids Phuket Gazette / News Wires The Archdiocese of Los Angeles on Wednesday announced that one of its Catholic bishops has resigned after acknowledging he fathered two children in the past. Gabino Zavala, 60, resigned under…
Read More » - Phuket News
Swede NATO officer dies in Phuket crash
PHUKET: A 48-year-old Swedish man who reportedly worked for NATO died in a motorbike accident on Phuket’s west coast early this morning. Pol Capt Somnerk Dumkewa of Kamala Police told the Phuket Gazette that his officers received a call reporting the accident at about 2:30am. At the scene, on the street leading to the Kamala Tambon Administration Organization (OrBorTor), officers…
Read More » - Business News
Phuket Business: Ingredients of good showbiz
PHUKET: Siam Niramit Phuket recently launched the second edition of “Thailand’s Must-See Show”, opening a massive new theater on the bypass road near Phuket Town to house it. Good news for the local entertainment and tourism sectors, Siam Niramit Phuket’s “Journey to the Enchanted Kingdom of Siam” show provides one more compelling itinerary for tourists and residents alike. Pannin Kitiparaporn,…
Read More » - Phuket News
Phuket Governor predicts investment boom in 2012
PHUKET: The new year is shaping up to be a golden one for investment and tourism in Phuket, says Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha. In an exclusive interview with the Phuket Gazette, Gov Tri said the island’s continued attractiveness to foreign investors could see growth figures for 2012 surpass those of 2011. “Thai and foreign investors are continuously coming to invest…
Read More » - Phuket News
Phuket’s Seven Days of Danger claims six lives
PHUKET: The final toll for the “Seven Days of Danger” road safety campaign in Phuket is six dead and 80 injured in 75 reported accidents, all higher than last year’s figures. The final day of the campaign yesterday saw 10 people injured in nine reported accidents, none involving foreigners. During the 2010-2011 New Year campaign four people died and 74…
Read More » - Phuket News
FC Phuket fans say cheers for lifting the ban
PHUKET: FC Phuket fans will be allowed to cheer during the team’s final home match of the season on Saturday evening against Bangkok FC, the club’s secretary has confirmed today. The latest development comes after an unprecedented ruling by the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) that the club’s final home match could be played at Surakul Stadium on the condition…
Read More » - Phuket News
Six charged for Phuket resort GM stabbing; Hollywood actor Renner caught in brawl
PHUKET: Six staff of the Rachada Pub in Phuket Town have been charged with attempted murder for the stabbing of Sri Panwa Resort General Manager Vorasit Issara early yesterday morning.In his first major press conference since taking up his position as Phuket Provincial Police Superintendent last week, Maj Gen Chonasit Wattanavrangku this morning presented the suspects to the press as:…
Read More » - Business News
Phuket Business: Time is money
PHUKET: One of the first concepts we needed to learn when studying finance was that of the time value of money. In theoretical terms it is quite easy to understand, but when practically applying it to life decisions it can be a little more complicated. Basically the idea is that 100 dollars today is preferable to 100 dollars in a…
Read More » - Phuket News
Phuket Live Wire: Don’t lose that number
PHUKET: In the past few Live Wire columns I’ve tried to answer some of the questions I hear frequently about computers, phones, tablets and TVs in Phuket. Here’s the next common question – and, surprise, it has a good solution. “Woody, I want to get a 3G phone (or I want to get 3G service on my current phone), but…
Read More » - Thai Life
Phuket Books: Killing off the ‘Quiet People’
Phuket Gazette’s James Eckardt review of archeologist Brian Fagan’s book Cro-Magnon “How the Ice Age Gave Birth to the First Modern Humans”. Modern man, people like us, known as Cro-Magnon, entered Europe from the Near East around 45,000 years ago. Waiting on the scene were the Neanderthal shorter, stouter, much stronger but way less intelligent who’d had the continent to…
Read More » - Thai Life
Phuket Lifestyle: Ingenious forms of jeans
PHUKET: Everyone has their favorite go-to pair of jeans, great for weekends and perfect for an array of casual events always held in Phuket. Denim is a classic material that is versatile and flattering for every age, figure, gender or style. It’s always changing and giving us new reasons to fall in love with it again and again. No matter…
Read More » - Thai Life
Phuket Lifestyle: Where the seafood’s @
PHUKET: Kan Eang @ Pier is a Phuket institution and has been so for more than 30 years. Originally called ‘Kan Eang 1’, this famous Phuket seafood restaurant underwent a major renovation and name change in 2007. The sprawling grounds stretch more than 200 meters along Chalong Bay just south of the pier and here you’ll find several al-fresco and…
Read More » - Property
Phuket international airport expansion set to bring 12.5mn visitors
PHUKET International Airport (PIA) will be able to receive 12.5 million visitors per year by 2014 following a planned 5.7 billion-baht expansion, Thailand’s deputy transport minister told reporters during a recent visit to the island. Kittisakdi Hathasongkorh said the airport’s runway would be lengthened by 700 meters to allow the new generation of “superjumbos”, the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8,…
Read More » - Phuket News
No sale! FC Phuket still on the market
PHUKET: Football fans in Phuket will definitely have at least one local professional team to root for this year, and possibly two, the FC Phuket’s club secretary told the Phuket Gazette this morning. The news follows online reports asserting that FC Phuket has been sold to Bangkok premier outfit Muang Thong United and will move to the capital under a…
Read More » - Phuket News
Phuket resort GM ‘safe’ after stabbing attack
PHUKET: The well-known general manager of a luxury resort in Phuket is out of danger following emergency surgery for stab wounds sustained in a brawl outside a Phuket Town nightclub early yesterday morning. The victim, 30-year-old Vorasit “Plawan” Issara, was stabbed twice in the abdomen outside the Rachada Pub in the Phun Pol area of Phuket Town at about 4am…
Read More » - Phuket News
Foreigner saves drowning toddler at Phuket beach
PHUKET: Just a day after 7-year-old drowning victim Methee Khunsuinhu succumbed to injuries and passed away at Vachira Phuket Hospital, quick action by a foreign tourist today spared a toddler of a similar fate at the same beach. Pawanrat Suetrong, age one year and seven months, was on a family outing to the swimming lagoon near Nai Harn Beach this…
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