Month: June 2013

  • Thailand NewsPhuket Gazette Queer News: Bank robber throws OJ at terrified teller

    Phuket Gazette Queer News: Bank robber throws OJ at terrified teller

    PHUKET: While guns may be the weapon of choice for most bank robbers here in Phuket, one resourceful criminal managed to steal more than 200,000 baht from a branch of Bangkok Bank using something a little more innocuous: a bottle of orange juice. Cops announced the arrest of Kittisak Rueankon, 42, on June 16 after they found him hiding out…

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  • Phuket NewsPhuket police street shooter walks free

    Phuket police street shooter walks free

    PHUKET: All charges against a Phuket police officer arrested for shooting dead a civilian in Phuket Town have been dropped. Cpl Rachaporn Semaksorn and his brother, Dechaporn, were arrested after witnesses identified Cpl Rachaporn as the man who pulled out a gun and shot 21-year-old Ekkasit Sangangam at point-blank range. The incident occurred on Phun Pol Soi 11, in the…

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  • Phuket NewsThai police officer charged with human trafficking | Thaiger

    Thai police officer charged with human trafficking

    PHUKET: A Phang Nga police officer has been charged with human trafficking following his reported involvement in a Rohingya woman being held captive and raped repeatedly for days, Kuraburi District Police Superintendent Weerasil Kwanseng confirmed to the Phuket Gazette this morning. The arrest of Sgt Maj Weerayuth Feuangfu (listed here) follows a 25-year-old Rohingya woman reporting to police that she…

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  • Phuket NewsPatong ladyboys given stiff treatment, Phuket club shut down

    Patong ladyboys given stiff treatment, Phuket club shut down

    PHUKET: The Dragon Club, an erection behind the Jungceylon shopping mall in Patong (map here), was shut down on Thursday night after it was found to be hosting lewd shows in addition to doing business without a required license. “We raided the entertainment venue at about 10:30pm and found a naked show being performed on stage,” Lt Col Nikorn of…

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  • Phuket NewsBelgian expat stabbed by Thai girlfriend out of Phuket ICU

    Belgian expat stabbed by Thai girlfriend out of Phuket ICU

    PHUKET: The 62-year-old Belgian expat who was stabbed multiple times by his Thai girlfriend earlier this week is out of intensive care, hospital staff have confirmed. Ferdinand Salden was stabbed repeatedly by his girlfriend of six years, Yossapa Janthep, 36, amid a violent domestic dispute at their Patong home on Wednesday night (story here). Mr Salden lapsed into a coma…

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  • Phuket NewsPhuket Sports: Tyres, teams and tracks – F1

    Phuket Sports: Tyres, teams and tracks – F1

    PHUKET: We are seven races down in a nineteen race season. It is a good time to reflect. Pirelli succumbed to pressure and ran Montreal on intermediates instead of softs on a surface as smooth as a worm’s belly. That proved what we all knew; with tyres that do not degrade on a smooth dry track, the fastest car will…

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  • World NewsPhuket Gazette World News: Egypt tensions rise, one American killed; Snowden tips US return; Vatican cleric arrested for money laundering

    Phuket Gazette World News: Egypt tensions rise, one American killed; Snowden tips US return; Vatican cleric arrested for money laundering

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH– World news compiled by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Egypt cleric warns of civil war, American among protest dead Reuters / Phuket GazettePHUKET: Two people, one an American, were killed when protesters stormed an office of Egypt’s ruling Muslim Brotherhood in Alexandria, adding to growing tension ahead of mass rallies aimed at unseating the Islamist president.A…

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  • Phuket NewsLions beat Wallabies by a whisker

    Lions beat Wallabies by a whisker

    PHUKET: The first Test against Australia on June 22 turned out to be a ferocious confrontation. At times, the pitch resembled a battlefield. Though the Lions held the initiative for long periods, the Wallabies came back strongly in the second half, and were awarded a last minute penalty that would have settled a bruising encounter in their favor. In the…

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  • Phuket NewsPhuket FC look to skin Korat Swat Cats tonight

    Phuket FC look to skin Korat Swat Cats tonight

    PHUKET: Fifth placed Phuket FC are in top form for their home match tonight against 6th placed Nakhon Ratchasima FC – the “Korat Swat Cats”. The match will be the 17th and final fixture of the Yamaha League One (YL1) 2013 season’s first half. Following the team’s 3rd round Thai FA Cup win over Ratchaburi on Wednesday (story here), an…

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  • Thailand NewsPhuket Gazette Thailand News: Gold rush as prices plummet; Illegal resorts slash forests; Thaksin passport questioned; MPs drive LGBT rights bill

    Phuket Gazette Thailand News: Gold rush as prices plummet; Illegal resorts slash forests; Thaksin passport questioned; MPs drive LGBT rights bill

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH– Thailand news compiled by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community New gold rush as prices plummet The Nation / Phuket GazettePHUKET: Savers nationwide are flocking to gold shops, enticed by the falling price of the precious metal, which yesterday tumbled to a 34-month low amid fears of an end to the US quantitative easing policy.Gold bar fell…

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  • Phuket NewsThai athletes prepare for battle at the AIMAG

    Thai athletes prepare for battle at the AIMAG

    PHUKET: Over 2,000 athletes from 45 countries, including 116 athletes from Thailand, will compete at the upcoming 2013 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG), to be held in Incheon, South Korea through to July 6.The event kicked off earlier this week. AIMAG is a multi-sport event held every two years and regulated by the Olympic Council of Asia. The…

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  • Phuket NewsRohingya trafficking suspect to be charged for abduction, rape | Thaiger

    Rohingya trafficking suspect to be charged for abduction, rape

    PHUKET: The man accused of repeatedly raping a Rohingya woman he was allegedly to smuggle from a welfare shelter in Phang Nga, north of Phuket, to Malaysia will face rape and abduction charges, police today confirmed to the Phuket Gazette. “We were issued an arrest warrant today that will allow us to take him into custody and proceed with pressing…

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  • Cannabis NewsBusted: Alleged drug dealer’s operation across from Phuket school

    Busted: Alleged drug dealer’s operation across from Phuket school

    PHUKET: Police busted a Burmese drug dealer suspected of operating out of a house across the street from a Phuket school yesterday evening.Staking out a house across from Baan Kata School, Phuket Provincial Police officer Wanchai Palawan and his team waited for Anan Kanyarat, 36, to leave the residence before stopping and searching him.Police found 4.5 grams of marijuana on…

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  • Phuket NewsPhuket expat, in death revealed as witness in shocking Sweden murders

    Phuket expat, in death revealed as witness in shocking Sweden murders

    PHUKET: The 57-year-old Swedish expat found dead in her home in Chalong earlier this month was a key witness to one of the most shocking murder trials in Sweden’s history. The body of Aino Marianne Seppala was found lying on a couch in her living room on June 10. There was no evidence of violence in the room, reported police…

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  • OpinionPhuket Opinion: Promoting Islam for Phuket youths, tourists

    Phuket Opinion: Promoting Islam for Phuket youths, tourists

    Maroj Thongyon, a 66-year-old Phuket native, has been a member of the committee of the Phuket Islamic Council since 1990 and is president of the Foundation Nurul Islamiah. Two years ago he took the position of Imam at the Nurulislam mosque in Patong. Here, he talks about the loss of cultural identity among Phuket Muslim youth and the opportunity to…

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  • Phuket NewsPhuket man steals from women to pay for women

    Phuket man steals from women to pay for women

    PHUKET: Phuket Police on Wednesday arrested a thief who confessed to stealing mobile phones from women in order to pay for prostitutes.His most recent victim, Kanyakorn Nhoopong, reported to police on Wednesday that her mobile phone had been stolen from her clothing shop on Yaowarat Road.“I put my iPhone on a table in my shop,” Ms Kanyakorn said.“There was a…

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  • OpinionPhuket Opinion: Human trafficking is Thailand’s failure

    Phuket Opinion: Human trafficking is Thailand’s failure

    PHUKET: Few issues are more tragic and complex than human trafficking. Recent warnings by the US that Thailand faces relegation to Tier 3 status in the US Trafficking Persons Report for 2013 should serve as a wake-up call to all of the Thai government agencies that should be working together to bring human traffickers to justice, but are failing miserably.…

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  • Phuket NewsFalse start for Phuket murder trial of Swedish man

    False start for Phuket murder trial of Swedish man

    PHUKET: The murder trial of Johan Sebastian Ljung – charged for his role in the killing of fellow Swedish national Maksim Schantz in Phuket two years ago – floundered yesterday after the case investigator failed to present himself in court. Mr Ljung, 25 at the time of the killing, was brought from Phuket Provincial Prison, located immediately next to the…

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  • Thai LifePhuket Food: Inspired – Re-think Thai desserts [VIDEO] | Thaiger

    Phuket Food: Inspired – Re-think Thai desserts [VIDEO]

    PHUKET: A renaissance in the world of traditional Thai desserts has taken hold, away from the sand and seas of Phuket, in the heart of the province. Nestled in the center of the island, Ms Vachiraya “Yulie” Thitalohakul has turned back to her cultural heritage after years of working as a western-schooled patissiere. With over a decade of experience as…

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  • OpinionPhuket Opinion: Exceptions, all of us

    Phuket Opinion: Exceptions, all of us

    PHUKET: As children we were told that we were special, unique – exceptional. Those of us who have flocked to this little island have taken our parents’ words in stride and to heart. Individuals of every nationality in Phuket believe that they are an exception – an exception to everything: laws, moral creeds and consequences. I am without a doubt,…

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  • Phuket NewsSpecial Report: Navy ships scuttled south of Phuket for fishy passengers

    Special Report: Navy ships scuttled south of Phuket for fishy passengers

    Special Report: Three Royal Thai Navy vessels have been scuttled in Krabi Province to provide superstructures for artificial reefs as part of the province’s bid to create underwater learning centers for divers and boost the Andaman province’s tourism industry. The Gazette’s Irfarn Jamdukor reports. PHUKET: The ships are designed to function as both artificial reefs – human-made underwater structures usually…

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  • FoodPhuket Food: Go Brazilian at Rodizio

    Phuket Food: Go Brazilian at Rodizio

    PHUKET: Looking at a map of the world, Phuket, Thailand is about as far away as you can possibly get from the soccer-and-samba-crazed nation of Brazil. But don’t buy your ticket to Rio just yet, Patong’s newest restaurant has saved you the trouble of flying halfway around the globe and brought a taste of Brazil right here to Phuket. Rodizio…

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  • Business NewsPhuket Business Feature: Hydroponics – a happy medium

    Phuket Business Feature: Hydroponics – a happy medium

    PHUKET: Located about a kilometer west of Chao Fah West road, en route to the Big Buddha, the DN hydroponic farm is not the bustling business operation it might at first seem. “I can supply large orders, but this is really just a hobby,” insists Pakdee “Doo” Khruthanang. Ms Pakdee’s primary hat is running her business, West Coast Divers, which…

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  • Phuket NewsNew Phuket detour to ease congestion at underpass construction site

    New Phuket detour to ease congestion at underpass construction site

    PHUKET: Officials this week inspected the site of a new two-lane detour that will allow travellers between Patong and Chalong to bypass the Darasmuth Intersection in front of Central Festival, relieving congestion. The detour is in response to traffic jams at the intersection caused by the construction of the Darasmuth underpass (story here), said Phuket Vice Governor Sommai Prijasipa. One…

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  • World NewsPhuket Gazette World News: Egypt braces; Himalayan tsunami; Obama digs at China, Russia; Whitey Bulger mobster swears

    Phuket Gazette World News: Egypt braces; Himalayan tsunami; Obama digs at China, Russia; Whitey Bulger mobster swears

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH– World news compiled by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Egypt braced for protests as Mursi stands ground Reuters / Phuket GazettePHUKET: Egypt faces a showdown in the streets after President Mohamed Mursi failed, in an address to the nation, to satisfy the demands of opponents who want the Islamist to step down after a year in…

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  • Thailand NewsPhuket Gazette Thailand News: Court orders hearings on B350bn water plan; Yingluck tipped for Defence; Rice farmers urged to hold; Minister misses the bus

    Phuket Gazette Thailand News: Court orders hearings on B350bn water plan; Yingluck tipped for Defence; Rice farmers urged to hold; Minister misses the bus

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH– Thailand news compiled by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Court orders studies on water plan The Nation / Phuket GazettePHUKET: The government is mobilising legal advice on how to unlock projects under the Bt350-billion water-management scheme after the Central Administrative Court yesterday ordered complete environmental and health impact assessment reports on projects likely to harm the…

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  • Phuket NewsPoles are for climbing at Phuket Agricultural Fair

    Poles are for climbing at Phuket Agricultural Fair

    PHUKET: Seven kinds of goats could be found behind Tesco Lotus in Cherng Talay on Monday and Tuesday this week, during Cherng Talay’s ninth annual agricultural fair, which also entertained local residents with durian races, pole-climbing matches, cooking contests and animal competitions. “Tourism in Phuket has made agricultural jobs less important,” said Cherng Talay Subdistrict Administrative Organization (OrBorTor) President Ma-ann…

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  • Phuket News“Jealous’ Belgian expat stabbed, left in coma by Thai girlfriend in domestic dispute

    “Jealous’ Belgian expat stabbed, left in coma by Thai girlfriend in domestic dispute

    PHUKET: A domestic dispute got out of hand last night, leading to the brutal stabbing and hospitalization of a 62-year-old Belgian expat. In a moment of jealousy, Ferdinand Salden allegedly attacked his girlfriend of about six years, who then stabbed him multiple times with a thin, sharp piece of metal. Mr Salden had numerous stab wounds to the chest, as…

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  • Phuket NewsAlleged encroachment on protected Phuket mangroves in cross hairs

    Alleged encroachment on protected Phuket mangroves in cross hairs

    PHUKET: An investigation was launched into allegations that a Rassada landowner was encroaching on a protected mangrove forest and preventing villagers from accessing the forest for fishing. At the property, Phuket Vice Governor Somkiet Sangkaosuttirak and his team were greeted by Koompha Thammapradit, who claimed to know the land owner and presented a Sor Kor 1 title deed for 300…

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  • Cannabis NewsPolice open fire as drug suspect rams Phuket Town blockade

    Police open fire as drug suspect rams Phuket Town blockade

    PHUKET: Police officers opened fire on a suspected drug dealer after he rammed his Honda Jazz into a police patrol pickup blocking his escape in Phuket Town early yesterday evening. Police were following the Honda Jazz of 28-year-old Thaweepong Kerdpol, a suspected drug dealer, after they received a tip-off that he was in the Chalong area. Mr Thaweepong stopped for…

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  • Phuket NewsPhuket Gazette World Sports: Webber to end F1 career

    Phuket Gazette World Sports: Webber to end F1 career

    Mark Webber to quit Formula 1 at the end of season Reuters / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: Red Bull’s Mark Webber will quit Formula One at the end of the season for Porsche’s new sportscar programme, the Australian announced today. The 36-year-old spent 12 years in Formula One, winning nine races and twice finishing third in the championship. Lotus driver Kimi…

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  • Thai LifeExperienced GM heads to Anantara Vacation Club [VIDEO] | Thaiger

    Experienced GM heads to Anantara Vacation Club [VIDEO]

    PHUKET: Talking to Lyndon Ellis, it is easy to see how his great sense of hospitality makes him perfect for the position of General Manager of the newly opened Anantara Vacation Club. Mr Ellis brings a wealth of management experience to bear on this brand’s new signature resort in northwest Phuket, which offers a truly luxurious escape amid fantastic tropical…

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  • Phuket NewsPhuket officials stage pre-emptive strike against canal-clogging flower

    Phuket officials stage pre-emptive strike against canal-clogging flower

    PHUKET: Acting early to prevent the flooding, and stagnant water, that plague the Ban Yai Canal area in Srisoonthorn every year, officials took action yesterday to remove the culprit: water hyacinths that grow rampant in the canal. “Local residents complain every year that the hyacinths block water flow and cause flooding and bad-smelling water,” said Somjit Limpattawong, Municipal Clerk of…

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  • Thai LifeNew operations manager fits in at Phuket’s TSLC [VIDEO] | Thaiger

    New operations manager fits in at Phuket’s TSLC [VIDEO]

    PHUKET: Brian Finniss, the newly appointed operations manager for Thanyapura Sports and Leisure Club lives by this simple motto: “Be committed to do what it takes to have what you want.” For many people, managing an international brand like Thanyapura is something that comes with age, but this young Canadian export is a definite exception to the rule. Mr. Finniss…

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  • Phuket NewsTeenager found hanging in parents’ Phuket home

    Teenager found hanging in parents’ Phuket home

    PHUKET: The body of a teenager was found hanging from a support beam of her parent’s house in Kathu on Tuesday.Police tentatively suspect that the 19-year-old Burmese woman committed suicide because of a breakup with her boyfriend.Thung Thong Police and Kusoldharm Foundation rescue workers arrived at the scene at about 11:30am to find the body of Ms Lat already laid…

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  • Phuket NewsPhuket Police turn to Skype to catch criminals

    Phuket Police turn to Skype to catch criminals

    PHUKET: In a move to catch criminals faster, officers across Phuket are to use Skype so victims and witnesses can relate their descriptions of suspects directly to police artists in Surat Thani.Under the Royal Thai Police project called “Sketch on Skype”, experts from Forensic Science Region 8 in Surat Thani arrived in Phuket on Tuesday to explain the program to…

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  • Phuket NewsKoh Kaew u-turn lane lengthened to relieve congestion

    Koh Kaew u-turn lane lengthened to relieve congestion

    PHUKET: The northbound u-turn lane at the Koh Kaew intersection on Thepkrasattri Road is in the process of being lengthened in an effort to tackle the chronic congestion in the area.“Right now the u-turn lane is not long enough for all the cars that want to turn at the Koh Kaew intersection, and cars that can’t get into the turn…

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