Year: 2014
- Thailand News
Phuket Gazette Thailand News: Songkran ‘Seven Days’ begins; Police issue safety tips for South; Malaysian ATM skim gang at work
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news compiled by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Songkran holiday ‘Seven Dangerous Days’ safety campaign begins The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: With the festive Songkran mood in the air, organisations from various sectors have come together to make the upcoming holiday “safe and happy” for everyone. Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday expressed…
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Phuket Gazette World News: New pings stoke optimism for Malaysia plane hunt
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community New pings stoke optimism for Malaysia plane hunt Reuters / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: A new acoustic signal was detected in the hunt for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 on Thursday, further boosting confidence that officials are zeroing in on the missing plane after weeks of searching. The…
Read More » - Phuket News
Phuket banker dies after car crashes into pond
PHUKET: A Phuket banker died yesterday morning after he lost control of his car on the old airport road in Baan Nai Mon and flipped it into a small pond. A local farmer, who asked not to be named, said that residents were unable to save Phubadee Marasa, 26. Additionally, the first two rescue workers who arrived on the scene…
Read More » - Opinion
Phuket Opinion: Three cheers for clean police
PHUKET: The opening of the Karon Police Station in 2012 to serve the southwest of the island was a well-intended move, one expected to take pressure off the Chalong police who were previously responsible for the entire south of the island. Events in recent months have shown that the truncation did not stop the scandals that have plagued the Chalong…
Read More » - Phuket News
Wastewater could lead to shutdown of Karon hotels
PHUKET: The president of the Karon Hotels Association agreed on Wednesday that hotels should be shut down for releasing untreated wastewater into the beach town’s canal. Angkana Tanetvisetkul voiced her support for drastic action at a public meeting led by Phuket Governor Maitri Inthusut aimed at improving the wastewater and garbage problems in Karon. The meeting was held to address…
Read More » - Phuket News
The new generation of F1
PHUKET: Far from the boiling heart of Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur, wrapped in the steamy green of endless palm oil plantations, lies another heart. It doesn’t beat all the time like the city, but when it does, it pounds hard and loud and forces adrenaline to course through the veins. Sepang International Circuit, found 13 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur International Airport…
Read More » - Thai Life
Bicycling for barflies
PHUKET: Bicycling Baz is only too aware that his is not the only opinion when it comes to cycling in Phuket. With this in mind, he asked his erstwhile drinking associate, Hugo Barfly, to write an alternative viewpoint from the perspective of a well-padded bar stool in Rawai. Here’s Hugo’s take on cycling in Phuket. So, I was sitting there…
Read More » - Property
Walking the brand dogma: Hotel-branded residences
PHUKET: One of my recurring nightmares is that of a tropical island sunset framed by a sinking orange ball, and the erotically charged image of a scantily-clad, swimsuit-model type gently grasping onto the edge of a mega-villa infinity swimming pool, staring aimlessly onto an empty horizon. Please bear with me, I have not entirely lost my mind. Not yet anyway,…
Read More » - Phuket News
Australian Govt warns Deep South extremists “may be targeting westerners’
PHUKET: The Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade has upgraded its travel advisory, warning travellers that extremists in the Deep South provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat may be targeting westerners. The advisory also includes Songkhla province, home of the bustling southern city Haad Yai, in its warning (click here). “We strongly advise you not to travel at…
Read More » - World News
Phuket Gazette World News: Knife-wielding student wounds 22 in Pennsylvania school
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Knife-wielding student wounds 22 in Pennsylvania school Reuters / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: A 16-year-old student wielding two knives went on a stabbing rampage in the hallways of a Pittsburgh-area high school on Wednesday, wounding 22 people before he was tackled by an assistant principal, officials said.…
Read More » - Phuket News
Phuket hunter shot dead, police probing gun misfire claims
PHUKET: Police are not yet convinced that a man shot dead while hunting with friends in central Phuket last night died from his .22 rifle accidentally discharging while the men were climbing a hill in the dark. Maj Kittipoom Tinthalang of the Thalang Police was called to a small village in the foothills of the protected forest area near Bang…
Read More » - Phuket News
Krabi resort fraud case goes nationwide, hundreds file complaints
PHUKET: At least 231 victims have stepped up to file police complaints against the Phu Pranang Resort in Krabi, across Phang Nga Bay from Phuket. The flood of complaints comes after 50 tourists were turned away by the resort earlier this month. The travellers bought low-cost package tours, but were left stranded after they were refused check-in by resort staff,…
Read More » - World News
Phuket Gazette World News: Indonesia election poll shows no easy PDI-P win, rise in Islamic party support
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Indonesia election shows no easy PDI-P win, rise in Islamic party support Reuters / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: Indonesia’s likely next leader may have a bumpier-than-expected route to the presidential palace after early counting in Wednesday’s parliamentary vote suggested his party will have to cut a deal…
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Phuket Gazette Thailand News: Yingluck calls for Lese Majeste probe; No Bangkok protests for Songkran; Romanians caught on credit card fraud
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news compiled by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community CAPO warns govt officials against talking to PDRC The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: The visit of anti-government protesters to three government offices has prompted the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) to issue a warning to state officials and civil servants not…
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PDRC allows Phuket Provincial Hall to re-open
PHUKET: Phuket Provincial Hall officially re-opened yesterday after being closed by anti-government protests for four and a half months. The opening followed an order from People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) leader Suthep Thaugsuban. Mr Suthep called protest co-ordinators from every province to a meeting in Bangkok on Saturday, Phuket protest co-ordinator Amnuay Kumban explained to the Phuket Gazette today. “Mr…
Read More » - Phuket News
Naked Canadian arrested after putting on a show for shoppers
PHUKET: As women screamed and shouted, a man identified by police only as “David” walked, danced and jumped on a wall next to Jungceylon last night – buck naked. When police arrived, Mr David was scaling a wall next to the mall. He resisted arrest, leading officers to handcuff him. His evening ended soberly. “We smelled alcohol on him, so…
Read More » - Phuket News
Irishman among three arrested for drug dealing in Phuket
PHUKET: Police made three more arrests last night, including that of an Irish national, in their continued effort to rid Patong of drug dealers. Officers arrested Irishman Jim Joseph Brady along with Parinya Sornloy and Sumalee Saenkhampa, all of whom were found in possession of either ya bah (methamphetamine) or ya ice (crystal methamphetamine), or both. “The first suspect arrested…
Read More » - Phuket News
Phuket officials prepare for Songkran with alcohol-free play zones
PHUKET: With Phuket Governor Maitri Inthusut’s announcement today of designated water-play zones for this year’s Songkran celebrations, Phuket water-players may start making plans to party. The announcement made it clear that the sale, purchase and consumption of alcohol will be banned within the Phuket water play zones and there will be no exception for any famous area, including, of course,…
Read More » - Phuket News
10-year-old taken off life support after Phuket motorbike accident
PHUKET: The 10-year-old girl critically injured in a motorbike accident with her older sister last week died on Monday at Vachira Phuket Hospital after being taken off life support. “Rattanawadee Tukthin was taken off life support because her brain had been so severely damaged in the crash. Our medical team did their best to save her life, but she remained…
Read More » - World News
Phuket Gazette World News: Indonesian election underway for new parliament
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Indonesians vote for new parliament, stage set for presidential poll Reuters / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: Indonesians began voting for a new parliament on Wednesday in an election likely to be dominated by the opposition Indonesian Democratic Party-Struggle (PDI-P), which it turn should give a further boost…
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Phuket FC look to hold their place in the Thaicom FA Cup
PHUKET: Tonight, Phuket FC look to hold their place in the Thaicom FA Cup 2014 as they travel to Khao Plong Stadium in Chainat. They will kickoff at 6pm against the Wang Mun Tambon Administration Office. Organized by the Football Association of Thailand, The Thaicom FA Cup is a knockout football tournament now into its 19th year. The cup winner…
Read More » - Thailand News
Phuket Gazette Thailand News: Yala bomb suspects on CCTV; Govt in legal fightback; Toxic landfill fire reignites; Storm slams Buri Ram
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news compiled by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Police spot Yala bomb suspects on CCTV The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: Police are on a hunt for a group suspected in bombing attacks that caused several casualties and massive damage in Yala last weekend. These suspects have been seen in images captured by closed-circuit…
Read More » - Food
JW Marriott Phuket’s Kabuki restaurant entertains all of the senses
PHUKET: Let’s be honest – on the scale of things, Japanese cuisine isn’t amongst the most spectacular. Its esthetic appeal, restraint in the use of spices and pure flavors are pleasing, but probably won’t provide you with the hefty injection of endorphins in the way a spicy Indian curry or our daily bowl of tom yum goong does. However, there…
Read More » - Phuket News
Six dodge jail terms for Phuket beach land encroachment
PHUKET: Six people have received suspended jail sentences and immediate fines for building and operating small beachside shops on protected land at Nai Yang Beach, revealed the Chief Administrative Officer of Sakoo Tambon Administrative Organization (OrBorTor) today. Of the six, two are still operating their shops, three have had their shops demolished and one has closed shop, but the building…
Read More » - Phuket News
Phuket Police arrest four drug suspects after a snitch chain reaction
PHUKET: Four suspects were arrested in Phuket yesterday for possession of illegal drugs and weapons during a raid by Patong Police, which netted nearly 25 grams of ya ice (crystal methamphetamine), three handguns and more than 600,000 baht in property. Police first tracked down Petcharat “Fah” Ammatapaiboon, 34, who gave up her dealer, Saengdao “Dao” Korranee, 44. Ms Dao, in…
Read More » - Cannabis News
Sting operation nets Nigerian for dealing cocaine
PHUKET: A series of small drug busts led to a sting operation last night that concluded with the arrest of a Nigerian man for dealing cocaine. “Last night, we were informed that Somkid ‘Waew’ Kwanngern, 30, was in possession of cocaine so we went to her apartment behind Patong Municipality Fire Department,” said Lt Col Sutthichai Thianpho of the Patong…
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Video Report: Phuket’s Suunto Series – seeing in red and white
PHUKET: The first two white cards handed out for “points” in the Phuket We Free Dive Suunto Series have highlighted the unique format of the competition, which ranks the control, safety and beauty of the dive above time and distance. “I value any clean dive far above a longer or deeper one that ends with a barely conscious diver,” explained…
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Motorbike rental passport leads to Phuket arrest of Spanish nunchuk mugger
PHUKET: A passport left as collateral for a motorbike rental has led to the arrest of a Spaniard for the nunchuk mugging of a Russian in Kata early yesterday morning. Karon Police arrested Spanish tourist Mario Arturo Tovar Ferras, 23, at the Bonus Bungalow resort in Soi Ta-iad, Chalong, at about 7:30pm last night. “Police seized a motorbike, a seven-inch…
Read More » - World News
Phuket Gazette World News: Pro-Moscow protesters declare republic, Kiev fears invasion
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Pro-Moscow protesters declare republic, Kiev fears invasion Reuters / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: Pro-Moscow protesters in eastern Ukraine seized arms in one city and declared a separatist republic in another, in moves Kiev described on Monday as part of a Russian-orchestrated plan to justify an invasion to…
Read More » - Entertainment
Expat Business: Rocket Scientist and Phuket entrepreneur Don Battles tells his story tonight at RPM
PHUKET: NASA rocket scientist, farmer, entrepreneur, intellectual and whiskey-drinking former Phuket resident Don Battles will launch his autobiography ‘Merchant of the Orient’ tonight, 6:30pm, at the Speakeasy bar in Royal Phuket Marina. Now living in Chiang Rai in his 30th year of Thai residence, Don will also tell us what he thinks a foreigner needs to do – and not…
Read More » - World News
Phuket Gazette World News: Search for missing Malaysia jet set to move to sea floor
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Search for missing Malaysia jet set to move to sea floor Reuters / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: A robotic search vehicle is likely to be sent deep into the Indian Ocean on Tuesday to look for wreckage of a missing Malaysian jetliner on the sea floor, as…
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Phuket Gazette Thailand News: South alert after blasts; Army targets 4 triggers; PDRC denies coup; Killer claims gold
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news compiled by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community South on alert after deadly bombings The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: Security has been beefed up in the restive deep South ahead of the long Songkran holiday next week, following destructive bombing attacks in Yala over the past two days. Yesterday’s bomb explosion at a…
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Phuket police station blockade yields B900k cash compensation
PHUKET: An angry family ransomed the Chalong Police Station for 900,000 baht in compensation for failure to apprehend the suspect of deadly hit-and-run nine months ago. The three vehicles blocking anyone from entering the police station were not moved until the owner of the pickup truck that struck the man dead offered cash compensation (story here). “I want to end…
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Phuket Gazette World News: Pistorius retches during graphic forensic testimony
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Pistorius retches during graphic forensic testimony Reuters / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: South African track star Oscar Pistorius wept and retched into a bucket in court on Monday during graphic forensic testimony about the death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, whom he is accused of murdering on…
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Phuket Airport taxi driver faces inquest for drunk nap behind the wheel
PHUKET: The Phuket Airport taxi driver who was found asleep behind the wheel and smelling of alcohol early yesterday morning will be called in for questioning by the Phuket Land Transportation Office (PLTO). The news follows Thalang Police being called to Baan Lipon, between Thalang Town and the Heroines Monument, at 5:30am to find a registered taxi pulled over in…
Read More » - World News
Phuket Gazette World News: Actor Mickey Rooney dies at 93
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Actor Mickey Rooney, brash star of 1930s and ’40s, dies at 93 Reuters / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: Actor Mickey Rooney, who became the United States’ biggest movie star while still a brash teenager in the 1930s and later a versatile character actor in a career that…
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Phuket Gazette World News: Syria’s Assad secure, will seek re-election, says Hezbollah leader
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Syria’s Assad secure, will seek re-election, says Hezbollah leader Reuters / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will stand for re-election this year and no longer faces a threat of being overthrown, the head of his Lebanese Shi’ite ally Hezbollah said in an interview published…
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