Month: February 2015
- Phuket News
Chinese New Year pushes Phuket occupancy to 99%
PHUKET: Chinese New Year festivities saw occupancy at registered Phuket hotels hit 99%, despite a projected overall year-on-year decrease in occupancy in the first quarter, said Krisada Tansakul, vice president of Phuket Tourist Association (PTA). In anticipation of a slight downturn in traditional Western markets, many hotels on the island set aside rooms at prices designed to target the Chinese…
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Phuket sports office appeals to Tourism Minister for better facilities
PHUKET: Saroj Angkanapilas, president of the Sport Association of Thailand Phuket office, recently made a special appeal to Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul to help develop the island’s sports facilities. “Phuket has held many sports tournaments, both national and international, some of which were very important,” Mr Saroj told the minister. “But as people can see, although we do…
Read More » - Thailand News
Car bomb in Narathiwat leaves 13 injured
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Car bomb in Narathiwat leaves 13 injured The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: A car bomb rocked Narathiwat’s downtown area yesterday, damaging dozens of homes and injuring 13 people, four of them seriously. The bomb was hidden in a pickup truck parked in front of a…
Read More » - Bangkok News
VIDEO REPORT: Muaythai champ heads to Bangkok for MMA showdown
FORMER Lumpinee and Rajadamnern muaythai champion Jomhod Kiatadisak will make his transition to pro MMA complete today, when he takes on top Cambodian fighter Vorn Viva at Full Metal Dojo 4 in Bangkok. Keeping the fight even, Vorn Viva will also be competing in his first MMA fight, to be held at Live House, located near Bangkok’s famed Chatuchak Market.…
Read More » - Phuket News
Packaged snacks approved as Phuket beach eats
PHUKET: Packaged snacks have, for the moment, been given an official stamp of approval for consumption on the beach, while Phuket’s local administrative bodies determine what other types of food they might permit us to eat. The clarification comes in the wake of Governor Nisit Jansomwong on Tuesday announcing that smoking and eating would be banned from Phuket’s beaches as…
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Police nail Phuket drug dealer with weapons of war (video)
PHUKET: The arrest of a petty drug user on Wednesday led to police busting a major drug dealer who was found in possession of an M16 assault rifle yesterday. Surasak Rabeabdee, 32, was arrested in a raid on a house in Kuku, north of Phuket Town, Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander Peerayuth Karajedee said today. “In the house, officers found…
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Police shoot out drug dealer’s tyres in high-speed chase
PHUKET: Phuket police involved in a high-speed car chase with a drug dealer on Tuesday were forced to shoot out the front tyres of the suspect’s vehicle to stop her escape. Roh Kaewdam, 49, fled the scene of a drug bust near Gems Gallery on the bypass road and headed north toward Bang Ku intersection in a pick-up truck with…
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Felling of 143-year-old Krabi tree to boost environmental awareness sparks outrage
PHUKET: The felling of a 143-year-old ma haard tree, to be turned into a sculpture for Krabi Town, sparked social media outrage after pictures circulated on Facebook of the downed tree this week. Krabi Municipality Mayor Kittisak Phukaoluan took credit for the idea and responded to the criticism by explaining that the structure would be a positive way to promote…
Read More » - Business News
Phuket Hotel Association to be key platform for hotel industry
PHUKET: The erroneous ‘No Summer Dream’ fliers, warning tourists and locals not to bring sun loungers to the beach, is the latest blow for authorities attempting to restore a semblance of order to the island’s tourism industry. One that has left hotel and resort owners, as well as their general managers, scrambling for a response and explanation to give to…
Read More » - Property
Phuket Pads: Next stop – Layan Beach
PHUKET: It is common knowledge that land prices on Phuket have multiplied several times over in the past 10 years, and land prices on the west coast have become out of reach for most buyers, except for large developers, hotels and resorts. The future for smaller developers and individual private buyers is inland and north of Laguna as land prices…
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Breaking News: No tsunami warning after Phang Nga earthquake
PHUKET: No tsunami warning was issued following an earthquake off Koh Yai Yai, east of Phuket, this afternoon. The earthquake, which registered 4.0 on the Richter magnitude scale, was centered in Koh Yao district, at about a depth of two kilometers, explained Santhawat Riwleung, chief of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) Phuket office. “Many people in Phuket…
Read More » - Thai Life
Up in the air: DCA rule changes cause turbulence
PHUKET: Ongoing regulatory changes made by the Thai Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) headquarters in Bangkok have left recreational flying enthusiasts throughout the Kingdom scrambling to remain in compliance, Up In The Air has learned. Pat James of AeroPro Management, based at Phuket AirPark in Pa Khlok, said that the administrative adjustments followed a change at the top of the…
Read More » - Business News
Finance: Three pillars of happiness for worry-free golden years
PHUKET: Much of my time is spent with clients figuring out exactly what they want for the future – key to their financial planning goals. Typically it ends with setting aside a certain amount of money each month over a period of time – investing it with a particular objective in mind, or getting clients savings that are sitting in…
Read More » - Food
Aziamendi: Breaking culinary boundaries
PHUKET: Some restaurants are defined by their menu, others by their location or wines. Iniala’s Aziamendi is difficult to define. It gets everything right – the menu, the location and the wines. But, if there is one thing that sets it apart, it’s the boundaries that it breaks. Where to begin? Take the chef, for a first example. Eneko Atxa…
Read More » - Opinion
Opinion: Beach bums blue after latest Phuket ban
PHUKET: Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsup is correct in calling for a compromising approach to the ban on beach chairs on the island (story here). An equitable and transparent solution must be worked out before this latest embarrassment causes irreparable damage to the island’s tourism industry, permanently driving away many of the island’s most loyal guests. Images of elderly tourists being…
Read More » - World News
‘Terrifying’ storm, 285kmh winds slam into northeast Australia
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community ‘Terrifying’ storm, 285kmh winds slam into northeast Australia Reuters / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: Tens of thousands of residents in northeastern Australia were warned on Friday to take shelter wherever they could after a huge storm unexpectedly intensified into a cyclone before it made landfall, cutting rail…
Read More » - Thailand News
Decision on Yingluck trial set for March 19
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Decision on Yingluck trial set for March 19 The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: Public prosecutors indicted ex-PM Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday for negligence and filed criminal charges at the Supreme Court, in a case that could result in a jail term of up to 10 years.…
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Video Report: Governor disbands Muslim protesters threatening Phuket resort
PHUKET: Governor Nisit Jansomwong was forced to disband a mob of more than 100 Muslims protesters who were threatening to blockade the Phuket Panwa Beachfront Resort today. The angry members of the Baan Ao Makham community, in Wichit, were demanding an explanation from the owner of the resort, who they said was behind a complaint filed about the level of…
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Phuket Police balk at linking French expat hatchet attack to deadly Russian kidnapping
PHUKET: Police have yet to investigate whether or not a brutal hatchet attack on a French expat this month could have been connected to a Russian kidnapping case in Phuket last year. Frenchman Eric Seigneurin, manager of Blue Garden Resort and Spa in Cherng Talay, was attacked with a hatchet outside his home in the area on February 8 (story…
Read More » - Thai Life
Excuse Buster: Strong is the new skinny – why women should lift like men
PHUKET: The myth that claims women who lift weights will become bulky has wreaked havoc for decades, and the fear it provokes still continues today. I’m here to tell you: It’s just a myth. Strength training is probably one of the best body-shaping exercises women can do. Here’s my guess as to how this myth came about, and why it…
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Wanted Bandido Pechey spotted in Phuket, surrenders in Australia
PHUKET: Wanted Australian biker Brett “Kaos” Pechey, recently pictured at an MMA training camp in Phuket, was taken into custody on landing at Brisbane Airport last Wednesday. Last month, Phuket’s leading law-enforcement authorities told the Phuket Gazette that Mr Pechey was not on their watchlist. Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander Peerayuth Karajedee, Phuket Immigration Superintendent Sunchai Chokkajaykij and Phuket Tourist…
Read More » - Phuket News
Lighthouse Market back with big new package of goodies at Boat Lagoon
PHUKET: They’re going to do it again this weekend – on the docks, in the water, and in the air. The Lighthouse Market is back with a raft of new delights and great entertainment at Phuket’s hippest family fun spot, the Phuket Boat Lagoon. Back by popular demand, the Market returns tomorrow and again on Sunday, offering two more vibrant…
Read More » - Phuket News
Phuket FC win season opener in Trat
PHUKET: Phuket FC opened their 2015 campaign in the Yahama League 1 with a win over Trat FC last weekend: the “Ronins” defeated the “White Elephants” 0-1. Wasan Samansin, sporting jersey number 11, scored the only goal of the match, beating the Trat goalkeeper in the 18th minute. Trat FC replied well, and in the 58th minute Salahudin Arware came…
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Legendary Chinese National Acrobatic Troupe to launch Phuket Chinese New Year celebrations
PHUKET: More than 50 performers from the legendary Chinese National Acrobatic Troupe, hailed as being among the best acrobats in the world, will be the highlight of celebrations for the Chinese New Year in Phuket tonight. The festivities in Phuket Town will be held at Sanam Chai, opposite Phuket Provincial Hall, where the troupe will take to the stage at…
Read More » - Thai Life
Bohemian-style photography workshop in Phuket
PHUKET: There was a Bohemian, Rolling Stone Magazine flare to the atmosphere when I walked into the Chalong hillside villa. The small group of photographers, the playboy model, her male counterpart and friends, sat around a long table drinking wine and digging into a feast of farang food – clearly not your typical photographers’ workshop. They had finished the nude…
Read More » - Thailand News
VIPs stranded as Nok Air cancels flight
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community VIPs stranded as Nok Air cancels flight The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: Thailand’s budget airline, Nok Air, yesterday suspended a domestic flight from Nan to Bangkok, stranding 85 passengers including VIPs for hours. At 10.55am, Nok Air – the sister airline of Thai Airways International…
Read More » - World News
Ukrainian forces quit besieged town after rebel assault
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Ukrainian forces quit besieged town after rebel assault Reuters / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: Ukraine pulled thousands of troops out of an encircled town on Wednesday after a massive assault by pro-Russian rebels, who ignored a new ceasefire to seize the strategic railway junction. The fall of…
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Phuket beaches return to TripAdvisor ‘Best in Asia’ rankings
PHUKET: Nai Harn Beach and Kata Beach, both on Phuket’s southwest coast, have ranked in TripAdvisor’s top 10 list for Asia, with two beaches in Krabi also making the grade. Nai Harn beach ranked third (click here), while Kata beach returned to the rankings, coming in at number eight. Railey Beach and Phra Nang Beach, in both Krabi, ranked seventh…
Read More » - Thailand News
Yingluck faces suit over B600bn losses
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news compiled by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Yingluck faces suit over B600bn losses The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) resolved yesterday that it will recommend the Finance Ministry to sue former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra for about 600 billion baht in damages – for failing to stop massive…
Read More » - Thailand News
Police kingpins Pongpat, Kowit get 10 more years for money laundering
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Police kingpins Pongpat, Kowit get 10 more years for money laundering The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: Former crime-buster Pol Lt Gen Pongpat Chayaphan and a close police aide were yesterday given 10-year jail terms for money laundering. Five other members of the racket he ran…
Read More » - Thailand News
NHRC criticizes use of troops for oil well drilling rig
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community NHRC criticizes use of troops for oil well drilling rig The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: A National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) subcommittee will lodge complaints today |over the deployment of security officials for an oil firm in Khon Kaen province. “We will write to both…
Read More » - World News
Australia ratchets up pressure on Indonesia over Bali Nine executions
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Australia ratchets up pressure on Indonesia over Bali Nine executions Reuters / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: Indonesia owes it to Australia not to execute two Australian drug offenders on death row, Prime Minister Tony Abbott said on Wednesday, ratcheting up a diplomatic war of words that is…
Read More » - Phuket News
No Beach Butts: Phuket bans smoking, eating on sands
PHUKET: Smoking and eating are now banned on Phuket beaches following a press conference today to clarify the new “no beach chair” rule (story here). Governor Nisit Jansomwong called the conference following tourists’ protests of police officers asking them to remove their beach chairs from the sands (story here). “Despite smoking and eating being banned, people will still be able…
Read More » - Phuket News
Phuket Governor stands strong against beach chairs
PHUKET: Governor Nisit Jansomwong stood strong in his anti-beach chair campaign today, amid some tourists denouncing Phuket and its beaches following the recent “no beach chair” rule. “Today, I would like to make it clear. We will continue to strictly enforce the rules prohibiting beach chairs on Phuket sands,” Governor Nisit said. The governor’s statement flies in the face of…
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French tourists survive Phuket airport van crash
PHUKET: Three French tourists escaped serious injury when the passenger van they were in blew out a front tyre and tumbled onto the median guard rail en route to Phuket International Airport this afternoon. Yassin Bouhou, 31, suffered a broken left leg and compatriot Franky Legueulle, 33, broke his left arm in the accident, confirmed Lt Col Watcharin Jirattikarnwiwat of…
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Locals file complaint against construction of LPG gas station
PHUKET: Chalong Mayor Samran Jindaphol led a group of 20 local residents to Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday to formally request that Governor Nisit Jansomwong halt the construction of a new LPG gas station. Construction started on the station, on Chao Fa East Road south of Soi Ta-iad, but was soon put on hold after residents filed a complaint with the…
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Missing girl found safe in Phuket
PHUKET: Saowaluk ‘Nong Mai’ Thappan, the 15-year-old girl reported missing from Ranong two days ago, was reunited with her mother at the Chalong Police Station last night. Deunphen Tongtirum made a public plea to find her daughter after she went missing from their family home on Sunday (story here). Also reported missing was Nong Mai’s friend, named only as “Nong…
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