Month: November 2015

  • Phuket NewsPhi Phi Police struggle to stomp out gibbon touts | Thaiger

    Phi Phi Police struggle to stomp out gibbon touts

    PHUKET: Unaware of officers failing to find and arrest an illegal gibbon tout regularly operating at a specific time and location on Phi Phi Don, the recently appointed Phi Phi Police Chief Jetsada Junphum has taken matters into his own hands. “I did not see the video sent to my officers until the Phuket Gazette sent it directly to me,”…

    Read More »
  • Thailand NewsMan assaulted, pregnant girlfriend abducted in taxi

    Man assaulted, pregnant girlfriend abducted in taxi

    BANGKOK: A taxi driver, along with his accomplices, reportedly robbed and assaulted a Myanmar passenger before abducting his two-month-pregnant girlfriend on Saturday. Ong Su, 34, told police that he and his 22-year-old girlfriend hailed a green-yellow taxi with an unknown licence plate number from the Rangsit area to go to Samut Prakan province. Two men joined them in the taxi…

    Read More »
  • Phuket NewsDeaf man dies in alleged suicide

    Deaf man dies in alleged suicide

    PHUKET: Police have yet to rule out foul play as they investigate the alleged suicide of a deaf man in Thalang yesterday morning. Officers received a report that Amnach Utsaha, 30, had supposedly shot himself in the head with a homemade gun while in bed with his wife Boonruay Aree, 44. “According to Ms Boonruay, Mr Amnach had been complaining…

    Read More »
  • Phuket NewsTriathlon champ’s return to form at Challenge Laguna Phuket

    Triathlon champ’s return to form at Challenge Laguna Phuket

    PHUKET: A field of over 600 individual pro and age group athletes representing 41 nationalities, crowded Laguna Phuket this weekend to participate in the 2015 Challenge Laguna Phuket triathlon. Switzerland’s Ruedi Wild successfully defended his 2014 Challenge Laguna Phuket title in 3:54:45 (swim 21:29, bike 2:12:17, run 1:18:21), breaking his own record of 4:02:43, despite being out of action for…

    Read More »
  • PropertyBy the Book: Lowdown on holiday villa rentals

    By the Book: Lowdown on holiday villa rentals

    PHUKET: When planning a holiday, location is usually the first consideration. Having chosen your destination, the next decision is accommodation. Traditionally, holiday makers would look for hotels, with the idea that they will provide the best value for money and more facilities. However, these days, renting villas has become a popular and flexible option. A family of five with two…

    Read More »
  • Phuket NewsPhuket locals protest US Amb’s lese majeste comments

    Phuket locals protest US Amb’s lese majeste comments

    PHUKET: About 100 Phuket locals gathered at Provincial Hall this morning to protest comments made by the recently appointed United States Ambassador to Thailand, Glyn Davies, about the increase in lese majeste sentences under the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). “Ambassador Glyn Davies gave a public speech on Wednesday at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand in Bangkok…

    Read More »
  • World NewsBeijing aims to refill medicine chest with | Thaiger

    Beijing aims to refill medicine chest with

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Beijing aims to refill medicine chest with ‘Made in China’ drugs Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: China, already a global powerhouse in high-tech areas from solar panels to bullet trains, is turning its industrial might to the challenge of making more of its own drugs for…

    Read More »
  • World NewsWorld leaders to launch bid for climate breakthrough in Paris | Thaiger

    World leaders to launch bid for climate breakthrough in Paris

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community World leaders to launch bid for climate breakthrough in Paris Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: World leaders will launch an ambitious attempt on Monday to hold back the earth’s rising temperatures, urging each other to find common cause in two weeks of bargaining meant to steer…

    Read More »
  • World NewsIndonesia ferry hits trouble on way to Singapore, 97 rescued | Thaiger

    Indonesia ferry hits trouble on way to Singapore, 97 rescued

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Indonesia ferry hits trouble on way to Singapore, 97 rescued Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: Almost 100 people were rescued when a ferry sailing towards Singapore from the Indonesianisland of Batam hit a floating object and reportedly started to sink, authorities in the city-state said. Ferry…

    Read More »
  • Phuket NewsRussian woman robbed near British International School

    Russian woman robbed near British International School

    PHUKET: Police are hunting two suspects accused of robbing a Russian woman near British International School Phuket on Saturday morning. Olga Shnyreva, 35, was kicked off of her bicycle and robbed of 400 baht and an iPhone 6 by two men with tattooed faces, confirmed Lt Col Sanit Nukong of the Thalang Police. “A passerby saw Ms Shnyreva sitting by…

    Read More »
  • Phuket NewsMyanmar couple arrested for dealing meth

    Myanmar couple arrested for dealing meth

    PHUKET: Police arrested two Myanmar nationals in possession of more than 250 grams of crystal methamphetamine (ya ice) on Friday. Thiha Soe, 32, and his wife, referred to by police only as Moe, were apprehended after officers received a tip-off from Rassada Subdistrict Chief (Kamnan) Chanchai Tantawacheerapan. “Mr Chanchai contacted officials after hearing complaints about two plant workers selling drugs…

    Read More »
  • Business NewsBusiness Buzz: Cash in on high season

    Business Buzz: Cash in on high season

    PHUKET: We are coming into the high season and the tourists will be coming, so no matter what their numbers, this is the time to take advantage. There are a couple of things that we can do as business owners to protect our profits and position ourselves for the coming year. The first is to try to avoid the price…

    Read More »
  • Phuket NewsChinese diver dies at Similan National Park

    Chinese diver dies at Similan National Park

    PHUKET: A Chinese diver died yesterday during a dive trip with Similan Seven Sea Co Ltd at Koh Bon, Similan National Park. Zhang Lin, 23, was found floating unresponsive at a depth of about 11.9 meters by divers from another dive company. “Ms Zhang was found with her regulator no longer in her mouth by divers from Khao Lak Scuba…

    Read More »
  • Phuket NewsIKEA opens Asia’s first Pick-up & Order Point in Phuket

    IKEA opens Asia’s first Pick-up & Order Point in Phuket

    PHUKET: The first IKEA ‘Pick Up & Order Point’ in Asia was officially launched in Phuket yesterday, providing service to Thailand’s southern provinces. The newest addition to the Swedish retailer’s furniture and home furnishings business, located on the bypass road in the Biz Town estate, aims to cater to the island’s growing business, real estate and tourism sectors. “Phuket has…

    Read More »
  • Business NewsFinance: Going back to basics

    Finance: Going back to basics

    PHUKET: This is something I often write about but so often find ignored by what is done in practice. When it comes to planning your financial future, there are only a few basic principles that you really need to follow. As long as you stay within these guidelines, you can make the odd mistake and still easily recover. The first…

    Read More »
  • Phuket NewsMobile service providers working to implement 911

    Mobile service providers working to implement 911

    PHUKET: The recent adjustment to allow anyone in an emergency to dial the 911 hotline for help has yet to be implemented by all phone service providers in Phuket. Though the Office of the Prime Minister confirmed today that the number is available nationwide, 911 is in fact currently available only via AIS and TrueMove mobile services, as it has…

    Read More »
  • OpinionOpinion: Keeping up the pressure to rid Phuket of jet-skis

    Opinion: Keeping up the pressure to rid Phuket of jet-skis

    PHUKET: All stakeholders in Phuket’s future should thank five visiting ambassadors who kept the pressure on the provincial government to do something about the island’s notorious jet-ski rental industry. As opined many times, this particular industry seems to possess a curious ability that allows it to somehow pass undetected through all barriers of law, order, courtesy and simple common sense.…

    Read More »
  • Thai LifeDiving: Saving mantas with photos

    Diving: Saving mantas with photos

    PHUKET: Phuket divers have been regularly asked to participate as citizen scientists over the last several years, helping ‘Spot The Leopard Shark’ to better understand shark populations and to collect data for ‘Project Seahorse’ as they determined the sustainability of fishing practices for seahorses in Thailand. Now, a new project is afoot in the Kingdom, one destined to improve conservation…

    Read More »
  • Thai LifeAsia Superyacht Rendezvous prepares to sail in to Phuket

    Asia Superyacht Rendezvous prepares to sail in to Phuket

    PHUKET: The Asia Superyacht Rendezvous will shine bright again in Phuket from December 16-18, when guests can enjoy the many facets of this invitation-only event. This is Asia’s largest rendezvous of superyacht owners, guests, VIPs and crew as they gather together to have fun just before the hectic Christmas season. Latest superyachts to confirm their participation are M/Y Samax, M/Y…

    Read More »
  • World NewsE. coli from Costco chicken salad traced to tainted celery | Thaiger

    E. coli from Costco chicken salad traced to tainted celery

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community E. coli from Costco chicken salad traced to tainted celery Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: A multi-state E. coli outbreak that has sickened at least 19 people who ate rotisserie chicken salad sold at Costco Wholesale Corp’s stores has been traced to a celery-and-onion mix used…

    Read More »
  • Phuket NewsBeach boss bans umbreallas at Surin

    Beach boss bans umbreallas at Surin

    PHUKET: Disobedient vendors on Surin Beach have given the president of the Cherng Talay Administration Organization (OrBorTor) ‘no choice’ but to designate it as one of Phuket’s ‘virgin beaches’. Though a 10 per cent zone had already been marked, beach vendors renting out umbrellas and offering other services there failed to follow the beach management rules put in place by…

    Read More »
  • Phuket NewsThalang Police hunt serial bag snatcher

    Thalang Police hunt serial bag snatcher

    PHUKET: Police are hunting a possible serial snatch thief who made off with a woman’s purse Wednesday night in Thalang. Namthip Kritkarom, 22, was on her way back from the Loy Krathong festival when the suspect grabbed her bag from the front of her motorbike while driving past her on a black Honda Click, confirmed Lt Suporn Muangkai of the…

    Read More »
  • Phuket NewsSix-meter-long snake found under Phuket home

    Six-meter-long snake found under Phuket home

    PHUKET: A monster python, six-meters long, was caught trying to beat the heat under a Samkong residence’s house this afternoon. “The snake was found in the cool dirt under the house,” Watchara Srikacha, a Kusoldharm rescue worker, told the Phuket Gazette. “We suspect that it was looking for a safe place to avoid the sun.” It took several rescue workers…

    Read More »
  • Phuket NewsAirport pier project sails forward with multi-million-baht design budget

    Airport pier project sails forward with multi-million-baht design budget

    PHUKET: A 25-million-baht budget was approved for the Phuket International Airport pier project, which will allow tourists to take a ferry down the west coast to Patong, confirmed officials yesterday. The budget for the ‘From The Boat to The Plane’ project, which was tabled in 2013 by Phuket Marine Office Chief Phuripat Theerakulpisut (story here), is set to cover the…

    Read More »
  • Phuket NewsForeign sunbathers get boot from Phuket park

    Foreign sunbathers get boot from Phuket park

    PHUKET: Phuket City Police forced three bikini-clad sunbathers soaking up the sun at Saphin Hin to re-dress themselves yesterday afternoon. “I am aware that officers took this action to ensure the safety of the women,” Capt Chatchai Choonoo of Phuket City Police told the Phuket Gazette. “We do not have officers set up at this park, or other similar parks,…

    Read More »
  • Phuket NewsMandatory travel insurance tabled in Phuket

    Mandatory travel insurance tabled in Phuket

    PHUKET: The Phuket Governor vowed to raise tourist travel insurance issues to those capable of making changes to national legislation following the honorary consul meeting yesterday (story here). “If a tourist is not covered by insurance in their home country, they are setting themselves up for a difficult situation if they get injured while on holiday here,” said Phuket Governor…

    Read More »
  • Phuket NewsPhuket cyclist wins “Tour of Wiengsa Crown Prince Hospital’ bike race

    Phuket cyclist wins “Tour of Wiengsa Crown Prince Hospital’ bike race

    PHUKET: Local cyclist Daniel Amby celebrated his victory in the ‘Tour of Wiengsa Crown Prince Hospital’ bike race held in Surat Thani on November 22. On a rolling, 85-kilometer course, Daniel was able to break away early with Pichet Puengrang, recent winner of the Thanyapura Classic, and another cyclist. They created a gap of three minutes, but then Daniel was…

    Read More »
  • World NewsChild brides in Africa to more than double by 2050 | Thaiger

    Child brides in Africa to more than double by 2050

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Child brides in Africa to more than double by 2050 Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: The number of child brides in Africa will soar to 310 million by 2050 from 125million now if current trends persist, due to slow rates of reduction combined with rapid population…

    Read More »
  • World NewsMyanmar’s Suu Kyi blames lack of safety regulations for deadly landslide | Thaiger

    Myanmar’s Suu Kyi blames lack of safety regulations for deadly landslide

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Myanmar’s Suu Kyi blames lack of safety regulations for deadly landslide Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: A disregard for the rule of law in the jade mining industry in Myanmar had made accidents such as the landslide that killed more than 100 people at the weekend…

    Read More »
  • World NewsMan pleads guilty to stealing human brains from Indiana medical museum | Thaiger

    Man pleads guilty to stealing human brains from Indiana medical museum

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Man pleads guilty to stealing human brains from Indiana medical museum Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: A 23-year-old Indiana man pleaded guilty on Wednesday to breaking into a medical museum and stealing preserved human brains and other tissue that he then sold online, authorities said. David…

    Read More »
  • Phuket NewsThailand adopts 911 as emergency number

    Thailand adopts 911 as emergency number

    PHUKET: Thailand has officially adopted 911 as its emergency hotline number, confirmed Phuket Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada. The decision to implement the emergency number was due to tourists’ familiarity with the 911 hotline number already, prompting several other countries to implement its use as well. “The Cabinet approved the use of the number months ago,” said Governor Chamroen. “For some reason,…

    Read More »
  • Phuket NewsEssential Phuket honorary consul meetings resume

    Essential Phuket honorary consul meetings resume

    PHUKET: Nearly two years after the once regular governor-honorary consul meetings ceased, the important talks linking 16 national representatives and the provincial government resumed yesterday. At the meeting, Pornphan Sittichaivijit, the Royal Norwegian Honorary Consul, tabled nine different issues of concern: travelling insurance, beach management, illegal tour guides, quality tourists, Thai culture public relations, government and private sector cooperation, traffic,…

    Read More »
  • Phuket NewsPhuket safe, confirm police after US issues world-wide travel alert

    Phuket safe, confirm police after US issues world-wide travel alert

    PHUKET: Phuket Provincial Police confirmed that international-quality security was in place ahead of the United States Embassy in Bangkok sending a security message to US citizens yesterday. The US travel alert set to expire on February 26 stated: “The State Department alerts US citizens to possible risks of travel due to increased terrorist threats. Current information suggests that ISIL (aka…

    Read More »
  • Phuket NewsOrBorTor boss not worried by beach businesses’ 10mn-baht lawsuit

    OrBorTor boss not worried by beach businesses’ 10mn-baht lawsuit

    PHUKET: The controversial president of the Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organization (OrBorTor) yesterday shrugged off a 10-million-baht lawsuit filed against him for alleged dereliction of duty. “The owners of two establishments, named Beach Bar and Paul Restaurant, located on Laypang Beach are claiming that I ruined their businesses,” OrBorTor President Ma-ann Samran told the Phuket Gazette. The two restaurants were…

    Read More »
  • World NewsSmartphones may have role in rise of U.S. traffic deaths | Thaiger

    Smartphones may have role in rise of U.S. traffic deaths

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Smartphones may have role in rise of U.S. traffic deaths Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: The number of deaths from traffic accidents in the United States jumped 8.1 percent in the first half of 2015, suggesting smartphones and other driving distractions could be making America’s roadways…

    Read More »
  • World NewsAmazon ads for Nazi-themed TV show pulled from N.Y. subway | Thaiger

    Amazon ads for Nazi-themed TV show pulled from N.Y. subway

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Amazon ads for Nazi-themed TV show pulled from N.Y. subway Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: Advertisements for a new Amazon.com Inc show featuring Nazi-inspired imagery have been pulled from a busy New York City subway line after Governor Andrew Cuomo intervened, a transit spokesman said late…

    Read More »
  • Phuket NewsB10,000 reward for sea dumping tip-offs, says marine chief

    B10,000 reward for sea dumping tip-offs, says marine chief

    PHUKET: The Phuket Marine Office has vowed to punish anyone caught dumping waste or rubbish into Phuket’s waters and reward those who provide tip-offs leading to arrests. Phuripat Theerakulpisut, chief of the Phuket Marine Office, signed off on a warning letter that reiterated that officers will strictly enforce the law. Those caught violating the law face up to six months…

    Read More »